Thursday, October 15, 2015

Vintage REDO: Making Tiered CookieTrays for Gifts


The Gifting Holidays are just around the Corner

 

I hate to say it, but with the cool breath of FROST in the air for the next three nights, 
and local merchants---pushing the orange/black to the side for red/green/glitz;
the *WINTER HOLIDAYS* are right around the corner. 

LAST YEAR, I thought ahead for a change after admiring some NEW Tiered-Cookie-Trays
 at a craft show...just like this---for $35.00 and up, I knew I needed quite a few, 
and the budget...well UGH!

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During the OLD 1950's when I grew up...yes, I'm that OLD--
every house you visited had a gorgeous tiered-cookietray
 filled with nummy holiday baking and candies.  
I LOVE that Vintage tiered-cookietrays have made a comeback along with pedestal cakeplates.
I thought golly, I have a stash of OLD dishes here and there...
I could easily add to and REDO my own for my GIFT LIST.

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Here is a great example of OLD plates that could easily be put together into a REDO tiered tray. 
I actually bought these at thrfit shops and Goodwill 
for as little as 25 cents each and up to $1.99 for the Castle plate. 
Keep in mind thick plates take longer to drill through---I mean way longer.
But all you need is elbow grease, a power drill, the handle hardware, drill bits and patience.

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I  knew I needed seven sets for gifts, and I wasn't shy about spreading plates out 
on a ping-pong table at the store (Goodwill) to see what went together with my own.
Here I chose a pinecone theme for my sister-in-law with the beautiful house in the woods. 

Make sure you have a few extras in solids just in case of any breakage.
 (We had two plates not usable out of 32 after drilling)
oldnewgreenredo


 Here is a Cardinal themed set-up with the hardware, for a lover of cardinals. 
I chose a smaller red plate to include with the cardinal setup, so the cardianl tray can be used all year round. The best part they can be dismantled to store flat...just three plates and the hardware.


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I chose NEW traditional hardware...by the dozen, but they come in many styles and finishes.
This hardware ran about $15.00 for 12 sets plus shipping.
It was a bit on the thin side, so next time I will order the thicker sets. 
Watch carefully where the shipper is located, as many are from China
 and shipping from there takes forever. Mine came from San Francisco.

All the pieces have plastic gaskets to protect the plates, 
 and easily fit together adapting to thick or thin plates. 
I only had one plate that was really too thick for the hardware. 

You will need a ceramic drill in the size to match the screws in your hardware.
The bit should be labeled for glass and tile, and plan on buying more than one.
We went through 4-5 bits for thirty-two holes....of different thicknesses. 
Drill from the top surface down...because if there is splintering, it will occur on the bottom then.
After drilling I sealed the holes with non-toxic (GREEN) acrylic sealer. 
I recommended handwashing for all the pieces on the tags I included with each tray.

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This was an ivy green plate on the bottom with a solid top plate
 and a great vintage dessert plate with fruit in the square shape as an alternate top plate. 
This one was actually my favorite.
Green was chosen  for a friend who serves homebaked cookies at work.  



IT LOOKS LIKE GIFT LAND HERE!





Here are five completed REDO sets and an unassembled Cardinal set.

 The REDO tiered trays were a big hit, and everyone seemed thrilled. 
I offered to drill any plate they would like to add their own dishes, 
but No Takers....everyone seemed happy just the way they were.

Not too late to get started, and thanks for stopping by.
I'll be sharing at these great link parties:

Sandi

 























17 comments:

  1. Wow! What a great idea Sandi! They look great. I bought one of those years ago and took it apart because I wanted to use the plates to hang on a wall, even with the center hole! I have got to find that and put it back together. Perfect for the holidays coming up.

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  2. I love your idea! They turned out beautifully. Where did you find the hardware?

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    1. online...Etsy dealers sell individuals for more $$...multiples, simply google Tiered tray hardware...and look at images. I can't remember who I got it from, it was a year ago and I wasn't blogging. Hope that helps...also under wedding sweet trays...

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  3. Clever idea, Sandi. I've always heard of drilling into glass and pottery, but I keep thinking about it breaking.

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    1. surprisingly, slow even pressure and they go pretty nicely. The drill bits are specially made for tile and glass. we did break/chip badly 2 out of 32 and I did actually go through a 1890's porcelain teacup bottom....which was tricky but successful!

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  4. What darling gifts these will make. Your friends will be thrilled to receive them. Nice job!

    Judy

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  5. I'm coming over from the Vintage Charm party...I love this idea. The pinecone plates and cardinal ones are my favorites. :o)

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  6. Thanks all for your comments, yes they were fun, and I will do them again.

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  7. Those are just fantastic! I love the look of different patterns and shapes and sizes! I'd love one of those as a gift! Thanks so much for sharing.

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  8. This is a great idea! I love tiered trays. I know several people these would make great gifts! thanks for the idea.

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  9. Hi Sandi--I love how these turned out. I've been wanting to make some for years, but the drilling has put me off. I even bought several sets of handles, but have not taken the step of buying the correct drill. You've inspired me! Thanks so much for linking up with Vintage Charm--

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    1. Hi Diana, on the drilling the plates, just go slow. One reason I'm not using my porcelain dinnerware, is fear of breaking. They don't really break, but their can be some chipping.

      Some of the ceramic/tile drill bits come in sets of 2 one smaller...with porcelain, which is very hard) we started with the smaller bit first and you just go slow.

      Try some throw away plates, first, until you get the feel of how hard you can push.
      Good luck!

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    2. and I did do all the drilling myself, arthritis and all. Smiles and thanks for stopping!

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  10. Such a great idea for gifts, I just love these. They are all so pretty!
    Anyone would be happy to receive these!
    Kimberley

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  11. I really love this idea - so unique. I'm pinning this!

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  12. These turned out so lovely! What a charming gift--love your cardinal combination! Thanks so much for sharing it @Vintage Charm! Blessings, Cecilia

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  13. Yours turned out to be gorgeous. Great idea,

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Thank you for any and all comments. I will be happy to answer any questions or comments in replies or email! HUGS!