Yard Sale Find Repurposed: Frame

Paint the Frame

Remove the frame's backing (if it has one) and any glass, which won't be strong enough for the tray. Paint the frame; let dry. We used Peppery by Sherwin-Williams. If your frame has rough spots, use a fine-grit sanding sponge to smooth them out first.

Build the Base

If your frame doesn't have glass, get a 3/8-inch-thick piece of glass cut to fit. Cut the cardboard and wrapping paper to the same size as the glass. We used Arboreal Villa Goldenrod paper, $4 per sheet, etsy.com. If you are worried about the paper shifting, adhere it to the cardboard with spray mount. Place the glass in the frame, then insert the cardboard-backed wrapping paper behind it. If your frame had a backing, put it back on; if not, create one by cutting a piece of mat board to the size of your frame. Adhere it to the back with hot glue or a heavy-duty craft glue like Magna-Tac. Let dry.

Add the Handles

Flip the frame right-side up. Center the handles (we used Stanley's galvanized storm and screen door pulls, $2 each, hardwareandtools.com) on the shorter sides of the frame. Screw into place, using a drill to make holes for the screws if necessary.

For more tips, check out Decorating on a Budget: Thrifty Finds Transformed