From time to time, I create new projects in my free time. In the past month, I created this new medicine tray for Dear Son. It worked out so well, I thought I'd share it with you.
A few months ago, when I started thinking about re-decorating Dear Son’s bedroom, I sat down and wrote out some of my wants and needs. One of the items I wanted was a tray to hold his medications. Currently, when I give him his medications, I place the syringes on a plate and take them to his room. I have to lie a pad down on his bed so that the syringes don’t roll off and get medication on the bed. (I use a separate container to hold his feeding bag and his formula so that wasn’t an issue.)
I looked around for quite some time to find the right tray. I needed one large enough to hold his syringes but light enough to make it easier to carry since I am often carrying his other bin that holds the formula, feeding tube and feeding bag. Many of the ones I saw were more of a breakfast tray, which would have been too heavy. I needed one light enough to carry in one hand. I checked out some wooden ones, some wicker ones, metal ones however none seemed to fit the bill. I saw some with some mosaic tiles on them and some with all sorts of designs. Most were too heavy and too large.
I looked around for quite some time to find the right tray. I needed one large enough to hold his syringes but light enough to make it easier to carry since I am often carrying his other bin that holds the formula, feeding tube and feeding bag. Many of the ones I saw were more of a breakfast tray, which would have been too heavy. I needed one light enough to carry in one hand. I checked out some wooden ones, some wicker ones, metal ones however none seemed to fit the bill. I saw some with some mosaic tiles on them and some with all sorts of designs. Most were too heavy and too large.
I was about to give up with finding the right tray-large enough to hold all of the syringes and light enough to carry with one hand when I stopped in Michael's, the craft store one day. I was looking at all of the ways they organized their art supplies and looking for some new organizing products for one of my clients. It was there that I came across a small, lightweight, unfinished tray, just perfect for his medications. Usually craft stores drive me insane and I can't wait to get out of them however I had some free time so I decided to really look around. The tray was only $2.99. I took it home and worked perfectly! I painted it white and then used some of the wallpaper that I purchased (I use that as drawer liners to line Dear Son’s nightstand and dresser drawers.) and cut it to fit the tray. It works perfect. And the best part is, it's is amazingly functional. I love using it. I am still trying to find some kind of medium to seal the tray. Until then, I am using parchment paper or aluminum foil on top of it so it doesn’t get messed up. I have thought about getting a piece of glass cut to insert on top of the tray.
After I began using the tray, I liked it even more. I can now prepare his midnight meds right after dinner, crush the pills and set them on the tray until it's time to give them. I add water right before administering. I also use the tray to prepare his lunch time medication that the sitter needs to give. This helps since I don't have to worry about her spilling any medication on the carpet or upholstery.
Picture #1: The empty tray on Dear Son's bed.
Picture #2: Dinner meds and a flush.
9 comments:
WOW, that does look like just the right thing! You did a great job. Plus the design is happy and not institutional
There is a clear medium that they sell in the puzzle aisle, I can picture the bottle but am blanking on the name..modge podge maybe? It should seal everything just right and make it washable too :)
While I'm here, I just have to say I've lurked for a long time but never commented, though every day I'm blown away by your love, devotion and strength.
How about using clear contact paper? They sell it in rolls alongside the printed contact paper you use for drawer liners and kitchen shelf liners.
Nice job on the tray! Been lurking here for quite a while and am constantly awed by what you do.
I've had a little experience with trays myself. I don't recommend glass, it adds weight, is slippery and things can get underneath it. The clear contact paper idea isn't a bad one, but next time you're in a craft store look at the clear sealers they sell in the decoupage section. I think one of those would fit the bill nicely. You could also buy clear, water-based polyurethane at your local paint or hardware store. Unlike the old solvent based polys, the water based ones don't turn yellow.
Hi dream mom! Your love shines through brightly!
Thanks for all the good tips on the sealant. I'll check it out.
So bright and clean-looking! I love it!
My suggestion on the bottom of the tray is to have a piece of Plexiglas cut to size (I have never cut Plexi - maybe it's something you can do yourself), set it in there, then run some clear caulk around the edge so no liquid can seep its way under the Plexi. (Use the kind that comes in a nozzle tube if you don't have a caulking gun.) It can get scratched, but will be a lot lighter than glass.
Dear Dream Mom,
I surprised myself by being completely fascinated by your description of the tray. Sometimes the material world IS full of pleasures!
I wish you all the best for your back surgery and a speedy but thorough recovery.
Your friend,
a reader in Germany
I too, dream mom, have been a long time lingerer who never wrote back. You are so admired by your readers....thanks for always giving us more. Last winter I sat up late and read every past post. I feel like I've known you both for years.
I love your little project....
Maybe you could just have the cut-out wallpaper laminated....then you could wipe it off easily or remove it to trade for different patterns when you want. Perhaps you could do holiday themes, or even buy cheap plastic placemats and cut them to a size that fits the tray.
Easy clean up....
hugs to dear son from all of us who love him so...
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