The Dollar Tree Hack To Create A Beautiful Woven Tray From Tumbling Blocks

A woven tray can be a cute way to decorate your home. You can use it as a stand to display holiday decorations or in the bathroom as a place to put a soap dispenser. No matter how you choose to use it in your home, a tray will likely come in handy at some point. A quick visit to Dollar Tree will help you get started on this project!

On your next trip to the Dollar Tree, pick up some tumbling tower game blocks. For this project, you will need 117 blocks, so make sure to pick up two sets. You will also need 48 of the Crafters Square Wood Craft Cubes, so grab two packages of these as well. This Super Glue Wood Glue will also come in handy.

When it comes to making this project, MinWax Wood Filler and Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer are must-haves, but you will have to go to the hardware store, art store, or Amazon to find them. If you end up with extra Mod Podge, you may want to consider these creative ways to use decoupage in your home! Pinstriping tape and FolkArt Antiquing Wax are also good to have on hand if you want to replicate the project exactly as is. Once you have gathered your supplies, you will be ready to craft!

Start this project by laying out your blocks on a flat surface. You can create a woven design that matches Medicated Housewife DIY's in the video, or you can create your own pattern. Just keep in mind when planning your design that not all of your wood will be uniform. Use the wood glue to glue the pieces together. Let this completely dry before flipping your project around. The flat side will be the project's top. Fill in any gaps between the wood blocks with the wood filler, and let this dry, too.

Once completely dry, sand the top surface of the tray. Using some hot water and instant coffee, this creator stained the top of her design, but you could use a different color stain you already have on hand or some acrylic paint. Just make sure to be careful with your sander, or else you may leave lines and swirl marks on your wood. She then outlines each wood block in the pinstripe tape and paints the smaller cubes darker with the antique wax. These design elements create a unique look but are certainly not required. After you are completely happy with the project's look, seal it with the Mod Podge to protect your tray.

Finally, using eight extra tumbling tower blocks, you can create feet for your tray to prevent it from rocking due to the different size blocks. Glue two blocks together to create an L shape, stain the blocks, seal them, and then glue them to the bottom of the tray. This tray would make an excellent companion to other decorative trays, like this old cabinet door repurposed as a decorative serving tray.