I was out and about the other day and found these dated, yet useful looking trays. I thought with a little bit of work, I could sell them in my booth.
They've got nice handles, quite sizable, but came with a...I'm guessing 90's...quilted fabric lining.
Once I decided to update the fabric, I realized that the wooden bottom would take chalkboard paint very well. With a small brush I carefully went around the edge...
...then rolled in the rest of the bottom
For the "new" fabric, I used a couple of napkins that I've had for a while from Target.
I used the lining as a pattern and cut the napkin. I sewed the new fabric to the old lining (I don't trust my sewing skills to make a completely new lining), threw them in the wash hoping to make it look like a rag quilt (after snipping all the way around).
It didn't quite fray like I wanted, but I think a couple more washing will do the trick.
While I had the chalkboard paint out, I painted an old vase and let Logan draw whatever he wanted on it. Are you like me, once the chalkboard paint is out, you're on the hunt to see what all can be painted like a mad dog?
He drew every family member, which I thought was really cute.
So with or without the lining, I think they are definitely updated. I could see them hung on the wall with the dinner menu too! A twofer!
***
I'm suppose to be going back to Houston for 3 days next week to start the trial. I am excited, but really upset that it happens to fall on the same day school starts. So I won't see my baby's first day of second grade or watch Keegan drive off to start his Junior year. No pictures or hugs which I insist on every year. Even last year, even though I had chemo, at least we got pictures. Is that dumb that I'm bummed about this? Probably. I'm to start a drug that could potentially save my life, but I will miss the kids first day of school....I know, I'm a nut case.
I'll let you know how it goes when I get back. Talk to you later.
Hi Michelle, no it is not strange! First day of school is a child's milestone event! I am more then sure you can get the pictures take by someone. But your health comes first girlie! To see ALL the milestones!
ReplyDeleteToo true! Thank you for that perspective!
DeleteThe trays turned out super cute.
ReplyDeleteI'd be beyond sad to miss the first day, as well. Is there a neighbor that could snap a couple shots for ya?
Good luck!
My MIL will be here, I'll make sure she takes some pictures for me :)
DeleteGreat job on saving these trays and bringing them in to the current decade. I'm so glad you posted, I have been thinking of you so often. Sending prayers and warm hugs your way.
ReplyDeleteMichelle dear,
ReplyDeleteYou do not remotely resemble a nutcase! You are a generous, sentimental, loving mother who understands the comfort of rituals and consistancy. Of course you want to take care of yourself, but like every great mommy, your children's well-being is foremost on your mind. But I know those boys of yours are happy to switch it up this year because your well-being is foremost on their minds. You know, you could have a dress rehearsal the day before , dress them in their first-day clothes, snap the photos and go out for breakfast. Or donuts! I have a debilitating genetic connective tissue disorder, and my kids are now 18 and 20, so I've acquired quite the arsenal of alternative ways to make every day special...with a million teeny adjustments. Who knows, this could be a new annual tradition in your family! Love and hugs--Dana
I'm inspired Dana! I think I might just do something like that-thank you!
DeleteI'm so glad! I'm a creative gal, but you are infinitely more creative than me...and just about everyone else out there, so I know you'll come up with meaningful new traditions. Have fun and remember how many people are pulling for you, and praying for you. <3
DeleteI've been wondering about how you were doing. Glad to see you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Angela, plugging along :)
DeleteI think it makes perfect sense to feel some loss at having to miss the first day of school this year. My dad has cancer and as we find ourselves catapulted into new roles because of it, we crave those moments/days/pieces of normalcy. This tradition you have is a part of "normal" for your family and not being there because of cancer ... well, it sucks. It's okay to say it. Hugs to you, Michelle.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, Anne. I tell my kids all the time that part of life is sometimes feeling loss and sadness. And sometimes it does totally suck! Hugs for you, too!
DeleteP.S. I used to have the blog "Get Your Martha On." I've been away from blogs for awhile and have been getting back into reading my old favorites - you're one of them!
ReplyDeleteAnne, I remember your blog and MISS it! Glad to hear from you and thank you.
DeleteLove the chalkboard tray! And I would be bummed to miss the first day of school too. But I like Dana's idea of having a special breakfast before you leave w/pix.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes!
Me too Kim, and thanks!
Delete=) good luck... great idea for trays... be strong
ReplyDeleteThanks Ellen!
DeleteSo good to see you again. My prayers go with you! As to the down side of school, you are a great mother. Truly great. Why not ask another mom to take pics of your children? Seriously? You are such a nice person I'm sure anyone would be happy to take some pics. Next door neighbor? Dig deep girl, who can you ask? And you could have them sent to you while you are away, e-mail or whatever you use. Wish I lived close enough, I'd be delighted to take those precious pictures for you. Oh and the trays are awesome, as always. You have been given such talent and the world is a better place for you being here. Love and prayers, Lynette
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear from you again. Best of luck and tons of prayers going your way as you head off to Houston. All Moms feel like you about the first day of school. Count your blessing that you have been able to take those pictures yourself for 11 years. I have had the pleasure of being the one to take my grandchildren to their first days since they went to nursery school. My daughter and SIL are both high school teachers and must be there much earlier than the Elementary schools kids. SIL will get to be there this year. The district he teaches in is starting a week later due to construction this year.
ReplyDeleteHugs & prayers, Anna
Good job on the remake. Of course you wish you were going to be there for your kids :) I am praying for you everyday--please keep us posted how the trail goes!
ReplyDeleteNot strange at all, you're a Mom! Maybe someone else can snap some pics of your sons. Thinking about you everyday!!
ReplyDeleteI am trying really hard to clean out and not go to thrift stores but then you posted those awesome trays and I know I have chalkboard paint in my stash...you are making it harder for me!
ReplyDeleteI want to add video chat to the idea list if you can during that time frame. My husband travels quite a bit and that helps us sometimes.
I will continue to pray for you!
Love the sweet double duty baskets! Chalk paint has really brought allot of fun to projects. Happy to see a post and as always I am praying for you. Lisa @Sweet Tea N' Salty Air
ReplyDeleteIt is totally natural that you want to be there to make pictures and send the kids off for their first day back to school. I am keeping you in my prayers and hope so much that this new medication will be successful. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI can't write anything better than the advice Dana gave you. She said it perfectly and her idea of doing it the day before for the cameras....brilliant. I have been reading your blog for about a year now and I don't know if I've ever commented or not. I just have to tell you that I'm praying for your full recovery. Just by the posts you write, I can tell that you're someone special. You are brave and I pray that God gives you peace, comfort and mercy and that He helps you stay strong through all of this. Your creativity in this world is a blessing and I wish you well. ~Jena
ReplyDeleteI love the twofer tray! So creative you are Michelle. What about doing a cut out of yourself and having the kids get their pictures taken with "you" in it? Or I like Dana's idea of doing it the day before...good luck in Houston!
ReplyDeleteNot dumb at all, I've always done the same thing, it was tradition and everyone knew it!
ReplyDeleteMichelle you are one of the most amazing women I've ever "known" for so many reasons... you're strong and brave (I'm sure you don't always feel like it)and humble and honest, you're incredibly talented and so very gifted in the treasures you create and the words that you so eloquently share. You're beautiful, inside and out. I've been blessed by you in so many ways and we've never even met. That's a gift, you're a gift, you're a treasure! I know that even though you can't physically be with your boys, taking pictures and making memories you are ever with them and they with you. Praying for you as always!