Trunk Tray Wall Organizer Step-By-Step

Over the years, I've enjoyed projects using old trunks.  Often my project doesn't require using the tray or sometimes I find old trays without the trunk at a junk shop or yard sale.  Here I've created a pretty and practical wall organizer.

Materials:
Vintage trunk tray
Vintage trunk tray divider (from a different trunk)
Three glass knobs with short screws
Cork
Recycled picture frame moulding
Interesting recycled hardware or hinges to use for hanging
Rubber Cement
Wood glue
Finish nails

1.  The first step is to assess the condition of the old paper covering the tray.  If it's not in great shape or you just want to prolong it's life, go over the whole thing with a coat of Mod Podge.  The main tray of this project is a faded red plaid and was in pretty good shape so a simple coat over the whole thing was all it needed.  The bottom divider was a tan and blue plaid and had a few tears so I used the Mod Podge to glue down all the loose bits and then did a final coat on both sides of the divider.

2.  Next, screw the knobs onto the divider before attaching it to the main tray so that the screws can be tightened with a screwdriver (tough to do this after it's attached).

3.  Cut a piece of left over cork to fit in the top section and use rubber cement to affix the cork to the tray.  I have found rubber cement to work best for cork projects.  Simply brush a thin layer on both the cork and the material you are adhering to and let both piece set up for just a minute or so before putting them together.  Work out any bubbles and use a heavy book on top until the project is dry.

4.  To give the cork board a finished look, use quarter round moulding or cut up a recycled picture frame with mitered corners and attach with wood glue.  If the pieces are cut to a tight fit, this should be sufficient to hold the trim into the tray.

Note:  Depending on what you are using for a wall hanger, you might want to attach the hanger to the tray before installing the cork board so that you hide any screws that might otherwise be visible.

5.  Attach the lower tray divider using wood glue and small finish nails.  Pre-drilling small holes will help to keep the wood from splitting.   This will give you a sturdy pocket for mail, magazines, file folders, etc.

On a difficulty scale from 1 to 10, this project is about a 2.  It's quick and easy and every one is unique, pretty, and practical.