Turn Dollar Tree Materials Into A Tiered Countertop Storage Solution That Looks Cute

If you've ever looked at basic Dollar Tree trays and thought they were just a little bit too plain, this DIY is for you. With a few simple supplies and a bit of DIY creativity, you can turn boring wooden trays into a tiered countertop organizer that looks more expensive than it is. It's functional, fun, and so affordable that you'll definitely want to try it out.

This DIY comes from Instagram creator @Cozydiyhome, who used four wood dowels and some hot glue to stack three trays on top of each other and create a three-tier organizer. To recreate this, you'll need to get three Crafters Square wooden trays from Dollar Tree and a pack of four Crafters Square wood dowels. In total, all of these supplies from Dollar Tree should cost you around $5. You can also reuse similar lightweight wooden trays if you have them at home, but make sure that all of them are exactly identical (especially in size) and that the sides are straight. Any angled edges will prevent the dowels from laying flat on the sides of the trays, which is essential for this DIY. And if you're a hardcore DIYer, you can skip the store and DIY your own wood dowels, too. 

If you'd like to elevate this project, you can find ways to decorate it once you're done. For example, get some paint to cover the wooden trays and the dowels. This DIY is also a good opportunity for creative ways to use decoupage. For this, use Mod Podge sealer and decorative napkins to cover the entire DIY with patterns and colors. You could also switch things up and use shorter dowels and stack just two wooden trays on top of each other instead of three. 

To assemble this DIY, you'll need a flat surface to work on, like a table or workbench. Since the glue might leak, make sure to apply a protective layer over the surface before you start, like newspaper or DIY placemats, to protect your table. Then, apply a line of hot glue to the back side of the tray, going vertically against the back edge. Lay it flat on a table, and press the top of the wooden dowel against it. Hold it in place for 30 seconds to a minute, until the glue hardens. Repeat this step on the other side so that both back corners of the tray have a dowel attached to them.

Next, add hot glue to the same two spots on the second and third tray to secure them in place at the bottom and in the middle of the dowels. Finally, add a bit of hot glue to the ends and center of the last two dowels and press them in place to hold the front of the trays. When you're done, you should have three stacked trays held together with four dowels (two on the right side, two on the left side). 

Since this DIY holds together with just glue, it's better suited for lightweight items. You can use it to help you keep kitchen counters clutter-free by storing spices or paper napkins. You can also place it on a bedroom dresser to store hair ties, hair clips, or jewelry. In the bathroom or on your vanity, you can use it for cotton pads, Q-tips, or mini toiletries. You could also use it on a desk to store pens and Post-it notes, or on a craft table for decorative tapes and stickers.