Decoupaged Tray Project

photo by Meredith Needham

It’s cold and snowy outside. You want to do something that doesn’t require shoveling first. Why not dig into those boxes of photos you have and make something out of them? Decoupage is a quick, easy, and (best of all) cheap craft that you can make for your own home or give to someone else. It is a fun project that is perfect for anyone. I made these trays for my siblings at Christmas one year, with photos of their families. I think they were a hit–and finding the trays for $3 at Old Time Pottery made it a very cost-effective project. They would be great for Valentine’s Day, as well!

MATERIALS NEEDED:

• Photos
• Mod Podge or white glue (Experiment first, if using white glue. You might need to add a little water to the glue. As long as it is transparent and durable when dry , it should be fine. I prefer Mod Podge because it is made specifically to be a sealer, glue, and finish.)
• foam brush
• tray, box, table top, vase–anything solid that you want as your base for your decoupaged project

PROCEDURE:

1. Cover work area with newspaper or wax paper. Mod Podge is fantastic–but sticky and much easier to toss out with newspaper than to clean off of a kitchen counter.
2. Be sure the base is clean. Just use a small amount of Dawn dish detergent on a damp rag. Clean thoroughly. Wipe with a clean, damp cloth. Dry.
3. Crop photos as desired. (Don’t be afraid to cut pictures. If you are like me, you probably have thousands. If it is too special to cut or glue, scan and print first. Save the original!)
4. Arrange in a pleasing layout. (This is totally subjective…Don’t be a perfectionist. Just see what happens.) Overlapping is fine. It gives the piece a collage-like feel.
5. After you find the look you want, start smearing Mod Podge on the backs of the pictures, and place them back in their places. Don’t worry about mess, but be sure the pictures do not have air bubbles underneath. Be especially careful to secure any corners.
6. Slowly, brush a layer of Mod Podge completely over the top of your collage and the entire base. Be sure to smooth out bubbles.
7. I put two or three thin coats on my tray, waiting 15 -20 minutes between coats.
8. Let dry thoroughly.
9. Display and enjoy!

THINGS I WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY:

• Add other kinds of papers such as scrapbook, wallpaper, or wrapping paper. Even a fun newspaper headline or comic strip would add some pizazz.
• Add flat (or fairly flat) memorabilia–as long as you don’t ever want it back! Mod Podge is incredibly strong and LONG-lasting.
• Add Rick-Rack or other sewing trim for interest.
• Cover the entire base. It will be a collage you will enjoy forever.

Another good thing about this project is that, even three years later, I could still add to my tray. And today, on this snowy January day, I just might!