Learn how to make a shiplap inspired DIY French farmhouse tray from scratch, that you can use all over your home both for its aesthetics but also for its great functionality!
Hello, friends! Long time no seen, I hope thinks are going well for you and you are starting to enjoy some beautiful summer-ish days in your part of the world!
You know all those amazing farmhouse projects that you can see popping everywhere on Pinterest lately? I fell in love with farmhouse style for quite some time, but it started to grow more and more on me after watching Chip and Joanna’s Fixer Upper. You know that show, right? Chip is so funny! And Joanna’s style and aesthetics are truly impressive! I don’t think there was ONE Fixer Upper show I didn’t like! Are you with me? :) I’m always amazed by how easy it looks to create beautiful but also functional decor for your home.
Functional and beautiful is what I’m looking to gain here, my friends, so today I have a chic project for you, one that I’m sure you’ll love. It’s a DIY French Farmhouse Tray!
Yes, I’m showing you how to make a shiplap tray from scratch! :)
But before going into more details, let me tell you some super exciting news that I couldn’t wait to share with you today! Remember how I mentioned that I started a collaboration with Karen, from The Graphics Fairy? Well, let me tell you that I’m sharing today’s project as a contributor on her blog and I couldn’t be more excited about that! Karen has always been such an inspiration for me and her stunning French graphics have somehow managed to kindle my creativity!
So my post today is basically a teaser for the project I’m sharing on The Graphics Fairy. Make sure you head over there to get the instructions on making a DIY French Farmhouse Tray on your own, I have lots of step by step pictures that will guide you through the whole process.
I’ve included instruction on how to paint and distress the wood scraps, how to assemble the actual tray and how to transfer the image. But I’ve also included some tips and tricks for some final touches you need to consider and ideas on how to use the tray all around your home.
And speaking of ideas, I even included some tips for using the tray as a French shiplap sign, paired with some other decorative pieces I Frenchified a while ago.
There are so many possibilities when using this tray in your farmhouse, cottage, Shabby Chic or vintage inspired homes, all you have to do is style it with other decorative items that you may already have around!
Don’t forget to pin for later and share! ↷
I had so much fun creating this tray and I have to tell you that is definitely one of my favorite projects I made in a while. I hope you’ll love it too and you’ll decide YOU NEED to make one for your home as soon as possible! :) Don’t forget to head over to The Graphics Fairy for the step by step instructions and some ideas on how to use actually use the tray in your home. And don’t forget to download ‘la pièce de résistance’ – the French printable I’ve made for this project!
Don’t forget to smile,
Diana
If you make some projects inspired by any of my posts, don’t forget to link back to my blog, or hashtag them using #bydreamsfactory or tag me using @bydreamsfactory on Instagram. Have fun! :)
Disclosure: This post might contain affiliate links so you can easily find the products I love.
See more of my favorites {HERE}.
Sharing with lovely people at these awesome parties.
Paula Whitfill
Hi Diana,
Do I need a Krylon Clear Spray with a matte finish?
Thanks for this great project!
Diana / Dreams Factory
Hi Paula,
I love the idea of a matte finish when using decals, because you cannot see the border of the decals afterwards – I added more pictures on The Graphics Fairy, you can see the difference with and without the matte spray.
But this is a personal preference, you can also use a satin finish if you want.
Thanks for stopping by, I’m happy you like my tray! :)
Cindy Richter
This is gorgeous! I’ll hop on over to get the tutorial. It’s on my summer to do list!
Diana / Dreams Factory
Thank you, Cindy!
I hope you will give it a try, it’s such a beautiful decorative, but also practical thing to have around your home!
Sandy
Hey Diana; Love love love this tray!!! I am definitely going to make one. So glad to get your email today. I have missed getting them!!! Hope all is well with you and your family. Keep up with all the great ideas . Love your work!!!!
Diana / Dreams Factory
Hey Sandy, I’m super excited when I get comments like yours! Thank youuu so much, I really appreciate all your support! ♥
All well here, just going through some really busy times.
I hope you will make one tray for your home, I love how practical it is! Not to mention chic! :)
Gail Clark
Love this project but can’t find a link to download the printable decal. Thanks for all of your beautiful projects/
Diana / Dreams Factory
Hey Gail, you will have to go to The Graphics Fairy’s site to download the printable by following the clickable link at the end of the post – it’s the one in pink! :)
Diana / Dreams Factory
Hi Gail,
The pink link that I mentioned is on my blog, at the end of this post – the link will send you to The Graphics Fairy.
There you will have to find a blue link that says:
—-> Click HERE to Download the Full Size Printable PDF <—- Hope that helps!
Lynda Clark
one your farmhouse tray project. How do I print the decal? I can’t find the link for the printable. Thanks for all of your beautiful projects.
JaneEllen
Great tray with wonderful graphics. Couple years ago made tray very similar. Will go hunt it up tomorrow, sand and paint, then put graphics on. and handles. Don’t have decal paper, have no idea where to find it so will wing it.
This is great project, just in time for outdoor meals. Will be good tray to style, make vignette on.
Have great weekend
Diana / Dreams Factory
JaneEllen, I just LOVE giving a new look to old items now and then!
You should definitely do that with your old tray, a little bit of revamping didn’t hurt no one :)
If you can’t find decals where you live, you can try other image transfer techniques (like using a transfer gel or Mod Podge, etc.), even decoupage.
This tray is definitely great for using outdoors, but also for styling and making chic vignettes with!
Bring on the summer! :)
Diana
Hi Diana! I love this project SO much (and not just because we share the same name, lol). I’ll be featuring your project at our Vintage Charm link party this Thursday. Thanks for partying with us!!
Diana / Dreams Factory
Hey Diana, thank you so much for the feature, I’m really happy you like my project!
Having this name is finally starting to pay off??!! .. Hehe:)
Kerryanne at Shabby Art Boutique
Another absolutely gorgeous project Diana. Thank you for sharing it at Create, Bake, Grow & Gather this week. I’m delighted to be featuring it at tonight’s party and pinning too!.
Hugs,
Kerryanne
Diana / Dreams Factory
Thank you so much for sharing my project with your readers and for pinning it, Kerryanne!
Hope you have an amazing summer! ♥
michele
I’m also a French farmhouse fanatic, and your tray is absolutely beautiful. thanks for demystifying the process! Found you via the link party and would love to have you visit my blog and post here: http://www.hellolovelystudio.com/2017/06/come-enjoy-cupcakes-and-cocktails-in-my.html. PEACE TO YOU RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE.
Cecilia
Hi Diana, just wanted to let you know your beautiful farmhouse tray was selected as our Vintage Charm June Feature of the Month! Hope to see you at tomorrow’s party! Blessings, Cecilia
rosemarie
How does one say thank you” your willingness to share and give
great ideas to the average person like myself is heartfelt. . Yes i know this is your business
but….it still is appreciated and gratefully received.
Diana / Dreams Factory
Rosemarie, you have no idea how much I appreciate your message! ♥
Thank you so much, I’m really happy when people find inspiration in my projects, I hope you will give some of them (or all) a try! :)