Upcycled Cookie Sheet Christmas Sign

Don't toss that old metal cookie sheet.

Instead, give it a quick makeover and turn it into a festive Christmas sign to decorate your holiday home.

Well hello friends!

It's almost Christmas and that means I'm in the middle of a giant crafting frenzy.

Frank, Andy and Nat King Cole are cued up on Spotify.

My cottage is filled with paint, decoupage and thrifted items that need a good holiday makeover.

And I am ready for all of it.

Now, if you've been following me for a while...and I mean a while...this tray might look familiar to you. You see, I originally shared it in 2018.

Way back then, it was just an old cookie sheet. One that had been used, and abused, for so many years, that I decided to retire it. 

However, not being one to throw anything away, I upcycled it and turn it into a serving tray. 

It was a simple spray paint makeover that I dreamt about using at parties, to offer guests some decadent holiday treats while wearing my pearls and a festive apron.

In reality though, that tray has spent the last 5 years hiding underneath my couch. Collecting dust. 

So this year, I decided it deserved better. 

It needed another makeover...which isn't an unusual occurrence around here. I often update my DIYs, transform them into something totally different or simply turn them over and decorate the back.

Double the fun. Wouldn't you say?

Speaking of fun, I'm excited to share that today you'll be getting 17x the amount, because it's the Amazing Creators Blog Hop, where a bunch of my talented friends and I are sharing some of our most fabulous Christmas ideas.

From decorating and crafty DIYs, to gift ideas and recipes, you're bound to be inspired. So stick around after my tray makeover to check out all the holiday ideas. 

But first, let's get back to that poor neglected tray, shall we?

DIY Cookie Sheet or Tray Christmas Sign 

First things first, you don't need a tray to make this project. You can start with an old cookie sheet, paint it and move on from there.

If you do want a cookie sheet tray you can go back and visit the link above for that tutorial.

Also, this idea will work equally well on any piece of scrap wood or metal you happen to have on hand. 

Supplies:

Directions:

Now, this is a simple process, there's really nothing tricky about it, especially since I used rice paper rather than napkins. Rice paper is so much sturdier.

It doesn't wrinkle, bubble or tear as easily as napkins do, plus there's a little bit of wiggle room to move it about if you need to reposition it.

I think it works well on larger projects. For example:

 This Cake Stand Makeover
 My unfinished Footed Crate 
 A yard sale Trinket Box Transformation
 And these Crafty Cottage Style Christmas Trees


For this DIY I started by wiping my tray down to make sure there wasn't any dust or debris that would get caught in the decoupage.

Next, I removed the outside edging from my sweet sheep pattern.

Then I added some Dixie Belle Satin Sealer with a foam brush to the tray. I made sure to cover an area at least as large as my paper, since I didn't want the edges to peel up.


I know I've said it before, but I don't like Mod Podge. It smells bad and gets tacky. Dixie Belle's is a furniture grade sealer, so it's got staying power, and it won't yellow over time.

But you can use whatever decoupage medium you like. There are a tons of brands out there and you can even make your own.

Or you could use the iron on decoupage technique like I did when I made my tile coasters. It's worth a peek if you don't love sticky fingers. 

When my tray was covered, I placed those sheep smack in the center of it. I did it by eye, because I'm a lazy crafter and I don't mind a rustic, imperfect look.


If you're more particular about your crafting, I suggest you use a ruler to map out the placement before you get started.

To smooth out any wrinkles and make sure my rice paper was truly set in place, I slipped my hand into a plastic bag so it would glide over the top of the decoupage, without getting tacky or damaging the design.


As I said, rice paper is pretty sturdy, but it's still delicate when wet and there's no need to take chances.

When it was completely smooth, I added more sealer on top of the paper, again, paying close attention to the edges. I also coated the entire tray, not only the papered areas, since I wanted the finish to be uniform.


Then I set it aside to dry while I made a basic bow. I looped the ribbon around the handle and tied it like I would my shoes. You could use a bow maker for larger, more elaborate bow if you wish. 

I draped the rest of the long, curly ribbon over the corner of the tray and added a teeny spot of hot glue to anchor it in place. 

The remaining length of the ribbon just fell into a puddle at the base of my new metal Christmas sign when I propped it up on the mantel.

Next to my sentimental Frankenpot.


Where it looks fantastic. A perfectly charming Christmas accessory in my rustic cottage living room.

Of course, when it's not decorating my holiday home, it's ready for actual service.

It's sealed, so while it's not food safe, I could put plates on it or crystal glasses filled with champagne.


I'd just remove the ribbon.

Or, better yet, I could leave it for a little extra flair. 

You know, to go with those pearls.

And my fancy Christmas apron.

Before I tuck that tray back under the couch again.

Until next Christmas.

And its next makeover.

😉

What are you crafting this Christmas? 

And now, my friends, it's time to hop. So don't disappear.

Put on some holiday tunes of your own, grab a candy cane and start clicking to check out all the Amazing Creators!!