Dollhouse Miniature Tray Table Tutorial

One of the most cottage style table out there is the tray table. I've made a couple of these miniature tray tables for my dollhouses. They add a lot of charm. I've seen there's a kit out there somewhere. But I've never found it. So I decided to try to make one. I'm just winging it though! So as usual it's not perfect. But a good vintage style piece to have anyways! :)

 Deb this one's for you!  (Deb requested this tutorial)

I use 1/16" x 4" x 24" bass wood veneer. I bought it at Hobby Lobby. http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/24-x-4-x-1/16-basswood-sheet-787267/

First, cut 4 strips that are 1/8" wide by about 3" long.
Cut all four ends a little slanted so they will touch the ground and the tray when they are crossed.  It's about a 45 degree angle.  Your legs should be about 2 5/8" or so.  You can make the table as tall or short as you need it though. 

Cross your pieces so all the ends are as flat as possible when they touch the ground and the bottom of the tray that will be there. I mark both the top and bottom piece. Put a dot of glue in the center and glue down.  Let dry completely.  (glue: Aleene's Tacky Glue)

Cut out  two more pieces that are  1/8" wide x 1 1/4".
Glue those pieces to the bottom of the legs about a half inch from the ground.  Let dry.

Glue to other legs about half an inch from the ground. Let dry.  The bottom is done!  

For the tray, you'll need a  1 7/8" x 1 3/8"  piece for the bottom.  Two ends are  1/4" x 1 1/2"  and two sides are   1/4" x  2".  I did make 45 degree cuts at the ends for miter joints. You can keep them straight if you don't want to bother with that.

Glue two ends at a slight angle if you do miter joints. And let dry.  This way  you can adjust the two sides as needed before you glue them on in the next step.

My miter joints are far from perfect. But it will be fine after sanding. I dry fitted the two sides and cut them as needed to fit with the ends already on. Glue and let dry.  

Sand the tray.  Almost looks like it's perfect. LOL!

Glue the tray to the legs. Paint. Age if you wish. I use brown ink stamps for that old vintage look.

I also used gloss on my tray. This is Minwax oil modified polyurethane. It has a slight brown tint to it. I was not impressed when I first got it. But later realized it was perfect for vintage looks.  For the really colorless gloss I use water based polycrylic by Minwax.

The tray table is 2 5/8" x 1 1/4".

Thanks for coming by!