How to Make a Tray

Step 1: Wooden Cheese Tray
Using a pre-cut and sanded wood disc, create a design with painters tape or adhesive backed paper. Hint: Choosing a pattern that works with the direction of the grain is ideal.

Step 2
Turn the disc over and add screw-in feet.

Step 3
Coat the exposed areas of the tray with a water based stain. Depending on your color choice, you may have to apply multiple coats to achieve your desired look. Finish with a coat of water-based polyurethane. Allow time to dry.

Step 4
Cut 2 equal sections of a belt where there are no holes. Taper off edges with scissors. Use a leather punch (or a small drill bit) to create a hole at either end – they should be just smaller than your screw size. Take 2/3 of the length of your leather piece and make 2 marks in a straight line at that distance. (So, if your leather handle is 6" long, make the marks 4" apart. This will allow for some bow in the material to get your hand under). Screw in the first side and then bend the second hole to line up with the second mark and screw that into place as well.

Step 5
It's amazing what you can create when you re-imagine something's purpose! A belt becomes beautiful leather handles on a tray. It looks so great, even the stinky cheese becomes attractive!

Step 1: Crate Tray
Measure the interior of the crate and take the dimensions to your local hardware superstore. Have a sheet of 1/4" plexiglass cut to fit. Hammer down or remove any exposed nails, screws or staples. Insert plexiglass.

Step 2
Tie a knot at one end of the rope and use its size as a reference to choose a paddle bit.

Step 3
Use paddle bit to bore 4 holes- 2 on each side for each rope handle.

Step 4
Place the rope through the holes and cut according to the length you want your handles to be (depending on its diameter, it may be necessary to cut a bit more length than your desired handle to accommodate a full knot). Secure handle in place with second knot.

Step 5
Your finished tray is a perfect blend of rough and polished. Now, tell yourself how clever you are!

Items You'll Need for this GMC Trade Secret

• wood disk
• painters tape
• screw-in feet
• water-based stain
• water-based polyurethane
• old leather belt
• leather punch
• ruler
• plexiglass from hardware store
• crate

Step 1: Tray Time
Make a custom tray with some easy-to-find vintage items, such as an old leather belt. But first buy a new wooden disk and make a pattern with painters tape. Hammer in some legs to the bottom of the disk. Apply a water-based stain to the disk—be sure to give it a few coats. Attach the leather belt as a handle.

Step 2: Chic Crate
Try making a try from an old crate. Measure the inside and get a piece of plexiglass cut from the hardware store to place on the bottom. Add rope as handles; use a paddle bit to drill holes big enough for the rope.

Step 3: Suit Yourself
Use a pretty old suitcase as a tray. Separate the top and bottom of the suitcase, then cut mat board to line the bottom and sides. Then line the bottom with a wipe-able surface, such as vinyl. Use spray adhesive to attach it to the sides of the suitcase. Find bamboo rings (or purse handles) to attach as handles.

Items You'll Need for this GMC Trade Secret

• new wooden disk
• painters tape
• water-based stain
• hammer
• tray feet
• old leather belt
• crate
• plexiglass
• rope
• paddle bit