From the never ending list of things from the thrift store that I have a hard time resisting…
Latest addition: acrylic box frames. Because, I mean, whoa, those are some ugly frames. These suckers haven’t been in fashion since the 80’s and every Goodwill on the planet will have at least couple of them at all times, right? I know you saw them. Don’t deny it.
The big ones can be a few bucks, but the standard photo frame sizes are usually around 99cents. I bought eight. For good measure. Naturally.
Now let’s play a game: Can you spot the 80’s acrylic box frame?
You found it! On the wall it’s an acrylic frame. On the desk it’s a lucite tray. Apparently lucite is the fancy pants brand term for acrylic. Like how we ask for a Kleenex when all we want is a tissue. Did anyone ever deny themselves a good sneeze because the tissue wasn’t name brand? Didn’t think so.
Sources: 1 | 2 | 3 |
Lucite trays are one of those all-purpose weapons interior decorators use to harness mixed items and make them look a little neater without adding visual weight. I like them because they keep my junk in line.
I do not, however, like the price tag. (This one runs around $40).
Let’s make are own, shall we?
Okay, this is complicated. Get ready…
Just take the innards out and flip it upside down. Boom. It’s a tray. They scratch pretty easy so I will probably put some of those clear silicone foot thingies on eventually, but for now, this is great. And so what if it does scratch? Big whoop, it was 99cents and Goodwill has a bunch more waiting to happen.
Whitney M
I kindof hate myself for not thinking of this before. You’re a genius!
Aunt Peaches
Yeah. Part of me hates myself too. I actually bought one of those trays a while back. Whoops!
TeTe
Thank you..thinking outside of the box 😉
Shannon
I see what you did there…LOL.
siete...
Great idea! and even if they scratch you can mod podge them and make something new!
Desilu
lol, one of those duh! moments! guess what i’m doing this weekend??
GunnyMom
You, my dear are sooo clever !!!!
New Dress A Day
You are beyond genius. BEYOND, ya hear?? xo
Aunt Peaches
Ya heard. And you too, Marissa!
Nutbird
I didn’t know those frames were out of style. I still have a lot of them filled with kids’ artwork. You have the same shell box I have, or did I send it to you? Did I miss the pompom post?
Aunt Peaches
Kids artwork is the only thing these are good for. Maybe wrapping paper. Maybe a photo collage…it’s iffy. The shell box I bought at a flea market –great minds think alike! POm POm post coming early next week. It’s very Jim Henson. You will like…
Julie O'Brien
They are also a great way to store rubber stamps that are mounted to wood blocks. Cute and functional.
Honora
Yo HEART Genuine Lucite! Lucite is my favorite for fun jewelery, boxes, and fabulous containers. All of the fun and bright colors!
Becky Lindenmayer
You are hilarious! Love your style.
alana
damnit, i love you.
i’ve been coveting this jonathan adler tray (http://www.lifeguardpress.com/product/jonathan-adler-large-tray?display=821) but won’t spend 90 bucks. i might modpodge some pretty wrapping paper in the bottom for the same effect.
thanks doll!
toto7304
Well, aren’t you the clever one! Thanks for brining the obvious to our attention.
Karen A. Davis
Love this idea. Wish I hadn’t tossed away the acrylic frames.
Erin @ His and Hers
This is such a fantastic idea! Now I will be on the lookout for one of those next time I’m at the thrift store!
Angela Conley
Wonderful repurposing! Kudos to you!
Tried and Twisted
Brilliant! Great way of thinking…within the box? Inspiration for my next trip to the goodwill.
Sped PreK
Dang it! I always see those silly little trays, but today during a run to my favorite thrift stores…. ZERO! At 5 different stores too. Go figure! Perhaps you’ve inspired the troops to run out and buy them up 🙂
RoseAG
Goodwill, heck! I’ve got some of those in my basement.
ninacortes
Love Lucite, and love Goodwill! Heck this is a no brainer! Thanks for the simple tip!!!
Totally going to use this for my jewelry shows!
http://www.NinaCortesJewelry.com
http://www.EveryDayDesigned.com