Hello, sweet friends! Today, I have a thrift store shelf update for you! This is a small project, but it got a BIG makeover!
Here is the shelf I started with:
I paid $2.98 for it at the thrift store.
Clean
I started this small project with a good cleaning with White Lightning by mixing one TBSP into a half gallon of warm water:
I replaced my water for clean water and wiped down once more to remove any residue and I was ready for paint!
Paint
I was painting this shelf on Saturday when Jack showed up to surprise me for Mother’s Day! Such a love, he is!
In my excitement, I totally missed getting as many photos as I usually do of the process, but I chose Cotton white, giving it three coats.
Adding a Back
I like to add backs to shelves that don’t already have them. I just think it makes them look a bit more finished, so I got busy cutting one for this shelf out of hardboard I had in the garage:
I painted that piece also.
Sand
I sanded both the shelf and the backing to get a super smooth surface.
Adding Decoupage Paper
Adding a back to a shelf is an opportunity to add a little more cuteness! And I decided to do that with this Tranquil Bloom decoupage paper:
Redesign has several designs of this smaller 11.5″ X 16″ size that are perfect for smaller projects like this. For only a few dollars, I was able to add a ton of pretty!
To add it to the back, I used Redesign’s Matte Decoupage Gel, applying it with a Foam n Dandy foam brush:
Once I had my paper placed, I used this transfer tool to smooth out any wrinkles. (I actually like it better for decoupage!)
Then, I applied another coat right over the top and let it dry.
The Decoupage Gel also acts like a sealer.
I thought I was just about done, but I wasn’t!
Looking at it in its almost done state, I decided I could add even more function if I added some pegs or hooks across the bottom to hang things.
So, I found some extra baseboard trim, and cut a piece to put across the bottom to hold pegs…
I painted it to match the rest of the shelf.
Adding pegs to the bottom
Then, I found three knobs I picked up at Hobby Lobby a while back that would act as my pegs for across the bottom.
However, I didn’t want them to stick out at the back, so I trimmed the threaded parts with my Black and Decker Dremel tool that I added a metal cutting wheel to:
I cut the posts short enough so they would countersink beneath the wood so they wouldn’t stick out.
To help with that, I used a drill bit to drill a larger hole the width of the nut on the end of the screw:
Adding tape to my drill bit told me where to stop drilling.
And now my screw sits flush with the back:
I added it to the bottom of my shelf using small finishing nails.
Seal
Everything was sealed with Clear Coat in Satin and this shelf update was complete!
Thrift Store Shelf Update Reveal
Here is how this $3 shelf looks now!
Who knew it could be so cute?
And functional!
The paper really makes it…
Many of Redesign’s larger decoupage papers have more of a fabric feel, but this smaller size is more like paper.
And the knobs were already white, but since they were distressed, I went back and distressed the shelf as well to match.
I hope you enjoyed this small but mighty makeover today!
That’s another piece closer to being done!
See everything I’ve completed so far below:
Oval Oak Mirror Makeover with Moulds
Painting the Smalls #27
Dressing Table with Transfer Makeover
Updated Vintage Cabinet with Glass Doors
Fun with Cheap Frames
Box Store Bookcase Makeover
Sea Spray Candle holders
$4 Thrift Store Lamp Update
Painting the Smalls #26
$10 Thrift Store Dresser Makeover
French Buffet Lamps Makeover
Painting Furniture with Silk Mineral Paint (The large and curvy dresser.)
TWICE Painted Plant Stand Makeover
Elegant Flatware Box Makeover
Mini Lane Cedar Chest Makeover
DIY Herringbone Tray
Whitewashed Side Table
Sewing Basket Makeover
Louvered Door Cabinet Makeover
Painting the Smalls #25 (SIX mini makeovers!)
Shoe Shine Box Makeover
Metallic Vintage End Table Makeover
If you liked this makeover, you might like how I turned this chair back into a shelf too!
See it HERE!
We have Jack’s college graduation this weekend (Doesn’t it seem like he just graduated high school??), so I’ll be back on Tuesday with this old favorite:
UPDATE: See what I did with this spindle bed set HERE.
Have a lovely weekend!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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Mary Kaiser says
Oh my gosh that turned out so amazing! I love the addition of the knobs to make it more functional, and you knocked it out of the park with cutness! That Jack is so thoughtful to surprise you on Mothers Day, and I can’t beleive that he is graduating from college already! Wow, that went by fast! Hey if you ever get on an airplane and see your son Jack, do not say HIJACK!! They will throw you off the plane! LOL!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! Sometimes these small pieces can become something so much more. And yes, can you believe he’s graduating already? Crazy! Ha ha nope, we definitely can’t say that on a plane! XOXO
Bonnie Hipps says
Lol that made me chuckle
susan says
What a difference in the before and after! Completely changed the look! I would have passed that one up! I’ll have to think twice about pieces now! ????
Christy says
Thank you, Susan! The style of this one almost had me passing it by too, but I just couldn’t for $3, and I am so glad now! XOXO
Jeanne says
So much better!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Jeanne! XOXO
Janice Holt says
First, congratulations to Jack on his graduation. This is such a cute shelf. Love the backing with the decoupage paper. Great job as always.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice and thank you again! XOXO
Cecilia says
So much better! The back definitely dresses it up with that pretty paper.
Aw, it’s hard to believe he’s graduating already! Enjoy the celebration and congratulations to Jack!
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! I know…he started in 2020 and it has flown by! XOXO
Susan M Van Dyke says
This may be one of my favorites! Wish I had the skill (and talent) to use the power tools that you do. I can get hubby to help me but he does not always see my vision. I also loved the oak mirror! That was beautiful.
I received my order yesterday and I can’t wait to get started!
Thank you!
Christy says
Oh yay! I’m so glad you like it, Susan! I used to have my hubby cut everything for me, so I get it! One day, I finally got tired of waiting on him lol and haven’t looked back. It does take some guts to make those first cuts though, I’ll admit. And I am so excited for you to get to play with your new goodies! XOXO
Sue says
Wow! You have such a creative design brain, this is so amazingly beautiful and functional. Love it!
I too received my order so fast and I am excited to use the paint and transfers on many projects. Thank you so much!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Sue! I appreciate that so much! I’m so glad to hear you received your order quickly…happy creating! XOXO
Cyndi says
Wow. What a difference! It is adorable!
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndi!! XOXO
Michele M. says
Oh, my gosh – it is FABULOUS, Christy!!!! WOW! How do you come up with these brilliant designs????? It’s absolutely gorgeous and someone is going to be so lucky to get to purchase that. It’s amazing. (Almost amazing as Jack graduating college already??? How is that even possible?) What was his major? What does he want to do after this? Best congrats to you/him on that milestone.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Michele! This one evolved as I went lol. And yes…can you believe Jack is graduating already?? He majored in Cognitive Neuroscience and minored in Chemistry! XOXO
Caye Cooper says
Holey moley mamma! You must have married when you were 12 to have a son graduating from college :-). It was great that he came to see you on Mom’s Day. Will he be living near you after graduation? That would be so cool, but if not, then it’s a good excuse to travel.
Your shelf is just adorable, Christy. Wow! I would have passed that up entirely. But that’s why you have such a large following–you can make something out of nothing and do it in such a decorative way. Good on you!
Have a great weekend celebrating.
Christy says
Aww ha ha! I actually had him when I was about to turn 31. He is my heart for sure…loves his mama. My other one…all Dad! He will be home for a year and then plans to apply to either a master’s program or dental school. Thank you so much!! This project kind of led me to what it needed…love those ones! Have a great weekend also!! XOXO
Cheryl r Atkinson says
Hi Christy! What an amazing upcycle!! I love that paper. I have used it on a few projects. I wish I had the room to have tools to create like you. At least I can live vicariously thru you. ????. Thank you for sharing.
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! That paper is so pretty! I am very fortunate to have a large garage to work in…I do have to share it with the hubby though lol! XOXO
Bonnie Hipps says
Hope you never get tired of all these lovely comments because you sure deserve them. This is one of my way up there favorites of this set. Love those knobs also, are they new from Hobby Lobby?
So many of us have watched Jack grow up tell him he has a load of Aunties out there.
Our greatest achievement in life should be haven raised a well rounded child. Hugs!
Christy says
Aww thank you, my friend! I think these knobs are kind of new. I’ve only seen them in about the last year or so. And I love that!! He has lots of Aunties out there for sure…I always refer to you all as my blog family, and I truly feel that way! XOXO
p says
So cute !! And your added details are perfect. Love the print on your rice paper. As always , your smalls redesigns are amazing.
Congrats on Jacks Graduation. A special time for sure.
p
Christy says
Thank you, P! The paper really added so much to this one. And we appreciate the congrats…one season down and a new one begins! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
I LOVE how you changed this! Adding a back to it and the updating really made a difference. I have a shelf similar to this that my father (born in 1930) had made in high school (he said all the boys made one) and love how you transformed it.
Christy says
Thank you, Rose! I do see this type of shelf often…I wonder if they were all high school projects? I love when y’all share tidbits like that. That makes these shelves more special! XOXO