Elegant Upcycling DIYs & The Perfect Homemade Gifts!

Silver plated holloware, with its elegant and often intricate designs, can be transformed into eye-catching wall decor that brings vintage charm to your home. Here’s some ideas on how to upcycle these beautiful items into unique decorative elements, including some fresh practical ideas like painting with chalkboard paint or creating a message board:

1. Gallery Wall of Trays

How to Upcycle:

• Arrange a Collection: Collect a variety of silver plated trays, clean them, and polish as needed.
• Create a Layout: Arrange the trays in a pattern that complements your wall space, such as a grid or an asymmetrical collage.
• Mounting: Use adhesive hooks, mounting brackets, or nails to secure the trays.

2. Decoupage Silver Plated Trays

How to Upcycle:

• Choose Your Tray: Select a silver plated tray with a clean, smooth surface. Clean and polish the tray to ensure it’s free from tarnish and dirt.
• Prepare Your Design: Pick decorative paper, fabric, or napkins with patterns or images you love. Floral, vintage, or abstract designs work well. Cut or tear the paper into manageable pieces or shapes.
• Apply a Base Coat: Apply a thin layer of decoupage glue (such as Mod Podge) to the tray’s surface. Allow it to dry completely to create a smooth base for the decoupage.
• Attach the Paper: Arrange your chosen paper or fabric pieces on the tray. Use a brush to apply a layer of decoupage glue over the paper, smoothing out any wrinkles or bubbles as you go. Be sure to cover all edges of the paper for a clean finish.
• Seal and Protect: Once the paper is attached and the glue is dry, apply a few more coats of decoupage glue or sealant over the entire surface. This will protect the design and give it a glossy finish. Allow it to dry thoroughly.

• Mount and Display: Hang the decoupaged tray on your wall using adhesive hooks, mounting brackets, or nails, depending on its size and weight.

  

  3. Mirror Magic

  How to Upcycle:

  • Transform Trays into Mirrors: Select a tray with an interesting design and attach a mirror insert to its flat base.
  • Decorate the Frame: Leave it as is or add painted accents or embellishments.
  • Hang: Mount the tray mirror on your wall.

  

  4. Clock Creation

  How to Upcycle:

  • Select a Tray or Platter: Choose a piece with an attractive design.
  • Install Clock Mechanism: Use a clock kit from a craft store. Drill a hole in the center of the tray and insert the mechanism.

  • Hang: Mount the clock on your wall.

    

    5. Planters and Hanging Decor

    How to Upcycle:

    • Convert Hollowed Silverplate into Planters: Use small trays, sugar bowls, tea pots or pitchers to create tabletop or hanging planters. Add soil and your favorite plants, and arrange them where botanical elements are needed. Or hang them using chains or rope.

    • Decorate the Wall: Arrange the hanging planters on your wall or place them on a wall shelf.

      

      6. Artistic Displays

      How to Upcycle:

      • Design a Mixed Media Display: Incorporate various silver plated items like trays and tea pots into a mixed media wall art piece.

      • Mount and Arrange: Secure your eclectic display of items on a backing board or directly on the wall with adhesive hooks, mounting brackets, or nails, depending on size and weight.

        

        7. Chalkboard Painted Trays

        How to Upcycle:

        • Paint with Chalkboard Paint: Choose a silver plated tray and apply chalkboard paint to the center or entire surface. Follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
        • Add Messages: Once the paint is dry, use a chalk pen (or paint for permanent) to write messages like “Tea Time,” “Welcome”, holiday messages, or any other phrase that suits you.
        • Use stencils or decals if you want to add decorative details.

        • Mounting: Hang the tray on your wall or use it as tabletop decor.

          

          8. Message Boards with Silver Plated Trays

          How to Upcycle:

          • Transform into Message Boards: Paint the center or entire surface of a silver plated tray with chalkboard paint, or attach a corkboard or magnetic board insert.
          • Add Decorative Elements: Embellish the tray with decorative accents or borders, and use it to display messages, reminders, or photos.

          • Hang: Mount the message board on your wall or hang it from a chain, rope, or sturdy ribbon.

            

            By repurposing silver plated holloware into wall decor or creative items for practical use, you not only give them new life, but also create unique and elegant decorative elements for your home. Whether you’re arranging trays into a gallery wall or crafting something new, these upcycling ideas offer numerous ways to enhance your space with vintage charm and creativity. They also make amazing and thoughtful gifts for any occasion.

        Photo courtesy: Pinterest Upcycling Boards