17. Vintage Rhinestone-Adorned Velvet Jewelry Trays
What This Idea Means
Turn plain wooden or plastic serving trays into luxury vanity displays by lining the inner base with plush crushed velvet bordered by an intricate frame of upcycled vintage rhinestone jewelry and brass filigree.
How to Make It
- Prep Tray Frame: Sand and paint a low-profile wooden serving tray (10×14 inches) with black, dark plum, or gold lacquer paint.
- Upholster Base: Cut a piece of thin foam board to fit inside the tray bottom. Wrap it tightly with high-grade crushed velvet and slide it into the tray.
- Border with Jewelry: De-pin medium-to-small rhinestone brooches, clip earrings, and metal floral stampings.
- Adhere Inner Border: Glue the jewelry pieces in a continuous, interlocking border along the inside perimeter walls of the tray using E6000.
- Seal and Finish: Allow to cure for 24 hours. The soft velvet center holds perfume bottles and rings safely while framed by glittering vintage metalwork.
Tips & Variations
- Tip: Keep the central velvet surface clear of raised jewelry so perfumed bottles and ring dishes can stand flat without wobbling.
- Variation: Place a piece of clear cut glass over the velvet bottom if you prefer a wipe-clean tray surface.
What You Need
- Low-profile wooden serving tray
- High-grade crushed velvet fabric & foam board
- Assorted rhinestone earrings & brooch fragments
- Lacquer spray paint
- E6000 adhesive & utility knife