Quick and Easy Crafts: Knick Knack Tray

Do you find yourself emptying your pockets on the bathroom counter or on the table by the door, only to have the items fall all over the floor? Do you need a tray or bowl to contain them so they don't grow feet and wander away? I know the feeling and have had my keys grow legs numerous times. That is when I decided to make my own knick knack tray to hold all the little trinkets I have collected throughout the day.

To make this adorable tray, you will need the following supplies:

One small wooden tray

Acrylic paint: lavender and metallic purple

Small sponge brush

Standard craft brush

Crackle medium

Lavender foam sheet

Scissors

Glue stick

Spray varnish

This is a very easy craft for almost all skill levels. If you can use a paintbrush, then you can do this craft. It will make a great springtime or Mother's Day gift. You can even change the colors to suit any holiday you like.

First take your tray and make sure all the excess dust is removed. Once that is done, take your metallic purple and apply two coats to your tray. Do not forget to paint the inside of the tray, too. Read the directions on your paint and allow the proper dry time, usually about 20 minutes per coat.

After that dries, take your crackle medium and apply a good coat. You do not want it too thin because it will not crackle properly, but you also do not want to apply a thick coat because it will not dry evenly. Only apply the crackle to the outer sides of the tray, NOT the inside or inside walls. Allow to dry.

After about 30 minutes it is time to check if the crackle is dry. Once dry, take your craft brush and gently apply a thin layer of lavender paint over the crackle. Only apply the lavender to the areas you applied the crackle. The inside walls and base should not have crackle on them. Set aside to dry. As your project dries, the sides will begin to show slight cracks and allow the darker metallic purple to show through. Once that is completely dry, take your project outside and spray varnish it. Do not use varnish requiring a brush because it can damage the crackle effect.

Lastly, take your foam and measure it to fit the bottom of your new tray. Use the glue stick to secure it in place. Your new knick knack tray is complete. The lavender will crackle to show the darker purple and the darker purple on the inside will accent the lighter lavender foam sheet.

Sources: Personal Experience