Why This Turtle Tray Earns Its Place on the Table
A sea turtle in mid-glide with the shell plated in distinct segments, flippers extended and reef detail behind is what this Turtle design is about, and the palette keeps to emerald and olive shell segments with turquoise water and warm coral behind. Nothing here overstates its case; the tone is simply slow and serene. Turtle designs are the calmest ocean motif — the slow subject suits a slow craft. It is for makers who prefer a project that improves the room when it is finished. Designed for bathrooms, bedrooms and ocean-toned rooms, it holds up as decor rather than as something you finish and put in a drawer. Reference CP19-2. turtle designs are the calmest ocean motif — the slow subject suits a slow craft It is a small thing, and it is the reason the design holds together.
turtle designs are the calmest ocean motif — the slow subject suits a slow craft. It is why the piece settles into bathrooms, bedrooms and ocean-toned rooms without needing the rest of the scheme to match it.
DOTZSO makes these trays for people who would rather serve on something made than something bought. What is in the box: the printed wooden tray, DOTZSO resin drills, a sorting tray, a comfort-grip applicator pen, a wax caddy and a pictorial instruction sheet.
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 whole tray face is worked, so no section looks like an afterthought.
Specifications
| Product Type | Wooden Serving Tray Diamond Art Kit |
| Designed By | DOTZSO |
| Reference | CP19-2 |
| Design | Turtle |
| Tray Size | 12.2×16.1 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 | emerald and olive shell segments with turquoise water and warm coral behind |
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.
Complete it over a few sessions, then let the tray settle into everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What comes in the box with this Turtle wooden tray kit?
Yes. The Turtle 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 CP19-2.
Is the Turtle surface tough enough for daily contact?
Once the drills are seated and the surface is sealed, the Turtle 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 Turtle finish is fragile once it has been sealed.
Does the Turtle finish need any special treatment?
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 Turtle palette, emerald and olive shell segments tones show dust less than pale grounds, so a light pass is usually enough. Store it dry and the Turtle piece needs very little attention.
Is the Turtle wooden tray kit drilled from edge to edge?
The face is drilled across the whole surface, so the finished tray has complete coverage without bare wood showing. The Turtle artwork is drawn so that a sea turtle in mid-glide with the shell plated in distinct segments reads clearly at any distance. The whole Turtle surface carries the drilled finish.
How many evenings will the Turtle design take?
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 Turtle design is slow and serene, which tends to make it easier to work in short sessions. The Turtle pattern builds up quickly once the colour blocks start.
How do I pick the right Turtle wooden tray kit size?
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 12.2×16.1 in format. Reference CP19-2.
Diane B. (verified owner) –
This was a fun change of pace from the usual canvas kits. I keep remotes and coasters on mine when it’s not in use. The sea turtle detail comes together really nicely once it’s finished. Recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing craft.
CrossStitchCassie –
The wood base is much sturdier than I expected. Surface is flat and level, glasses don’t wobble on it. I’m really proud of how it turned out. Perfect for a cozy evening project.
Andre L. (verified owner) –
The handles make it feel like real serveware, not just a craft. Handles make it easy to carry from the kitchen to the couch. It’s my go-to when I want something enjoyable that doesn’t take much thought. Highly recommend.
Sarah T. (verified owner) –
I’ve wanted one of these trays for ages and finally made one. The wood base has a nice weight to it, feels like real serveware. I do this on the porch in the summer and it’s lovely. It sits on the entry table and catches keys and mail. Worth every penny.
Ann P. (verified owner) –
Finished it over a weekend and it looks great on the ottoman. The wood is thick and finished smoothly, no splinters anywhere. I found it really peaceful to focus on one small area at a time. The handles make it genuinely practical, not just decorative. Really glad I bought it.
Leo A. –
This tray kit felt like a real step up from the flat canvases. I picked the ocean turtle version and the colors are lovely. Very pleased with how it came together. Great kit, no complaints.
Tyler H. (verified owner) –
I use mine for morning coffee and it’s held up well. Wood feels solid, much better than the thin pressed board I’ve seen. The pen that came with it is a bit flimsy, I swapped in my own. I use it for serving when we have guests and it always gets noticed. Happy enough that I’d buy another.
Anita V. (verified owner) –
I’m a repeat DOTZSO customer at this point and this kit did not disappoint. No missing colors and no shortage on the ones used most. Really calming, repetitive work, and satisfying when a section is finished. Would make a really nice gift, and it arrives boxed nicely. The ocean turtle subject is rendered with more detail than I expected. Will be back for more.
Sophia T. (verified owner) –
Bought it as a starter kit for myself and it worked out great. The handles make it genuinely practical, not just decorative. Easy recommendation.
Shane K. (verified owner) –
I’ve been doing these for about a year and this is a solid kit. The drilled panel is recessed so it’s protected from spills. Did most of it over a long weekend and it was such a pleasant way to pass the time. The sea turtle palette is softer in person, which I actually prefer. The colors work beautifully with the room. Recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing craft.
Ava M. (verified owner) –
I use mine for morning coffee and it’s held up well. Surface is flat and level, glasses don’t wobble on it. Great gift for anyone who likes hosting. Only small gripe is that a few drills had little burrs on them. Happy enough that I’d buy another.
Margaret B. (verified owner) –
Bought it as a starter kit for myself and it worked out great. Wood feels solid, much better than the thin pressed board I’ve seen. I take it to my book club and work on it while we chat. You’ll want to seal it yourself if you’re putting wet glasses on it. If you like ocean turtle designs, this is a good one to go for. The handles make it genuinely practical, not just decorative. Still worth it overall.
Owen P. (verified owner) –
Heavier and nicer in person than it looked online. The ocean turtle pattern is what drew me in and it didn’t disappoint. Really happy with the end result. Would definitely buy again.
Joshua J. –
Made this for our coffee table and get compliments on it constantly. Handles are cut well and comfortable to actually carry. Not something I’d put in the dishwasher or soak, obviously. The colors work beautifully with the room. Happy with it, with a few caveats.
SunroomDIY –
Made one for my sister and now she wants the kit too. It turned into something I actually want to display, not shove in a drawer. I’ll be ordering more.
Charles C. (verified owner) –
Ordered on a Monday, had it by the weekend. The drills have a nice sparkle to them, not dull or flat. I’ve been doing it in the evenings with my partner, we take turns on sections. Looks beautiful on the coffee table with a candle on it. Thumbs up from our whole family.
Robert J. (verified owner) –
The wood base is much sturdier than I expected. Would make a really nice gift, and it arrives boxed nicely. Loved it, no regrets.
Robert K. (verified owner) –
Heavier and nicer in person than it looked online. The finished piece gets compliments from everyone who visits. Really glad I bought it.
OhioDiamondDots (verified owner) –
I’ve been doing these for about a year and this is a solid kit. Handles are cut well and comfortable to actually carry. Really calming, repetitive work, and satisfying when a section is finished. Five stars from me.
Nancy V. –
Came quickly and was packaged really well. It’s the kind of project you feel good about finishing. Thumbs up from our whole family.
Deborah B. (verified owner) –
Heavier and nicer in person than it looked online. Handles make it easy to carry from the kitchen to the couch. Perfect for a cozy evening in when you want to keep your hands busy. The adhesive picked up a bit of dust while I was working over several days. I keep remotes and coasters on mine when it’s not in use. Happy enough that I’d buy another.