To find hidden treasures, we need to look beyond what’s visible to what is hidden beneath. Are the bones good and sturdy? Does it have the right lines? What would it look like if I cleaned it up and painted it white, pale pink or aqua blue? These are the questions that I ask myself before I purchase or walk away from what may or may not become a treasured item. These old frames appeared garish and gaudy with their bright colors and gold frames, but my mind immediately stripped them bare and painted them white. Once I saw them in that light, I knew they’d be gorgeous. All it required was a bit of pretty fabric, some white spray paint, plywood cut to size from Home Depot, some finishing nails & a bit of wood glue and Voila! A miraculous transformation. I’ve made many of these trays from rescued frames and mirrors. I let the details of the piece dictate what it wants to be and whether it wants crystal feet or perhaps silver drawer pulls as handles. This frame was so beautifully ornate on its own that I decided it needed no further adornments beyond the rose covered fabric that lies beneath the glass. This tray would be perfect for serving tea or used as a vanity tray to hold jewelry and pretty perfume bottles.
