Transform a Dollar Tree tray and calendar into farmhouse-inspired fall wall art! Simple, affordable, and perfect for cozy seasonal decorating.
How to turn a plastic tray into a fall picture frame
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Why I love this craft
If you’ve been looking for a thrifty, fun way to add some fall charm to your home, I’ve got just the project for you! This DIY uses a $1.25 faux crystal tray from Dollar Tree and a seasonal calendar page to make a custom piece of wall art. The best part? It looks high-end but only costs a few dollars to make.
Whether you hang it in your entryway, kitchen, or living room, this Dollar Tree fall décor project is sure to impress.
Video Tutorial: Fall Oval Tray Wall Decor
Watch this quick video to see how this craft came together:
Fall Oval Platter Wall Decor
Looking for easy Dollar Tree fall crafts? This DIY tutorial shows you how to make stunning fall wall décor using a platter, calendar, and twine.
Materials
- 1 oval faux cut crystal platter (Dollar Tree)
- 1 seasonal wall calendar (12x12 size works perfectly)
- Scrap piece of brown craft paper (for template)
- Metallic jute twine with gold detail (Michaels or similar)
- Antique gold Rub ’n Buff or similar metallic wax paint
- Glue stick (school glue works best for thin paper)
- Hot glue sticks
Tools
- Spray paint (hammered bronze metallic or coordinating color)
- Scissors
- Sharpie marker
- Clean dish sponge (for dry-brushing texture)
- Hot glue gun
- Squeegee tool or old credit card (for smoothing paper)
Instructions
- Watch video. Follow along with the video tutorial for a walkthrough on how to make your own tray wall decor.
- Spray Paint the Tray. Flip your faux crystal tray over and spray paint the backside. I used hammered bronze metallic spray paint to complement my calendar image, but you can pick any color that matches your chosen design. Allow to dry completely.
- Make a Template. Fold a scrap piece of brown craft paper into quarters. Place it inside the tray, mark the edge with a Sharpie, and cut along the oval line. Test-fit the paper, trimming as needed until it matches the inside of the tray perfectly.
- Cut Out the Calendar Image. Place your paper template over your calendar page. Trace around it with a Sharpie, then cut just inside the line so no marker shows. Now you’ve got a perfectly sized image for your tray.
- Glue the Image Backing. Because calendar pages are thin, use a glue stick instead of liquid glue to avoid bubbles and wrinkles. Smooth the glue over your cut-out oval, then press it gently into place with a squeegee tool to remove air bubbles.
- Add Metallic Details. For a touch of texture, dip a small piece of sponge into antique gold Rub ’n Buff and lightly brush over the raised ridges of the tray. This creates a distressed, gilded effect that pairs beautifully with fall décor.
- Secure the Image with Twine. Run a line of hot glue around the edge of the calendar page where it meets the tray. Place the metallic jute twine over the glue, pressing firmly. This hides any rough edges and adds a rustic finish.
- Make a Hanger. Cut a short piece of twine, knot both ends, and hot glue them to the back of the tray to form a hanger. (Tip: For shallow trays, a soda can tab hot-glued to the back works too—but this tray’s depth made twine the better choice.)
- Hang and Enjoy! Your DIY Dollar Tree fall wall art is ready to hang. Place it on a wall hook or small nail and enjoy your budget-friendly seasonal décor.
The Finished Craft:
Don’t forget to PIN this dollar store craft for later:
Party Aisle Crafts to Try This Fall
This craft was part of a compilation video over on my YouTube Channel, along with Dollar Tree Plastic Bowl Pumpkin, Dollar Store Fall Craft: Mini Bowl Pumpkins, Fall Oval Tray Wall Decor – Using a Dollar Store Calendar!, and Dollar Store Plastic Bowl Fall Centerpiece.