Yikes this is late!

Well, I suppose this post is not too late considering the gifts had to be given before posting. But even that logic does not excuse the laziness that is my blogging lately.

So with a Christmas budget in full effect, I got the tray idea here at Bless Our Nest. My first plan was to make chalkboards, but I will be honest and say that chalkboard paint at my Home Depot was $11 and I was just not ready to commit that much to the project at that point.

I found the trays at 2 or 3 Goodwills around town. Some are sterling plated, one I am pretty sure was a plate charger, and 2 were tin? Maybe? Who knows, but they all worked.

I started off with rags, paper towels, 99 cent craft paint, 1998 acrylic paints from freshman art class, and some old sponge brushes.

The buddy I made these with bought a set of calligraphy-looking stencils which we promptly cut to pieces!

For the faux-finish I used craft glue mixed with water.

See, I have already skipped a step! I first spray-painted the trays in a matte almond color.

Then I spread the watered down paint all over with the sponge brush.

I then wiped it off with a rag. On some of the trays I did this more than once since some had a fine filigree I wanted to highlight a little more. That and when I find an easy step I can handle, I really like to wallow in it and build my confidence before tackling the next step.

Then I taped the stencil together (but not to the plate!) and painted. The stencils done with craft paint did not turn out with super clean edges. But I liked the effect. The 11-year-old acrylic paint had much better edges, but was a trial to use. Being 11 years old and all.

The first two experimental trays.

All of the trays together.

Two trays I added ribbon two and one I left alone. I am not sure what M did with her trays. the only thing I did not do was buy plate hangers or plate holders since I was not sure if the receivers wanted to hang them or have them sitting. I wish I had just decided for them so it was a complete present. I hate giving gifts without batteries.

Handmade gifts are fun, but super stressful. I battle the perfectionist side of me that does not want to give less than perfect gifts. I am more used to creating messes or projects that do not pan out and live out their life in my garage. But trying to make a budget-conscious project into something that is nicer than its price is hard. I do like the challenge, and I love to get homemade gifts! So I finally stopped debating and gave the gifts and I feel great about them.

My recycled Christmas presents turned out excellent, but that is another post and might be more the route I take in the future. At this pace however, you'll see that post mid-June. :)