How to Create Pretty Holiday Decor with an Old Tray

A few weeks ago I shared my wreath with you.  It was such a great…

A few weeks ago I shared my wreath with you.  It was such a great wreath and oh so full … in fact those bells were so full that I couldn’t close my storm door on them.  So I had to move them elsewhere. 

Today I’m here to share how I made them look so lovely and bright,  and where I put them to make a pretty holiday decor with an old tray.   


​
Bells on tray hung up on wall, How to Create a Pretty Holiday Decor with an Old Tray www.theboondocksblog.com
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links .  If you purchase any of these products through the links, I receive a small commission, that way I can continue to provide you with lovely content.  There is no extra charge to you for purchasing through my affiliate links.
​

​What I used:


   And for the rest of the project:
​
  • Old plastic bells
  • an old silver tray
  • chalkboard paint
  • twine
  • traditional clothespin
  • A green ribbon

These old bells were part of an old Christmas decoration that I found at the house.  It seems we accumulate things over the years and after a while they start to look outdated.  But that does not mean we should automatically throw them away.  I was able to pick and choose what to keep and then upcycle them, just like these bells.

As you can see below this is how they started out.  The bells were made from cheap plastic in a goldish tinge.  Yuk!
 
the bell before, How to Create a Pretty Holiday Decor with an Old Tray www.theboondocksblog.com

​The How -To:

The first step was to paint the exterior surface with a chalky type paint.  A few coats covered it. 
​
chalky painted bell, How to Create a Pretty Holiday Decor with an Old Tray www.theboondocksblog.com
Once that was done I wanted to add a bit of shine so I went over the top part with Metallic Lustre in White Frost.  You can see the difference in the photo below, the left hand side bell is all shiny.
​
one bell with lustre the other without, How to Create a Pretty Holiday Decor with an Old Tray www.theboondocksblog.com
The final step to make my bells swing worthy was to add a bit of decorative wax.  I won this stuff from a giveaway that was hosted by Brenda of Unique Junktique.  Go check out Brenda’s blog, you are going to love what you see there!  I also love this wax and plan on using it everywhere!
​
Daddy Vans Decorative wax, How to Create a Pretty Holiday Decor with an Old Tray www.theboondocksblog.com

​It gives a nice look to the bottom rim of the bells and also makes the design stand out much more. ​
​
the embellishments with dark wax, How to Create a Pretty Holiday Decor with an Old Tray www.theboondocksblog.com
Once my bells were done and I realized they would not stand a chance in the front door, I rummaged around and found this old tray which is a left over from the past.  See those cool diagonal stripes mixed in with the buffed circles?  I think it can’t decide if it wants to be seventies or eighties decor. One thing I do know is that it was in really bad shape and it needed a new purpose in life. 

I grabbed my trusty chalkboard paint and painted it black.  A few coats and it was covered.  Now I could have gone the full route, and I just might in the future, but for now I left it just plain black. 
​
old tray, How to Create a Pretty Holiday Decor with an Old Tray www.theboondocksblog.com
craft

​I love the distressed beauty of it.  And I can always add chalk to it and cure it to turn it into a chalkboard. 
​
painted tray with chalkboard paint, How to Create a Pretty Holiday Decor with an Old Tray www.theboondocksblog.com
To finish off the look I just passed traditional clothespins through the bells with twine and then added the green ribbon. 
​
adding a clothespin to the bell, How to Create a Pretty Holiday Decor with an Old Tray www.theboondocksblog.com
Gotta love the aged beauty of that handle.  But not the mixed seventies/eighties look of the tray itself. 
handle of the tray, How to Create a Pretty Holiday Decor with an Old Tray www.theboondocksblog.com

​This has to be my perfect project, it’s got upcycled bells, a repurposed tray and is in the holiday spirit.  What else could I ask for?
​
two bells displayed on the chalkboard tray with green ribbon, How to Create a Pretty Holiday Decor with an Old Tray www.theboondocksblog.com
And that is how I was able to upcycle my bells, use them in a great spot without them getting squished and also repurpose that dated tray. I think it makes great Holiday decor!

I hope you will pop on over to Brenda’s blog Unique Junktique and check it out.  She is so talented and really knows how to transform furniture. 

Picture
How to create pretty holiday decor with bells and an old repurposed tray, #repurposed #christmascraft #holidaycraft #chalkboardcraft #repurposedtray #Christmasdecor #easyhristmascraft #christmasbells How to Create a Pretty Holiday Decor with an Old Tray www.theboondocksblog.com
​If you really like what you see subscribe to my blog and get my adventures in your mailbox. The form is on the sidebar and on top.  Your e-mail will never be shared with a third party.
Picture
More ideas for the  holidays:
<< Sweet Inspiration Link Party #87       HOME     12 Holiday Link Party Features  >> 

Linking up to these Link Parties

This blog is for entertainment purposes only; my DIY tutorials are not professional advice. Read my full disclaimer here.​

I love it when I get your comments and I will try to reply to every one of them. ​Please do not add a hyperlink to your comment, otherwise it cannot be published.

Hello, we're Jane & Sonja, sisters, moms and lifelong crafters.

We Think You'll Enjoy These Related Projects:

40 Comments

  1. Adorable repurpose project Mary, I do love a good junk makeover! Great application of DaddyVans too it adds such depth to paint. Thanks for sharing your holiday project at #fridaysfurniturefix as always love having you!

  2. The tray looks great now Mary, love the ribbon you chose too. Now for those bells… I have a few in my basement and I wasn’t sure what to use them for but painting them is a great idea! Thanks for the inspiration!

  5. Mary, this is such a clever idea! It looks so pretty, and is perfect for the holidays. I love how you used the chalkboard paint! Pinning. Thank you for sharing, and for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party. Have a wonderful week ahead!

Comments are closed.