When I’m not working on design projects, I love to keep myself busy creating hand-made items.
As one of the design team members for May Arts Ribbon, I create projects showcasing their incredible array of ribbons. While I love using ribbon to create beautiful gift tags and inspirational pieces, creating home-decor items is what I love to do most.
One of my latest projects was a Monogrammed Serving Tray, made as a special gift for a soon-to-be married couple. I love giving personalized gifts as wedding presents, and this tray fit the bill perfectly.
Here’s what the finished item looked like.
I had lots of fun creating the tray and thought I’d share the how-to’s with you.
You’ll need the following supplies:
- Rectangular picture frame with an interior mat. The mat for my frame had three photo spaces which were framed with a beveled wood edge. Not only is the detail great but it elevates the glass a bit and adds dimension.
- May Arts Ribbon—SX44, WX15, WA46, SX01
- Decorative Drawer Pulls (I picked mine up at Hobby Lobby for $2.99)
- Decorative Scrapbook Paper
- Glue Arts Adhesive Tape
- Hot Glue Gun
- Scissors
Step 1: Remove the glass and mat from the frame.
Step 2: Determine the placement of the ribbon around the mat. I decided to run lengths of my ribbon along the surface of the mat, creating a criss-cross pattern in several places to give it some added style.
Once the ribbon placement was determined, I cut my ribbon to the desired length, and glued the pieces in place. It’s best to secure the ribbon ends with hot glue gun and the body of the ribbon with your Glue Arts adhesive .
Step 3: Select a decorative paper that coordinates with your ribbon. You’ll be using it as the backdrop of each photo box. I choose a blue striped paper, in a slightly darker blue than my ribbon.
Now, measure and cut your paper to fit each photo window. Run your Glue Arts Adhesive around the back side of the mat opening and position your decorative paper in place.
Here’s what the tray looks like with the paper in place.
Step 4: Now it’s time to create the monograms within each photo window.
With a pencil, lighting draw out the initials onto the decorate paper of each photo box. The first box will be the first initial of the bride. The middle box will the couples last initial, and the third box will be the grooms’ first initial.
Starting with the first photo box, run a narrow bead of hot glue along the initial outline you drew. Starting at one edge of your letter, scrunch and glue your ribbon along your glue line. Scrunching the ribbon creates a soft ruffle effect. Repeat the same process with the other two initials.
Step 5: Next, measure where your handles will be positioned and screw them into place. A big thanks to my hubby for handling the power tools for this project.
Finally, assemble the mat and glass into your frame and you’re all done!
Turned out great if I say so myself. If you haven’t checked out the wonderful ribbon that May Arts offers, hop on over to their site and take a look. And while you’re there, spend a little time on their blog to see more fabulous projects inspired by May Arts ribbon!
Have you made anything by hand lately?