Difficulty: Intermediate
Here is a great gift idea if you have to give gifts to a whole family. Instead of giving individual gifts to each family member give a gift basket to the whole family instead.
Keep in mind the ages of the kids and the family’s interests. I decided to make a movie night gift basket. To make the gift extra special you can fill a tray instead of a basket. Then they can use the tray after they have used all of the gift.
You can personalize the tray for the family by painting it and adding their last initial in a decorative font. Try following along as I show you how to do a crackle finish and add a script font in the middle of the tray.
Supplies
Unfinished wood tray (available at most craft stores)
Paint (black and an accent color)
Sand paper
Painters tape
White School glue
Computer print out of Letter in font of choice (I used 400 point font)
Gift basket essentials (dvds, movie theatre box candy, popcorn, hot chocolate, mugs, cozy socks, pizza gift card etc.)
Clear cellophane
Ribbon
Take tray and remove the label from the bottom and sand any rough edges.
Paint the top, bottom, sides and edges with the black paint.
Once the black paint has dried tape off the edges with painters tape and apply a layer of glue with a paint brush.
Then immediately apply the accent paint color over top of the glue.
As the paint and glue dry the paint will start to crackle.
After 20 minutes
After 40 minutes
Once the paint and glue has dried it is time to paint the initial in the middle.
Take a pencil and scribble on the back of the computer print out making sure to completely cover the back of the letter.
Then flip the paper over and place in the center of the tray and trace the outline of the letter with the pencil.
The pencil from the back of the paper will transfer to the tray.
Using a thin paint brush paint the letter with black paint.
Once the tray is dry you can seal it with a spray sealer or leave it as is. (depending on whether it will be a decoration or a functional tray)
Take gift items and arrange on the tray. Fill mugs to make room for other items on the tray. Wrap the tray with clear cellophane and tie with a bow.
If you don’t have a very steady hand for detail painting you can use a stencil or try a shape instead of a letter, such as a deer or pine tree.
I have to say that I would be very happy to receive this gift and I’m sure my gift recipients will enjoy this gift as well.
Happy Painting!