When Melinda read about our little tray tiling project, she and her husband decided to try their hand at tray customization too. They turned a basic store-bought tray into a personalized tea tray and shared the process. Below is her story, plus a few tips that make this type of DIY tray project approachable and affordable.
My husband and I were inspired by your DIY tray project from a couple of weeks ago. My sister is a huge tea drinker so I decided to make her a tea tray for Christmas using an old British ad slogan. Here are some photos from the process. Thanks for the daily dose of inspiration! — Melinda
Materials and Costs
Melinda found an uncomplicated wooden tray at Pier One and selected a patterned scrapbooking paper—striped with floral accents—from a local craft shop. She printed the “Tea Revives You” graphic at home to match the paper and finished the surface with the same liquid resin we used in our project, purchased from Michael’s. The total cost for materials came in at about $25, which is a great price for a durable, custom-made gift.
Why This Makes a Great Gift
Custom tea trays are practical and sentimental. They’re useful for serving, but they also display a favorite quote, pattern, or memory. For tea lovers, a tray that references a beloved phrase or vintage ad adds personality to every cup. The combination of patterned paper and a sealed resin finish gives both visual appeal and a resilient surface that stands up to spills and daily use.
Step-by-Step Overview
The basic steps Melinda followed are straightforward, making this an ideal craft for beginner to intermediate DIYers:
- Choose a tray with a removable or flat inner surface to allow for easy layering.
- Select a decorative paper or print a custom image sized to fit the tray base precisely.
- Adhere the paper to the tray base with a strong, even adhesive and smooth out bubbles or wrinkles.
- Mix and pour a clear liquid resin according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Work in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety recommendations.
- Allow the resin to cure fully on a level surface, making sure the piece is dust-free while it hardens.
Tips for a Professional Finish
To get a clean, glass-like surface, make sure the printed image is high resolution and the paper fits snugly without excess edges. Use a small roller or squeegee to remove air pockets before pouring resin. If you’re concerned about bubbles after the pour, a quick pass with a small torch or heat gun can clear most of them—used carefully and briefly. Finally, give the resin plenty of curing time; patience is the key to a flawless finish.
Final Thoughts
Melinda’s tray is a lovely example of how a simple idea can be elevated with thoughtful materials and a little hands-on work. At about $25 and a few hours of effort, a custom tray becomes an affordable, handmade gift with real personality. Thanks to Melinda for sharing her photos and process. If you’ve tried a similar tray customization or created your own version, we’d love to see your photos—crafted, practical gifts like these inspire other makers and keep creative ideas circulating.