I have about 10 projects running right now. None are getting done fast. So to make myself feel better, I did a “quick hit”: I easily transformed this vintage cheese tray from Wheat-y to…
… Georges Briard-a-licious.
The wheat tile — it’s enameled steel — popped right off. I peeled and scraped off the old glue. Then, simply pasted the New Old Stock Georges Briard tile on, I think I used high-heat hot glue. I got the Briard tile here, from a stash of TENS OF THOUSANDS found in a warehouse yadda yadda.
I also hit the wood with a wood conditioner. Of course, consider whether what you are using is food safe.
The new/old tile fit perfectly. These cheese boards were super common — the tiles must have been a standard size accordingly. I see these cheese boards all the time at local estate sales.
I quite like this! So does DH! And I finished a project — oh happy day!
Turn a vintage rotary phone into a doorbell 
Andy Harman – The Owl 
We love: Sunbeam style Mondrian wall clocks from Jetsetretro Design 
14 retro space travel posters from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory — download free! 
COMMENTS WILL RE-OPEN on MONDAY, DECEMBER 2. For the first time in, like, 13 years, I am taking a real vacation from the blog, to spend un-distracted time with family. As part of this, Commenting on the blog is paused. Meanwhile, please enjoy reading all the many stories in our archives -- and come back Monday, Dec. 2 when I will launch our annual giveaway of a vintage ornament wreath made by Georgia Peachez -- and when comments will reopen so you can enter to win! HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!
Jay says
Very nice! The wheat motif was used a lot post war. Corning used it briefly before settling on cornflower blue for its Corningware line. I like what you did -colorful
Christine W says
Very nice Pam! I have a few of the old round cheese “things” with the glass domes – no tile in it though. I don’t use them for cheese though – I stick some little item in there and use it as a display cloche.
Katherine Stevens says
Nice transformation! I really do get the satisfaction of finishing something too. I am looking around for a small satisfying project myself – maybe I’ll give one of these a go.
Stephanie says
My parents have “wheat” dishes, glasses, etc. that match the tile that was removed!! I love the “wheat” pattern!!
Pam Kueber says
I apologize for not giving the wheat more love. I know it’s sentimental to many. And in our world, all artistry is welcome!
Carol says
I grew up with the wheat dishes, and my grandmother still has them. I liked them fine and still do, however, I don’t like the motif on the cheese tray for some reason. I like it much, much better with the stripe. Reuse and re-purpose for for your needs I say. And so the stripe will blend with the kitchen and the Mahalo Lounge, and the cheese tray will have a new life and be used. I have an old set of wooden fruit in the tray and so does my mother. I have seen the fruit hand painted and it looked fabulous. I so want to paint the fruit but don’t want to “remuddle”. Sometimes it is a tough choice. There are only 10 million of those wooden fruit trays crammed in cabinets all across America still. It’s not like they are precious.
Diana says
I love what you did. The “new” tile looks much better…such pretty colors that complement the wood. I love these quick easy projects. Just bought one of the vintage mosaic tile kits on eBay. I think it might be harder than it looks though! Fortunately DH is super artistic so he can help! Lol!
Pam Kueber says
I have … like 100 … vintage tile trays from the famous World of Tile liquidation sale. Some of them have a World of Tile etched imprint on the bottom. A tile tray projects… or projectssssssss… are in my near future, too!
Chris says
I like the wheat but the new old tile looks wonderful! Good job!
My Mom had some square ones with white tiles with gold on them. They had a little cheese knife attached with a chain, kind of like bank pens 😉
Yours looks much nicer!
Dave S. says
Hi, I still use “Cheese Trays” for my dysfunctional family get togethers. There is also a small knife with fork prongs on the end to pick up just cut cheese. Yes mine is very old from the Danish Design era. From my parents home, their second of five homes over the years. That home was total walnut modern funiture in a spit level home. LOL. Your color tile on your redo tray looks great, reminds me of that home.
Mary Elizabeth says
I once had one of those cheese trays, and it had colorful mushrooms on the tile.
Dave, if your family is that dysfunctional, you might want to do what Chris’ mom did–attach the cheese knife to the cutting board with a chain. That way it can’t be hidden in a shoe and used as a shiv. 🙂
I am lucky in that the level of my extended family’s dysfunction stops at (1) saying you’ll bring the cheese and then not bringing a cheese tray or cheese knife to go with it, (2) saying you’ll bring cheese and driving off with it on the top of the car when you leave the cheese shop, or (3) saying you’ll bring cheese and eating it all on the way to the party.
Deb says
Not a fan of the wheat pattern, but love the “new” old tile. So nice that the tile was the correct size. The colors are perfect for a shore house! (Or a Tiki bar)
Nigel says
You improved it Pam, and did a much better job centering your NOS tile than they did with the original!
Lynne says
You inspired me to pick up a round cheese board, sans tile, at the local Salvation Army Thrift Store for just $1. I have no round tiles on hand, so I’m waiting for the perfect trivet or round wall hanging to stick in the middle. I’m also considering staining the lower part green for a minimalist wreath. So many ideas; so little time!