I’ll be the first to admit there are times where I take something for granted. It could be just waking up or having a full meal. Do you take things for granted too? There’s also taking for granted items we may have lingering around our home that could serve a higher purpose. Take this thrifted gem, for instance. It’s made of steel, was cast-off for a few bucks, and now is about to become farmhouse platter art complete with a tutorial for you. woot!
While you might be scratchin’ your head about now, hang with me. I see potential in most everything, especially when someone has written it off as “junk”. To me, that’s called #trashure and can be made into something new for our home or as a gift.
GETTIN’ STARTED
While there are many ways you could go with this for any decor style, I’m focusing on a time-worn feel with a story. In order to do that, I’m layering and layering. First, I wipe down the tray with rubbing alcohol to get it ready for a base coat.
Then, in order for paint to adhere to the metal, you can use a metal primer such as this one I used.
Next, once the primer cures, I apply a wash coat of a white milk paint. However, to make it have texture, I use a spray bottle to wet the surface so it thins the paint and allows me to play with it. like in this dresser tutorial HERE.
Ready for more layers? I then take a stencil brush and use a gray paint and more spritzes of water to add a different dimension.
Last, I use my DIY decoupage mix to apply this art found here at The Graphics Fairy. In addition, you can see how I use decoupage in all these past projects.
Do you see a cutie peeking?
MOOVIN’ ON UP
Finally, here is my farmhouse platter art complete with a sweet Guernsey cow staged front and center. Isn’t she pretty?
If you notice above, I tore the paper so it didn’t have a blunt edge while resting in the platter. Plus, I also used a brown wax to age it and nab a dollar store picture display for a stand (I painted that too)
Obviously, I used a cow for this, but you could paint the platter any color, use any art. What would you have placed in it? Funny thing is my daughter’s came home from work the day I staged it and asked where I bought that cute cow art. tsk. They should know better, eh? {{wink, wink}}
If you’d like to make this part of your home story, you can find it and more in my online store.
SHARE
Let’s hear it! Leave some comment love down below as it’s YOU I aim to inspire. Also, pin and share to inspire others to get creative too.
Before you go, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter because up next is Trashy Treasures time with this thrifted box set.
Mary Burnett says
Impressed that you change your own vehicle fluids and your teaching your daughter to do the same. Old school gal. THIS IS GREAT !!!
Larissa says
Yes, I’ve always done my repairs inside and out (not just fluids). It takes time to learn but so worth it for many reasons.
Jill says
Love this farmhouse platter! So cute!
And kudos to your mechanic skills- I also have had to learn a few things along the way to help my kids out with vehicles, too.
Moms really have the most important job!!
Larissa says
Thank you, Jill. 😀 For me it’s important to know how things work whether you do it yourself or not. I’ve been taken once or twice by a repair shop and I could catch them in it.