Mod Podge + Fabric = Custom Serving Trays

Trays are useful for so many things - serving food/drinks, corralling remote controls on a coffee table, catching keys and sunglasses near the door, holding books on a bedside table, gathering desk items, etc.    This is a simple project that really adds a custom pop to a tray you may have laying around the house.

You know you want to find some scrap fabric and make one...so here's how!

Materials:
A tray (check the clearance aisle at Marshall's, TJ Maxx, and Homegoods for steals)
Fabric
Mod Podge
Paint brush - a paint brush provides a more textured finished, while a sponge brush provides a smoother finish

Instructions:
1. Select fabric and cut to size to fit bottom of tray - I usually cut the fabric so it fits 1/8" from the sides of the tray because once the fabric gets wet from the Mod Podge it tends to stretch out and will meet the side.

2. Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge on the inside bottom of your tray, then lay the fabric on top of the wet glue.

3. Press fabric down with a blunt flat edge (I use a pan scraper), ensuring that the fabric lays completely flat and meets the side edges.  Let dry for a while before you begin layering the Mod Podge on top...this prevents any bubbling under the fabric.

4. Once the fabric is dry to the touch, brush the first coat of Mod Podge on top of the fabric.  Make it a thin even coat.  Let dry completely.

5. Once first layer is dry, add subsequent layers until it meets your liking.  The more layers the more lacquered it will look.  I usually do 2-3 layers for this sort of project.  Let dry overnight before placing anything in the tray.

6. Use your tray to serve, hold, or organize.  Possibilities are limitless and these trays can be easily wiped out with water and a rag after spills, crumbs, or messes happen!

I'm using my red and white patterned wood tray as a drawer organizer now, and my yellow and white patterned galvanized tray to corral remotes.  When people come over, I'll convert them to serving trays.  Total cost for both trays and Mod Podge was $15.  A nice and cheap project that adds a nice custom touch to your home!

Have you ever used Mod Podge and fabric for a similar project?  Mod Podge is pretty awesome stuff if you ask me...worth keeping around for a variety of projects.