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Wednesday, November 20, 2013

DOLLAR TREE METAL TRAY GARLAND


I rarely wander around Dollar Tree without looking for the specific things on my list, but last week I found myself meandering through trying to think creatively about the products I was seeing.

The heavens parted when I saw some silver trays, and was surprised when I picked one up that they were actually metal (I expected them to be plastic).  Well, the wheels started spinning, and here's what I came up with!


This is one of the easiest projects ever!  I simply painted the center with chalkboard paint.  By the way, chalkboard paint and chalk paint are not the same thing.  This is what you want and it can be found at most hardware stores-I pick mine up at Home Depot.


Then, I used hot glue and some jute twine to string them together.  You could make a fancier look by using fancier ribbon, whatever you like!


I'm envisioning my kids holding this up in front of the tree for the obligatory "Christmas Morning with the Year" photo, but the options of how you could use it are endless!

I added ribbon bows as an embellishment, but you could add sprigs of greenery, jewels around the edges, lace, tassels or balloons in between...whatever!  I had fun playing around with lots of ideas that I can use this garland for through the year...





Chalkboard paint even comes in some different colors now.  How cute would this be with red or green chalkboard paint instead of black?

It's hard to tell but the trays are about the size of a dinner plate.  They came in three shapes-the circle, a rectangle, and an oval-so any of them would make a cute garland.  You can also decide for yourself how many trays you want on your garland, I chose 5.   In the days ahead I'll show you two more projects that I used these for.


So, I believe this might be the perfect project for $5 and some leftover paint and ribbon.  What would you write on yours?



P.S. I have a feeling that these might be a seasonal item, they were with the Thanksgiving and Christmas things, so you might want to snatch some up soon!

Linking up with:  
 photo jennifersignaturetwo_zps56f3de87.png

Would you like to comment?

  1. Oh this is so cute and could be used for so many occasions. You are so clever!

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  2. You amaze me with your creativity. I wish I could think like that. :-)


    Debbi

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  3. You always have the greatest ideas and execution and with your talents they look so much more upscale! Great job. xo Nancy

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  4. Seriously, you are the most creative person ever! I love this!

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  5. This is such a great idea, and looks fantastic!!

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  6. I love buntings and I love chalkboard paint so this is a perfect craft because I get to use both! I also like how it's not season specific and can be used year round. Thanks for sharing!

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  7. so cute! what a great idea and i especially love it for outdoor use!

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  8. What a cute and creative project. So simple with alot of pop. I never would've thought the plates would be metal either. Just goes to show you never know what you will find.

    Cynthia

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  9. I have not gone into an actual dollar store in ages; however, I am seeing some incredible things that you and other bloggers are finding and I can't wait to go. I can't believe you found metal in the DS. Such a creative idea and thanks for sharing.

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  10. So much to love about this one: easy :) doesn't take much storage space, and you can change it out often! Fun idea, Missy!!

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  11. They make such a cute garland, so creative Jennifer! I would write on mine "Jennifer is Awesome". Oh wait, too many letters. Super cute though, I need a trip to the dollar store!

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  12. Chalk Paint® can also be used to make chalkboards! Just apply 3 coats, letting dry between coats. Let cure for 3-5 days and you have a chalkboard!

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  13. These are so cute and versatile! What a great idea. New follower!

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  14. Adorable! You are very creative and I'm so glad you share so I can run out to the $ store and copy. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  15. I love this idea, so many possibilities!

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  16. This such a good idea! I have to run to the dollar store today so you can bet I will be looking for these trays! All I have seen there is the ones that are plastic! Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend!

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  17. What a fabulous idea and great dollar store project! The garland looks beautiful!!!! Love it!

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  18. What a great idea! You inspired me to make my own but I live in Canada and our Dollar Tree didn't have the trays:( I improvised and bought wood circles from Michaels and painted them with chalkboard paint and then found shiny gold plastic trays at Dollarama that were slightly larger than the wood circles. Lots of hot glue later and I have a pretty fancy banner. With the wood circles in the middle it gives the plastic trays depth/weight and they look metal.

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  19. Great idea. I am off to the $$ store..
    Thanks for sharing.

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  20. These ARE pretty darn cute! Looks pretty classy for a dollar store project! Visiting from Frugal Friday. Hope you have a great weekend!
    Luisa @ http://www.livingandlearningwithluisa.com/

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