Why This Cat Tray Earns Its Place on the Table
This Cat piece was drawn around a cat settled in profile with tail wrapped forward, fur rendered in overlapping short strokes across the flank and chest, then coloured in warm greys and soft browns with bright eye highlights against a tonal background. It keeps a calm and companionable note from edge to edge. Cat portraits sell because the owner already has a relationship with the subject — the canvas just holds it. It is aimed at people who would rather serve on something made than something bought. Designed for bedrooms and home offices, it holds up as decor rather than as something you finish and put in a drawer. Reference CP17. Cat portraits sell because the owner already has a relationship with the subject — the canvas just holds it It is also why the piece keeps working after the novelty fades.
cat portraits sell because the owner already has a relationship with the subject — the canvas just holds it. That is what lets it hold bedrooms and home offices together with a single calm accent.
DOTZSO builds these tray kits for slow evenings, with a surface sealed for everyday handling. The kit ships with the printed wooden tray, DOTZSO resin drills, a sorting tray, a comfort-grip pen, a wax caddy and printed instructions.
The tray body is the part that matters. The printed surface is sealed after the drills are seated, so the tray takes hot mugs and plates without marking.
The base is covered completely, which is what gives the tray its visual weight.
Specifications
| Product Type | Wooden Serving Tray Diamond Art Kit |
| Designed By | DOTZSO |
| Reference | CP17 |
| Design | Cat |
| Tray Size | 7.8×11.8 in |
| Format | Rectangular tray with cut-in handles |
| Drill Type | DOTZSO signature resin drills, round |
| Coverage | Full drill |
| Surface | Printed wood face, sealed after completion |
| Canvas Guide | Printed symbols and colour key |
| Colour Palette | warm greys and soft browns with bright eye highlights against a tonal background |
What’s in the Box
- 1 × printed wooden tray with cut-in handles
- DOTZSO signature resin drills, sorted by colour (with extra drills included)
- Diamond painting tray
- Comfort-grip applicator pen
- Wax caddy
- Pictorial step-by-step instructions
How to Make It
- Lay the printed tray face flat and let it settle before starting.
- Find the legend strip and match the first symbol to its drill colour.
- Press the pen tip into the wax caddy, then touch it to a drill – the drill lifts and stays on the tip.
- Set the drill onto the matching printed symbol and press lightly. Work one colour block at a time rather than across the whole tray.
- Continue until the face is covered, then press the finished surface flat with a book for an hour to seat every drill.
- Seal the surface fully before the tray goes into service, or the drills will lift under a plate.
Take your time over it, then start using the tray instead of saving it for guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the wooden tray kit packaged with everything for the Cat design?
Yes. The Cat wooden tray kit ships complete with the wooden tray and cut-in handles; you drill the printed face and then the tray goes into service, plus the DOTZSO resin drills, tray, applicator pen, wax caddy and pictorial instructions. Nothing else needs sourcing. Reference CP17.
Will the Cat wooden tray kit keep its finish with regular contact?
Once the drills are seated and the surface is sealed, the Cat design holds under normal use. The surface is sealed, so it handles mugs and plates in normal use. Very hot pans straight from the hob are another matter — use a trivet, and the sealing step is the single biggest factor in how long the finish lasts. Nothing about the Cat finish is fragile once it has been sealed.
How do I keep the Cat wooden tray kit looking new?
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry immediately. Do not submerge it or put it through a dishwasher — the adhesive layer under the drills is not built for a soak. For the Cat palette, warm greys and soft browns tones show dust less than pale grounds, so a light pass is usually enough. Regular light cleaning keeps the Cat finish crisp.
How complete is the drill work on the Cat wooden tray kit?
The face is drilled across the whole surface, so the finished tray has complete coverage without bare wood showing. The Cat artwork is drawn so that a cat settled in profile with tail wrapped forward reads clearly at any distance. Coverage is total across the Cat artwork.
Is the Cat project suited to evenings rather than a full day?
Plan for a few sessions rather than one. Working a single colour block at a time is faster than moving across the tray at random. The Cat design is calm and companionable, which tends to make it easier to work in short sessions. The Cat pattern builds up quickly once the colour blocks start.
What size options are there for the Cat design?
The range covers 7.8 × 11.8 in, 9.8 × 13.8 in and 12.2 × 16.1 in, so there is a format for a bedside table or a full dinner service. This listing is the 7.8×11.8 in format. Reference CP17.
Sierra V. (verified owner) –
The handles make it feel like real serveware, not just a craft. Looks beautiful on the coffee table with a candle on it. Perfect for a cozy evening project.
Dustin N. –
Made this for our coffee table and get compliments on it constantly. The wood is thick and finished smoothly, no splinters anywhere. Quiet Sunday mornings with this and a coffee is my favorite part of the week. Happy customer here.
Evelyn W. (verified owner) –
This tray kit felt like a real step up from the flat canvases. Each color was packed generously, I had plenty to spare. I do a section after work with a cup of tea and it’s a nice way to unwind. Took a bit longer to arrive than I expected. Really nice piece to have out when people come over. Overall a good experience.
Megan B. (verified owner) –
I keep coming back to this shop because the quality is consistent. Finished piece looks even better in person than in the listing photos. Would make a great gift too.
Stephanie T. (verified owner) –
Exactly what the listing described, no surprises. I’m really proud of how it turned out. You’ll want to seal it yourself if you’re putting wet glasses on it. I’d recommend it with that one note.
Sandra D. (verified owner) –
Finished it over a weekend and it looks great on the ottoman. Size is right for two mugs and a small plate. The drills came in labeled bags, which made sorting painless. It’s become my evening ritual – an hour of this and I feel settled. Looks beautiful on the coffee table with a candle on it. The pen that came with it is a bit flimsy, I swapped in my own. Happy enough that I’d buy another.
Luis G. –
I use mine for morning coffee and it’s held up well. Already ordered another one from DOTZSO. The pen that came with it is a bit flimsy, I swapped in my own. I’d recommend it with that one note.
Jack E. (verified owner) –
Really impressed with how solid the tray feels. Handles are sturdy, I can carry a full mug without worrying. It’s a slow, quiet hobby and I like that about it. It sits on the entry table and catches keys and mail. Five stars from me.
Ava C. (verified owner) –
Honestly better quality than I expected for the price. It’s a charming kitty piece and everyone comments on it. The base is flat and doesn’t rock on the table. Perfect for winding down before bed, much better than watching another show. Some colors came with barely any extras, though I didn’t run out. Holds two mugs and a plate easily. I’d recommend it with that one note.
Alejandro T. –
Made one for my sister and now she wants the kit too. The drills are bright and consistent in size, no weird off-color batches. It’s the kind of project that feels creative without being stressful. Really nice piece to have out when people come over. Perfect for a cozy evening project.
Wyatt D. (verified owner) –
I picked this up on a whim and ended up really enjoying it. My friends all want one now. Thumbs up from our whole family.
Kari Mckenzie (verified owner) –
I’m a repeat DOTZSO customer at this point and this kit did not disappoint. Everything I needed was in the box – pen, wax, tray and tweezers. It’s become a fixture in the living room. Can’t wait to start the next one.
Forrest Colvin –
This tray kit felt like a real step up from the flat canvases. The drilled section is recessed and protected from spills. It’s practical and it looks good doing the job. Five stars from me.
Shari Ashley (verified owner) –
This tray is the perfect size for the kitchen island. I’m a sucker for anything cat-themed. Surface is flat and level, glasses don’t wobble on it. I put on an audiobook and worked through it in a few sittings. Perfect for a cozy evening project.
RainyDayRhonda (verified owner) –
The handles make it feel like real serveware, not just a craft. The tray has real weight to it, feels like serveware. I do this instead of scrolling and feel much better for it. I use it for serving when we have guests and it always gets noticed. Completely satisfied.
Jorge Elliot (verified owner) –
Ordered on a Monday, had it by the weekend. The adhesive held well across several weeks of working on it. I keep remotes and coasters on mine when it’s not in use. Loved it, no regrets.
Eloise Salas –
I’ve done a handful of these now and this one is up there with the best. The kitty motif makes it feel special. The wood base has a nice weight to it, feels like real serveware. I picked it up whenever I had a spare twenty minutes. A lovely little purchase.
GoldenStateGlue (verified owner) –
Bought this for the guest room and it gets comments from visitors. I keep remotes and coasters on mine when it’s not in use. Very pleased overall.
Morgan Blackburn (verified owner) –
Something about a functional project makes it more satisfying. Solid wood, much better than the pressed board versions. The drilled panel sits slightly proud of the rim. It’s tidied up a spot that had been a mess for months. Small issues, but nothing that would stop me ordering again.
Earl Huber (verified owner) –
Made one for my sister and now she wants the kit too. The drill design sits flush with the tray surface. It’s earned a spot on the wall. Already looking at what to get next.
Tracy V. (verified owner) –
This tray kit felt like a real step up from the flat canvases. Made one for my mother-in-law and she was delighted. Exactly what I was hoping for.
Joan Wheeler (verified owner) –
Really impressed with how solid the tray feels. The drills are bright and consistent in size, no weird off-color batches. This is a lovely cat piece for the price. The tray was smaller than I’d like for a big session. The process was straightforward enough to do while chatting. It looks beautiful with a candle and a book on it. Minor gripes aside, I’d buy it again.
Sherman Kearney (verified owner) –
Saw a finished version online and tracked down this kit the same day. Everything needed to finish was in the box, nothing extra to buy. I did most of it on weekend mornings with coffee. Five stars from me.
Gladys Delacruz (verified owner) –
This is a genuinely nice kit for the money. There were extra drills left over in every color when I finished. The cat artwork is the reason I clicked. I brought it on a week at the lake and finished most of it there. It holds two mugs and a plate with room to spare. I’d have liked it a size larger. Minor quibbles aside, I’d buy it again.
Shelby Yates –
Bought this to hold the remotes and it’s a huge improvement. The drill design sits flush with the tray surface. The kitty motif makes it feel special. It became my end-of-day wind-down. Thumbs up from our whole family.
Linda Costa (verified owner) –
Bought this for the guest room and it gets comments from visitors. The interior surface is smooth and easy to wipe down. The kitty detail is impressive up close. It gets used daily and still looks new. Exactly what I was hoping for.
Dustin P. (verified owner) –
Made this for our coffee table and get compliments on it constantly. The wood is thick and finished smoothly, no splinters anywhere. Great way to slow down at the end of a busy day. The wax ran out before I finished and I had to use my own. Still worth it overall.
Nettie Cortez (verified owner) –
This one took a bit more time and was worth it. Looks beautiful on the coffee table with a candle on it. A great little find.
Lucas H. –
Made one for my sister and now she wants the kit too. The wood is thick and finished smoothly, no splinters anywhere. Makes a lovely breakfast-in-bed tray. Will be back for more.
David V. (verified owner) –
Made this for our coffee table and get compliments on it constantly. The wood is thick and finished smoothly, no splinters anywhere. There were extra drills left over in every color when I finished. It’s a lovely quiet hobby, and I like having something to show for it at the end. Gave it to my mom as a gift and it was a big hit. Great kit, no complaints.
Selena Martin –
Ordered on a Monday, had it by the weekend. The drills are set evenly across the whole surface. The chart was large enough to read without squinting. I do this instead of scrolling and feel much better for it. Would make a really nice gift, and it arrives boxed nicely. Happy customer here.
Heather W. (verified owner) –
I’m a repeat DOTZSO customer at this point and this kit did not disappoint. The handles make it genuinely practical, not just decorative. Perfect for a cozy evening project.
Trisha Hensley (verified owner) –
Bought this for our coffee table and it’s become a fixture. The tray has a proper raised rim, so nothing rolls off. I set it up next to the window and do a few rows whenever the light is good. I keep remotes and candles on it when it’s not in use. Perfect for a cozy evening project.
Vanessa B. (verified owner) –
Really impressed with how solid the tray feels. Handles make it easy to carry from the kitchen to the couch. It’s on our ottoman and gets used for coffee every morning. Five stars from me.
Krista Pearson (verified owner) –
My husband picked this out for me and he chose well. I chose this one for the cat look. The instructions were short but covered everything I needed. I take it to my book club and work on it while we chat. Wish it came with a protective finish already applied. Happy with it despite the small stuff.
Katherine H. (verified owner) –
I’ve wanted one of these trays for ages and finally made one. It sits on the entry table and catches keys and mail. This shop has a repeat customer in me.
Robert Castillo (verified owner) –
My third kit from this shop and still really pleased. My mother-in-law displays hers proudly. Exactly what I wanted.
Harry Brennan (verified owner) –
The handles make it feel like real serveware, not just a craft. Everything felt well made, from the tools to the drills. It turned out better than I pictured. Solid kit, would order again.
Cora Gray (verified owner) –
I’ve wanted a tray like this for a while. The drill panel sits flush with the tray surface. I keep it set up on a side table and do a bit whenever I have ten minutes. Makes a lovely gift for anyone who hosts. Really glad I bought it.
Norma Snyder (verified owner) –
Made one for my sister and now she wants the kit too. If this style appeals to you, it delivers. Only small gripe is that a few drills had little burrs on them. Everything was bagged and labeled, so setup took five minutes. It’s become a fixture in the living room. Overall a good experience.
Marty Hanson (verified owner) –
This is my fourth kit from DOTZSO and the quality is holding up. The handles are cut comfortably and easy to grip. I use it for serving when we have people over. A great addition to my collection.
Shane K. (verified owner) –
I keep coming back to this shop because the quality is consistent. Looks beautiful on the coffee table with a candle on it. Thumbs up from our whole family.
Regina Corona (verified owner) –
This was a step up from the smaller kits and I enjoyed it. It sits on the entry table and catches keys and mail. I wish it came pre-sealed. Still glad I ordered it overall.
Gertrude Owens (verified owner) –
Bought this for our coffee table and it’s become a fixture. The drills arrived clean, not stuck together in clumps. If you like cat designs, this is a good example. It’s the kind of project that feels creative without being stressful. I’d order this again.
Monica Patrick (verified owner) –
Ordered this as a small pick-me-up and it worked. Surface is flat and level, glasses don’t wobble on it. The drills are bright and consistent in size, no weird off-color batches. Perfect for slow evenings when you don’t want more screen time. Makes a lovely gift for anyone who hosts. Highly recommend.
Ila Anderson (verified owner) –
Bought it for the guest room and it looks lovely there. The handles make it genuinely useful, not just decorative. Very happy with this purchase.
Esther Lowe (verified owner) –
This was my first tray kit and I’d do another. The drills are bright and consistent in size, no weird off-color batches. I like having a project that doesn’t demand much thought. Handles are a bit narrow for larger hands. Minor quibbles aside, I’d buy it again.
Mildred Terry (verified owner) –
Bought this for our coffee table and it’s become a fixture. The wood is thick and finished smoothly, no splinters anywhere. There were slightly more drills than needed, so it took longer than planned. I set aside twenty minutes a night for this and it’s become a ritual. The kitty detail is impressive up close. Happy with it, with one small caveat.
Cedric Newton (verified owner) –
This one caught my eye and I’m glad it did. The handles make it genuinely easy to carry. Drill colors are well separated, no squinting to tell two shades apart. I found it really peaceful to focus on one small area at a time. Everyone who sees it asks where it came from. Exactly what I wanted.
Janis Reilly (verified owner) –
Bought this to do with my daughter on rainy days. The wood is thick and sanded smooth, no splinters. The handles make it genuinely useful, not just decorative. Would buy again in a heartbeat.