How to Make the Perfect Valet Tray Father’s Day Gift from a Recycled Picture Frame

You are sure to wow Dad on his special day with this valet tray that is recycled from an old picture frame. You don’t even need the glass from the frame.

Here are the supplies that you’ll need:

• Picture frame—your choice of size; the opening on mine is 9½” x 7½”
• Felt
• Sandpaper—150 to 200 grit
• Acrylic paint
• Hot glue
• Liquid craft glue
• Patterned cardstock or fabric
• Felt or nylon pads

Let’s make a Father’s Day valet tray:

1. Remove the backing board and any hanging hardware from the back of the frame. Keep the backing board—you’ll need it later. Don’t worry if your frame is missing its backing board—we’ll deal with that later.
2. Sand the frame to rough up the finish so the paint will adhere. If  you’re using an unfinished frame, you can skip this step.
3. Paint the frame. You may need more than one coat of paint for adequate coverage. If so, let the coats dry thoroughly between applications.
4. If you need to make your backing board, measure the frame opening from the back. Imagine you are measuring a piece of glass for the frame. This will be the size for your backing board. Trace these measurements onto a sturdy piece of cardboard and cut it out. You could also use two or three thicknesses of cereal box glued together.
5. Now we’ll cover the backing board. Add 1½” to each of the backing board measurements. This will give you a rectangle with ¾” extra on each side. Center the backing board on the felt liner.
6. Cut diagonals at each corner. This minimizes the bulk at the corners making for a neater finish.
7. Use hot glue to glue the liner to the backing board. Work your way around the board, gluing short lengths as you go. Note: You can use liquid glue for this step, but you will need to clamp the liner in place until the glue dries. Binder clips make great clamps.
8. Replace the covered backing board in the frame with the felt side toward the front of the frame. (This photo shows the back of the frame!)
9. Measure the dimensions of the back of the frame. from edge to edge. Cut a piece of patterned cardstock to this size.
10. Brush liquid glue on the back of the frame—just on the frame, not the backing board. Position the cardstock on the back of the frame. Note: Liquid glue works best for this step because it allows time to make adjustments to the positioning of the cardstock.
    

    Finishing the Valet tray

    

11. Glue a felt or nylon pad to each corner of the valet tray to protect surfaces where it will rest.
12. Surprise Dad with the perfect valet tray for Father’s Day.