Upcycle Picture Frames to Trays

Have you ever looked at a picture frame and thought that would make a pretty tray? Creating one of a kind trays from picture frames is a great way to bring new life to something that might be stashed in a junk drawer, closet, or sadly, thrown away! Just imagine that DIY trays are the ultimate home hack! Perfect for styling, serving and streamlining your space! They can elevate your decor, serve in style and organize with ease - the stylish way to serve, decorate, and declutter! Trays do it all!

Now, imagine transforming old picture frames into decorative, functional trays by applying stained glass window film to the glass. It's a great way of repurposing frames into faux stained glass serving trays, vanity trays, or just decorative trays!  How beautiful would that be!

But before we get to the how-to, it’s time for another Creative Craft Hop co-hosted by Sara @Birdz of a Feather  and Donna @Modern on  Monticello who take turns every other month! The lovely and talented Donna is our host for this month!

And if you're visiting from our other amazing host, Sara @Birdz of a Feather, her gorgeous crochet leaf earrings are truly one of a kind, handcrafted, and quite unique, aren't they! 

Now back to my project! Upcycling an old picture frame into a serving tray involves cleaning and sometimes painting a sturdy wood frame, reinforcing the back with thick cardboard, and installing handles and decorative feet. This is one way to create faux stained glass crafts using faux stained glass window film for an instant, colorful transformation. Sounds simple, doesn't it? Well it is!!!!

Materials:

• Wood Picture Frames with glass
• Pliers
• Thick Cardboard Backing/white posterboard
• Decorative Metal Feet
• Handles/Masking Tape/Screws/Drill
• Faux Stained Glass Window Film (Rainbow Flowers Window Clings)
• E6000 Premium Industrial Strength glue

Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, this post may contain links. I may receive a very small commission at no cost to you! Plus Google Adsense provides a platform for me to monetize my content by hosting ads from Google's network of advertisers. The money I earn helps pay my crafting expenses. Thanks so much for your support!

How To:

Let's begin with this picture frame from an earlier post that I took apart. You must use pliers or other tools to remove any hardware, like a sawtooth hanger, triangle hook or any brackets on the backing of the picture frame that would prevent the frame from sitting flat on a surface. 

Then take the inside of the frame apart.  The frames I'm using were basically in good shape so no painting was needed.

For the first frame, use the cardboard backing as a template (don't worry! I'm saving the original cardboard backing with the design base and embroidered florals) to make a new backing using white posterboard. White posterboard will help make the colors of the stained glass film pop as opposed to using a dark color which would diminish the look .  .  . 

along with corrugated cardboard from an old cardboard box. Then add glue to cover all of the cardboard and .  .  .                                           

then placing the cutout white poster board on top - matching edges while smoothing it out.

While the glue is drying, unroll the stained glass window film and select the design from the pattern you want to use. Once the glue has dried, place the new board backing on top of the film design selected and .  .  .

                      

cut out.

Next, clean the glass from the frame thoroughly with water, glass cleaner or alcohol. The directions for the film call for spraying enough water on the glass to easily install and reposition the film. But, for this frame, I just glued down the film edges all around the white board backing and smoothing it out (sorry for the shadows).

Here, I'm about to insert the faux stained glass film board in the frame after placing the glass in first.

And it's a perfect fit!

        It's time to screw on the feet - that is, after removing the staples and paper scraps along the back frame.

Line up the feet with the corners of the frame to insert the screws.

The metal feet fit perfectly along the corner edges of the frame.

Looks pretty good!

To attach the handles, I used masking tape to cover the holes and area along the handles for an exact placement on the frame.  

And then had my hubby to drill the holes on each end .  .  .

to screw and attach the handles firmly to the frame.

How cool does this look!

I found the next frame for three dollars at an estate sale in my neighborhood last year. It's smaller but I love the details and design.

And the backing was done in a velvet-like black material (which catches a lot of lint, lol). I removed the hanging hook and attached stand to allow the frame to lay flat on a surface.

I followed the same steps I did on the first frame to add the stained glass window film and .  .  .

handles. 

At first, I decided not to add feet, but later changed my mind.

This setting looks so adorable!

I hope you enjoyed how I upcycled picture frames into trays! Up next is Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction sharing her lovely Crochet Tablet Case! And be sure to check out all of our super talented bloggers and their amazing creations listed below:

 

How to Make Liquor Bottle Tags

Painting Mini Chairs For Shelf Decor

How to Cover an Acrylic File Organizer with Decorative Paper

Crochet Leaf Earrings

Upcycle Picture Frames to Trays

How to Crochet a Cozy Tablet Case