Decoupaged Memorabilia Tray

Perhaps this isn't what YOU would necessarily pick for displaying momentos, but, I wanted to do something a tad out of the ordinary to show you other possibilities for displaying little bits and pieces of life that mean so much.

My husband starting smoking cigars right around the time we started dating.  Sure, he had smoked an occasional cigar in college, but after landing his first "real job" he discovered the tobacconist that quickly became his friend.  He gained quite an education that first year?and tried to teach me along the way. I'm still not used to that stinky habit!

Still, it means a lot to him.  Every cigar that was given to him for a birth, event, or smoked in an evening with friends, the night he proposed to me, when we closed on our very first house, or even the quiet night he smoked a cigar alone after the birth of our child, he'd slip the band off, stick it in his pocket and eventually they landed in a cigar box all jumbled up.

The tray above was made using a sampling of his favorite cigars smoked, or, selected from his most special occasions.  He can still tell you when, where and why each one was smoked and the tray is one of his favorite things displayed in his den.

I guess this is one of my favorite projects because it is so hard to craft something men that they will actually like, keep, and display.

So whatever memorabilia you choose, remember, you can display it creatively.  It doesn't always have to go into a scrapbook or frame.  Try this technique for decorating your surroundings, where, at a glance, you instantly remember all the little moments that make up your life.

Truly, it is one of life's little pleasures?

You'll Need:

• Paint for base coat (background color): I used black for this project
• Paint pen: I used gold
• Memorabilia
• Serving Tray or other "found" item
• Crafter's Pick Craqueleur Collage Gel
• Crafter's Pick Craqueleur Art Sealer

Tools Needed:

• Newsprint for protecting work surfaces
• Scissors
• Sponge brushes
• Sponge

Instructions:

1. Cut memorabilia to desired shape and size; set aside. Use sponge brush to paint two coats of paint on both sides of tray; allow to dry in between coats. Outline rim of tray with paint pen.
2. Spread a thin layer of collage gel on both sides of memorabilia using your fingers or a clean brush and press art gently onto tray. Use a moist sponge or damp fingertips to smooth out air bubbles and remove any excess gel. Allow to dry.
3. Finish by painting the entire surface, front and back, with Art Sealer. Allow each side to dry thoroughly before coating the next. Repeat with second coat if desired.

by Kelley R. Taylor for CreatingHomeDecor