Nice to virtually meet you! I'm Paige from Little Nostalgia, and I'm so excited to be posting here! A big thanks to Gail for having me over, so to speak. Today I'll be showing you an easy DIY project you can tackle this weekend. Say hello to the vintage yardstick tray!
If you only have a few yardsticks, you may want to make a Yardstick Biz Card Holder.
This is one of my all time favorite pieces. It's cool and kind of unusual, but still functional. I haven't hosted any wine and cheese nights since I made it, but you better believe it's making an appearance at the next one.
Supplies
- a tray
- vintage yardsticks or rulers
- spray paint
- wood glue
- a small saw
First, gather your yardsticks and/or rulers. When I was casing estate sales and thrift stores for mine, I tried to find ones that were similar in color, but you don't have to:
Next, use one of the yardsticks to measure your tray. Once you've found the length, it's time to start cutting. Because this project has so few cuts and uses thin material, it's great for people who are new to using tools, or who live in the city (like me!) and don't have a yard or garage for big power tools.
Here's the saw I used instead:
Cut down however many pieces of yardstick you need, depending on the size of your tray. After you've double checked your slicing skills to make sure everything fits, it's time to bust out the spray paint!
Before...
After!
You can do any color you want; I went with Krylon's oil-rubbed bronze. The can says I can handle the tray after an hour, but I'm paranoid and like to let things sit overnight. So that's what I did.
When it's fully dry, grab your yardsticks and glue them into place. I used my trusty Gorilla Glue, but any kind of wood adhesive will be fine. Again, I let it sit overnight with a heavy book on top of it, just to be safe. And that's it! Yardstick tray: complete.
Now you have a fun conversation piece to use at your next get-together. Have you ever made anything out of old yardsticks/rulers? Or revamped an old tray?
If you have a thrift store tray that needs an update, you could always paint it and trace a cool design on it like Maryann did with her navy tray. Maryann definitely knows the power of paint!
Trays are so handy for decor and more, don't you think?
gail
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Renee
Super idea!! Where do you find your yardsticks? I can't find any around here.
Gail Wilson
Renee,
I have a booth at a "resale" mall type place. You know, unmanned booths with a central checkout. There are a lot of "junk" booths that sell the most random stuff cheap! I think a lot of the items are storage unit buyouts.
I rarely go to anything like goodwill anymore.
Good luck!!
gail
Pam
This is really neat. Nice job
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Thanks Pam!
I hope all is well with you. Are you like me, ready for some cooler weather?
gail
Michele @ The Scrap Shoppe
What a great upcycle! Adding this to my list of favorite projects. 🙂
ArchippoRizzo
Hi, this blog is really instructive. I would like to know more about this.
pallet racking
Chase the Star
Love it Paige!! I needed an idea for a tray this just might be it!! Thanks for sharing!
Barbara '@ chase the star
Just Stuff From a Boomer
What a cute idea. Now yard sticks are on my flea market list.
Rose
Paige did a wonderful job with this! Thanks for sharing.
Pam
Gail...I love that. It is just so cute. Thanks for sharing.
Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures
Love this! Old yardsticks are always on my treasure hunting list. Very nice.
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
that is too cute! i love it ! love the use of yardsticks!
Paige @ Little Nostalgia
Thanks, Gail! I loved popping over for a guest post! 🙂
I Play Outside The Box
Love the tray...had to go check out the 'Little Nostalgia'. Fabulous mirror makeover she has posted there too. Thanks for sharing this great 'makeover artist'.
Sandi @ The Primitive Skate
Love it!
Proper Prim
Sweet... love it. I have a lot of "old" yardsticks but I don't know if I have the heart to cut them up.
I already have the tray so I will be on the lookout now for some newer ones... love this idea.
Hugs, Deb
allenaim photography and design
total cuteness!
Mugwhy
Love, Love, Love it. I'm off to find some old rulers. I've seen them from time to time, at op shops, but couldn't think what to do with them. Problem solved. Cheers.
Susan
Love it!