I have some really cute cupcake-themed fabric that I thought would be perfect for decorating a party tray, so I’d like to show you how to paint and Mod Podge a wooden tray for a unique and creative way to serve your party desserts.
Keep in mind that you can choose any fabric print to make this craft project by following the same instructions that I’ve provided. Just switch out coordinating paint colors that match your fabric and you’re good to go.
HOW TO PAINT AND MOD PODGE A WOODEN TRAY
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SUPPLIES NEEDED:
- unfinished wooden tray ~ 11×14
- JoAnn cupcake fabric
- foam paint brush
- artist brushes
- Mod Podge ~ matte
- Apple Barrel paint
- bright magenta #20591
- kiwi #20221
- white
- Folk Art Multi-Surface paint
- patina vert patine #2951CA
- scissors or rotary cutter
- iron
- ruler
- pencil
HOW TO PAINT A WOODEN TRAY
Use acrylic craft paint on your wood tray, like Apple Barrel or Folk Art by Plaid.
Important Tip: Make sure you paint the inside bottom of the tray the same as the main color that is in your fabric. This way if your fabric is somewhat thin then the wood color will not alter the color of your fabric after using the Mod Podge.
1 – APPLY PAINT
Paint the bottom of the tray and the outer sides in white using a foam paint brush.
Next paint the inside of the tray that co-ordinates with your fabric.
Paint 2 coats on areas where needed.
HOW TO DECORATE A TRAY WITH PAINTED DESIGNS
STEP 1 – CHOOSE DESIGNS
I chose to pick out a couple of designs that are seen in my fabric piece to decorate the tray, such as, the curved cupcake icing edges and large and tiny dots.
STEP 2 – DRAW DESIGNS ON TRAY
You can trace designs on the outer sides by using a stencil, making your own, or using a household object to trace around.
I traced half of a circle from a stencil to mimic the icing curves.
STEP 3 – CIRCLE TEMPLATES AND DOTTER TOOLS:
To make the dots I used the end of a pencil for the large dots and an artist brush for the tiny dots. You can also used a dotting tool.
HOW TO MOD PODGE FABRIC ON WOOD
STEP 1 – PREPARE THE FABRIC
You don’t need to buy a lot of fabric, just a “fat quarter” measures 18 x 21 and is plenty for a wood tray. Hand wash the fabric, roll in towel, then press with an iron.
New fabric contains sizing and I don’t know the interaction with Mod Podge, so I erred on the side of caution and washed the fabric.
Measure the tray inset and then measure and mark fabric piece. Cut out the rectangle with either scissors or a rotary cutter.
STEP 2 – GLUE FABRIC
Place fabric in tray then pull back half. Apply Mod Podge on only half of the tray using a foam brush.
Press down and smooth with your fingers.
TIP: Use a plastic plastic bag (ziploc) to help smooth the fabric.
TIP: Do not push hard while smoothing as it will stretch your fabric.
Next, apply Mod Podge to the other half of the tray and then lay down the rest of the fabric, press and smooth.
I waited until that step was dry before applying a thin coat of Mod Podge on top of the fabric.
FYI: Mod Podge dries clear.
Now that you know how to paint and mod podge a wooden tray, I think you will enjoy making a party tray for your holiday or family celebrations!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE TO SEE THESE WOOD TRAY IDEAS:
DIY PAINTING IDEA FOR A WOOD TRAY
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This month, I’ve joined in with a group of bloggers for a Creative Craft Hop. Donna @ Modern On Monticello is our host this month. You’ll find seven additional craft and decor projects, at the end of my post, that are being shared with all of our readers. Visit their links to see what these creative bloggers are sharing. Don’t miss out!
CLICK THE LINKS BELOW TO SEE MORE CREATIVE CRAFTS!
Cecilia @ My Thrift Store Addiction ~ Easy Clearance Wreath Upcycle
Terrie @ Decorate and More with Tip ~ Dollar Tree Hand-woven Basket Stand
Jenna @ The Painted Apron ~ Welcome Home Painted Birdhouse
Donna @ Modern on Monticello ~ DIY Mid Century Modern Inspired Wall Sculpture
Niki @ Life as a Leo Wife ~ Indoor/Outdoor DIY Farmhouse Lantern
Gail @ Purple Hues and Me ~ Tattoos on Glass Decor
Ann @ The Apple Street Cottage ~ Finally a Frame
Sharing my painted and mod podged tray at these fabulous blogs!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
AllysonAllyson is the founder and content creator of Southern Sunflowers. She shares tutorials for DIY crafts and decor on a budget.
Such a cute tray! I love the cupcake design. The tray looks perfect to serve up yummy birthday treats or any fun dessert!
Thank you Ruth! I couldn’t resist using that cute cupcake fabric. Thanks for visiting!
This is just the cutest tray! What a fun idea. . . and if you tire of the look, you could easily change it up later. Love it!
Thanks so much for joining the Grace at Home party at Imparting Grace. I’m featuring you this week!
Richella, I’m happy that you like my tray and thank you so much for the feature!
This is just the cutest! I love the painted design round the edge especially, it really adds to the fun of this tray. This will be a feature at Handmade Monday this week 🙂
Thank you so much for featuring my tray, Julie!!
This is really cute!
Thank you, Donna ~ glad you like my Mod Podge tray!
Your tray is absolutely adorable! Thank you so much for sharing with us. Pinned.
Thanks, Joanne! So glad you like my wooden tray. Thank you pinning, too!
That turned out so cute! I love the colors and how the fabric and the paint go so well together. Just adorable.
Pam, thank you for the compliments and also for dropping by!
Great instructions, the tray is adorable. Pinned!
Carol, Glad you like my tray and thanks so much for pinning!
This is so, so cute! I love trays, and this one would be perfect for birthday parties, kid’s sleepovers, or for a fun-filled dessert. Using fabric was a great idea. Again, just too cute! I hope that you’ll come and share it on Crafty Creators! I know our readers would love it!
XOXO,
Niki
Thank you, Niki! Glad you like my party tray. I’ll be attending Crafty Creators with bells on. 🙂
You chose such adorable fabric and paint colors for this tray. So glad you shared it on the hop. Pinned!
Thanks for pinning, Donna! I couldn’t resist that cute cupcake fabric. I have more that I’ll use for future sewing projects.
This is too cute Allyson! I haven’t ever used fabric for decoupage before, wow, that opens a whole new world of possibilities! I love the combo of painted elements and decoupage and the cupcake fabric is adorable! Pinned!
Thanks for the compliments, Jenna! This was my first time using Mod Podge and fabric. It was much easier than I thought it would be.
Allyson, your tray turned out so cute. I love the way you added the details. Thanks for sharing the step-by-step painting decorations. I love it!
Thank you, Terrie! I tried to hold back on the dot details *some* since I always use them. I’m addicted to them.
Your tray is adorable, Allyson and you know how I love Mod Podge! This project is perfect for a birthday party – love it!
Thank you, Ann! Mod Podge is the bomb ~ lol.
Your decoupage party tray is so cute and adorable Allyson! What a fun and creative way to dress up a wooden tray! Welcome to the Creative Craft Group!
Thanks, Gail, so glad you like my tray! I’m happy with how it turned out.
That fabric is so cute, Allyson! I really love how your mod podged tray turned out–Pinned! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
Thanks, Cecilia! I couldn’t resist that fabric. I’ll use more of it *one* day for sewing projects. Thanks for pinning!