When does a sign become a tray...or a tray become a sign?

It started with an idea we saw on Pinterest...a DIY tray that holds a 13" X 9" casserole dish and becomes a carrier as well as a buffet server/trivet for hot dishes.  With Ben's Country Woodshop penchant for creating interesting signs, the tray idea soon evolved into something more...a tray that could also serve as a decorative sign for the kitchen, great room, patio...wherever you need it or want it!

That great idea soon developed into an even better idea...why not build these tray/signs as gifts for our family members who would be gathering for Christmas? Soon Ben's Country Woodshop and Santa's elf got busy:

 After Ben cut the pieces, Ben's helper got to work sanding and staining the framework for each tray.

 This was a bit time consuming and tedious work, but it became a labor of love since we were planning to give these to our loved ones for Christmas.

 Hey! You need to warn me when you're taking my picture...

Uh-oh...here comes Mr. Ben's Country Woodshop himself to check on the progress!

Soon the pieces were all stained, and then came the part of stenciling the letters for each sign, and creating unique colors/styles for the people for whom the gifts were intended...

Finally the day came when we could reveal the gifts to the recipients...at least to some of them.  

They were all very pleased with their gifts...and even the 90 year old Grandma of the group got a special sign..."Count Your Blessings"...another creation from Ben's Country Woodshop!

All in all it was  fun and successful project, which has potential for a lot of other applications in the future!

Thank you, Ben's Country Woodshop!!