Hello sweet friends, and welcome to Trash-to-Treasure Tuesday! Ya’ll know how much I love to make over trash. I was searching high and low for something really trashy to makeover for this occasion, but alas I came up empty. Booooo.
Instead I’m bringing you the next piece in my latest thrift store haul. Even if it isn’t so trashy, it’s a fun makeover nonetheless.
My project started out like this:
There is a shelf that looks like it’s missing, but it is lying on the bottom there. I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
I decided this could be a really sweet piece for a child’s room:
Right??
The only thing that was trashed a bit about this solid Ethan Allen piece was the top:
I knew I would need to sand it smooth so I decided to sand the shelves as well using my rotary sander…
I started with 100 grit and finished with 220 grit sandpaper. Then I applied Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator to those surfaces to age them a bit:
That was after one coat, I gave them two. I used the same white-washing technique I used on our kitchen table (see that HERE) to white-wash the top and shelves also. It basically involves watered down paint and a rag.
I love the effect of the white-washing and it is SO easy to do!
When that finish dried, I painted the rest of this table in Behr’s Bit of Sugar made into DIY chalk paint. (Recipe HERE.)
I knew I wanted this to be a child’s piece, and I love what I did on this child’s table and chairs set I redid last year:
So I took my inspiration from this set. Inspiration, as in I pretty much copied it exactly. 🙂 You can see more of this cute set HERE.
I found this whale image in the Silhouette Store here and cut it out using my Silhouette:
This color is Inked in satin by Behr…just look at that crusty can. I keep my paints for forever! I had to add a bit of water to this one and mix it really well. I gave it two coats and then removed the outer piece as soon as I applied the second coat. I used this tool to help remove the smaller pieces, but I let it dry for about 10 minutes or so before removing them so I didn’t mess up the finish.
I also added the stripes just like my inspiration piece. I used parts of the whale cut-out so the stripes wouldn’t quite meet the blue:
I used my favorite FrogTape, and even reused some of the pieces.
I lightly sanded everywhere but the blue areas with 220 grit sandpaper and sealed with two coats of Dixie Belle’s Satin Clear Coat.
And here it is naked so you can actually see it!
As you can see, I added the racing stripe to all three surfaces:
And nakey:
I love creating pieces for littles. You can have a lot of fun with them.
I passed on this table the first time I saw it priced at $29.95. I didn’t like it that much for that price.
Then when I stopped back in a week or so later, it was marked down to $20! This piece is solid so that was a great deal.
This little fella belonged to Jack when he was a baby. Using these sweet things to stage brings back so many memories.
And now we are looking at colleges…boo hoo!
This one was Brennan’s…
Luckily I have a reason to bring them out every once in a while!
Don’t forget you get four more makeovers today!!
Find out how my talented friends transformed these trashy pieces at the links below!
I’m almost through with this round of thrift store goodies…not too much left!
If you’ve missed any of these makeovers, you can catch up here:
$30 Thrift Store Coffee Table Makeover
How to Recover a Tufted Footstool (The Cheater’s Way!)
Drop Leaf Repurposed (Corbels)
I’ll meet y’all back here on Thursday with vintage suitcase #2!
See ya then!
UPDATE: No need to come back! See how cute this suitcase looks now HERE!
XO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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Mary Kaiser says
I love how that turned out. I can believe that you only paid $20.00 for that piece, what a steal!! I think some little boy will be so happy to have that it his room!
Christy says
Thanks, Mary! It really is a great quality piece for $20! XOXO
Petra says
Yes! Perfection 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Petra! XOXO
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
Oh my sweetness! Not only did you revive this dated piece, but you took it to a new level. Love it!
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! These kiddo pieces are always fun to do! XOXO
Christine DiTrinco Prowak says
Hi, awesome piece! If you hadn’t put that weathered first/top coat, could you have still white-washed?
Christy says
Thanks, Christine! Yes you can…your finish will not be as gray, but it will have more brown undertones. You can see a piece I did without using the weathered stain first here: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/rustic-to-coastal-cabinet-makeover/ It still turned out great! XOXO
I says
Got it, Thank you ! I do love how it came out!
Christy says
You’re welcome! Thanks! ????
Christina in SW FL says
Christy, this is a redonkulously cute makeover! 🙂 I adore the stuffed animals. 🙂 Beautiful job with the top, shelf and bottom. Love the white wash over the aged surfaces.
Enjoy your week!!
Christy says
Gotta love people that use terms like “redonkulously” ha ha! You rock. Thank you, Christina!! XOXO
Carla says
This is adorable! It’s my favorite makeover thus far from this collection of goodies.
Christy says
Aww yay!! Thank you, Carla! XOXO
Jody says
You do such lovely work. I think if I can find something like this my twin grandchildren really need one in each of their rooms. I love the whale. That takes care of the boy. Then I need another one for my sweetie girl grandaughter. I read them Beatrice Potter and I think I will decoupage the bunnies to her top. All pink and pretty.
Christy says
Thank you, Jody! Bunnies sound perfect for your sweet granddaughter! XOXO
sharon austin says
Aw, so cute! And naked–LOL. Looking forward to Thursday–I actually own that suitcase! Received the whole set as a gift when i was a kid and they’ve held up well throughout the years so maybe I will find some inspiration for them Thursday. Fingers crossed!
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon! How cool that you have the whole set of those suitcases! See ya Thursday! XOXO
teresa bragg says
I love this! Is there any occasion that you would use several coats of clear coat?
Christy says
Thank you, Teresa! For really good protection on something like a kids’ play table using Polycrylic, I go for three coats. However that can yellow white paint, so I used a newer-to-me sealer for this, and since this table doesn’t need quite as much protection as a play table, I went for two coats. You could probably add as many as you like. XO
Ruth Anne says
Another adorable make-over! I’m sure it won’t last long in your shop!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Ruth Anne!! I hope it sells quickly! XOXO
vicki wright says
Christy, Love it!! You are always so creative and I just love that adorable little nightstand!!!So sweet!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Vicki! I really appreciate that! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
Well, I think it qualifies as pretty trashy to start! Now it can go home with the person who bought the table and chairs ???? (Wouldn’t that be funny if it happened?) This is a great piece that can grow with a child. Speaking of which, how is that boy anywhere near ready to look at college? Oh, my.
I have to laugh at your crusty paint can. When mine start to look like that, I pour the paint into a jar. Sometimes it’s lumpy and has to be strained, too. I’ve found the plastic gelato containers are the perfect size for leftover paint. And it’s another reason to eat gelato (like you need a reason)!
Christy says
Wouldn’t that be funny if the same person bought this too? And yes…Jack will be a senior in the Fall so we have started our search. I know…he was just 12! Great idea for storing paint!! XOXO
Kaycee says
Oh Christy, this is the sweetest little side table now. I love the combination of the whale and stripes, and the colors you used. I’m looking forward to the Christy and Nancy “show” on Thursday, lol!!
Christy says
Thank you, Kaycee! I’m excited to see Nancy and get our thrift on…it’s been too long! XOXO
Denise says
Super cute Christy… the little whale adds the perfect amount of whimsy! Have a super day!
Christy says
Thank you, Denise!! I love playing with kiddo pieces! XOXO
Robyn Wright says
Super CUTE!
Christy says
Thanks, Robyn!! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
This table is so cute! I like the stripes repeating down the shelves. What material do you use for your stencils? Baby’s grow up to be cowboys so fast! Have a great day!
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! I use contact paper for my stencils…usually whatever I find at the thrift store honestly. This roll I found just happened to be clear. And yes I am learning quickly how fast they grow! XOXO
Addie says
Oh!! Gosh dang it….that whale is so flipping cute!!!! Love the stripe too!!! I bet that will sell REAL fast!!! Adordbes!!!!….that’s Addie talk!!!…..(shut-up Addie!)
Have a great week….keep up the good work.
God Bless!!!!
Addie 😉
Christy says
Thank you, Addie!! I always love when you stop by and say hi!! Enjoy your week too! XOXO
Carole says
Very cute re-do. You and I have the same taste in furniture style. I love all the curves.
Christy says
Thank you, Carole! Oh yes…I’m attracted to all the curvy pieces too!! XOXO
Becky says
Awww!!! What a cute little shelf! That table set needed to be copied. That was GOOOOOD stuff! No sense in reinventing the wheel every time you build a car, haha!
I can’t believe how fast you got through that pile!
Christy says
Thank you, Becky!! That table set is one of my favorite projects, so I’m glad I got to do something similar again. And you’re right, why reinvent the wheel ha ha. I can’t believe I’m almost done with this load either!! XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
That turned out so cute, Christy!! I love the stripes …and all the kiddy stuff! Aww. xoxo
Christy says
Thanks, Nancy!! I know…sniff sniff…our babies are getting too big! XOXO
Terrie says
I love your make overs, but it seems that everything is painted either light gray, white or light blue and has a nautical or Paris theme and has for a couple of years. Anything with fabric has the same Paris fabric used over and over. Do you do any other kind of make overs? Is the Paris these still in vogue?
Christy says
Yes I love softer tones, especially white, softer blues and occasionally gray, although I’ve added quite a bit of black lately. I don’t care for bold colors. As for the French fabric, I haven’t been able to find it since Hancock Fabrics closed a couple of years ago. I just recently found something similar and used it in the tufted stool. And too many French themed projects? I might be guilty of that one. I just love the look of the graphics on painted pieces. I can’t promise much will change any time soon. Sorry! I appreciate your honesty! XOXO
Marie says
Adorable makeover, Christy, and love the way you staged the photos too!
Christy says
Aww thanks, Marie!! It was fun pulling out the boys’ old toys! XOXO
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
It is super duper cute, Christy! I hope whomever bought the table and chairs comes and scoops this up too!
Christy says
Thanks, Jen!! That would be awesome! XOXO
Stephanie Chatterjee says
Love this – nice work!
Christy says
Thank you, Stephanie! XO
Connie says
Love the table and little chairs. In my garage there are 4 cream metal legs and tough bright blue plastic seats. The table is tan metal with bright blue trim around a fake wood plastic top. Would it be worth it to paint this? I have two granchildren 8 and 4. I am concerned the metal will scratch and chip. Any advise?
Christy says
Thank you, Connie! I would try spray paint…this brand bonds to plastic: https://amzn.to/2FejU6f You have nothing to lose, right? Good luck! XO
Cecilia from Georgia says
Christy, I don’t know if you see comments from past posts but I have to tell you I love the tables with Mr. Whale on them. I am finally at a point where I can put a similar stencil on a table but it is on a DB chalk painted surface.. I assume that I treat it the same way as the stained table that you did. I can’t wait to get it finished! I really enjoy all your posts and use your tutorials for so many projects that I do. You are the bomb!!
Christy says
Thank you SO much, my friend! I have comment notification turned on so I don’t miss a single comment! I really love those sweet whale pieces too. I used the satin clear coat on this one because it had a finish on the top that would hide any abuse it might take, plus as a night table, it shouldn’t see too much abuse. If you are doing a similar piece with a painted finish, it should be absolutely fine. If it will get some abuse as on a table and chair set, apply three coats to the top and give it about three weeks to fully cure, or you can use Dixie Belle’s Gator Hide to seal which is even tougher. Hope this helps and enjoy the rest of your weekend!! XOXO