Entertaining Gold-Painted Wooden Tray This gilded accessory is multipurpose: Corral small items, carry warm treats from room to room, or serve cocktails at a holiday party. By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter Website An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Updated on December 7, 2017 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: ENTHRALLING GUMPTION This idea comes from our contributor Marwa Hayat. She calls this a "must-have accessory. "With a bit of elbow grease and a few basic tools, here's how you can make a tray that is truly your own," Hayat recommends. What You'll Need Materials 2 3/4-by-15/4-by-20-inch pine lumber boards Dark brown oil-based wood stain Stenciling tape Champagne gold acrylic craft paint Paintbrushes Wood glue Handheld drill 18-millimeter drill bit Clamp 2 brackets 8 screws 17-millimeter rope Heavy-duty scissors Pencil Measuring tape Polyurethane (optional)Polyurethane (optional) Instructions To drill holes: Mark 1 inch away from the width and 1 inch away from the length to mark the midpoint of the hole (where the drill bit meets the wood). Countercheck this measurement with your bracket as they will be placed in between the holes. Next, clamp your wood to a stable desk and begin to drill. (Note: We recommend wearing a pair of safety goggles and gloves while drilling.) Glue the two wood boards together using wood glue. Clamp glued boards together; let dry completely. Tape the edges of the wood 4 inches from the middle. Stain the larger area with wood stain. (Tip: You can also mix some black with brown to achieve the color pictured here.) Leave it on for 5-15 minutes and wipe off excess stain; let dry completely. Remove tape and brush off the edges with champagne gold paint; let dry completely. (Tip: At this stage, you may apply a coat of polyurethane to protect the wood if desired.) Screw in brackets between the holes where the rope handles will be secured. Thread rope and tie a knot at the other side. (Tip: To make the ropes extra secure you may use some glue to fix it to the wood.)