I’ve been hanging onto this old Fetzer crate for a while, waiting for the perfect opportunity to upcycle it. I’ll take you through the steps for the DIY to make the Mrs. Claus Cookie Co tray, and send you to the source for a free printable. Who is ready to leave out some milk and cookies for Santa?
I have several wooden crates and boxes that I have been wanting to upcycle. I knew that I wanted to make something for Christmas. I had the design in my head, but after several attempts to make my own graphic, I failed (sad face). And then the heavens opened up and I saw THE idea from another blogger (and one of my blog crushes – shhhh don’t tell!). She even included a free downloadable graphic. #SCORE
Psst… want beautiful Scripture + Gratitude printables to celebrate the beauty of the Advent Season? Click below…
Materials
Wooden Crate
Wood finish (if needed)
Brushes
Directions
1. Since the Fetzer box was a lighter wood of moderate condition, I used some leftover wood finish in a darker color. Two light coats was all that it needed. NOTE – be sure to wear gloves when applying wood finish.
2. I tried to paint the inside of the box a similar color as the printable. Now here’s another infamous Holly Bertone DIY fail. The reds clashed a little bit too much, so I mixed in some weathered gray wood finish with the paint. Ummmm…. yeah… so wood finish and chalk paint don’t mix well. I will save you the headache and cleanup. #youarewelcome
3. The wood finish wasn’t dark enough to cover the lettering. I spent a day thinking about how I wanted to hide it. And then it hit… chalkboard paint!
4. Anyone who knows me, knows that I don’t measure anything. I just eyeballed the painters tape. It took three good coats of black chalkboard paint and it turned out great.
Here is the end result! I love the tray, and even with the painting challenge, it all worked out. You can write anything you want on the chalkboard labels.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to Angie over at Knick of Time for her brilliant idea, tutorial, and free printable! As bloggers, we love sharing our ideas, and as I’ve said before, the goal is to inspire you to make something similar for your home!
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as when I was finishing up this project, I was also updating some of the pictures from my Grandmother Charlotte’s old-fashioned sugar cookie recipe.
More Christmas Resources You Will Love
Advent Scripture + Gratitude Printables
More Christmas Recipes and Resources
Are you Inspired?
Love, hugs, and Mrs. Claus is baking in town!
Holly, my crafting friend, you hit another one out of the park with this DIY. I’m a big fan of Knick of Time, too, with all her free images and ideas. Congrats on such a lovely repurposing craft.
Hi Susan – You are too kind, thank you! I am very pleased with how it turned out, despite the little detour! Hugs, Holly
This turned out insanely adorable! I’m so glad to see you found such an awesome way o use my Mrs. Claus printable. Pinned it here – https://www.pinterest.com/knickoftime/christmas-decorating-crafts-more/
Hi Angie – You are such a sweetheart not only for sharing your graphics and idea, but sharing mine too! Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season! Hugs, Holly
This is such a precious idea!!! Thank you for sharing!
Much Love- Erica from Designing Vibes
Hi Erica – Thank you for taking the time to stop by and share your kind words! I hope to see you again soon! Hugs, Holly
Beautiful!! Love how it came out! Very rustic & elegant – Rustic Elegance!
Hi Randi – Thanks so much! Hugs, Holly
I LOVE it! Pinned and preparing to make it myself, thank you.
Hi Leigh – Thank you so much for pinning and I hope you enjoy making yours too! Hugs, Holly
So cute! Aren’t, Angie’s free printables the absolute best!
Hi Laurie – I know, right! I love her work! Thank you for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon. Hugs, Holly
My santa was also a fan of PBR! But he really loved buckeye balls the most 🙂 I really love the way this turned out, so much so that it will be my feature pick for Sunday’s Merry Monday party! Thanks so much for sharing!
Hi Amanda – I saw the feature this morning, thank you so much! Such an awesome way to start the week! A feature… and maybe a little PBR later LOL! Hugs, Holly
So adorable – love the idea, the color, the graphics, and how you staged the photo so beautifully. Pinned to share.
Hi Marie – Oh my goodness, you are so kind! Thank you for your sweet words and for pinning! Hugs, Holly
What a striking Christmas tray. This would be adorable on a table or hanging on the wall like a sign. Love how you tried different stains and such till you got what you wanted because the end result is gorgeous!
Hi Amy – Thank you for stopping by to share your sweet comments! Persistence paid off with this one… and I refused to let a little DIY fail stop the end project! I hope to see you again soon! Hugs, Holly
That turned out sooo cute! I need one just like it!
Hi Carlee – Thanks so much! Hugs, Holly
What a great holiday tray!
Thanks Akaleistar! Hugs, Holly
What a cute tray! Be a cute tray to leave Santa’s cookies and milk on (-;
Hi Linda – Or any other Santa-approved beverage!!! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs, Holly
Oh my goodness! This is precious, girl! I’m heading over to pin it, now. LOVE IT!
Hi Heather – You are such a sweetheart, thank you! Hugs, Holly
Love how this turned out!
Hi Cathy – You are so sweet, thank you for sharing your kind words. I hope to see you again soon! Hugs, Holly
This is so fantastic! I want to make one right now for our cookies to Santa. I know my kids would love it. Thanks for sharing at the #MerryBlogmas link up party. Can’t wait to see what else you have to share 🙂
Hi Kati – Thank you for your sweet words – so glad you could stop by to say hello! I hope to see you again soon. Hugs, Holly
Hi Holly, I just love this tray! It’s such a cute makeover! Just letting you know I am featuring it tomorrow night on Best of the Weekend.
Hi Amy – WOO HOO!!! Thanks for the feature! Hugs, Holly
So lovely!! Perfect for Christmas!
I would love if you share it with us at the party we host each Tuesday at http://sweethings.net/two-uses-tuesday-57/
Hugs,
Pili
Hi Pili – Thank you for your kind words and invitation. Hope to see you again soon. Hugs, Holly
I think this tray is beyond adorable! What a create use of a really cute free printable too! 🙂 Merry Christmas!
Hi Erin – Thank you for stopping by to share your sweet comments. I hope to see you again soon. Happy holiday hugs, Holly
Beautiful DIY! I love how simple this is to do. Thanks for sharing! Stopping by from the Make It Pretty Monday party.
Hi Christine – Thanks so much! I love Kathryn’s party! Hugs, Holly
This is cute I’m thinking of making a tray for the season as well. Thanks for the inspiration and those awesome DIY tips.
Hi Carole – Thanks so much for stopping by to say hello! Hope to see you again soon. Hugs, Holly
$40.00 for the tray, wow.
Hi Nancy – In case you didn’t read the backstory of these creations…. Finding beauty in the broken. This item is a piece of a new collection which parallels my journey as a breast cancer survivor. While going through treatment, I was bald, missing part of my breast, and thrown into early chemical menopause. I was completely broken and my self-esteem was shattered. When I hit rock bottom, I had to pick myself up and redefine true beauty.
Each item in this collection is one-of-a-kind and handmade. They are pieces that were old, and/or rusted, and/or covered in dirt and cobwebs, and/or ready for the trash or landfill. They are the pieces that everyone else thinks are worthless and should be thrown away. With a little bit of creativity and a lot of love, I have resurrected these items into beautiful treasures.
Not only will you receive a unique piece that parallels a beautiful metamorphosis, it will also be a daily reminder to you of how beautiful and precious life is.
100% of the profits from this collection will be channeled into Pink Fortitude, LLC’s breast cancer awareness and advocacy program via book donations to cancer centers, awareness materials, and donations to The Tigerlilly Foundation and The Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation.
I certainly get what you’re saying. I’m in a different affordability level, not your target audience.
What a great idea! I am always telling my grandkids that I am Mrs. Claus. And I think Mrs. Claus needs a cookie tray!
This is adorable! I’ve already pinned this one and will be looking for a wooden crate to try my own!
Hi Tracey – Super cool! Thanks for pinning! It was fun to make, hope you enjoy. Hugs, Holly
This is such a wonderful upcycled project! Who wouldn’t want to eat delicious cookies served on such a gorgeous tray? Thanks for sharing your fantastic DIY with us at Merry Monday this week!
Hi Marie – You are so sweet, thank you and thank you for hosting! Hugs, Holly
I love that tray. It’s so cute!!! That was a great way to transform one of your extra trays!
Hi Midlife – You are so sweet, thank you! Hugs, Holly