Shimmer Sheetz: Tray Bien!

By Judi Kauffman

Do you have an old tray that’s in need of a face lift? My project today began with a square oak tray that has already had two previous incarnations. For several years it had a favorite piece of scrapbook paper centered under the glass and before that, a cross stitch sampler.

This third version of the tray is so easy. Simply alter pieces of Shimmer Sheetz with alcohol inks, cut them into strips, and emboss and sand some of the strips. Cut a piece of chipboard to the size of the tray and use Clear Double Sided Tape to hold the Shimmer Sheetz strips in place. Re-assemble the tray per the manufacturer’s instructions. New insert, new look!

This tray is one of several available in a variety of colors and finishes from Sudberry House. It has screws along one side so it’s fast and simple to change whatever is on display – the backing, your artwork, and the glass slide in and out in a matter of seconds.

DESIGN STRATEGIES

Adapt the project to any size or style of tray. Instead of glass, use a pour-on 2-part coating to seal and protect the surface (for example, Envirotex Lite) or seal with matte or gloss medium.

Change the color combination to suit your taste and décor, or that of the recipients – trays make great gifts!

Why stop at just one new ‘look’? Create several tray inserts for different seasons or holidays.

Skip the embossed and sanded strips if you don’t want any added texture; emboss and sand ALL of the strips if you want more patterns and texture!

Go for more contrast. Mix three or more Shimmer Sheetz colors instead of using just one.

Angle the strips instead of running them parallel to two sides of the tray.

Create a ‘log cabin’ quilt pattern: Cut all the strips to the same width and start with a small square in the middle of the tray.

Change from strips to squares for the look of mosaics.

Piece the strips for trays longer than 12”, using patterns like flooring, tiles, or bricks.

Quantity of Shimmer Sheetz is needed depends on the dimensions of the tray. My 12” square tray used one package of Fire Opal Gemstone Shimmer Sheetz, three 5” x 12” sheets. Some of the strips overlap.

Caution: Glass-topped trays like this are NOT meant for hot foods or heavy objects. They’re fine for serving lemonade and cookies or for tabletop display. My tray sits in the studio where it holds the remote control for the TV and a jar of candy.

 

SUPPLIES

Elizabeth Craft Designs –

Shimmer Sheetz in color(s) of choice, shown: Fire Opal Gemstone (quantity depends on dimensions of tray)

Clear Double Sided Adhesive Tape

Other –

Glass-topped tray (Sudberry House)

Alcohol inks in 3 or more colors (Ranger)

Metallic Mixatives in Gold (Ranger)

Ink applicator tool

Sanding block

Assorted embossing folders

Cuttlebug or other embossing/die cutting machine