Tray "Hand-Me-Down" to Fabulous Retro Tray/Side Table (Upcycle)

This adorable retro tray/tray table, did not start out this way. 

See below for what it looked like originally, and step-by-step photos! 

The Before:

Starting with a hand-me-down tray, nice and not too shabby actually (I like maps!), I decided to revamp it instead of sticking with its dark and serious self. 

First step, was to lightly sand, and prime. 

Next I applied a water-based glossy white paint that I got on discount at our local home improvement store (marked down to $2.50 - total score! )

After the paint dried, I freehand sketched floppy free flowers in pencil (you can freehand it, trace, or use a stencil, whatever you are comfortable with) all over the tray, top and all sides. 

Then, using a a gray paint of the same water-based, glossy, finish,  I painted all the free space around the flowers.

Final step, is to freehand outline, with black paint, or artist's permanent pen, all flowers. And then seal tray with several coats of high quality sealant or varnish. I love to use Waterborne Polyurethane for most of my projects.

I set my finished tray on a vintage Boy Scout camp stool, to finish its transformation into a one of a kind side table.