CHARCUTERIE CHARCUTERIE CHARCUTERIE ~ Now That You Are Home...

Shiplap. Charcuterie. Chalkboard. Three little trendy words that go perfectly together like peanut butter and jelly. A natural combination of casual, sophistication, grace and youth all wrapped up in one practical entertaining staple. If your house is where they all gather, you need this sweet little tray. The easiest and most creative way to start a party. Simple to make and simple to use. Makes entertaining look effortless.

Quite the conversation piece.

This is what you will need-

Wood Boards, Four, 4" x 1/2" x 4'
Trim Boards, One, 1" x 1/2" x 9'

Tape Measure

Square

Pencil

Power Saw

Gorilla Glue

Small Finishing Nails

Hammer, Drill, Nail Punch (unless using a power nail gun)

Wood Filler

Fine Grit Sandpaper

Latex Primer

Flat Latex Paint

Painter’s Tape

Chalkboard Paint

Paintbrushes

Liquid Chalk Pen

Safety Goggles

Start by measuring each of the 4" x 1/2" boards. Mark and cut into 32” lengths.

Sand all edges. Soften edges and corners as shown.

Lay the four boards down on a flat surface.

Lay a piece of the trim across the end of the four boards. Draw a line where the trim meets the four boards. Repeat for the three other sides.

Measure the space between the pencil lines, the width of the four boards. I measured 13". Cut two boards 12” long from the excess of the 32" boards. This will become the cleat.

Place the newly cut piece, the cleat, across the four boards to check to see if it fits between the trim pencil lines.

Line the four boards together, making sure they are close together and the ends are even. Add glue to one side of each cleat and place on ends, making sure this board does not extend beyond the pencil lines.

Place a heavy object on the cleat and let dry about 30 minutes.

Measure the length between the two end boards (14") and cut two 14" lengths from the trim boards.

Glue in place, one on each end.

Measure the space between the two end trim boards (30") and cut two 30" lengths.

Glue in place. Let dry about 30 minutes.

Flip the board over. Attach the face boards to the frame with either a nail gun or drill pilot holes and tap in small finishing nails, two on each end, see photo.

Fill nail holes with wood filler, let dry and sand smooth.

Paint all sides of your new tray with primer. Let dry.

Paint two coats with flat latex paint, let dry completely between coats. Let dry overnight.

To make the chalkboard opening, measure and mark a line 3/4" up from the bottom of the board. With your pencil and straight edge, mark the length of the board. Then mark a line 1 1/2/" above the first line and mark a second line the entire length of the board.