Project Archive

The goal was to design a valet tray that would make carrying everything needed for an evening outside a little easier. To improve usability, the community voted between built-in handles and a shallow base that would make the tray easier to lift. The winning choice was the shallow base, creating a clean look while making the tray comfortable to pick up.

Community Vote

How should we make the tray easier to lift?

Option 1 • Built-in Handles

✓ Winner • Shallow Base

With the design finalized, it was time to choose the patterned fabric that would set the tone for the project. I selected three floral prints from my fabric stash, each with a different personality but all inspired by the beauty of summer. The community voted for their favorite, and the winning fabric became the foundation for the rest of the design.

Community Vote

Which floral print should set the tone for the project?

Option 1 • Bold

✓ Winner • Bright

Option 3 • Calming

With the floral fabric selected for the valet tray, the community compared several coordinating solids. Purple was the winning choice, complementing the pattern while capturing the rich blue-violet feeling of a summer evening.

Community Vote

Which solid fabric best complements the patterned fabric?

Option 1 • Teal

Option 2 • Pink

✓ Winner • Purple

Cutting is the moment when the tray starts to take shape. I cut the chipboard first to create the structure, then I cut the lining cardstock for the interior and any supporting layers, and finally I cut the fabrics with enough allowance for wrapping and folding around the edges. Clean, careful cuts make the build and wrap stages much smoother.

I’m embroidering one of the fabric panels cut in the last step to add extra detail, texture, and color. I start by sketching the design on paper, then transfer it onto the fabric with a heat-removable pen. Next, I choose thread colors that coordinate with the fabric and carefully stitch the design, building up the shapes and details as I go.

I started by gluing two chipboard pieces together with the grain running in opposite directions to create a stronger, more stable base. Then I attached the walls, checking each corner to keep the tray square, and reinforced the structure with water-activated tape.

I’m wrapping the chipboard structure and prepared pieces with the coordinating purple and floral fabrics. The embroidered detail becomes part of the tray’s outer wall, while the patterned fabric brings color to the remaining panels and trim. Careful gluing, smoothing, and folding keeps each surface crisp and the edges neat.

With every piece wrapped, I’m assembling the tray by attaching the prepared linings and bringing the finished components together. Careful placement keeps the edges aligned, the corners neat, and the final details polished.

The finished summer evening valet tray is ready to use. The floral interior, deep purple exterior, and embroidered detail come together in a colorful tray designed for carrying a drink, a book, and everyday essentials outside.

Revisit the complete Summer Evening Valet Tray build, from the first pieces to the finished project.