Spring Craft Ideas: Pink Hibiscus Tea Tray

This adorable pink hibiscus tea tray project is amazingly simple and is perfect for storing mail, keys, etc. or using as an actual tea tray! Even the most beginning crafter can easily finish this project.

For this project, you will need:

- One 13 1/2 inch by 10 1/2 inch unfinished pine tea tray (such as the one found here at Viking Wood Crafts)

- Medium grit sandpaper

- Tack cloth or other soft cloth

- Krylon Indoor Outdoor Primer in All-Purpose White

- Krylon Indoor Outdoor Paint in Ballet Slipper

- Flair Designs "Jungle Fever" Print Scrapbook Paper (found in stores and online at Paper Addict)

- Self healing mat

- Craft knife

- Ruler

- Mod Podge or other decoupage medium

- Sponge brush

- Acrylic finishing spray

- Newspaper or drop cloth

In any project that contains spray glues and paints, it is vital for safety and cleanup that your work space be well ventilated and coated with newspaper or a drop cloth before beginning. Lightly sand the 13 1/2 inch by 10 1/2 inch unfinished pine tea tray with medium grit sandpaper. Wipe away any debris or dust from this process by using a tack cloth or other soft cloth.

Apply three to four coats of Krylon Indoor Outdoor Primer in All-Purpose White directly onto the pine wood. Make sure the tray is evenly primed. Let the primer dry for an hour or longer before continuing to the next step.

Paint the wood tea tray with five to six coats of Krylon Indoor Outdoor Paint in Ballet Slipper, pausing for ten to fifteen minutes between each. Continue to do this process until you have reached a desired pink shade for your tea tray. Allow the tray to dry for three to four hours.

Lay the Flair Designs "Jungle Fever" Print Scrapbook Paper flat on your self healing mat. Using the ruler as a straight edge and a craft knife, measure and cut enough paper to fit the inside of the tray. With the sponge brush, apply a thick coat of Mod Podge or other decoupage medium to the inside of the tray. Adhere the print paper. Smooth the paper with your fingers, working from the inside towards the outside to remove any bubbles. Let the paper dry for three to four hours.

Cover the entire project with acrylic finishing spray. Let the tray dry overnight before enjoying!

TIP: This project also makes a perfect base for a Spring gift basket. Fill with your favorite goodies, and give to a friend or family member.