DIY tray + a free workshop!

Halifax-area readers: Be sure to read through to the bottom for information on an amazing FREE workshop I'll be giving in May.

Trays are great for corralling small items on your kitchen or bathroom counter to make everything look tidier, but they’re also useful for, duh, carrying stuff around!

I recently came up with a simple design for a solid wooden tray, since I actually didn’t own a single tray that could actually be used as a mobile tray. It costs about $10 to build but it looks much more expensive. Wouldn’t it be perfect for breakfast-in-bed? (Important reminder: Mother’s Day is May 12.)

OK, tray time! I started by measuring and cutting two 17-inch pieces of 1×2 pine for the sides of the tray. Then I cut two 9-3/4-inch pieces of 1×2 pine for the ends.

If you’re keeping track, that’s two 17-inch pieces and two 9-3/4-inch pieces for a total of 53-and-a-half-inches — a little less than four-and-a -half feet of 1×2, so you’ll be fine buying a six-foot board …

Want to build this tray yourself? This week, there are three options!

1.Continue reading in my weekly DIY column, My Handmade Home …

Did I mention I also made a hockey-themed tray that you can actually play a game of hockey on???

2. Sign up for my FREE in-person workshop where we’ll build one together. It’s set for Friday, May 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at RONA in Bedford Place Mall. Registration is free, and all materials are included. Visit
https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/rona-event/ to reserve your spot!

3. Pin this project and come back to it later when you’re ready to build!