Arts and Crafts Project: Make a Vanity Tray from a Picture Frame

Materials
8x10 inch gilded picture frame
1 piece of felt that covers the entire back of the picture frame
Epoxy glue or Drill
Hot glue gun
2 matching drawer pulls
8x10 inch beveled mirror (optional)

Instruction
You can make an elegant vanity tray out of a gilded picture frame.  I have come across many beautiful, gilded picture frames with embossed flowers, fleur-de-lis, and even cherubs, but the designs on the picture frames have always seemed a bit pretentious for an every day photo.  However, for a boudoir style vanity tray, a gilded picture frame is perfect. 

Choose an 8x10 inch solid wood gilded picture frame without an easel or a picture frame that has an easel that is easily removed or detached.  You can purchase picture frames from a variety of places including craft stores like Michael's and Hobby Lobby, discount stores like Wal-Mart and Target, dollar stores like Dollar General or even your neighborhood garage sale.  

The beauty of picture frames is the endless variety and styles available from which to choose.  If you find a solid wood picture frame that you love in the wrong color, keep in mind that you can always paint over it.  Hardware stores like Lowe’s and craft stores like Hobby Lobby have small painting kits that include metallic colored paints and glazes.

Use your creativity when deciding what to put behind the glass of the picture frame.  A mirror that fits inside the picture frame looks elegant as part of the gilded picture frame vanity tray.  Remove the glass in the picture frame, and replace it with the mirror.  The mirror will add light and sparkle to the picture frame vanity tray and reflect whatever pretty things is placed on top of it.  You can purchase beveled mirrors from Michael's that fit in standard size picture frames.