Why This House in the Woods Tray Earns Its Place on the Table
What this House in the Woods design does is place a cabin tucked among tall pines, roof and chimney visible between the trunks with a path leading to the door in deep forest green and timber brown with warm window light against a dusk sky and leave it there. The mood — secluded and cosy — does the rest. Cabins in woodland carry a very specific kind of quiet, and the lit window is the detail that sells it. It is for makers who prefer a project that improves the room when it is finished. Designed for dens, cabins and reading rooms, it holds up as decor rather than as something you finish and put in a drawer. Reference CP24. Cabins in woodland carry a very specific kind of quiet, and the lit window is the detail that sells it That is the reasoning behind the whole composition.
cabins in woodland carry a very specific kind of quiet, and the lit window is the detail that sells it. In dens, cabins and reading rooms the piece holds its own against the surrounding colour rather than fighting 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 | CP24 |
| Design | House in the Woods |
| 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 | deep forest green and timber brown with warm window light against a dusk sky |
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 does the House in the Woods wooden tray kit come with as standard?
Yes. The House in the Woods 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 CP24.
Is the House in the Woods design robust once the sealing step is done?
Once the drills are seated and the surface is sealed, the House in the Woods 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. The resin drills bond firmly across the House in the Woods pattern.
Does the House in the Woods wooden tray kit need dusting often?
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 House in the Woods palette, deep forest green and timber brown tones show dust less than pale grounds, so a light pass is usually enough. Skip solvent cleaners, which can cloud the House in the Woods resin.
How much bare surface does the House in the Woods wooden tray kit have?
The face is drilled across the whole surface, so the finished tray has complete coverage without bare wood showing. The House in the Woods artwork is drawn so that a cabin tucked among tall pines reads clearly at any distance. The House in the Woods surface is treated as one complete unit.
How many hours does the House in the Woods wooden tray kit represent?
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 House in the Woods design is secluded and cosy, which tends to make it easier to work in short sessions. The House in the Woods design suits working one colour block at a time.
What are the House in the Woods size choices?
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 CP24.
Jennifer T. (verified owner) –
Made one for my sister and now she wants the kit too. The wood base has a nice weight to it, feels like real serveware. The adhesive is plenty sticky, the drills stay exactly where I put them. The wood arrived with one small scuff on the side. I do this on the porch in the summer and it’s lovely. Really happy with the end result. Good kit overall, just a couple of small things.
Mason T. (verified owner) –
Made this for our coffee table and get compliments on it constantly. The wood is thick and finished smoothly, no splinters anywhere. The packaging was a little crushed on one corner. The colors work beautifully with the room. Still worth it overall.
Roxanne Badger –
I picked this up for the entryway table and it’s perfect there. Size is right for two mugs and a small plate. I kept it on the coffee table and worked on it in small bites. I wish it came pre-sealed. I gave one to my sister and she immediately ordered her own. Happy enough that I’d buy another.
Willie Boone (verified owner) –
The handles make it feel like real serveware, not just a craft. The proportions work well for a dresser or a vanity. Nothing was crushed or bent in transit. Did most of it over a long weekend and it was such a pleasant way to pass the time. I keep remotes and candles on it when it’s not in use. Only one finish is available, which is limiting. I’d order it again knowing what I know now.
Susan Hanley (verified owner) –
Made one for my sister and now she wants the kit too. Handles are sturdy, I can carry a full mug without worrying. Only one finish is available, which is limiting. This is the kind of craft that’s genuinely calming after a hectic day. It photographs well, which is a bonus for sharing. Good enough that I’d buy another.
Reginald Valdez (verified owner) –
So glad I added this one to my cart. Looks beautiful on the coffee table with a candle on it. Some colors came with barely any extras, though I didn’t run out. Good kit overall, just a couple of small things.
NightShiftNina (verified owner) –
This was a step up from the smaller kits and I enjoyed it. Great gift for anyone who likes hosting. Only one finish is available, which is limiting. Mild quibbles, but a good purchase.
Leigh Krause (verified owner) –
This was a useful project that also happens to be pretty. The drilled section is recessed and protected from spills. It was a pleasant way to spend a slow afternoon. Gave one as a housewarming gift and it was a favorite. The drilled panel sits slightly proud of the rim. Mild quibbles, but a good purchase.
Jordan Norris (verified owner) –
Bought it for the guest room and it looks lovely there. The wood is thick and sanded smooth, no splinters. It photographs well, which is a bonus for sharing. The rim could be a touch deeper. Still a good kit overall.
Cody T. (verified owner) –
Really impressed with how solid the tray feels. Handles are sturdy, I can carry a full mug without worrying. You’ll want to seal it yourself if you’re putting wet glasses on it. It’s my go-to when I want something enjoyable that doesn’t take much thought. Great value for what you get. Happy enough that I’d buy another.
Ashleigh Colon (verified owner) –
This is my fourth kit from DOTZSO and the quality is holding up. There were extra drills left over in every color when I finished. The wax ran out before I finished and I had to use my own. I did this with the teacher next door on the weekends and we both got into it. Good enough that I’d buy another.
Joyce N. (verified owner) –
Made this for our coffee table and get compliments on it constantly. Wood feels solid, much better than the thin pressed board I’ve seen. Not something I’d put in the dishwasher or soak, obviously. I found it really peaceful to focus on one small area at a time. Minor things, but I’d still buy it again.
Paulette Sanford (verified owner) –
I ordered this the day after finishing my last project. It looks beautiful with a candle and a book on it. You’ll want to seal it yourself if you’re putting wet glasses on it. A good buy, with one or two caveats.
Sadie Montgomery (verified owner) –
I picked this up for the entryway table and it’s perfect there. The size is right for the space I had in mind. Colors match the listing photo really closely. I put on an audiobook and worked through it in a few sittings. Not something to soak or put in the dishwasher. Great gift for anyone who likes hosting. Minor things, but I’d still buy it again.
Jeffrey Oconnor (verified owner) –
This is a genuinely nice kit for the money. The base is flat and doesn’t rock on the table. Not something I’d put in the dishwasher or soak, obviously. The repetitive motion is oddly satisfying, one of those simple pleasures. Good kit overall, just a couple of small things.
Meredith Shannon –
Made this for our coffee table and get compliments on it constantly. The handles are cut comfortably and easy to grip. A really satisfying project from start to finish. You’ll want to seal it yourself if you’ll set wet glasses on it. Good kit overall, just a couple of small things.
Jessica Oconnor (verified owner) –
I’ve wanted a tray like this for a while. Worth the time it took. Wish it came with a protective finish already applied. Happy enough that I’d buy another.
Danielle F. (verified owner) –
Really impressed with how solid the tray feels. The wood base has a nice weight to it, feels like real serveware. The drills are bright and consistent in size, no weird off-color batches. The drilled panel sits slightly proud of the rim. This is the kind of craft that’s genuinely calming after a hectic day. It sits on the entry table and catches keys and mail. Worth buying, just plan for those small quirks.
Rupert Murray (verified owner) –
Ordered two kits, this was the one I finished first. I keep remotes and candles on it when it’s not in use. A few bags weren’t labeled as clearly as the rest. Still worth it overall.
Lois Brantley –
I use mine every morning for coffee. The drill shapes were clean, not many chipped or stuck-together pieces. The pen grip stayed comfortable through long sessions. Took me a while to get the hang of the multi-placer tip. It’s the kind of task that quiets a busy mind. It holds two mugs and a plate with room to spare. Minor quibbles aside, I’d buy it again.
Yolanda Gilbert (verified owner) –
I use mine for morning coffee and it’s held up well. Gave it as a housewarming gift and it was the favorite present. Only small gripe is that a few drills had little burrs on them. Happy enough that I’d buy another.
DesertDrillsAZ (verified owner) –
Bought it to have something to look forward to after work. The wood finish is smooth and looks properly done. Took a bit longer to arrive than I expected. Very pleased with how it came together. Worth it despite the small things.
Ted Donaldson (verified owner) –
Bought this for our coffee table and it’s become a fixture. The interior surface is smooth and easy to wipe down. The rim could be a touch deeper. Perfect for a cozy evening in when you want to keep your hands busy. I’m really proud of how it turned out. A good buy, with one or two caveats.
Willie Schwartz –
I’ve wanted one of these trays for ages and finally made one. The drill design sits flush with the tray surface. I do this on the porch in the summer and it’s lovely. The handles make it genuinely useful, not just decorative. You’ll want to seal it yourself if you’ll set wet glasses on it. Still worth it overall.
Devon Daniel (verified owner) –
I’ve bought from this shop a few times now and this is another good one. The numbering was consistent across the whole canvas. Really relaxing to do in the evening instead of scrolling. Makes a lovely gift for anyone who hosts. Handles are a bit narrow for larger hands. Worth buying, just plan for those small quirks.
Gordon Moran (verified owner) –
I’ve tried a few brands and this one holds up well. I can carry a full mug without worrying about the handles. The included pen wore out partway through. It’s a slow, quiet hobby and I like that about it. Looks beautiful on the coffee table with a candle on it. Minor things, but I’d still buy it again.
Leslie Watts (verified owner) –
Picked this up before a long flight and it saved the trip. Everything was bagged and labeled, so setup took five minutes. It adds a nice handmade touch to the room. Some colors had very few spare drills. A solid purchase with a couple of notes.
Hattie Underwood (verified owner) –
Ordered on a Monday, had it by the weekend. It’s sized right for two mugs and a small plate. Wish it came with a protective finish already applied. Going to order a few more for Christmas presents. Worth buying, just plan for those small quirks.