We’re so excited to have LeeAnn from Creative Moments as a guest blogger today! In this post, she’s showing us how to give a desk tray a second makeover, breathing new life into it using Ecru Chalk Mineral Paint and the stunning Moorish Tiles Decoupage Paper. With a little creativity and the right products, LeeAnn transforms this piece into something fresh and beautiful, proving that even well-loved items can get a whole new look. Let’s dive in and see how she worked her magic! 

(The following is an excerpt from Creative Moments. Read the full article here.)    

This tray that I previously reloved in soft green with cactus transfers did not sell. It was time for a second makeover in a more neutral color scheme. Hopefully this new color and design will find it a new home. 

Wooden tray painted with Ecru, with the Moorish Tiles decoupage paper sitting on a brown wooden table with a green potted plant behind it Before pic of mint colored wooden tray with cactus transfers applied to the inside sitting on a brown wooden table next to potted plants in white pots

Step 1: Clean

The first step in any makeover is cleaning with Dixie Belle’s White Lightning. Proper cleaning and prep are essential for a beautiful, long lasting makeover.

Step 2: Apply Paint

I chose the newly released ecru Dixie Belle Paint – a classic beige with warm, earthy undertones, making it a perfect neutral for any space paired with the also newly released moorish tiles rice decoupage paper. 

Mint colored tray sitting on a piece of newspaper with Moorish Tiles Decoupage Paper and a closed jar of Ecru Chalk Mineral Paint sitting inside of it

Dixie Belle Paint has such good coverage. This is one swipe of ecru paint with a medium flat synthetic brush.  

An open jar of Ecru Chalk Mineral Paint sitting inside of mint painted tray with the inside of the try partially painted

One coat applied and left to dry. A second coat was brushed on after a few hours. The tray was left to dry well overnight before the next step. 

Ecru painted tray sitting on top of a piece of newspaper with a jar of paint and paintbrush sitting to the right of the tray

Step 3: Apply Decoupage

While the paint was drying I cut the decoupage paper to size. I flip it over and cut with an exacto knife along a metal ruler for a crisp clean cuts. 

The Moorish Tiles decoupage paper sitting upside down on a table with a ruler over it and a hand holding a knife cutting the paper

The next day I affix the paper into the bottom of the tray using flat clear coat applied with my favorite 2″ mini synthetic brush.The clear coat is brushed on the tray bottom, the paper aligned in place then another coat of sealer over the paper as well as the edges inside and out. 

Ecru painted tray with the Moorish Tiles decoupage paper on the inside of the tray with an open jar of Clear Coat sitting above the tray and a hand holding a paint brush over the tray Ecru painted wooden tray with the Moorish Tiles decoupage paper in the center of it sitting on top of a table covered with newspaper with a closed jar of Clear Coat and a closed jar of Ecru Chalk Mineral Paint and a paint brush sitting next to the tray

A second coat was brushed over the paper, this time using satin clear coat for just a bit of shine on the “tiles”. 

Ecru painted wooden tray with Moorish Tiles decoupage paper applied to the inside of it sitting on a brown wooden table with a green potted plant to the left of it Ecru painted wooden tray with Moorish Tiles decoupage paper applied to the inside of it sitting on a brown wooden table. Ecru painted wooden tray with Moorish Tiles decoupage paper applied to the inside of it sitting on a brown wooden table with a green potted plant to the left of it

A big thank you to LeeAnn for sharing her process with us! 🌿✨ This desk tray makeover is a perfect example of how Ecru Chalk Mineral Paint and Moorish Tiles Decoupage Paper can refresh and update a piece. We hope this inspires you to try out a new project! For another easy home decor project by Creative Moments, check out our blog, Decoupage Paper Repurposed Gift Basket. 

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