Yes, I know it’s actually spelled tres chic (with an accent mark I don’t know how to make), but I couldn’t resist a little play on words. Please forgive me.
As you may know, my daughter has some feeding issues as a result of an injury at birth. We’re trying new and inventive ways to get her to eat. I thought maybe a lap tray would bring the meal down to her level and give her a fun place to eat. It could also be used for crafts, reading, or breakfast in bed when she gets older.
She had other ideas.
I actually made this as a Christmas gift for her but she got to it while I was snapping photos for the blog. Maybe in 17 days she’ll use it as a tray?
This was very easy to make and extremely budget friendly. The only materials you need are a plastic lap tray (I found this one at Michaels, and with a coupon it was about $4). The paint pens were the most expensive part at $4.25 each, but a good investment because they can be used over and over again. I kept it simple with just 3 colors.
1. Choose a few paint pen colors to match the lap tray. If you don’t have an idea of what you’d like to paint, browse images and fonts online and come up with a plan. {note: I didn’t really have a plan; I just made it up as I went and was still pretty happy about it! You don’t always know what will look good until you try it.}
2. Use a pencil or piece of chalk to mark the outline of the name. I made a few marks as to where I wanted each letter to be so I didn’t run out of room, and then freehanded it. Paint pens are very forgiving (in my opinion) and make great lines. Then, go ahead and paint. The fumes are pretty noxious, so be sure to do this in a ventilated area. When finished with the name, I added polka dots and surrounded it with swirls as a decoration. Hint: don’t aim for perfection. Remember that this is handmade; it looks better if some of the letters are tilted and the dots are different sizes!
3. Let it dry. It’s THAT easy! It only took about 20 minutes to paint.
What I like so much about this project was that the trays come in a variety of colors and I’m excited to see what I can come up with for all the kiddos in my life. You can really customize them to the child. Heck, I want one to hold my laptop and popcorn!
Thought I’d share this quick and easy (and cheap!) project in case you are looking for gift ideas to quickly finish before Christmas. Let me know if you’ve completed a similar project or if you make this one. I’d love to see photos. And if you have any other DIY gift ideas, feel free to link them up in the comments!
I’ve linked this to the Funky Junk Interiors Saturday Nite Special. So much amazingness going on over there– if you love to DIY, check it out!
Speaking of personalization, have you entered our giveaway for a custom frame/sign/monogram of your choice from Danielson Designs??? No? Head over and enter today!
WOW! What a wonderful idea! I am totally going to do this for my teen nephew. He eats while playing video games constantly and this will be a funny gift he’ll love. Maybe package it with some tv dinners? Oh that would be a riot!
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I love this!! Yours looks GREAT!! I’m thinking of taking on this project for the crew. Thanks for sharing!
Love this! My son has food issues too, and it looks exactly like what my son would do with it too!
Stopping by from SITS!
Kerri
Stopping by from SITS. The tray is darling! My fav part is your signature. I’m an artist and always hate signing my name to my paintings. Love how you did it!
This is absolutely adorable! I’m just popping over from SITS. Hope you have a great Friday – off to check out the rest of your blog!
http://www.readysetcraft.blogspot.com
This is adorable.I soooooooo want a girl.Thank you for commenting on my blog.
Adorable! The tray and your daughter AND what she did with the tray. LOL!! Too funny!
Thanks for linking up!
FJ Donna
Wow! This is too cute! Thanks for sharing. Don’t worry if the wee one doesn’t take interest right away, your hard work will pay off one day soon!
Here’s another link to an article with traveling ideas you might like too:
http://sono-ma.blogspot.com/2009/07/are-we-there-yet-finding-snot-nose.html
I shared on http://www.polkadotmom.com this morning – so cute! Thank you!
Darling! This is my go to gift for kids. I just made one for a 7 yo girl.
Pax – Lena
hi
its a nice post on gifts ideas !
as its give a feel of personalized & unique gifts ideas.I liked all ways to surprised with a unique feel of emotions.Very useful tips it contain for all days spacial.