Hands on

The project
A kitschy serving tray made from a repurposed picture frame.

The materials
A thick, wooden 11'' x 14'' picture frame (use one you already own or $15 at target.com); two cabinet handles ($7 each); a piece of 11'' x 14'' cut to order Masonite backing ($4, both at  Home Depot. For locations, go to homedepot.com); black-and-white patterned fabric ($8 per yard at fabric.com or you can use wallpaper or a photograph); 3 pieces of cardboard cut to 11'' x 14''.

The tools
A 1-ounce tube of DAP silicone adhesive ($4 at Home Depot); Power drill, staple gun, staples, screwdriver, scissors, measuring tape, pencil.

The steps
1. Remove the glass from the frame and set aside; align frame with masonite backing. Center one handle on each of the frame’s shorter sides and mark with a pencil where each handle’s holes lie on the frame. Using the marks as guides, drill holes through the frame and masonite backing.
2. Apply a thin bead of silicone adhesive to the inside edges of the frame. Replace the glass, press firmly and let it dry for at least an hour.
3. Clean the inside of the glass and cut the fabric to 11'' x 14''. Lay the fabric onto the glass face-down inside the frame, and layer pieces of cardboard on top of the fabric until they are flush with where the masonite backing will be attached. (The number of layers of cardboard will vary depending on the thickness of your frame.)
4. Apply a bead of silicone adhesive along the edge of the frame’s back and attach the masonite, lining it up with the frame’s edges. Use a staple gun to secure the masonite to the back side of the frame.
5. Screw the handles to the frame and backing.
6. Whip up a pitcher of Tom Collins and serve in style at your next cocktail party.

Total cost and assembly time
Up to $45; three hours (including drying time).