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DIY Acrylic / Lucite Trays for $5 or less in 5 minutes!

I absolutely love having lots of pretty trays around my home. Lucite or acrylic trays (whichever you want to call them!) are perfect for corralling items in a stylish way. They can easily make your home look chic and organized at the same time. But, those clear acrylic trays can also be really expensive! Keep reading though to see how I created my own lucite trays for less than $5 and in five minutes! 

I was ecstatic with all your comments last Friday when I introduced this new series, 15 on Friday! Thanks so much, y’all!

This week’s 15 on Friday, I think, is FAB.

This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

See, I have this thing for lucite / acrylic. When Grunt Labor asked me what lucite was, my response was, “It’s the stuff dreams are made of.”

Obsessed much? Probably too much.

For Christmas, I asked for a plethora of lucite items from Anthropologie. One being this tape dispenser (that I got!) and another one, this lucite tray. Friends, that tray is $44. You can get this one cheaper – its $25.

Or, you could make your own DIY lucite tray for $5 and in less than 5 minutes.

And you can make the bottom prettier than those other ones.

We have a winner! {Insert Price is Right theme song here}
DIY Acrylic Tray

DIY Lucite Tray

Here’s what ya do.

Step 1

Go to Michael’s (mine came from Michael’s) or another craft store or maybe even Target and buy an acrylic frame and pretty paper (12 x 12).

DIY Lucite Tray

I got two frames – a larger one and smaller one – and by using a 40% coupon at Michael’s each was under $5. I think the paper was like $0.50 a sheet on sale.

Step 2

Now, unwrap the frames and flip them over.

How to Make a Clear Acrylic Tray

Step 3

Pull out the cardboard backing.

DIY Lucite Trays {Under $5 in 15 minutes} via RainonaTinRoof.com

Instant clear acrylic tray.

Now, this next step isn’t necessary, but if you want to add a bit more to your tray, you can easily add a little bling.

Trace the tray’s shape on the back of the paper and cut it out. Pop it in the tray.

Acrylic Tray

Bling added.

Were you expecting it to be more complicated? You should know by now that I love quick and easy projects with some bling.

DIY Lucite Trays {Under $5 in 15 minutes} via RainonaTinRoof.com

I sent my paper to work with Grunt Labor one day and had him laminate it. You don’t have to do this, but it just adds a little extra protection. You can also get that done pretty cheap at just about any office supply store. Or, you could even Mod-Podge it in there.

DIY Lucite Trays {Under $5 in 15 minutes} via RainonaTinRoof.com

Both trays are on my new office desk / hutch.

The small one is holding my business cards (that need an update), extra gold animal push-pins, and my grandmother’s retro glasses that she wore while driving her beloved Cadillac.

DIY Lucite Trays {Under $5 in 15 minutes} via RainonaTinRoof.com

The larger one holds….

DIY Lucite Trays {Under $5 in 15 minutes} via RainonaTinRoof.com

An old Avon perfume bottle that is a cross between a giraffe and the Eiffel Tower?? Strange, but pretty when spray painted gold….

Lucite Tray

A fun (and inappropriate) coaster my friend Lindsay got me from Z-Gallerie.

DIY Lucite Trays {Under $5 in 15 minutes} via RainonaTinRoof.com

And the beloved lucite tape dispenser….

DIY Lucite Trays {Under $5 in 15 minutes} via RainonaTinRoof.com

What do you think of these DIY lucite trays? Better than a $40 one?

Love a good tray hack or knock-off DIY? Then you’ll want to see these…

This Faux Malachite Tray costs less than $10 to make.

This DIY Monogrammed Tray makes a perfect gift.

Learn how to make your own lucite frame – and get a free Gone with the Wind printable.

You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.

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Comments

  1. Lisa says

    I just found my solution for storing small items on our old, weathered wood bathroom closet shelves!! The doors are reclaimed French door (glass panels) and so a few trays and a little *bling* will go a long way. Awesome sauce!

    Reply

  2. angela says

    You did not just do that with a frame from Michaels! Are you serious!?! I have been coveting Lucite trays, but couldn’t justify spending the money right now. This I can totally do. Like probably today…

    Angela @ Number Fifty-Three

    Reply

  6. Kristin @ bliss-athome.com says

    One of my all-time fave DIY hacks. So easy and cheap. I love seeing how different bloggers use it. Fun! Happy Weekend! xo K

    Reply

  7. Laura @ The Turquoise Home says

    Oh. My. Word. You’re a genius, Jenna. I have always wanted a lucite tray, but never in all my years thought of using a picture frame. AND I have several of them in my house! Seriously, genius!!

    Laura

    PS – love the new e-mail look!

    Reply

  9. Amy Barber says

    That is my cake topper! The picture is my exact cake topper, although mine got broke in one of our moves, sad face. We bought it on ebay cause I had a vintage style wedding. that is so cool!

    Reply

  10. Stephanie says

    First, what a great idea turning a frame into a tray, I will be using that one for sure. Second, I totally love that coaster! It made me laugh as soon as I spotted it, fits my sense of humor perfectly (what can I say, inappropriate things make me giggle). Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  12. Andi says

    After reading this I feel so silly for buying one for 30 bucks! I’m pretty sure a trip to Michael’s is in store this weekend. BTW, I included a link to this post in my weekly round-up. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  13. Melanie LaDue says

    You’ve just inspired me to make this for my bedroom dresser! LOVE the quote too! Made me smile!

    I’d love for you to come link up at Skip The Housework Saturday, live now!

    Reply

  16. Emily says

    This is just brilliant. I would have never even thought you could use those frames for lucite trays. I’m not really a fan of them as frames, so this seems like a perfect alternative. I so want to do this now. Pinned!

    Reply

  18. Lusine says

    I have been dying for a lucite tray but couldn’t justify spending the money. You are a genius. I am heading to Michael’s tomorrow, thank you for the idea 🙂

    Reply

  19. Jane says

    Thanks for linking up to our new linky party Design {it} Friday! Love your chic lucite tray! Hope you’ll stop by again!

    Reply

  24. Rachel says

    Oh, how pretty! I have to admit, I’ve not been a big fan of lucite, but you *might* have converted me . . . or at the very least given me pause! Those trays are awesome, and so easy! I love big bang for your buck home decor projects.

    Reply

  25. Jane says

    Hi Jenna, I featured your Awesome lucite tray on my Design {it} Friday – Favorites post today! Thanks so much for linking up…it was our first day!! I really appreciate it.

    Reply

  28. IvandaVGV says

    Love this!! It also occurred to me that one could use fabric in the tray by using coating it with iron-on, clear vinyl. You know, if one wanted to. 🙂

    Now, how many trays are TOO many? 😉

    Thanks!

    Reply

  30. Adrienne says

    What a great idea! I love adding things like lucite to my shabby chic decor. It helps keep things from looking too precious and gives it that modern edge. I am totally making one of these for my desk. Found you via From my Front Porch to Yours. Pinning!

    Reply

  33. Sara says

    Fantastic!! I have to make a lucite tray now that I read this!

    Thanks for linking up at Tell Me About It Tuesday. We hope you hop over and share with us again this week. (Sorry for the late comment!)

    Reply

  34. angela says

    Just linked back to you this morning. You can see the tray on my nightstand. Thanks again for the inspiration! 🙂

    Angela @ Number Fifty-Three

    Reply

  36. Lindsay says

    So I came back to this post this morning because I want to make one of these fabulous trays to go in the new bathroom. Whenever that project happens. You know Jerry.

    But! How did I never notice that the skanks coaster had the little cutout of someone giving the middle finger?

    I’m such a classy friend. Aren’t you glad you trust me with the kid?

    Reply

  40. Cari says

    I’m late to the party, but I love this. I think I need one and so does my sister-in-law! Love it!

    Reply

  41. Tori says

    Ohmygosh! I totally thought when I saw this on Pinterest that “Hey! I could totally just use a plastic frame thingie!” Hahahahaha! And that’s exactlt what you did! Great minds think alike! I’ve used these frames for years in my kids rooms. I’ve used them for trays to hold puzzle pieces, toy cars, legos…and all manner of boys junk! The only problem is that they do scratch easily =(

    Reply

  42. Jessica says

    I don’t know you but this is amazing and we’re pretty much best friends now because of this post. I never would have thought to do this. I didn’t even know this type of frame existed!

    If you are as obsessed with gold lately as I am, you can use a gold paint marker to line the top edges of your tray. I did that with a clear magazine organizer and it looks really pretty.

    Reply

  43. Karla says

    Hi! I’m so excited to try this out the very same day I went to pick up supplies! However, my question is how did you mend the scrapbooking paper as most scrapbooking paper is 12X12?? How did you do it for the the trays?

    Reply

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