Friday, June 24, 2011

Like a Tea Tray

Twinkle, twinkle little bat

How I wonder what you’re at

Up above the world you fly

Like a tea tray in the sky…

I thought starting the morning with a little Alice in Wonderland quote might make your day go better!

I found this little piece at a garage sale. I don’t know for sure that it is an actual “tea tray,” but that’s all I can think of when I see those cute little wheels.

(edited to add: OK, from some of your comments, now I know it was a "rolling TV cart." Ugh, how UN-romantic! It's a tea cart now anyway!)

tea tray

I decided to try my hand at the harlequin pattern. I painted the whole piece white, and then I measured the length of the tray and divided it evenly into 8 sections. I “connected the dots” and taped off my diamonds (using a razor blade to cut the excess tape). Then I sprayed the whole piece with green, and peeled off my tape diamonds.

teatray 017

It looked pretty nice all freshly painted, but the colors were just too bright for me! So, after a lot of distressing and glaze…

tea cart

…I have something that looks a little worn with time and use.

Oh, but didn’t I call it a “tea tray”?

…Won’t you please join me for a summer snack?

tea cart

I’ll get out my best silver…

tea tray

I might find some napkins in the house (but probably not)…

teatray 023

Come play with me!

teatray 024

This piece will be available for sale at Bella’s Vintage Market at Wheeler Farms (Salt Lake City) on July 9! “Like” them on Facebook for $1 off admission.

This project was featured on Photobucket

Linking up to these great parties here.


31 comments:

Cassie Bustamante said...

sooo cute! yes, the distressing and glaze totally bring it to life!

Full Circle Creations said...

Love the tea tray especially after the distressing. And love the post. You definitely put a smile on my face! I bet you are working hard to get ready for vintage market sale! Good luck! I know they'll be standing in line! I know I would be if I lived closer!

Holly

Isabel said...

It looks great! I would definitely have that in my house!

Carol said...

I love the new look completely! I really really love that shade of green.

Anonymous said...

This looks great! It's amazing what a difference the glaze/distressing can make. And yes, I believe my day will be a little cheerier, what with that great quote and all. :)

Ido said...

I love it, amazing what paint can do with old pieces, the accessories are just perfect for an afternoon tea.
Have a great day!
XXX Ido

Mellodee said...

Whatever you call it or use it for, it turned out beautifully! Very creative.

But just for historical accuracy, I'm pretty sure its original purpose was a moveable TV cart. (That's why it is low, to put the TV at viewing height.) I don't remember exactly when they began to be popular, but I'm pretty sure it was in the mid-1960s sometime. This kind of thing was the beginning of the "entertainment unit" evolution.

Your redo is much more attractive!

Charlotte said...

Beautiful tray and you did a super job of painting it.....I would have driven myself crazy trying to measure and paint the harlequin pattern....Good job.

A Vie Renouvele said...

Yep, it's a TV Cart. I just finished one myself for my shop. Love your Blog and all your creativity!

Sue@Uniquely Chic said...

You are so crazy creative and inspirational!!!

Kim @ A Brush of Whimsy said...

I love the distressing and the glazing!

Honey at 2805 said...

Your did a lovely job on the teacart. Pretty vignette!

Karen said...

Wow! that looks amazing. I love the finish and the color, the design on top is the icing on the cake.

The Painted Parlor said...

love! it definitely looks like a tea cart now!! ;)

Julie

bj said...

I LOVE IT...and I think I had one just like it back in the 80's, with my tv on it. I sure do wish I had it back now. Yours is adorable.

Anonymous said...

I love this tray, the colour you used is just adorable on it!!

Julia @ 551Eastdesign said...

That's really gorgeous, and I love the mini tutorial on the harlequin pattern:)

Sam Findlay said...

Wow what a transformation! This looks absoutely brilliant!

Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommy said...

Gorgeous! I would love it if you would link up to my Tuesday Confessional link party going on now: http://www.craftyconfessions.com/2011/06/tuesday-confessional-link-party.html. I hope to see you soon!
~Macy

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

Great job Korrie. Adding the harlequin pattern really took it over the top fabulous. Love it.

Unknown said...

WOW! My taped off shapes never look that nice when they are done. It is so cute - and functional. I'm voting for tea cart over tv cart - LOL.

April@MySacredSojourn said...

What an improvement over the original stain! I love what you've done...and who cares if it was a tv cart? It's just beautiful now! :)

foreverdecorating said...

Wow, love the color and the harlequin painted top.

gail@My Repurposed Life said...

korrie! it's so awesome! you really did a great job.
You make painting a harlequin pattern sound so easy! hahah I must be really mathematically challenged.
gail
ps catching you!

Kim said...

Stunning! I just love anything harlequin.
xoxo,
Kim

Pam said...

Great job. I love it.

Deborah March said...

Oooohhh this is FABULOUS!! I've been itching to try my hand at a harlequin piece, and your tea trolley has SO inspired me!

Beverly@southernhomesweethome said...

That is a wonderful piece! I love it.

Marg @ I Dream of Martha said...

I just found your site the other day Korrie, and I absolutely adore you. You are so talented. I can't wait to try projects like yours for myself! I've just bought a small table on kijiji..I can't wait! :)

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Hi Korrie! I just read that you are a harlequin fan and I had to come over and see what you've been doing. I love this tray table and your harlequin design came out fantastic! I'm not as confident as you {plus, I'm a bit of a shaky person} so I've been sticking with stencils.

Mandy said...

I love this little "tea cart"! Beautiful job. Harlequins are my fav.
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