Amazing friends, can I tell y’all how excited I am??? Today, I’m sharing the 38th and final piece of this huge thrifty haul!!
I cannot believe I finished them all. If you have a mountain of project pieces to tackle, make a list of them or photograph them as I did and cross them off one by one as you complete them. I swear it works so well to keep me on track! Also, it has stopped me from thrifting as much since I know I have a list of things to redo waiting for me at home!
The last piece of this haul is this arched metal wall art:
This is one of the pieces I’ve had the longest!
I bought it many years ago at a yard sale for only $5! Not only that, I bought three of them! One of them I redid years ago. My old neighbor was interested in them when she spied them in our garage, so I gave her one of them. That left this one that I have held onto for more years than I can remember!
Well today is the day!
Keep it SImple
There are only so many options for a piece like this, and I decided to keep it simple.
I gave it a base coat of Rustoleum spray primer first:
That was just to get a quick coat on it. Then I brushed on one coat of Cotton.
I started to sand some of the paint off here and there but ended up using a razor blade to scrape away the paint to give it more of a distressed look:
I’m keeping this one to hang in the hall at the top of the stairs, so I decided it didn’t need to be sealed with anything.
The after
Here is how this pretty piece looks now:
I styled it with this pretty bench I painted in Silver Bullet not too long ago…
You might remember this is the one I used the Floral Silkscreen Stencil on to add a little something to the inside.
I thought this would be a great piece for staging, so I wanted to keep it white…
It has so many pretty details that the paint and distressing really enhance…
This will make the perfect backdrop for a wreath too!
And that’s it! Short and sweet!
Thank you for sticking with me while I worked through this giant haul!!
I can’t tell y’all how satisfying it is to cross off the final piece!
That’s 38 pieces done, eight of which I’ve had for forever it seems!
I’ve been shopping for my next haul, but I still need a few more things.
I set out for a day of thrifting on Tuesday and hit up five thrift stores, but all I came home with were these two pieces:
That is very unusual for me!
But then I stopped by the two thrift stores closest to my house yesterday morning and found a few things, including this small antique dresser:
It has a pretty mirror sitting behind it. That was only $75, which I thought was a deal for the age of it. The bottom drawer needs work, but hopefully, it will be an easy fix!
Everything I found yesterday is still in the back of my car lol.
I have several smaller items, but I’d like to find a few more pieces of furniture. I’m going to check out a couple more places today or tomorrow and see what I can find.
This haul was so large, taking nearly six months to complete, that I thought it might be fun to look back at them all on Tuesday:
Update: See all the befores and afters in one place HERE now!
Have an amazing weekend, dear friends!!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Mary Kaiser says
Woot Woot- you did it!!! I am so happy for you that you finish your biggest haul, I knew you could do it!! I love this piece that you have had the longest, it was so simple to do, but turned out so beautiful! It will be perfect for staging. It is so fun watching you work through all of the hauls! Can’t wait to see your next haul!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary!! There were a lot of pieces in this one, but I was able to get so many things done that have just been sitting taking up space. I’m thrilled about that and definitely excited to move onto a brand new set of treasures! Have a fantastic weekend, my friend! XOXO
Karen Schory says
If you were going to seal the Arched Metal wall hanging what type of sealer would you have used?
Christy says
Hi Karen! If I were going to seal this one, I probably would have used Satin Clear Coat and applied it lightly with my blue sponge. You could also use a clear matte spray sealer from Rustoleum if you have that on hand. XOXO
Denise Cox says
So pretty!! And, you know what they say, sometimes it is just better to ” KISS”… Keep it simple, stupid!! “…. Lol. You did, and it turned out lovely!! I don’t know why these wall arches fascinate me, but they do… 🤔😝! Every one that I see, I like.. and would love to find an unused nook on the wall in my 800 sq ft apt. Wayfair, if you catch it at the right time, usually has a decent selection. At any rate, I enjoy meandering the ‘aisles’… Lol! YOUR arch really is quite lovely so a coat of paint to highlight the details was all it really needed!!! This haul was fantastic. And, while I think I’ve been with you not much longer than a year (?), I can’t imagine your hauls getting much better than this one!!! We ALL anticipate the next one… 😁👍.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Denise! Yes, this one had so much going for it as is that a simple paint job was all it needed! I can’t wait to start on a new batch of treasures!! XOXO
CC says
I have loved seeing how you breathed your creativity into each piece! you make me want to get my to-do list started. Thank you also for the ease of reading of your blog
Christy says
Thank you so much, CC! I’m so glad you enjoyed this haul! Yes, make a list and start crossing them off lol! XOXO
Janice Holt says
Congratulations on completing the large haul. This piece turned out pretty. Have a great week-end.
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! Enjoy your weekend also! XOXO
Christina says
Christy, this is such a lovely transformation! The white is so serene and the distressing adds such character. I adore it!
So sweet of you to give one to a neighbor.
Congratulations on finishing this huge haul! You’ve given all these pieces a new life with beauty and style!!
Love the new pieces and I’m looking forward to Tuesday recap.
Be well and have a wonderful weekend!
Christy says
Thank you, Christina! My neighbor was awesome, and she was happy to pay for it but I didn’t mind sharing at all! Have a great weekend too!! XOXO
Sandra says
What is that tent called that you use to spray small items..I think I need one ..
Christy says
Hi Sandra! I use my medium spray shelter most often. You can find it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3tmtavO It also comes in a smaller size that you should be able to see in that listing! XO
Mariah Beaney says
Hi Christy! I’ve been waiting eagerly for today to see how you transformed this piece. I also have a piece very similar to yours that I have been putting off painting because I wasn’t sure about what color to use. Now that I see how beautiful yours turned out, I am definitely going for white! Thank you for sharing this with us, now I’m off to paint!
Christy says
Oh yay!! I’m so glad you like the outcome! Good luck with yours! XOXO
susan says
I know you’re glad you’re finished with that haul! I’ve been “trying” to stay out of thrift stores and away from auctions til I finish what’s in the storage unit 🤣🤣. It’s hard to do!
Christy says
Yes I am!! I can’t believe it took me six months! And I totally feel your pain. We had a storage unit when we lived at our old house…you just forget what you have and end up buying more ha ha! XOXO
gwen says
I love lists, if for no other reason but to check things off! I’ve been known to add things to my list JUST to check them off! $5 for this metal piece was a steal! It looks really nice all chippy! Good job getting all 38 pieces done!
Christy says
Ha ha yes…I do that too! I add things to the list just so I can cross it off! Thank you, Gwen! XOXO
Ga says
Couldn’t wait to see this one. I never thought about using a blade to distress a piece rather than sanding. Thx.!
Christy says
Yes…it worked well on the metal! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
I thought about trying to keep up with you as you whipped out each piece from this hall😜. Well, it didn’t happen! You’re a painting machine! No wonder you messed up your back☹️ I love the simplicity of the metal wall piece and know you will enjoy using it. Have a lovely weekend!
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! I promise you that if this weren’t my job, I definitely wouldn’t crank out as much as I do ha ha! XOXO
Mikki says
Good Morning Christy! I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again – I LOVE your blog!!! You always have so many beautiful pieces and great ideas. I really think you should write a book! I have a question about inventory. You mentioned you bought this “many years ago” for $5. Do you keep an Excel spreadsheet or do make a note on the piece itself? I’ve considered creating an inventory process, but haven’t settled on the most efficient way of maintaining it. If you could share your secret, I would really appreciate it!
As always, love you and all you do! XOXOX
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Mikki! I honestly don’t keep track of my pieces on paper in any way. Most I remember the cost of because they still have tags on them, and pieces like this one are easy to remember because of the deal I got. It is easier now that most of what I’m working on is newer since I’ve cleared out a good bit of the old stuff! Thank you for following along with me and for your very kind words! XOXO
Catherine says
This is one of my favorites…I have one similar that is gray with brown wrought iron looking inset. You have inspired me….as ALWAYS!
Thank you, Christy!
Christy says
Aww yay! Thank you, Catherine! XOXO
Jane says
I have enjoyed every makeover you have completed!
Can’t wait to see what’s next!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Jane!! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
Such a cool piece. I love how it looks.
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! XOXO
Addie says
Love it!!!! Oh!!! So much better!!! Big haul…all done!!!!….YAY!!!!
Get out there and shop some more!!!!!….xoxo
Christy says
Thank you, Addie!! I’ve been shopping…that is the reward woot woot! XOXO
Charleen says
I have enjoyed every piece of this haul. Each has been a transformation.I especially enjoy the smalls.You deserve to take a deep breath/rest before the next haul. Great job
Christy says
I am so glad you enjoyed this haul, Charleen! Thank you! I’m definitely going to take a minute before starting on the next load! XOXO
Cheryl Krett says
Hello from snowy Canda! Love how it turned out. I just want to thank you for posting such great inspirational projects. Every Tuesday and Thursday I look forward to opening your email to see “What is Christy up to?” Keep up the great work and know you are an inspiration to so many. I paint smalls and furniture as a hobby and hope to one day have a spot in an antique mall too!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cheryl! I really appreciate that! I hope you get to open a booth some day! And is it really still snowing up there?? XOXO
Cheryl Krett says
Yes, sigh… hopefully it will melt soon so I can get back to painting in my porch.
Christy says
Oh no! Hoping for a warm up soon!! XO
Marcie Lovett says
What a relief, Christy! And such a treat to see you bring them back to life. Today’s project may have been quick, but you wouldn’t know it. It didn’t appeal to me at all before – I can’t believe some white paint turned it into a stunning architectural focal point. I have got to start looking at things with Christy Eyes instead of walking past some future treasure 😊
Christy says
Thank you, Marcie! It feels SO good to finally finish this load! I’m glad you enjoyed today’s piece…it was very heavy before and not really appealing to me either, but paint worked its magic lol. So yes, use your Christy eyes ha ha…that is so funny! XOXO
Cheryl says
Yay, great job!! Can’t wait to see what is in your next haul! Looks amazing so far.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Cheryl! I am cheering too ha ha! XOXO
Sue Mellette says
Hi Christy. Beautiful finish. Love the look with your distressing and simplicity of the staging. I’m glad you decided to keep this piece! I am sure it will add a unique look at the top of your stairs! It will also remind you of your hard work. It should give you some satisfaction that this piece was the last one! You have refreshed, renewed, and often rebuilt parts and pieces of your finds until they were truly works of art! Thank you for sharing your incredible work! Have a great rest of the week and weekend.
Christy says
Thank you, Sue! This was SO satisfying for sure! I am ready for a brand new set lol! Enjoy your week! XOXO
Karen H says
Such a simple makeover, but wow, what an impact! You always make everything look so gorgeous! I would so love to be near your shop! There are a couple pieces in particular I would dearly love to have. And I know you said I could do the same thing, but they would never turn out as amazing as yours! You do, however, totally inspire me! 🙂 xo
Christy says
Thank you, Karen! I know it’s nice to just buy what you want sometimes…I totally get that, but yes! You could do it ha ha! And I love that you leave here feeling inspired…that is the best compliment ever! XOXO
Petra says
Congrats on getting through all those wonderful pieces 🙂 I love the wall hanging – I find it quite hard to source anything like that, so well done you! Have a great weekend’s break!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Petra! I’m working on gathering the next haul now! XOXO
Kaycee says
Hi Christy, yay you did it, all 38 are done! Like all the other projects, this one is beautiful. It’s amazing how fresh this piece looks now in white. Well done girl.
Christy says
Thank you, Kaycee! XOXO
Becky says
Beautiful! What a finish! 😊 Congratulations on completing thee BIGGEST haul EVER! I hope you do something fun to celebrate! You are SO amazing!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Becky!! XOXO
Lorrie S says
I love seeing what you do with your finds. You have good eye for what works with each piece. Carry on!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Lorrie!! XOXO