I found an amazing place in Irvington, NJ. It’s called Real Antique Wood and it is AMAZING. You can check out their website here. My husband works nearby so I initially sent him on a reconnaissance mission. It’s important to mention that my husband is NOT a design guy, he’s an Engineer. But he called me from the warehouse and said I should come over right away. It was a great call.
Before I even arrived, Douglas had bought 3 pieces of wood, 2 trunk slices and one antique plank. My wheels began turning immediately. I had recently seen a picture of a two tired serving piece similar to one I had, but with they trays replaced with distressed wood. That would be the perfect use for the plank.
This tray is from the creative souls at http://www.shanty-2-chic.com. Their site is amazing, definitely worth visiting to see all their fabulous ideas!
I had also been toying with the idea of making a huge serving tray. I was inspired by one I saw at my friend Christy’s home. It was large and had a rectangle of chalkboard paint down the center, perfect for marking cheeses on a cheeseboard. It was both a serving piece and a centerpiece and I loved it. These two trunk slices could be gorgeous trays, but I would have to save the chalkboard idea-these slices were too beautiful to cover.
My next hurdle was finding a way to seal the vintage wood without changing the color too much. It’s this gorgeous pale gray & I knew that almost anything would darken in and warm the color. The good people at the Home Depot paint the department helped me. I was told that polyurethane has a yellow tint, but polycrylic is clear, so even if it darkens the wood somewhat, it would not yellow it.
Next, I needed some really great handles. Since the pieces were wood slices, I opted for handles that look like twigs. I found them at pulls direct.com. They even had a coupon code for 40% off this particular brand, (which is EMTEK)! I purchased 4! If you like these pulls, you may purchase them on this site.
Here are a few shots of the final products, which I am in LOVE with, seriously. A very special shout out to my husband for replacing the screws for the handles so they would be sunk and keep the trays level. You rock, Babe!
ALYSON! These are so beautiful! You outdid yourself this time. Simply amazing. If you get cracking, you could launch an Etsy shop for Christmas. Like you have nothing else to do….I love you so much! Inspiring me daily. XOXOXOXOXO
Doug mentioned the exact same thing about selling the trays on etsy…something to ponder! Thank you for your very kind words-I’m glad you love the trays! And thank you millions for reading and commenting! xoxoxoxo
Sooooooo something I would have in my home..LOVE IT!! Keep up the great ideas…LOVE your blog girlfriend!!
Xoxo pat
Thank you so much, Pat! You’ve made my day!
Beautiful
Thank you, Kate!
I really LOVE how these turned out!! Thanks for the tip on the polycrylic, I know that will come in handy soon!
Thank you, Roxanne! I loved your post on painting appliances! Things are looking so great on that project!
Wow AL. I love it all!! U r so creative. U can use ur finds so many different ways.
Thank you, Roz, for such kind words! A huge compliment coming from you!!!!
*O*M*G*oodness Alyson! *W*O*W*… just wow! These are amazing!!!Truly one the the most beautiful things I have EVER seen!!! Love it for the idea of serving cheese, anything really but especially cheese! I’d *L*O*V*E* to order one for myself!!! Sign me up. You are always so inspirational and never fail to amaze me!! <3
Thank you, Dawn! I will get started on yours ASAP!
Love it! I’m not creative at all so your creativity is so inspiring to me. I need you to come to Florida immediately and redo my entire house!
I would LOVE to, Homa! Let’s get a date on the books! So glad you like the trays as well!
Love!!
Thank you, Rebecca!
They look great! How fun. You definitely could sell them on Etsy!
Thank you, Carol! From the response I have gotten, I am seriously considering it!
Loved hearing about them and LOVE the final product! Now I know where our next field trip will be! I like the etsy idea as well…. Thanks for sharing!❤️
I do crack myself up about the Frasier doors, it’s a sickness, lol. But they are so pretty! And yes, field trip in the works!