Transforming a wooden tray

I've had this little wooden tray 4-ever!!!

I really do love the color...but wanted something a bit different than the snowman...so that I can use it all the time!!!

So....here's what I did!!!!

Took the pages of some of my favorite songs out of this hymnal......

Used some of this.....

And....ended up with this!!!

But I have a question for you professional decoupagers out there....how in the world do you get the paper to lie flat?!?!?

Is it supposed to....well....not lie flat?!?!?

I actually kinda like it a little lumpy and bumpy!!

Anyway....here it is in its new home....at least for now!!!

***Edited to add***
As you probably already figured out....I'm not an expert at Modge Podge....but, after it dried completely....all the bumps and bubbles disappeared!!!

I'm linking to:

Blessings to you!!!

In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!