how to makeover a thrift store tray using stencils

Trays are such versatile pieces in home decor! Whether it is tiered, square or round, a tray can be used in every room of the home. I recently spotted a vintage tray at a thrift store that had the cutest round feet and handle in the center. Overall, it was in great shape, but it looked VERY dated! I decided to take some stencils and give it a little refresh!

I used the following supplies to makeover the tray:

• DecoArt chalk paint in the colors Honor and Colonial
• Apple Barrel paint in the color Crisp Green (the photo below shows Flamingo Coral, but I did not use the color)
• Stencil pack from Dollar General for $1
• Stencil paintbrushes 
• Screwdriver

Dollar General had a pack of stencils in the art supplies section for ONE DOLLAR! They had 30 designs, so I knew they would come in handy!

First, I removed the center stem with handle using a screwdriver.

Then, I painted on a couple of coats of navy chalk paint. Chalk paint dries very quickly and provides great coverage!

After thumbing through the stencils, I decided on one and cut it out from the sheet.

Using the light blue chalk paint, I stenciled the design around the rim of the tray. I knew I wanted to come in with a different color, so I left space between each light blue design.

You can see how I got a little blue paint outside of the stencil. I wasn’t worried about it, because I was going to come in with my navy at the end and touch it up.

Next, I chose to rotate the stencil design a quarter of a turn and use green paint. 

Green and blue are so trendy right now, and I love the contrast between the two colors.

After I was finished stenciling, I used my brush and a little navy paint to touch up any spots out of place.

Finally, I reinstalled the center handle. 

I love how this SUPER simple and quick change completely transformed this tray! The hardest part was deciding which colors to use! 

This will be a perfect jewelry dish for small stud earrings and other delicate pieces!

Don’t you love the blues and Kelly green?? I love that color combo!

Be sure to PIN for later!

Last Updated on May 29, 2023