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Rain on a Tin Roof

DIY and Home Decor Blog. Fly Your Freak Flag.

You are here: Home >> DIY Projects >> DIY Acrylic / Lucite Trays for $5 or less in 5 minutes!

January 24, 2014 By Jenna 88 Comments

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

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

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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Filed Under: DIY Projects Tagged With: lucite, office, tray

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Comments

  1. Lisa says

    January 24, 2014 at 7:43 am

    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
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 24, 2014 at 8:16 am

      Awesome, Lisa!!! These will be perfect against those doors!!

      Reply
  2. angela says

    January 24, 2014 at 8:13 am

    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
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 24, 2014 at 8:16 am

      I. Am. Serious. I shocked myself, Angela! Go. Do it. Today!!!!

      Reply
  3. Jerri says

    January 24, 2014 at 10:31 am

    You could also use clear contac paper to add protection to your pretty scrap book paper liner.

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 3:24 pm

      That is a great alternative to laminating it, Jerri! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
  4. Trina @ Let's Just Build a House says

    January 24, 2014 at 10:46 am

    i love lucite, although i’m not sure it would go in my home…but it looks so fab!

    also those coasters, LOL love them!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 3:24 pm

      Thanks, Trina! I know what you mean about lucite – there are definitely some spaces in my home that it wouldn’t work in, but I am loving it in my office! And those coasters are too funny!!

      Reply
  5. Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos says

    January 24, 2014 at 10:47 am

    What a clever idea! I never thought about using plastic frames! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 3:23 pm

      Thanks, Jennifer!

      Reply
  6. Kristin @ bliss-athome.com says

    January 24, 2014 at 11:00 am

    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
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 3:23 pm

      Thanks so much, Kristin!

      Reply
  7. Laura @ The Turquoise Home says

    January 24, 2014 at 12:04 pm

    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
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 3:22 pm

      I’m not sure I’m a genius, Laura. Just really cheap! haha! Thanks, gal!

      Reply
  8. Selene Galindo says

    January 24, 2014 at 1:04 pm

    Fabulous!! And you had me laughingng at the “Even skanks say thanks” coaster! I had to double look to make sure I read right!! Haha!!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 3:22 pm

      Isn’t that coaster so funny??! The whole set of them is just fabulous!

      Reply
  9. Amy Barber says

    January 24, 2014 at 3:01 pm

    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
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 3:21 pm

      That is so cool, Amy! That is the cake topper that my grandparents had on their 30th anniversary cake!

      Reply
  10. Stephanie says

    January 24, 2014 at 10:02 pm

    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
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 3:18 pm

      Girl, you and me both! I laugh at inappropriateness all the time!! Thanks!

      Reply
  11. Janae says

    January 25, 2014 at 10:09 am

    I ADORE the coaster!! And your fab trays make it classy!!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 3:17 pm

      Is that coaster just not the best thing ever?? haha! Thanks!

      Reply
  12. Andi says

    January 25, 2014 at 12:31 pm

    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
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 3:17 pm

      Don’t feel silly, Andi – I was totally about to buy one for $40 myself. Now, you can have more for cheap! Thanks for giving me a shout-out!

      Reply
  13. Melanie LaDue says

    January 25, 2014 at 4:53 pm

    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
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 3:14 pm

      Thanks, Melanie! I LOVE that quote as well!

      Reply
  14. Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says

    January 25, 2014 at 9:22 pm

    Love this idea! And love that it only cost $5!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 3:14 pm

      Thanks, Erin! And how in the world you have time to comment on blogs while in the midst of a move is beyond me! You. Are. A. Rockstar.

      Reply
  15. Alaya Sheardon says

    January 25, 2014 at 9:33 pm

    How adorable! I will have to try this myself… perfect to add to a nightstand for all your small items.

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 3:13 pm

      Thanks, Alaya! And yep – perfect for those nightstands and they have a variety of sizes!

      Reply
  16. Emily says

    January 26, 2014 at 1:44 am

    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
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 3:12 pm

      Yea, I’m usually not a fan of them as frames either, but I do love using them for this! Thanks for the pin love!

      Reply
  17. Pat says

    January 26, 2014 at 12:00 pm

    Love this! You are so clever ~ I love having bling everywhere too. 🙂

    xo
    Pat

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 3:11 pm

      Bling makes everything better!! haha! Thanks, gal!

      Reply
  18. Lusine says

    January 26, 2014 at 12:50 pm

    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
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 3:10 pm

      I don’t know that I’m a genius, Lusine – just really cheap! haha! Glad you like it and that I could save you some $$!!

      Reply
  19. Jane says

    January 27, 2014 at 4:11 am

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

    Reply
  20. Laura / Pet Scribbles says

    January 27, 2014 at 12:12 pm

    Jenna, this is such a cool project! I’m pinning it to my “Tray Makeovers” board! Thanks for sharing such a great idea!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 3:07 pm

      Thanks, Laura! And thanks as well for the pin love!

      Reply
  21. Emily says

    January 27, 2014 at 1:54 pm

    Wow! So easy and chic! Definitely going to do this 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 3:07 pm

      It is so easy, Emily!! Thanks!

      Reply
  22. Tasha @ Designer Trapped in a Lawyer's Body says

    January 27, 2014 at 7:31 pm

    Okay, this is officially a genius idea! I can’t wait to go to Michael’s again so I can make some of these beauties! Pinning!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 27, 2014 at 8:26 pm

      Maybe not genius….just the fruit of a really cheap person! haha! Thanks!

      Reply
  23. Jamie says

    January 28, 2014 at 1:18 am

    This is amazing! You are genius girl! Even Skanks say Thanks? bahaha
    J.

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 31, 2014 at 1:55 pm

      hahahahahaha – I know right, love those skanks! haha!

      Reply
  24. Rachel says

    January 28, 2014 at 7:39 am

    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
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 3, 2014 at 6:52 am

      Rachel, if I converted you to a lucite fan, then my life’s mission is complete! hahaha! I LOVE lucite!

      Reply
  25. Jane says

    January 28, 2014 at 3:21 pm

    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
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 31, 2014 at 12:19 pm

      Awesome, Jane! Thank you so much!

      Reply
  26. Jessi @ Practically Functional says

    January 28, 2014 at 10:36 pm

    Oh I love it! What a fun and simple idea! I’m pinning this, and thanks for linking it up to Creativity Unleashed!

    Reply
  27. [email protected] Stroll Thru Life says

    January 29, 2014 at 8:59 am

    I love these, they are fabulous and so fun. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, marty

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 31, 2014 at 12:18 pm

      Thanks, Marty!

      Reply
  28. IvandaVGV says

    January 29, 2014 at 2:57 pm

    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
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 3, 2014 at 6:48 am

      That is a great idea!! And there are so many other color and pattern options with fabric too – thanks for sharing that!

      And you can NEVER have too many trays. At least in my opinion!

      Reply
  29. [email protected] Interior Frugalista says

    January 30, 2014 at 8:47 am

    Jenna, thats just too simple to be so cute! I want your lucite or glass tape dispenser – do you remember where you got it?

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 30, 2014 at 9:18 am

      The tape dispenser came from Anthro – there is a link in the post! Thanks!

      Reply
  30. Adrienne says

    January 30, 2014 at 5:02 pm

    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
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 3, 2014 at 6:47 am

      Thanks, Adrienne! These are so simple to make and yep, they would look great with your shabby chic decor!

      Reply
  31. Courtney says

    January 30, 2014 at 10:50 pm

    Love this and always feel so inspired when I come to your blog!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 3, 2014 at 6:59 am

      Oh, Courtney – I live for these comments! Thanks, gal!

      Reply
  32. Linda @ A La Carte says

    February 2, 2014 at 1:30 am

    What a fun idea!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 3, 2014 at 6:56 am

      Thanks, Linda!

      Reply
  33. Sara says

    February 4, 2014 at 5:45 pm

    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
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 6, 2014 at 2:05 pm

      Thanks, Sara! They are so easy!

      Reply
  34. angela says

    February 6, 2014 at 9:03 am

    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
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 6, 2014 at 2:11 pm

      LOVE the tray, Angela!! Always happy to inspire!

      Reply
  35. Brandi says

    February 6, 2014 at 1:49 pm

    Such a clever idea. I love how it came together. You could have a lot of fun with all the fun paper patterns they sell.

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 6, 2014 at 2:07 pm

      Thanks, Brandi! Oh, I know – there are so many paper choices that its dangerous! haha!

      Reply
  36. Lindsay says

    March 2, 2014 at 7:31 am

    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
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      March 5, 2014 at 8:07 am

      Girl. It took me about a month to realize it and when I did, I stared at it for a few minutes to make sure I was right! haha!

      Reply
  37. Michelle says

    May 4, 2014 at 5:42 pm

    Talk about re-purposing something! You go gurl! brilliant! ~That Chic~

    Reply
  38. Kristy says

    May 10, 2014 at 8:54 am

    OMG, I’m in love! Thank you, genius!

    Reply
  39. Emily says

    February 6, 2015 at 9:36 pm

    This is NEXT LEVEL genius! Seriously. Thanks for posting!! Xo

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 7, 2015 at 9:38 am

      hahaha!! Thanks, Emily!

      Reply
  40. Cari says

    July 1, 2015 at 1:32 pm

    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

    August 1, 2015 at 2:39 pm

    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
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 4, 2015 at 3:36 pm

      Great minds, Tori!! Yes – they can scratch easily. That’s one reason I did the laminated lining on the bottom.

      Reply
  42. Jessica says

    April 11, 2016 at 1:07 am

    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
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      April 12, 2016 at 6:30 am

      Oooooo, girl we are TOTALLY best friends – gold + anything clear/lucite/acrylic = AWESOME!

      Reply
      • Jessica says

        April 15, 2016 at 6:12 pm

        Lo and behold, after seeing this blog post I found a tiny acrylic box frame at Goodwill for $0.50

        I decided to give it a try as a mini tray and it ended up fitting perfectly in my nightstand! I cut up the front of an old notebook cover I saved (I knew hoarding it would come in handy one day)

        Here are some pictures (hopefully the links work):

        https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/13010694_10209505104453709_8808368347034097870_n.jpg?oh=ab3a05c369c4024bd0edbfb9c7aac5e4&oe=57B04F72

        https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/13015153_10209505104733716_6320312964317368792_n.jpg?oh=c95d089ac9789f6c5fec71b64b5facf1&oe=577668C5

        Reply
        • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

          April 18, 2016 at 6:19 am

          LOVE it!! The gold and white stripes are perfect!! Aren’t these just the handiest little things ever?

          Reply
          • Karla says

            May 10, 2016 at 8:47 pm

            The scrapbooking paper is 12 x 12 but the tray is bigger how did you cover up the seam?

  43. Karla says

    May 10, 2016 at 10:23 am

    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
  44. Liz V. says

    October 26, 2016 at 12:22 am

    Brilliant! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      October 26, 2016 at 6:41 am

      You are so welcome!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Best of the Week | allputtogether says:
    January 24, 2014 at 1:28 pm

    […] DIY lucite tray tutorial is amazingly simple. Wish I would have known this before I bought mine for 30 […]

    Reply
  2. My Favorite (Metallic) Things - Life in Velvet says:
    January 26, 2014 at 11:16 am

    […] Jenna from Rain on a Tin Roof (she is awesome by the way) made this amazing lucite tray for under $5 with just a picture frame and blingy scrapbook paper from […]

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  3. Are you in Love with Lucite? - Pinterior Designer says:
    March 3, 2014 at 11:13 am

    […] fact that my plan was INSANE, I looked for a quick fix. And that’s when I found this awesome DIY lucite tray by Rain on a Tin […]

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