Decorative Trays

Materials:

pine shelving for tray top
2x2s for legs
wood glue or screws
black and red spray paint
painter's tape
gold, brass or aluminum metal leaf (Cyr used brass.)
gold-leaf adhesive size (a milky glue for applying metal leaf)
2 soft paintbrushes
pressed leaves
spray mountclear sealer
furniture wax

1. Design your trays with varying lengths and leg styles (figure A).

2. Cut pine shelving and 2x2s to the desired lengths.

3. Using either glue or screws, attach either two horizontal legs or four vertical legs to the bottom of the tray.

4. Spray paint the bottom, sides and legs of the tray black.

5. When the paint has dried, spray the top of the tray red, taping the edges and legs to protect them from the paint. Apply a couple of coats for a nice, smooth surface.