As promised when I shared my Blue and White Tablescape, here is a quick how-to for making the grain sack tray I used in the centerpiece. Every once in a while, my daughter will suggest something I should “put on the blog.” This was actually her idea and it turned out significantly better than I thought it would! DIY crafts are fun but I still struggle with coming up with an original idea. Although a picture frame tray has been done before, I put my own spin on it by using a piece of vintage grain sack.
Here’s what you need to get started:
Picture frame with glass insert (size of your choice,) 2 handles/knobs, drill, paint (if desired,) felt pads and a piece of your favorite fabric.
Take the frame completely apart and set the glass aside. Place the back of the frame on your fabric. I positioned mine so the line of the grain sack was centered. Trace around the frame back and cut out.
Decide where you want the knobs/handles and mark your frame. Drill holes.
At this point I painted my frame with a sponge brush and craft paint. If you like whatever frame you picked out, please feel free to completely skip this step! I couldn’t find a frame that was both the size and color I had in mind. After the paint dries, install your knobs. Cover the screws on the bottom with the felt pads. Re-assemble the frame using the piece of fabric for your “picture.”
I attempted to give this tray a vintage, time-worn feel. The paint isn’t perfect, the grain sack is old and the porcelain knobs are typical of what was used a hundred years ago. It can move from one season to the next by simply changing the fabric.
I want to thank you all for your patience while I sorted out my computer problems. Blogging definitely has incredible highs but it’s also tempered with frustrating lows. One good thing did come out of this past week. I realized that life goes on if I don’t publish a blog post. That reminder helped me keep things in perspective when I wanted to tear out my hair!
Wishing everyone a happy Monday and a lovely week!
Kathy says
Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 10:13 pmGreat project for the home, love the rustic feel of the tray. Country chic.
JulieinTN says
Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 4:47 pmAnn, as always, you came up with a terrific idea. While the frame/tray idea has been around awhile, yours is crisp, clean and VERY nice. AHH, ever tire of it, please contact me. I would gladly accept it as a gift lol!
Computer problems are miserable but usually solvable. Glad things are back to normal for you.
Smiles, Julie
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at 8:16 amI love this project, Ann! It may be simple, but it makes for a really pretty tray.
Ricki Jill Treleaven says
Monday, July 22, 2013 at 11:56 pmI absolutely love this craft, Ann! You could be a red and white grain sack in it with green glass knobs for Christmas! I want one!
Jill Flory says
Monday, July 22, 2013 at 10:50 pmThat is really cool Ann! And everything has been done somewhere sometime! I love how you made this unique and it is SO YOU! I’ve done things that I thought of on my own only to find out someone else had done it too. I don’t worry so much about it anymore but I’ve had my struggles with that too.
Amy says
Monday, July 22, 2013 at 10:13 pmGlad your computer problems are solved. I just love the look of that tray!
Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says
Monday, July 22, 2013 at 9:19 pmAnn, thanks for the tutorial. All I need is a grain sack! You don’t ever need to change out your fabric from your tray because it is just perfect the way that it is! Perhaps your daughter suggested this project because she secretly wants one too???
Lynn says
Monday, July 22, 2013 at 8:41 pmAnn it is lovely. Thank you for the tutorial. I love the fabric :)
Diana Walters says
Monday, July 22, 2013 at 7:44 pmLove the tray Ann! I am a huge fan a grain sacks and have not seen the application done like this before. I would like to mention to your other readers that if making this tray as a gift for older people they may want to reconsider the knobs. Older folks have a hard time gripping, heck anyone with arthritis does. Put a couple of coffee mugs and the fixings on this tray and it would be very difficult for them to pick up and carry. Just a thought, not a criticism. My first thought was to make one for my Mama, but she’s at the age where she truly does not want one more item brought into her house! (She’ll be 90 on her next birthday!)
yarlette says
Monday, July 22, 2013 at 6:50 pmGreat idea Ann. They would make great gifts .Everyone can use a nice tray. Love the vintage look . yarlette
Debra@CommonGround says
Monday, July 22, 2013 at 6:33 pmgreat idea, love the look!!
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
Monday, July 22, 2013 at 6:29 pmI am so glad you solved your computer problems!!!! Your tray is amazing. I’ll have to make one too. I could use something like this on our bar.
Very pretty and easy… the kind of dyi’s I like!
Gina says
Monday, July 22, 2013 at 5:53 pmIt’s beautiful, Ann! A great idea and I love that it is so “you”.
Jody says
Monday, July 22, 2013 at 5:45 pmLOVE this! :)
Charlotte says
Monday, July 22, 2013 at 5:19 pmI love this Ann! Thank you so much for this tutorial! You do make it look easy. I need to give this a try soon.
Xo,
Charlotte T
Cynthia says
Monday, July 22, 2013 at 5:06 pmAnn, thanks so much for the great tutorial. I was a little behind with blogging for a couple of days. I am so excited about your burlap collection. I saw it on Debbie’s blog. I will be purchasing that runner for sure. We just have to start building the house first! LOL!!!
Cynthia
Penny@ The Comforts of Home says
Monday, July 22, 2013 at 4:28 pmAnn, thank you for the tutorial. Your tray turned out wonderful.
CityGirlCountryBloke says
Monday, July 22, 2013 at 2:35 pmLove the tutorial! I will be putting this on my very long list of things I HAVE to do! And you are right, life does go on even when you don’t post in your blog. I think we all need to take a step back and relax sometimes. We’ve turned the want-to’s into HAVE-TO’s without even realizing it. BUT keep on blogging cause I love your stuff!! (-;
Shannon @Fox Hollow Cottage says
Monday, July 22, 2013 at 1:59 pmThat is so pretty and the grain sack just shines. You really focus on its beauty!
Marty Walden says
Monday, July 22, 2013 at 1:40 pmLove this! Pinning it now!
Michele/Finch Rest says
Monday, July 22, 2013 at 1:17 pmWell done, Ann- looks great and so perfect in your world colour-wise there.
A nice water prrof tray is nice as a protectant from precious tabletops when you need to put down a glass quickly, too.
Tell your daughter she’s brilliant. And remind her the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Keeping It Cozy says
Monday, July 22, 2013 at 12:49 pmWhat a great idea! I love it.
Debbie says
Monday, July 22, 2013 at 12:21 pmI love this, Ann! It is so pretty, love the grain sack in the frame. Looks like your daughter takes after you!
Debbie :)
Stacey says
Monday, July 22, 2013 at 12:06 pmLove this idea – it’s so pretty. Great advice from your daughter.
Dori Troutman says
Monday, July 22, 2013 at 11:22 amOh, Ann. I’m so glad you posted this – I was waiting for it!!! I love, love, love it. I’m going to make one asap so I have it all ready for my butcher block island when we move in! I’m thinking I’ll use some nice bright vintage feed sack fabric (surprise! ha ha!) and it will go with my dishes, etc… I just love this – it is gorgeous! ~ Dori ~
Gretchen says
Monday, July 22, 2013 at 10:19 amI love your tray Ann and using the feed sack inside is just so pretty. I love mixing new and old and this is the perfect way to do it.