Disclosure: I am a member of the core blogger program with DecoArt. I receive compensation and product for my partnership with this brand. All ideas and opinions are 100% my own.
I put on my crafting hat recently to help with an organizing problem we were having and I bet you might have this same problem in your house too. Am I the only one that their hubby could use a bit of help corralling all of his “pocket stuff” in one place and neatly? You know, I think I figured it out… you know how our purses always get in a mess with receipts, coupons, and who knows what else thrown in there? Well imagine not having a purse – where would all of that end up for a guy? In their pockets and then at the end up the day emptied out usually on the nightstand or dresser! You know pocket change, keys, receipts, pens, watches, etc.
So I thought I might provide a bit of solution of where he can empty his pockets at night and then grab everything from it the next day – and of course make it attractive so it fits in my décor too! (And hint: Father’s Day is just around the corner so this might be a fun DIY gift you could make or have the kids help make for their dad.)
I am going to be sharing several projects in coming months that you can create with a craft line called Americana Décor or DecoArt that you can easily find in any craft store. Back in December I shared how I made these painted mason jars with Americana Décor Chalky Finish paint and it is just a lot of fun to work with. So I knew I wanted to use it for this project and add a little extra to it using some Decou-Page and some Decou-Page paper.
So here’s what you need:
- Americana Décor Chalky Finish paint – I chose Relic (dark gray) and Yesteryear (light gray)
- wood tray (I got mine from Hobby Lobby for about $2 after a 40% coupon)
- DecoArt Decou-page in matte or whatever sheen you desire
- DecoArt Decou-page paper (DecorArt Decou-Page Paper is available in Home Depot, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, A.C. Moore and other stores.)
One of the unique things about chalky finish paint is the ability to layer different colors of paint to create a fun distressed/vintage look to whatever you are painting. So if you are wanting that 2 color distressed look, paint your darkest color or whatever color you want to come through when you sand it first. I painted my tray with one coat of “Relic” first.
And then painted it with 2 coats of “Yesteryear.”
After fully dry, distress to your liking. I wanted a good bit of the dark gray paint to show through so I made sure to sand not only the edges but also the surface of each side of the tray. You can do this technique on anything – furniture, candlesticks, whatever you are painting with a chalky finish paint.
Then it is time to Decou-page! Decou-paging papers onto something whether it be around a candle, in the bottom of a tray, in the back of a cabinet – whatever you choose – is a fun and easy easy way to add pattern and interest without trying to paint it or stencil it. I thought this “key themed” paper was perfect for this project since it is going to help corral keys!
Cut your paper to size, apply the Decou-page to the back of the paper, and smooth in bottom of tray. Then you will want to apply several layers over the top of the paper to protect it. I did 3 coats of Decou-page letting it dry about 10 minutes in between each coat. It will go on opaque but dry completely clear. The Decou-page I used was a matte finish because I didn’t want a lot of shine to it but there is all different sheens from Gloss, Satin, to speciality Decou-page that is specifically made for use on fabric, for photos, and even dishwasher safe Decou-page.
And here’s the finished tray… I just love the 2 toned distressed look. And that fun paper inside just gives it an extra fun look too.
And you know… maybe the keys on the DecorArt Decou-Page paper inside will help be a reminder to put the keys IN the tray and not next to it all over the nightstand. 
With Father’s Day coming up, this would make a perfect gift to get the kids involved and have them help create a fun tray for his nightstand or dresser.
What would you Decou-page? A candle, a tray, maybe even the front of a dresser drawer? The possibilities are endless!
You can find more ideas using Decou-Page on DecoArts website or follow them on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, or Twitter.
Love it!! I added something similar (without the cool paint/paper) to my husbands dresser when we remodeled it and it’s a perfect catch-all!!
DH would probably put all his stuff beside the tray – LOL – like he does his clothes and the wash basket/hamper
This certainly is a coincidence. I’m decorating a brand new table and I want to include a wooden tray but I can’t find a tray I like that doesn’t cost more than I want to pay. So, here comes your blog with complete directions for how to decoupage a plain tray and list of the supplies I need. Thank you! XO
This is such a good idea! Right now, the hubs has a really pretty ceramic tray with blue trim on his chest of drawers to put his stuff in. But I want it back on my vanity top to put MY stuff in. So… This wooden tray looks like the perfect solution. Thanks for the ideas!!