Adventures in DIY: Serving Tray Makeover

Hello all! I hope everyone is enjoying their week so far. We've had some crazy weather lately - last night was warm and today was cold and rainy. So weird!

Anyhow, I finished a project last night and I'm pretty happy with how it came out.

Remember when I showed you this picture and told you I had plans?

As soon as I saw the aqua color at Home Depot, I snatched it up. I didn't have any specific ideas on how to use it, but knew the ideas would come. If you build it, they will come. So, I started looking around the house to see what I could use it on. When I saw this, the light bulb went on.

I bought the tray at Target in the Fall of 2009 (I only know this because it says it on the bottom of the tray). At the time, I had a lot of black and red in my decor. The tray worked perfectly since I use my ottoman as a coffee table. As much as I like red, it's not really my style anymore as far as decor goes. So, I decided to give it a whirl and paint it the pretty aqua color.

I started out by spraying primer on it. I think I did 3 coats.

1st coat

2nd coat

Then I sprayed the aqua on. I gave it a about 3 coats also.

I'm so pleased with the new color. I've been really into aqua for the last couple of years, so I love that more products are coming out in this color. Target seems to have a lot more decor and kitchen items in aqua also. Whenever I go there, I stand there mesmerized. Oooohhhh, aaaaaahhhh.

Now, as much as I love spray paint, I haven't prefected the "art" of it yet. There are a few crackly spots and a couple of drip marks, but it's ok. No one will notice. Honest! (That's what I tell myself anyways). I need to get the technique down better, but so far I haven't ruined a project yet. Also, I have one of those triggers that snap on the top of the can and it makes it waaaaay easier to spray. So, here's a quick before & after.

BEFORE

AFTER

Ta da! I'm so pleased with how it came out. Aqua makes me happy. :)

Linked up to Thrifty Decor Chick's March Before & After Party