DIY Tiered Tray From Dollar Tree Dishes
I have wanted a tiered tray for ages. I’ve seen a lot of beautiful ones online and in stores, but I was determined to make one of my own. After one failed attempt, I gave up for a while. This Easter, though, I had some pretty things I wanted to display, and I decided a tiered tray would be perfect. I decided to give it another go, and I’m so glad I did! I’ll tell you all about it.
The best part of this project was that it was VERY inexpensive. $6.25 (plus tax) in Dollar Tree dishes, plus some supplies I already had on hand.
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Supplies:
- Charger plate
- Dinner plate
- Salad plate
- Drinking glass x2
- E6000
- Paint (I used this color-shifting paint)
- Paint brush(es)
For my first attempt at a tiered tray, I used super lightweight materials. Except for the charger, because all of the Dollar Tree options are about the same. (If you want to see what else I’ve done with the chargers, check out this example of a sign I made) This time, I used regular plates from the kitchen section. The pattern didn’t matter because I knew I would be covering them with paint, but I chose plates with a thin gold border.
I intended to use spray paint with my first tiered tray, because I have color-shifting paint that I absolutely love. However, I was doing multiple projects at the time, and I had all sorts of trouble. I decided to brush on the paint this time, since I also have acrylic color-shifting paint, and it turned out much streakier than I wanted, even with a foam brush. It’s grown on me, though. But it’s something to consider when you’re choosing your materials.
When I was rounding up my supplies, I could not find a good tube of E6000, so I grabbed some B7000 that had come with a different project. The super fine application tip was nice, but I just don’t know enough about that glue to recommend it. I linked to E6000 because I know it and believe in it.
The first step is painting the tray elements. I used some white chalk paint that I had on hand first. Color shift paint looks very different over white and black paint, and I chose a white base this time.
My youngest was bummed that I covered up the glasses with paint, so I may have to buy more to use as-is. 🙂
I feel like you can see every brushstroke I made with the color shift paint. I had hoped to be able to even it out with multiple coats, but I didn’t. I decided it would be covered up anyway, so I didn’t need to worry so much about that.
Once the paint had dried, I glued the tiers together. I could have been very methodical and precise—measuring everything out to make sure I found the exact center, but I decided to eyeball it instead. I think I did pretty well!
After I’d left the glue to dry overnight, I started loading up my tray. It just so happens that I did this in time for Easter, so I was able to put some cute Easter things on it that I’d bought and made. I can’t wait to see what else I can do with it!
Happy crafting!
