updating an old vanity tray

i found this tray in a second hand shop…

i made sure that it wasn’t real silver before even considering changing it. also, i normally like the patina of older things — the wearing down of materials makes me think about an object’s past, a ding here or there makes things more endearing to me. after all, perfection can be easily bought elsewhere right? although, i admit, this one was not quite my style. shiny metal looks cold to me, and while i liked the intricate details, i felt they didn’t stand out enough against the equally shiny mirror.

the underside of the mirror was quite worn, but luckily, it was much like a frame in that it could be removed.

i used a knife to pry open the tabs.

between the base and mirror was corrugated cardboard…

if i ever see corrugated cardboard in anything, i toss it. rather quickly. it’s the perfect place for little critters to hide and nest. i used new foam board…

traced and cut it to shape…

and placed four vinyl feet underneath…

as for the frame of the mirror itself, i sprayed a few coats of heirloom white paint.  i know i’ve done it before, but there’s something about the milky white of that paint that makes the details stand out for me, without being overbearing.

i considered scruffing up the edges with sandpaper for more of an antique look, but i think i’ll let it age all over again through my own use of it.

before…

and after…

{ i have to say, the late afternoon sun helped make this “after” photo glow }

would you have painted it, or left it as is?