Simple DIY Tray Made From An Old Shutter

Simple DIY Tray Made From An Old Shutter

 

Hi again! Sorry I haven’t shared in awhile. Life has been a bit crazy now that I am juggling going back to work and the kids are busy in school and sports. Somehow, I managed to sneak in a little “me” project.  Today I want to share an inexpensive and very easy DIY shutter tray that I recently made. I have had some real fun treasure hunting with my mom and sister these past few weeks! On one of those trips I scored this ugly old wood shutter for $10!

I decided to turn it into a tray. A tray that could either go on my dining room/kitchen table or across my bathtub. I wanted one that was substantial but not expensive. A statement piece if you will!

Now if you knew me at all, you know I am not overly handy with tools. So don’t worry…this will be easy and very attainable, I promise! Just follow these simple steps below!

• Find a shutter in the size that you like. My shutter is 43in long x 14in wide. I specifically was looking for a BIG shutter. However, any size will work. It just depends on what you are looking for.
• Next I stopped by Lowes and headed to their glass section. They will cut glass for FREE for you! I hauled my large shutter into Lowes and they cut glass to fit in the two parts of my shutter. It only cost $10 for the glass and I had extra left over for other projects! Score! The kind gentleman working taped it on for me so the glass didn’t fall out on the drive home. (Hence the blue tape in the picture)

  

• Next,  you need to decide on the paint color and hardware. I decided to use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Pure White and purchased the handles from World Market. (My mom has used the Rust-oleum Chalk Paint brand featured in my picture below and it is easier to find and less expensive).  I also used Annie Sloan clear wax. I chose chalk paint so I didn’t have to do any sanding. Because let’s be honest, who likes sanding? I like projects that are quick and easy! This shutter only took two coats of paint. And very little wax. I like to use old baby burp cloths when I apply my wax because they seem to leave a smooth even coat.

  

  

• Next, I waited two days for the paint and wax to dry. Then I drilled two holes in each end of the shutter. Once the holes were drilled through the shutter I grabbed the hardware from World Market and attached them on the back side with the bolts that came with the handles.
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• Finally, I added the glass carefully in the shutter. The glass fit perfectly! That’s it…your shutter is complete! So easy and fun! I love it on my kitchen farm table. I even added some special family recipes under the glass for the final special touch!  The glass is removable so it’s easy to change out your accents!
  

  

   

   

  Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you enjoyed this quick and simple DIY!  Here is an updated picture of how I have been using my tray recently…to display my Rae Dunn! 

  xoxo,   KELLY