Jun 3, 2013

Galvanized Tray Redo

My family loves weekend movie nights. All five of us gather on the big comfy sectional sofa in the family room and watch videos together.




We bought this huge leather and wood ottoman because it's perfect for resting all five pairs of feet around it. It's enormous and heavy. Can you see Tucker's paws in the photo above? They don't quite reach. :)


It also has big drawers for storing cozy warm throws on each side and pull out trays for snacks. It's a really well designed and well made piece of furniture. 

When Tucker is jumping on and off the sofa or squeezing between the ottoman and sofa, I'm always worrying that a glass or cup will get knocked off the pull out tray onto the carpet. It's a bit distracting during the movie when mom yells, "Grab that glass!" 

I started looking for a tray with deep sides that could hold our drinks and would contain fluids if they got knocked over.  I figured a round tray would work well to also break up the big square expanse of brown leather. Does it ever happen to you that when you need something you can't find it? That's how it was with big round trays. Nowhere in sight. 

Pottery Barn
 
Finally, I found this round galvanized tray on Pottery Barn. I didn't just find it, I fell in love with it. The original price was too much, though, so I kept my eye on it for months. When it finally went on sale for around $40, I ordered it. I was so happy. I really really loved this tray. 

When it was late arriving, I called and was told they didn't have anymore. "But," I said, "You sold me one and took my money for it!" Oops. They made some kind of mistake. I even asked them to search their warehouse, but nope. None left. Grrrr....

World Market
  
I'd sort of stopped thinking about trays when I saw this one at Cost Plus World Market. It was round, galvanized, and only $15! "But," I can hear you saying,  "It's bright shiny fire engine where-the-heck-are-my-sunglasses-red!" 

No problem, I can handle that! 



I taped the outside and spray painted over the red with some leftover primer and hammered nickel paint.


I buffed the outside with some sandpaper, so it wouldn't look so brand spanking new, but I didn't like the shiny new finish of the hammered nickel paint on the inside. I wanted the whole tray to look old.


I sat and stared into my craft closet for awhile and then grabbed my dark furniture wax. I rubbed some all over the tray and then impatiently gave it an hour to dry. I really thought the wax would all come off when I buffed it, but to my surprise, it didn't. It covered the shiny paint with a dull soft sheen and a slightly distressed look.




For $15, I'd take it!






Sometimes things work out just fine. I love my galvanized tray redo! 

What are we watching tonight? 

15 comments:

  1. I love your tray too! Now no more worries on movie night!

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  2. Clever you!! It turned out perfectly!!

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  3. Laurel,
    I love this try better than the pottery barn tray. Very neat little piece you made for your TV nights.
    Kris

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  4. Great idea!! Mind you I didn't mind the red. A steal for $15.00. I hope you got your money back at Pottery Barn....

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  5. This turned out great for movie night beverages. Just as good as PB!! Ha Ha to them.

    Cynthia

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  6. I love the ottoman and the tray is a success! You did a great job indeed. I really like your little cage, I have seen one somewhat similar to yours but they want $35 dollars and me being me
    I did not got it :( Oh, we may watch one episode of Bramwell. Happy movie night to you and your family!!

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  7. I never would have thought of that - and I love it! It's perfect for the ottoman and protecting it from sweet doggy tales ( we used to call our labs wagging tale "the lethal tale" ). This is perfect for family movie night!

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  8. I love, love your tray! What a fantastic idea and great price!!! You are all set for movie night!

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  9. Laurel
    It turned out wonderful! I love the galvanized look.
    Visiting from DIY Showoff.
    ~ Megin of VMG206

    Join me Sun-Fri for DIY Showcase Link Party

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  10. Wow! It turned out great! You can't beat World Market for things like this. They have such a great selection. My problem is that I always go in there for decorative items, but always end up purchasing lots of food items. LOL! Your tray turned out perfectly. :) Visiting from Tuesdays at Our Home. Have a great week!

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  11. This turned out great! I would love for you to link up at my weekly linky party! http://hickorytrailblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/efforts-and-assets-linky-party-6.html

    Thanks,
    Angela

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  12. LOVE the tray! Turned out beautifully! I, too, eyed that tray at Pottery Barn for a while, but I could never bring myself to buy it! Would love it if you would link this up to Give Me The Goods Monday: 1 Party, 4 Blogs! http://www.rainonatinroof.com/2013/06/give-me-goods-monday-link-party-12.html
    Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof

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  13. I love how it turned out Laurel. What a smart redo!

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  14. The soft gleam of the tray is lovely and you would never know its tawdry past!

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  15. Don't you just love it when things work out so well Laurel. Where would we all be without our handy craft closets full of tricks!! Thanks for linking up at Shabbilicious Friday... I really appreciate it.

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