How to Make a Rustic Lakehouse Tray

I'm trying out the old adage: "Build it and it will come." 
Rustic tray with a lakehouse rental stencil

I've always thought it would be nice to own a lakehouse. My daughter does so if nothing else, this project can be for her. Maybe if I put it out there that I need a lakehouse for my new tray, it will happen. Have you read 'The Secret' by Rhonda Byrne? I believe it. 

This project started out not as a tray, but as a sign. I purchased the wooden sign that was hollowed out on the back like a tray from the clearance aisle. 




I mean, it was 60% off and if I thought if I couldn't use it as a sign I'd think of something else... like this tray. I flipped the sign over and added handles to the sides. Voila, instant tray! 
Rustic tray with cabinet handles and a lakehouse rental stencil

Rustic tray with cabinet handles

The next step was to paint the tray white. I used Fusion Mineral Paint in Raw Silk for this project. You can find Fusion Mineral Paint near you by visiting the bold link. 
White painted Rustic tray with cabinet handles

When the paint was dry I added one of Old Sign Stencil's Resort stencils. The Lake Rentals stencil was just the right size. First I stenciled on the word Rentals using a light coat of paint, then added the word Lake on top of it in a darker coat. It was just perfect for the size of this tray. 
White painted Rustic tray with repurposed cabinet handles

The next step was to lightly sand the edges of the tray. I then uses a stain with a sealer to paint over the top of the stencil. This gave the stencil a rustic and vintage look. 
Painted Rustic tray with repurposed cabinet handles

That is all it took to create a great tray that would be perfect on the coffee table or as a centerpiece at the lake house. 
Lake Rentals rustic tray

So if the lakehouse never happens for me, I can rest assured that this tray will look awesome in my daughter's house. 
Lake Rentals rustic tray with cabinet handles

Visit Old Sign Stencils for this and many other great stencils for your next project. They are quality made stencils with many different uses, I'm sure you'll find one perfect for your next project! Please note all prices are in Canadian. 


Lake Rentals stenciled rustic tray with cabinet handles


Lake Rentals stenciled rustic tray with repurposed cabinet handles


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Disclosure: I received the stencil and the FMP paint for doing this post.  However, all the opinions stated here are my own. I only use products I love and would recommend to my viewers.

Homeroad
Homeroad

I am Susan, the author and creator at Homeroad. I am a wife, mother of 4 daughters, and a grandmother of 5 and counting. I am a retired teacher, a DIY blogger and an artist at heart. .