Boy's Day Koi Tray

 I was immediately attracted to this 17" wooden tray which I saw in HM Ben Franklin Crafts. In my mind it reminded me of lacquer trays I admired in Japan.  It was simple work (my husband did it...LOL!) to spray paint the tray with Design Master glossy black spray paint (from BFC).  Hubby said he sprayed, sanded and then sprayed it again. (Is it no wonder that I keep him around?) I traced the tray bottom onto the Photo Play 'Paper Crane' Koi Pond 12x12 card stock.  I carefully kept trimming until the paper fit perfectly in the tray. Because the tray is so long I had to cut two strips and align the fish design.  Don't overlap the strips or they will show up as a lump.  I recommend that you either spray the backs of the strips with Elmer's Spray Adhesive or run them through a Xyron Adhesive Machine.  After adhering the koi design paper to the tray I applied Glossy Accents medium to the top adding a sheet of lacy blue Japanese paper and covering with more Glossy Accents.  Crumpled tissue paper would give a similar effect of textural interest.

The koi design seems perfect for Boy's Day, but there are many Japanese patterned papers available at HM Ben Franklin Crafts which would make gorgeous trays.  These decorated trays are good for holding keys, wallets, pens, etc. but would be lovely as a centerpiece holding multiple globe vases of gardenias or goldfish.  Party favor snack bags of goldfish crackers or Swedish fish candy would be fun to offer from this tray at the end of your Boy's Day party.  Hooray, for boys!