From Frame to Tray

Make a bright and useful tray out of an old and worn frame.

make a cute tray out of an old used frame

I love neutrals but I also like pattern and splashes of color. Living in the desert means Fall is the perfect time to take advantage of being outdoors. I decided to make a tray for our outdoor living spaces. Making something new out of something old and worn is one of my favorite things to do. And you can’t get much brighter and cheerier than this tray.

from frame to tray

Supplies needed for the frame tray:

*11″x14″ frame

*spray paint ( I used Watermelon by Krylon)

*fabric, wrapping paper, or scrapbook paper

*drawers pulls

*drill

Start by spray painting the frame with your color of choice. Since it’s a small piece don’t be afraid to go bold. I used 2 coats of spray paint on my frame.

frame tray supplies

Find the center of the 11″ sides of the frame and measure to drill the holes for the handles. My handles are 3″ so I just marked the spots with a sharpie and drilled through the frame. Place a block of wood under the frame so you can drill all the way through the frame and not damage the surface underneath.

frame tray drilling holes

Screw the handles onto the frame the same as you would a cabinet door. I bought the handles at WalMart for about $2.50. It’s the only purchase I had to make for this project. Hobby Lobby also has a great selection that you can get at 40% off.

frame tray drawer pulls

I’ve had this fabric for a couple years. I loved it and knew I would eventually use it somewhere. I’m glad it was perfect for this project. Simply sandwich the fabric between the glass and the back of the frame then put it back together. It’s easy to change the fabric if I grow tired of it. You can also use scrapbook paper or wrapping paper. Since it’s under glass no moisture will be able to get to it.

frame tray fabric

Now we can have something to drink in our outdoor space without having to worry about the drinks spilling because the table is a little uneven.

frame tray on patio

My colors for the outdoor space are gray and navy but I love this shot of bright pink and yellow. It’s fun and adds some interest to the space. Since we’re in a warm climate area we use our outdoor space year round. Cheers to outdoor living. 

frame tray for serving

Pin it for later: Frame Tray

tray out of old used frame

You might also like:

Outdoor Crate Coffee Table

Fabric Covered Clay Pots

{ 21 comments… add one }
  • l.lane designs June 17, 2011, 9:08 am

    Super cute! I wish that I had a porch to have drinks on… or that it was a million degrees and we could actually sit outside and enjoy it! 🙂 And glad to hear that things are on the mend!!!

  • Crystal June 17, 2011, 4:23 pm

    Now that is very creative and super cute. Love the colors as well!! 🙂

    Crystal

  • Sharon Russell June 18, 2011, 4:37 am

    Very pretty! love the pretty pink! Glad you took some time to take care of you! Thoughts and prayers continue…just breathe! Blessings, Sharon

  • Megan June 20, 2011, 7:06 am

    I love the color. It’s so vibrant! Great idea!

  • Doug @ It's a Blog Party June 20, 2011, 9:22 am

    I always love your projects! Thanks for sharing.

  • Ginger Snaps June 21, 2011, 5:36 am

    Turned out so nice. 🙂 Following you from MMM. Would love to have you link this up to my {wow me} wednesday link up party going on over on my blog right now. The most viewed link will win a set of fancy rectangle chalkboard labels. This week I’m co-hosting with Reasons to Skip the Housework…so links will show up on both blogs! How fun!

    Ginger
    gingersnapcrafts.blogspot.com

  • Heather (DSSP) June 21, 2011, 7:46 am

    I love it! The colors are so perfect for summer and serving lemonade. So fun!

  • Rebecca @ My Girlish Whims June 21, 2011, 6:18 pm

    Adorable! I would love to be served some of that lemonade off that cute tray!!

    I’d love for you to link this up to my link party, Your Whims Wednesday

  • Heather R. June 23, 2011, 7:14 am

    This is a really cute idea. May have to give this one a try myself. Thanks for the inspiration.

  • Modern Wivelyhood June 23, 2011, 2:50 pm

    I love this idea, I love how well pink and green go together, and I love the handles! Thanks for sharing, visiting from Hoo’s Got Talent.

  • zhing June 24, 2011, 1:28 am

    how adorable!! 🙂 what a great idea for summer!! xx

  • sevensisters♥ June 24, 2011, 6:48 am

    beautiful! love the colors…pinned this 🙂
    ♥Jaime…sevensisters

  • I love this project! I featured it on my Friday Favorites this week. Come on over and check it out 🙂

  • Katie June 24, 2011, 11:35 am

    This looks lovely!

  • Mimi June 24, 2011, 3:58 pm

    Gorgeous! I love the luscious pink and the fabric is so lovely and summery! Love Moda fabrics but hard to find around my town.
    Had to chuckle at the picture of your kids – adorable!

  • Sue July 2, 2011, 6:49 am

    Very cute; I may have to make one!

    Sue
    xo

  • Kathy F. July 2, 2011, 8:25 am

    Came over from Funky Junk. Love your tray! Sending best wishes to you and your family.

  • chris zima July 2, 2011, 9:09 am

    That is the cutest summer lemonade table ever 🙂

  • Patrice July 7, 2011, 9:21 am

    Turning frames into trays is one of my favorite crafty projects! I love how fresh this is. Thanks for linking up to Lemon Tree Creations today!

  • Madigan at madiganmade July 13, 2011, 7:52 pm

    Love that color pink! It looks great with that fabric. So fun! (and I love the staging with the stripy straws – too cute!)

  • Sherri November 4, 2014, 2:17 pm

    I love this idea!! Been looking for trays and they all have the high sides to them which I don’t want. Thanks for this idea.

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