Looking for a creative yet beginner-friendly DIY that adds a touch of quiet sophistication to your home décor? You’re in the right place.
This week, we’re blending the soft, moody charm of Aurora with the protective power — and creative potential — of our Clear Coat to make a hand-painted wood tray that’s as elegant as it is practical.
Using nothing more than your paint, a steady hand, and a few artist brushes, you’ll create a tone-on-tone leaf design that gently catches the light — a secret shimmer that appears only when viewed from the right angle.
🖌️ What You’ll Need
- Aurora — a dreamy, muted green with cool undertones
- Clear Coat — a durable, eco-friendly satin topcoat
- A wooden tray
- A set of artist brushes — include a flat brush for the base and fine detail brushes for the leaf work
- Clean, dry cloth
- Optional: pencil for sketching your design
🎨 Step 1: Paint the Base in Aurora
Start with a clean, dry tray. Using your flat brush, apply 1–2 smooth coats of Aurora, letting each coat dry completely before adding the next.
Aurora’s soft, moody tone makes a calming, modern base that pairs beautifully with subtle, artistic detailing.
Once it’s fully dry, lightly sand any texture for a silky-smooth surface.
🍃 Step 2: Sketch Your Leaf Design
With a light pencil hand, sketch out a few simple leaves or botanical shapes. Think organic lines — flowing, natural, and imperfect.
Don’t worry about precision — the beauty of freehand painting lies in those unique, painterly touches.
✨ Step 3: Paint the Clear Coat Accents
Dip a fine artist brush into your Clear Coat and carefully trace over your leaf designs. You can fill them in completely or highlight just the veins and outlines for a more delicate look.
Work slowly and evenly, brushing in smooth, confident strokes. The Clear Coat will dry to a soft, glossy finish that contrasts beautifully with Aurora’s matte surface — creating that refined, tone-on-tone “spot gloss” effect.
Let it dry fully before handling.
🛡️ Step 4: Protect the Edges and Sides
Since your tray will likely see some use, seal the sides and outer rim with a coat of Clear Coat. This adds durability while keeping the overall aesthetic clean and modern.
💡 Why Use Clear Coat This Way?
Our Clear Coat isn’t just for protection — it’s a creative medium in itself.
- Low VOC, non-yellowing, and water-based
- Dries to a durable satin finish
- Perfect for layering, sealing, or creating glossy highlights
When applied freehand, it gives you full control over the design — every brushstroke adds personality and handcrafted charm.
✨ The Final Look: Effortless, Artistic, and Understated
The finished tray feels serene and sophisticated — matte and gloss dancing together in quiet harmony. The hand-painted leaves shimmer subtly when the light hits just right, revealing a design that feels both natural and intentional.
Perfect for coffee tables, bedside displays, or entryway décor — and even better, it’s made by hand, uniquely yours.
