Easy Gift Idea: Wall Tray Decoration

Hello! This post is embarrassingly late. I meant to post it long ago, I even had the pictures loaded and ready, but then....well. Christmas. And my birthday. And holidays....all got in the way. I still wanted to share it, and this kind of gift could be used for a variety of holidays- Valentine's Day, Father's Day, Halloween. 

I've made about a dozen of these decorated trays. I made a couple for a family's gift exchange and then my uncle ordered some for his kids the next Christmas! I still get compliments on them every year. This is the kind of  gift that is so easy and fun to make but makes a big impact!  The base is a tray manufactured by 7Gypsies. I have also seen a store brand sold in Hobby Lobby. It comes in several different styles (this one would be fun), but I have only used this one with 4x6 spaces

The way I approach it: I pick out a stack of coordinating papers and bits from my scrapbook stash. I cut six pieces of 4 x 6 patterned paper. Then I play around with all the pieces, working as if if each section is a canvas, waiting to be filled! This is a really good way to use up scraps of paper or random embellishments you have left over from other projects. Keeping the paper from a similar line or matching the colors helps to make the overall project stay cohesive.  Here's a couple of close up looks:

I included a large chipboard star that I covered in Glossy Accents and Martha Stewart Crafts Tinsel Glitter
. To the right I used these great stamps to create a text background for a die cut tree. One thing to keep in mind is to use plenty of adhesive. Since it will hang on the wall and might get banged around it needs to stay durable. I used a lot of Glossy Accents
on my trays. Love that stuff.

Thanks again for stopping by,  I hope you use my inspiration to make your own gifts!

Later,
Michelle