Sunday, February 28, 2010

Before & After 
Victorian Tea Tray

I decided I was going to sit and try to organize my computer desktop. Make folders and categorize my garden, home, creations, etc. It's such a pain in the behind when you NEED a photo quickly and no matter where you look on your computer ~ it's not there. Hopefully I will be able to find things much quicker now.

While I was making folders and placing photos by projects, I came across pictures of an antique tray I reconditioned four years ago. I actually was excited to see I had "before and after" pictures. WHO KNEW. I thought I would share how I transformed an antique serving tray into a scrumptious Victorian Tea Tray. 

I began by sanding down the tray frame and painting it with Kilz stain blocker. I added four floral resin designs to each corner of the tray to add a bit more glam to the top. I painted two coats of my favorite pink paint, Wispy Pink (Benjamin Moore). Luckily the glass was still in mint condition and intact so I didn't need to run to the store and get a new piece of glass cut to size.

After cutting a piece of white chipboard to fit inside the frame I added a lovely piece of rose patterned fabric. From there I embellished the top of the fabric with flat Victorian images, small pieces of vintage lace, antique glass beads, pearls, bridal flowers and embellishments, etc. 

I inserted the completed collage/display behind the glass and pushed in tiny frame teeth to hold it into place. Once securely in place, I finished the back off with a heavy brown paper stock, added four glass knobs for feet, lightly sanded the edges for a time worn look ~ and voila ~ a new Victorian Tea Tray was ready for a new home.




 

 


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13 comments:

Pamela Kellogg said...

Breathtakingly gorgeous Cathy!

Garden Cats + Crafts said...

Well, the photos that you have found again. The tablet has become so beautiful. A real nostaligic "eyecatcher".
xox Birgit

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Cathy, This tray makes my Victorian heart sing! Gorgeous! I want to thank you for stopping yesterday on PS. You both were way too young at the time of your Mom's passing and I am so sorry for the loss of both your parents.My Mom is gone too but I know she is with my Dad. I never dreamed that a simple story about a daughter's love would create such an outpouring of emotion from so many. It was truly amazing! Thanks again for taking the time out of your busy day to visit me!
Debbie

Cindy said...

Oh your Victorian tray makes my heart sing! It is truly a piece of eye candy. So lovely, and I thank you for sharing it with the rest of us.

Theresa MacNaughton said...

That is just so very very pretty! I adore the pale pink accents and all the lace. :) Theresa

Connie said...

I've done the same thing, sweetpea, and they DO turn out adorable. You picked a great fabric for it also.
xoxo,
Connie

Anonymous said...

Hi Cathy!!
This makes my heart skip a beat!! It is so-o-o-o pretty!!!
Love,
Marilyn
xxoo

Elyse said...

so pretty! you know i am swooning over the sweet floral fabric!

xo
elyse

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

Cathy, this tray is dreamy! I LOVE it!!

Happy PS a little late!

Big Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

jen said...

That is an adorable tray! I am giddy with delight you are my swap partner! this is going to be a lot of fun, I just LOVE your work!
luvs and glitter
~jen

debi said...

Hi Cathy!

I LOVE your tray...it's absolutely STUNNING!

I've had fun looking through your beautiful blog. Your work is absolutely amazing!

I'm so happy to find out that we are partners in Miss Rhea's Easter basket swap! I've been pushing yogurt on my family...I can't wait to get started!

Hugs, Debi

The Pink Birdhouse said...

how lovely! I am always amazed at the creativity here on blogger, what little wonders women can create from the simplest of things. It is all so very inspiring!! Love your tray. My eye was focused on the lovely ribbonwork you added! ~~ Debby

{oc cottage} said...

Just yummy!

m ^..^