Cook Clean Craft

Tools for the Modern Domestic Engineer: recipes, home-making tips, and craft tutorials.

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Dollar Store Platter Tray

I was knocked out of So You Think You’re Crafty just before the Dollar Store round, but I still made my craft for that week. So here it is!
I’m one of those people that only sees junk when I head to the dollar store, so this was quite a challenge. Wandering around aimlessly, I spotted a plain white melamine platter/tray. This could solve the frustrations I’ve had with having to walk in and out the backdoor a million times whenever we decide to barbecue or eat outside.

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So what could I do with an ugly, cheap-looking melamine tray? We were given a lovely platter years ago (maybe an engagement present?). I love the simple blue design, but don’t have anything to match it (and the pattern is no longer in stock). I’m not much of a painter, but I thought the design was simple enough for me to try.

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Acrylic paint doesn’t adhere to melamine (I did a quick check to be sure), and I didn’t want to buy glass paint that I’d probably never use again. An experiment with tacky craft glue and acrylic paint produced adhered well to the melamine and created a nice puffy, glossy, non-slip surface that I wanted for the platter. The result: a fun tray that matches what I already own for next to nothing that certainly doesn’t look cheap!

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See the full tutorial here!

Comments

  1. Thrifty Crafty Girl says

    Nice job! I’m not much of a painter, so I love it when other people show their painting skills! I’m your newest follower from the Boost My Blog Hop!

  3. Modern Wivelyhood says

    It looks great! I love the shade of blue you picked out! Thanks for your comment on my blog!

  4. Blog Rehab says

    Hi! Cute stuff! I just found your through the Design It Chic blog hop. Followed you via Google Friend Connect and Facebook!

  7. The Doodler says

    Wow! It turned out great! I love the price tag even more too! I found your blog through the tip junkie link party and I’m a new follower!

    Brie from darlingdoodles.blogspot.com

  9. Kathrine says

    Really nice job!!
    Where did you find the plain, white tray? I’ve been trying to locate one and have been unsuccessful.

    • Narelle @CookCleanCraft says

      It’s been a few years since I made it, and I’m not totally sure. I’m in Australia and think it was from Red Dot discount store, or another similar “cheapo” store. Another option might be hospitality stores. Good luck finding one!