Decorative trays.

What term would you use to call a person who has trouble throwing out project left overs? I can't even think of it, but whatever it is... I am that. Not quite a hoarder because when it comes to throwing stuff out, I certainly don't have issues parting with junk... except when it comes to all my project and craft supplies. In this regard, I will save the smallest little bits of felt, the tiniest pieces of wood, and whatever else any other normal person would toss, but not me! You just never know when these bits will come in handy! So I guess I am a craft supply hoarder... a crafty hoarder!

Fine. It is what it is. But, I accept that title with pride because when you see what awesomeness I came up with after stashing my bits and ends, you'd be proud to call yourself that too!

After bustin' out a truck load of these decorative Christmas frames and Rustic Christmas Stars last Holiday season, I was left with a healthy pile of wood slat ends. I just couldn't bring myself to toss them because I just knew that I'd be using them for something. After recently cleaning out the garage, I revisited my "garbage pile" and decided to deplete some of it by making these fabulous trays.

To make the trays a bit more unique, I wanted to utilize the wood slats in a fun and trendy way, so a chevron design seemed like the perfect idea. Some pieces were just too short to arrange in a chevron pattern so instead, I put them end to end and to keep things interesting, I cut the ends at an angle. The edges of the trays were done with cedar I had left over from another project. Throw in a nice set of handles and there you go! 

To finish the trays, I played around with various paint and stain combinations. Check 'em out... 

First up is a long, rectangular tray. Wood slats are arranged at an angle, stained with light grey stain, washed with light mint paint. Finished off with black rustic hardware.

Second is a rectangular tray with wood slats arranged end to end. This one was stained in light grey stain, then washed with a combination of white and light mint paint. I also liked the black rustic handles on this one.

This next tray is my favourite. A simple white wash with paint brings out the grain and roughness of the wood. The arrangement of the wood slats in a chevron pattern gives a modern touch, but the best part about this tray is the hardware. Rose gold sleek handles are on point and make this piece super trendy. A perfect accent for the modern home.

Finally, a rectangular tray with a chevron pattern, black rustic handles, and a light grey stain and white wash finish. 

I think I am now tray-obsessed! I want to place everything on a tray and I want to put trays all over the house! Luckily, they are such a nice thing to look at AND they help to organize any space... good thing I hung on to all those garbage scraps! Right??? :)