Make a Button Tray

A $1.99 round teak tray is easy to convert to a unique button tray. Great for a gift to a friend with a new home, a shower gift or a birthday gift. Wrap it up with a bottle of wine for the perfect gift.

Step 1: Measure and Mark

Measure and mark the center of the tray with four pencilled dots to look like the holes in a button.

Comments

[dannydraait]

LOVE it! So simple yet it looks like it came from a designer shop. I definitely are gonna use your idea. I just got the same idea as jessyratfink :)

[deofthedead]

Okay, my mom's birthday isn't until July, but I -so- know what I'm making for her now. She loves buttons, and she loves trays. It's got her name all over it! You rock. <3 5/5 for such a simple, delightful project.

[modhomeecteacher]

Be sure to clamp the button down onto a piece of wood and WATCH OUT for the big circle drill bit--it jumps when you first turn the drill on. I just did another "button tray and the bit jumped and chewed up my thumb a little. OUCH!!!

[deofthedead]

-Ouch!- That is no fun. I'll be sure to watch out for that, then! Thanks a lot, and here's hoping you heal quickly.

[sensoryhouse]

You sure like to make huge buttons.

[modhomeecteacher]

The button pillow is just a knockoff of a pillow made by a home products company in Europe. I wanted to show others how they could do the same. :) Thanks for the comment.

[crampedyogapositions]

wow... nice idea. i think that im going to make allot of these and have a stand holder for them to....know now what my cristmass present to other people coulde be. one question ? how would you curve the surface of the wood to keep it from being flat? or did you just buy the tray that way?

[modhomeecteacher]

The tray was just like that. You can make adjustments depending upon the shape you find.

[wupme]

Ok the drillbit aint a problem for me, i got about 3-4 sets of those (use them pretty often). But where can i get such a tray? I've looked in all stores i suspected to have one, no luck here :( Somebody knows a german online supplier for such a tray? I really want a button tray :)

[modhomeecteacher]

Now do I have to come over there and take you around to Goodwill stores? Ha. I didn't even know what I was going to do with it when I bought it. I was on one of my binges buying up teak trays, all sizes one week at Goodwill. Just keep your eyes open. I saw one similar (way overpriced) at Target. What do you call those drillbits? Hey, if I find a tray, I'll contact you to see if you want it.

[wupme]

Those things are called "hole saw" or "core drill" The last one is usually used for the real big ones (1 feet in diameter and more). The first ones usually come in a set where you got a big base with the drill in it, and then you add the saw of the size you need. But you can also get those "one size" ones, like the one in your pictures. The one size ones are usually for a special purpose, like for mounting plugs and switches into the wall where you only need one size. And they are stronges, yo you can use them on concrete and stuff. The changable size ones are usually for softer Material like wood or plexi.

[fwjs28]

very creative 5/5

[modhomeecteacher]

Thanks for your nice comment.

[fwjs28]

your welcome, although, i must ask about the practicality of the holes...

[modhomeecteacher]

They aren't big enough for items to fall through, except crumbs maybe. hehe

[fwjs28]

ah, i see...i didnt really look at the last pic, just a quick glance and saw it was awesome :P

[scoochmaroo]

LURV it!

[modhomeecteacher]

Thanks so much. It was sooo easy.

[roccopeterbilt]

Where did you manage to find that tray for only $1.99? Is it really teak?

[modhomeecteacher]

Yes, there's a tag on the back. Goodwill, baby!

[lukethebook333]

Great idea! It's unique, easy to do, and elegantly simple. keep up the good work!

[modhomeecteacher]

Thanks for your comment. It's those simple projects that turn out the best, don't you think?

[eygen]

That's perfect! Sadly, I don't have a drill like that, but I think I can manage to borrow one. Thanks!

[modhomeecteacher]

It's just that weird drill bit used, I think, for drilling out holes for door locks.

[fritsie123]

You could even add some thick rope to simulate thread for a truly unique piece of decoration.

[modhomeecteacher]

True, or even pretty ribbons. For the tray, I wanted to keep it embellishment free. Thanks for your comment.

[jessyratfink]

Very cute! These could also be made in varying sizes and colors and hung on a sewing room wall! :D

[modhomeecteacher]

I know. Keeping my eyes peeled at Goodwill for more bargain trays. Thanks for the comment. I love your projects BTW.