School just let out for summer. I can taste the cool lemonade and hear splashing at the pool as we speak. Once we get into the lazy days of summer, well in theory, that means the Fourth of July is just around the corner. I love all of the red, white, and blue that accompanies a fun Fourth. I decided to make a star shaped tray to help display some fun decorations or utensils for our table. Of course I could have made a rectangular tray but that would be sensible. Where is the fun in that? I first shopped around to see if I could find any star shaped trays that I could add my own touches to. I only found a few sets that ranged from $55- $150. Um, no.
Well, that settled things. I would just have to make my own star tray without all of the right tools or know how. What could go wrong? I figure that I could just call it “rustic” and then all the imperfections are adding character instead of flaws. It’s all in how you word things. I broke this project up into a few days to let glue, caulking and paint dry.
Supply List
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Scissors
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Star template
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Permanent marker
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Pencil
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Ruler
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Protractor
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Large piece of paper
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2′ x 2′ mdf panel board
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2-3 Poplar wood strips .25″x 2.5″x 48″
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Wood glue
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Small nails, I used #18 x 5/8 in. wire brads
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Circular saw
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Cut off saw/miter saw
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Eye protection
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Ear protection
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Electric drill
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¼ ” drill bit
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220 grit sand paper, or close to that
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Masking tape
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Caulking, I used an all purpose waterproof sealant
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Old towel/drop cloth/newspaper
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Martha Stewart Crafts multi-surface chalkboard clear finish
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DecoArt Americana Decor Chalky Finish in the color: Honor
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Valspar Chalky Finish Paint in color: Her Dainties
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Paint brush
Instructions:
Step 1:
Print off this free quilt pattern for a star ornament, and either enlarge it with your printer, or use a projector. I used a projector. First, I traced three mason jars grouped together in the center of my large paper. I wanted the star template large enough to accommodate the mason jars once it was made. Next, tape the paper onto the wall and used the small printed quilt pattern with a projector to enlarge it to the desired size. Roughly trace the star pattern with the pencil, being sure to mark each angle with a distinct dot. Alternately, use the printer to enlarge the star to the desired size. My star template was roughly 17 inches wide.
Step 2:
First, use a permanent marker to connect the dots and points to make a star template on the paper. Cut out the paper star pattern and place it near the corner of the mdf panel board. Next, use the permanent marker to put a dot on all of the corners and points. Finally, use the ruler to connect the dots to form a star outline in permanent marker on the mdf.
Step 3:
Use the ¼ inch drill bit with your drill as close as you can to the corners of the star. This will make cutting the star easier without cutting too far with your circular saw. I would prefer to use a jigsaw for this step, but I don’t have one. I work with what I got, you know?
Step 4:
Put on your eye protection and ear protection, and read the instructions before using the circular saw. Use the circular saw to cut out the star. Start from the outside point and cut in towards the inside corner where the hole is drilled. Repeat this process until all of the sides are cut out. Mine was not perfect. If it was perfect then it wouldn’t be rustic. Wink, wink.
Step 5:
Sand the edges of the star to help smooth them out. Use the protractor to measure the angles of the inside corners and the points. Use the pencil to gently write the angles on the mdf at each corner and point. This was my worst corner and I ended up trying to make it sharper by sanding it down a bit. The sanding was after this picture was taken. Say it with me…Rustic.
Step 6:
Divide the angle measurements in half. These will be the angle of the cuts you make in the poplar wood strips. I started with the inside angle of 64° and divided it in half to get 32° for my cut. Draw with the pencil on the edge of the wood strip which way the angle is supposed to be. Write with the pencil on the edge of the star and the edge of the wood strip to match up where each strip goes. Also draw an arrow pointing towards the center of the star so you have a direction of orientation for the wood strip. I didn’t measure how long the sides needed to be. I held the wood up against the star and marked where the cut needed to be with the pencil. Then I cut it at the correct angle, mostly.
Step 7:
Before attaching the sides of the tray to the base, sand the rough part of the cut edges and paint. I used the DecoArt Americana Decor Chalky Finish in Honor for the base. Once that dried I applied two coats of the Martha Stewart Crafts multi-surface chalkboard clear finish and let it cure for 24 hours. Use whatever colors or stains you want. This is your project, do what makes you happy. For the sides, I used the Valspar Chalky Finish paint in Her Dainties. I did not paint the labeled sides of the base or the tray sides. I needed those markings visible in order to match them later.
Step 8:
Once all of the paint is dry, you can attach the sides to the base. The plan was to drill a pilot hole with the smallest drill bit to aid in the nails driving in straight. Unfortunately, the drill bit would not stay secure in the drill. Plan B: drive the nails part way into the tray walls near the base. I used three nail per side. Then add wood glue to the star base where the tray side will attach. Line up the edges to keep the tray lying as flat as possible once attached. Hammer in the nails. Continue this pattern with all of the edges until you have worked your way all around the star perimeter. Wipe off any excess glue. Let the wood glue dry completely.
TIP: I attempted to use the clamps to hold the wood together. Nope. They just shot off each time I tried to clamp things. That was fun. I ended up using masking tape to keep pressure on the joints while things dried.
Step 9:
Once the wood glue has dried, use the clear caulking to run a bead around the cracks of all the joints. Smooth out with your finger. Let it cure overnight. Finally, caulk the underside of the tray the following day and let it cure.
Step 10:
Use the white chalk paint to paint over the cracks and touch up any marks made to the surface. It needs to look good before you take sand paper to it and distress it. Ha ha! I painted the bottom of the tray at this time. This covers up any pencil marks, too. Perfect!
Step 11:
Once the paint was dry I lightly distressed the white part with sand paper. I sanded outside to avoid cleaning up the dust inside. Clever girl! I used chalk to write on the center of the base for decoration.
Well, there you have it. A rustic star shaped tray that you made yourself. This star tray will be great for any patriotic holiday, for Christmas, or even for other celebrations like birthdays. Fill it with mason jars of goodies, small vases of flowers, candles, mason jars of utensils, you name it. With the chalkboard finish, the message can change to fit the occasion.
I did learn that having the right tools for the job would make things much easier and precise. I also learned that you can make do with what you have, especially for projects where precision is not critical. It’s all a learning experience. The best part is that most of these materials were things that I had from previous projects. I just bought the mdf paneling for under $4, the wood strips ( I only used 2) for $4.17 each, and the clear caulking for $6.98 (there is plenty left for other projects). The total cost sure beats the $150 star shaped trays I saw online. Trying new things and creating unique pieces is not only a great way to learn, but it is an awesome way to make a house a home. 💙
Please share your creations!
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I would love to see what people put in their star trays or more pictures in the future of it being used for other occasions.
Thank you for your comment. I will definitely incorporate this tray for more occasions and will post some ideas. I would love to see the star tray with a colorful floral arrangement! I would be thrilled to see others post their star trays and ideas for incorporating it in their tabletop decor.
Turned out so cute! I definitely like the chalkboard bottom so it can be used for multiple holidays or celebrations.
Thank you! I thought the chalkboard base would be a nice touch for adding some versatility. The last thing I need is another decoration that only gets pulled out once a year. I figure I am not alone in that department.