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Rain on a Tin Roof

DIY and Home Decor Blog. Fly Your Freak Flag.

You are here: Home >> Crafts >> Target Dollar Spot Trays Hack {A Fabulous Fifteen Minute Hack}

November 19, 2013 By Jenna 100 Comments

Target Dollar Spot Trays Hack {A Fabulous Fifteen Minute Hack}

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I’m not quite sure if this is considered a hack or an upcycle.

I’m a pathetic excuse for a DIY blogger, aren’t I?

I was definitely up-cycling these trays into something better, but I guess I’m also hacking them too?

I settled on a hack.

Because it sounds more scandalous.

And I’m nothing if I’m not scandalous.

If you only knew the half of it…..

Target Hack Dollar Spot Trays via rainonatinroof.com #targethack #diytray

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

Aren’t they so pretty?

Don’t they look expensive?

Don’t shatter my dreams if you don’t like them.

I am in love with them and just know they will look fabulous on my coming-soon bar cart.

So, seriously, these took less than 15 minutes to hack. They already came in those super cute green and blue colors.

Target Hack Dollar Spot Trays via rainonatinroof.com #targethack #diytrayGeez, the lighting is terrible in my craft room. But you can see where they were just $1, right?

And they also come in pink and yellow colors as well.

To do these, I took a gold Sharpie paint pen, and just ran it along the lines, edges, and corners of the tray.

Target Hack Dollar Spot Trays via rainonatinroof.com #targethack #diytray

Yup, real hardcore DIY stuff, y’all.

Each tray has little dots, so with the green one, I just pressed my marker over the dots to make the polka dot pattern.

Target Hack Dollar Spot Trays via rainonatinroof.com #targethack #diytray

Wouldn’t these be fabulous little gifts too?

Target Hack Dollar Spot Trays via rainonatinroof.com #targethack #diytray
Give it with a fab necklace or some smell good lotion.

Target Hack Dollar Spot Trays via rainonatinroof.com #targethack #diytray

I picked these up just last week and they had tons of them, so I’m sure you can still get some.

If you hurry.

Target Hack Dollar Spot Trays via rainonatinroof.com #targethack #diytrayLove trays?

Me too. Some, myself included, would even call me a tray whore. You can see the evidence for yourself:

Looking for more tray ideas? Check these out:

DIY Bathtub Tray with Book Holder – one of my favorite projects to date and it’s an easy build!

DIY Lucite Trays– so easy to make and great for desk storage!

This DIY Monogram Tray makes a fab Christmas gift as well.

This vanity tray was once stuck in 1988 and barely made it out alive or through the half-off Goodwill day.

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

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Filed Under: Crafts Tagged With: hack, target, tray

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Comments

  1. Dee Williamson says

    November 19, 2013 at 6:34 am

    That’s a great idea! Use it as a gift tray!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 21, 2013 at 7:57 pm

      Yep, Dee! Exactly what I was thinking!

      Reply
  2. Katie says

    November 19, 2013 at 7:05 am

    These trays are great!! I won’t burst your bubble saying I don’t like them, because I think they are adorable. Talk about an easy DIY

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 21, 2013 at 8:27 pm

      Thanks for not bursting my bubble, Katie!! I’m so glad you like them!

      Reply
  3. Julia@Cuckoo4Design says

    November 19, 2013 at 7:17 am

    I I totally love them. And yes they look expensive and stylish.

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 21, 2013 at 8:18 pm

      Thanks so much, Julia!

      Reply
  4. Andi says

    November 19, 2013 at 8:19 am

    They look great and expensive too! I think a shopping trip is in order for me…! 🙂

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 21, 2013 at 8:18 pm

      That’s what I thought, Andi! They definitely don’t look like they came off the dollar rack anymore!

      Reply
    • polly plum says

      February 4, 2014 at 8:38 am

      I’m at the Dollar Spot about once a week and never saw these- does every target have the same stuff?

      Reply
      • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

        February 6, 2014 at 2:02 pm

        I don’t know if they do or not, Polly! I got these a few months back so they could be gone by now!

        Reply
  5. Joan says

    November 19, 2013 at 8:28 am

    What I would do with trays that I made up pretty is use them for chocolate baskets only because I love my chocolates

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 21, 2013 at 8:17 pm

      Oh, Joan, that is a great idea! Who wouldn’t love chocolate on a tray?

      Reply
  6. Bethany the ngnrdgrl says

    November 19, 2013 at 9:39 am

    Jenna, I love this! Those are some of my favorite colors too. I can’t believe those are $1 trays. You took them from “meh” to “wow!” I am totally tempted to run out and buy these now. Pinned. 🙂

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 21, 2013 at 8:12 pm

      Thanks, Bethany! I know, I was so surprised myself at what the paint pen did for them! Love it!

      Reply
  7. Abby says

    November 19, 2013 at 10:08 am

    How cute! You can’t beat the good stuff in the dollar section, its great! Love how your trays turned out!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 21, 2013 at 8:11 pm

      No, you can’t beat it, Abby! I love it! Thanks!

      Reply
  8. Beth says

    November 19, 2013 at 12:09 pm

    LOVE!!!! I need a retacular tray for my bathroom, I will be on the look out for something similiar and take advantage of your idea of using a sharpie pen to embellish it!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 21, 2013 at 8:11 pm

      Thanks, Beth! Yep, those sharpie paint pens work wonders!

      Reply
  9. Stephanie @ Sandpaper and Glue says

    November 19, 2013 at 12:11 pm

    love it! so quick and easy, which is exactly what I need this time of year!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 21, 2013 at 8:11 pm

      I know what you mean, Stephanie! Thanks!

      Reply
  10. Michelle @ Elegance & Enchantment says

    November 19, 2013 at 2:35 pm

    I’m literally running to my Target this afternoon! I cannot believe how crazy pretty those look just using a Sharpie. I’m currently going through a tray “phase”. These are perfect. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 21, 2013 at 8:08 pm

      I am always in a tray phase. Always. Its bad! Hope you got some trays!!

      Reply
  11. Renee says

    November 19, 2013 at 2:47 pm

    So cute – big improvement with little effort~

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 21, 2013 at 8:07 pm

      Exactly, Renee! Thanks!

      Reply
  12. Brittany says

    November 19, 2013 at 3:57 pm

    I vote for hack over upcycle, too! These are stinkin’ cute!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 21, 2013 at 8:07 pm

      Thanks, Brittany! I’m glad someone agrees with me on the hack choice!

      Reply
      • polly plum says

        February 4, 2014 at 8:12 am

        Can someone explain to us newbies the difference between hack/ recycle/upcycle? thx

        Reply
        • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

          February 6, 2014 at 1:59 pm

          That is a great question – and honestly I don’t know that I have the right definition. Here’s my perception – a hack is when you take something as is and add a little too it to make it better. A recycle / upcycle is taking something and turning it completely into something else.

          Reply
  13. Kara says

    November 19, 2013 at 9:18 pm

    Fabulous! Makes me want to go to Target right now which is very dangerous:)

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 21, 2013 at 8:06 pm

      Oh, Kara, I know how that goes! Anytime I go to Target it is dangerous!

      Reply
      • polly plum says

        February 4, 2014 at 8:13 am

        In my life, Dollar tree is just as dangerous, because its closer to my house:/

        Reply
        • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

          February 6, 2014 at 1:58 pm

          I totally understand, Polly! I love me some Dollar Tree too!

          Reply
  14. Heather - dollarstorecrafts says

    November 19, 2013 at 9:26 pm

    They’re cool! I saw those trays at target and thought “what could I do with those?” but I didn’t actually think of anything. Good job on this!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 21, 2013 at 8:06 pm

      Thanks, Heather! I wasn’t sure I what I was really going to do with them until I got them home! I just knew they were too cute!

      Reply
  15. Lusine says

    November 19, 2013 at 10:54 pm

    I’m totally heading to Target tomorrow! You find some gems from time to time in those dollar bins of theirs. They do look quite elegant and expensive! And I like how the polka dot pattern is already laid out for you to accentuate with the pen. Great idea, Jenna! Thank you for sharing! 🙂

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 21, 2013 at 8:26 pm

      That polka dot pattern already being there was the best part, Lusine!! Hope you found some trays! Thanks!

      Reply
  16. tennille says

    November 20, 2013 at 12:44 am

    I think they are cute 🙂 Could be good in a girls room as well-can’t get broken

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 21, 2013 at 8:26 pm

      Yep, break proof! Gotta have that around here, Tennille! Thanks!

      Reply
  17. Sarah says

    November 20, 2013 at 9:29 am

    Hello,

    What section of Target you found the trays? Was it in the “$1” section or back by the dishes?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 20, 2013 at 11:29 am

      Sarah, they were in the dollar section right as you walk in. Or at least that’s where the dollar section is at my store!

      Reply
  18. Anne says

    November 20, 2013 at 9:47 am

    I actually picked up some of these at Target to do some wall art for my son. But I really REALLY love what you did! I may just have to go back!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 21, 2013 at 8:25 pm

      Thanks, Anne! Oooooo……I can’t wait to see how you were going to use these for wall art – I bet it is fabulous!

      Reply
  19. Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says

    November 20, 2013 at 11:11 am

    So cute! What a clever idea! Love!!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 21, 2013 at 8:24 pm

      Thanks, Erin!

      Reply
  20. rebecca platt says

    November 20, 2013 at 7:05 pm

    Love these. I like trays as well. Oh, and mirrors. I’ve been on a mirror kick lately. Very cute.

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 21, 2013 at 8:24 pm

      Thanks, Rebecca! And I totally get your mirror kick as well! Been there myself!

      Reply
  21. Cathy says

    November 20, 2013 at 7:06 pm

    Jenna, you’ve finally crossed that line…over to my crafti-ness level lol!! These are SO cute!! What a great & easy idea. We just had a Target store open in our area (they bought out some of the Zellers stores we had, the one that Walmart didn’t buy). I haven’t been yet but will go soon to see what all the hype’s about. I am always reading on blogs of buying this or that at Target! So can’t wait to see what bargains I can find there myself…

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 21, 2013 at 8:23 pm

      Hahahahahahahahaha, Cathy! You are too funny! You could totally do any of my crafts! I love, love, love Target and you are going to love, love, love Target too!!

      Reply
  22. Libby Boyle says

    November 20, 2013 at 8:12 pm

    I looovvveee trays too. Mainly timber and rattan, but lately I’ve been finding silver ones at my local charity shop that no one else seems to love. I like your quick and easy tray hack. They look really cute. I’m not sure if those trays are available in Target here in Australia but I’ll be looking for something similar.

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 21, 2013 at 8:21 pm

      Thanks, Libby! I always look for trays at thrift stores! And I will usually snatch up just about any kind because I know I will use it at some point!

      Reply
  23. Krista @ the happy housie says

    November 20, 2013 at 11:58 pm

    Such a simple transformation totally took them from looking plastic to pretty- great job. The shape and colours were fab to begin with and you added so much character!! Love it:)

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 21, 2013 at 8:20 pm

      Thanks, Krista! It may really be one of the easiest projects I have ever done!

      Reply
  24. malia says

    November 21, 2013 at 1:04 pm

    You did a beautiful job on this! I had seen your thumbnail for this somewhere and when I was at Targe’ yesterday, it took all of my willpower NOT to buy these and try them too… love what you did!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 21, 2013 at 8:20 pm

      Oh, thank you so much, Malia! It was really easy and fast!

      Reply
  25. Kelley @ Miss Information Blog says

    November 21, 2013 at 3:59 pm

    These turned out so great! I’m a cookbook whore myself!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 21, 2013 at 8:19 pm

      Thanks, Kelley! Glad someone else is a material whore with me! haha!

      Reply
  26. Gretchen@BoxyColonial says

    November 21, 2013 at 9:00 pm

    Cute! How thoughtful of Target to pick already good colors for the trays :)…and I already have a gold sharpie paint pen. Hmm…..

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 22, 2013 at 8:11 am

      I know, right, Gretchen?! They just totally were thinking of us DIYers! haha! Go get some trays!

      Reply
  27. Carrie MkgLemonade says

    November 22, 2013 at 12:01 am

    Back off everyone, I’m heading out tomorrow to Target and there’d better be some trays left! I’m such a sucker for hexagons, you have NO idea. Great hack/upcycle. Now to push aside all the other Target Dollar Spot shoppers to get some…

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 22, 2013 at 8:12 am

      Hahahahaha! You are too funny, Carrie! When I bought these, I thought that I remembered you posting something about hexagons on Instagram, but couldn’t remember for sure! Hope you get some trays!

      Reply
  28. Allyson says

    November 22, 2013 at 8:59 am

    These look so nice and expensive!!! I really love this idea, and I am going to Target RIGHT NOW to try to find these little trays! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 26, 2013 at 8:12 am

      Hope you found some trays! I just love the look of these too!

      Reply
  29. thedumbbelle says

    November 24, 2013 at 9:06 pm

    these look really great! and super stylish with the polka dots. personally, i love them 🙂

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 26, 2013 at 8:15 am

      Thank you! I love the polka dots too!

      Reply
  30. Christine@ Let's Get Crafty! says

    November 25, 2013 at 9:53 am

    These are FAB!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 26, 2013 at 8:14 am

      Thanks so much, Christine!

      Reply
  31. Selene Galindo says

    November 25, 2013 at 10:05 am

    These are absolutely fabulous! Love the colors with the gold! I need a gold sharpie!!!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 26, 2013 at 8:14 am

      Thanks, Selene! Yes, you do need a gold sharpie! In my opinion, everyone does! haha!

      Reply
  32. jessica says

    November 25, 2013 at 11:32 am

    I JUST saw these yesterday! I JUST bout a huge pack of sharpies for another DIY. Thanks for posting!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 26, 2013 at 8:14 am

      Awesome, Jessica! I just love me some sharpies!

      Reply
  33. Alexis @ Persia Lou says

    November 25, 2013 at 5:18 pm

    Saw these at Target and couldn’t pass them up. Love your upgrade!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 26, 2013 at 8:14 am

      Thanks, Alexis! I know! I had no idea what I would do with them at first, but I couldn’t leave them!

      Reply
  34. Abby @ Just a Girl and Her Blog says

    November 25, 2013 at 8:02 pm

    Very cute, Jenna! Love that it’s so simple too! I will have to keep an eye out for those trays the next time I’m at Target! Thanks for the inspiration!

    ~Abby =)

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 26, 2013 at 8:12 am

      Thanks, Abby! So simple!

      Reply
  35. Ginnie says

    November 25, 2013 at 10:51 pm

    Great idea! I need to head to Target and track down these trays!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      November 26, 2013 at 8:11 am

      Yes, Ginnie, they are awesome!

      Reply
  36. The French Hens Nest says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:47 am

    Love your trays! Cute cute cute!

    Happy Thanksgiving!
    Linda at The French Hens Nest

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      December 1, 2013 at 3:24 pm

      Thanks so much, Linda! Hope you had a fabulous Thanksgiving!

      Reply
  37. Shelly- MinettesMaze says

    November 26, 2013 at 10:53 am

    This is such a cute idea!! Simple and adds some boldness!

    Shelly

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      December 1, 2013 at 3:23 pm

      Thanks, Shelly!

      Reply
  38. Natalie @ A Turtle's Life for Me says

    November 26, 2013 at 4:09 pm

    Get out of town!!! Those are fabulous! I just picked up a gold Sharpie the other day and have absolutely no time to swing by Target, but I’ll head out there anyways! These are just gorgeous! Love the way your brain works!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      December 1, 2013 at 3:26 pm

      I know, right, Natalie!? Hope you found some trays! They still had a lot the other day! I’m actually headed back out in a bit to grab some more!

      Reply
  39. The DIY Homegirl says

    November 27, 2013 at 3:33 pm

    Very cool! I love trays also. I like how cheap and easy your hack is. Sometimes the simplest of updates is the best!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      December 1, 2013 at 3:26 pm

      So true! Love simple updates!

      Reply
  40. Jae says

    January 1, 2014 at 9:08 am

    So cute! Love the gold.

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 1, 2014 at 10:11 am

      Thanks, Jae!

      Reply
  41. Melissa French, The More With Less Mom says

    March 21, 2014 at 4:59 pm

    This is a great hack, they look so nice. Hello from Anything Goes Linky.

    Reply
  42. Caroline Kacal says

    April 14, 2014 at 9:53 am

    I am in LOVE with these trays. So pretty and simple to transform.

    Reply
  43. Julie Spear says

    May 25, 2014 at 1:48 pm

    DANG IT!!! I totally say these Target Dollar Spot trays and picked them up, and looked at them, and considered them, and put them back down… BECAUSE, my brain did NOT envision this lovely hack/upcycle for them…. poop. Gonna have to go back to Target and see if they still have any, AND pick up some lucite frame/trays as well…. THANKS for sharing your brain with us, LOL!!!!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      May 26, 2014 at 6:37 am

      I love those little trays, Julie! I think I saw some the last time I was there – not many though. I also have some extra ones waiting on me for another fun project..

      Reply

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