This simple DIY allows you to repurpose thrifted or scrap materials and explore your creative side.

Supplies Needed: Thrifted wooden board or scrap piece of wood; old drawer pulls or handles; chalk; ruler; pencil, paint or pencil crayons; stencil, cookie cutters, etc., as a pattern; Mod Podge or wood oil.

Step 1 Source an old wooden cutting board from your local Salvation Army thrift store or a scrap piece of wood. If you want to use the tray for food or as a cutting board, then you’ll need to find wood that is safe for food, and use food-grade paint and finishing products.

Step 2 Find some old drawer pulls or handles for your tray. I used some handles I removed from a previous DIY. Definitely an on-budget project! 

Step 3 For the design on the tray, you can use a stencil, cookie cutters for a pattern or you can download a printable design.

Step 4 Prep your surface—you may need to sand the wood. Then add your measurements for the placement of the handles and design with chalk so the marks can be easily removed.

Step 5 You can either add your handles before or after the stenciling. I added my handles before determining the best placement for the design and then traced the stencil with a pencil. I then tried a few materials—paint, pencil crayons and Sharpies.

Step 6 Once your work is dry, seal the finish with Mod Podge or wood oil.

Now you’re ready to use your tray!

 Denise Corcoran (aka Thrifty By Design) is an author, upcycler, community builder and workshop facilitator based in North Vancouver. She shares her enthusiasm for crafting and upcycling by facilitating “Crafternoons” throughout Vancouver. She is also a creative expert for The Salvation Army’s thrift stores. Find a thrift store near you at thriftstore.ca.

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