Hello sweet friends and welcome back!! Today, I’ve got a sweet redo for y’all…a chest makeover using a transfer and decoupage paper! It’s also Trash-to-Treasure Tuesday, so be on the lookout for four more trashy makeovers from my favorite treasure-maker friends at the bottom!
Let’s get to it!
Here is today’s project piece:
I found this cutie pie chest at the thrift store for $9.98. I always look twice at items that also serve a function! I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
The prep
I started with a good cleaning using White Lightning:
When I couldn’t find my sponge, I that found the applicator pads work great for this!
I followed up with a rinse in clean water and that is all the prep that was needed!
Paint
I was having a hard time seeing past the original design, and when that happens, I like to start with a fresh coat of white paint paint to give me a blank canvas. I gave it three coats of Cotton, inside and out:
New Releases
I just stocked Dixie Belle’s newest decoupage papers in my shop this past weekend.
There are seven designs in all:
I already had plans to use this pretty floral transfer on this little chest, but when the new decoupage papers arrived earlier than expected, I couldn’t believe how well the Peony Pattern matched the transfer I had chosen!
I just had to incorporate it into this makeover as well!
Apply the transfer
I began with a piece of one of the transfers on the top:
I cut around the edge since the uncut version would not have filled the space.
Then, I went back and brushed just a touch of white paint to the entire border to blend it in a bit and soften the edges…
Apply the Decoupage Paper
I decided to use the decoupage paper on all four side panels. The new decoupage papers come in one larger sheet instead of three smaller pieces, measuring just over 23″x 33″.
I used my rotary cutter and cutting mat set to cut perfectly straight edges:
Perfect cuts every time!
Applying the paper can be done in three simple steps:
- Brush on Clear Coat (I used the satin finish) with a chip brush or apply with the blue sponge applicator:
- Carefully lay the decoupage paper on the surface, starting on one edge, and smoothing toward the opposite edge.
- Then smooth out any air bubbles/wrinkles. I ran a finishing pad across the surface gently to be sure the paper was adhered well all over. (This pad had been cut in two.)
- Lastly, apply another coat of Clear Coat over the top to seal and protect.
I repeated the same process on all four panels.
It needed something else
This is the part where I stood back and knew it was missing something. I would normally sand and distress and that would finish it off just right. However, I did not want the yellow underneath to show through. And although I could have used the cheat method of distressing, The finish on this piece was pretty rough. It was as if the base coat of paint had been applied very sloppily and a lot of those imperfections were showing once I painted it white.
I decided to pull out the black wax and play around.
Before black waxing, I applied clear wax, so the porous paint wouldn’t soak up the black wax like crazy.
I applied the clear wax with my Best Dang Brush:
Then I buffed it in with a clean soft cloth.
I followed up with black wax, applying with my French Tip Brush:
I removed the excess wax and buffed and blended with a clean soft cloth. Dixie Belle’s waxes are water based, so they have no harsh odors and wash up easily with soap and water.
The wax also acts like a sealer, so that was it!
THe After
Here is how this sweet chest looks now:
This is a good sized chest, and perfect for storing all sorts of things!
The first thing that came to mind was doll clothes!
We only have boys in our house, or I would have probably staged it that way.
Here is a better view of the transfer on the top…
You can also see how I used the black wax to sort of frame it…
This transfer came with three 11X17 sheets, so lots of smaller pieces can be cut and added to things, and I just love the sheet music backdrop.
The inside
This is how the inside started:
The velvet-ish lining came out really easily. I painted the inside so it would be a nice bright backdrop for my fabric.
Then I lined it the very same way I line all my boxes (See how HERE) …
I found this cute print at Walmart.
I love the surprise of a pretty fabric when you open the lid!
This decoupage print is so fun and user friendly, since it’s a dark pattern and can easily camouflage any imperfections!
I removed the hardware to apply the paper to make it easier.
I had fun mixing patterns with this one…I hope you enjoyed it too!
My friends have Trash-to-Treasure makeovers of their own to share today as well!
I am SO near the end of this Summer haul. I only have two frames left!!
All of these makeovers are linked below!
Update a mirror with Decorative Sheet Metal
HOW TO PAINT GALVANIZED METAL
$5 THRIFT STORE MIRROR
PAINTED DRESSING TABLE BENCH
DIY FALL FRAME WREATH
HOW TO TURN A SEWING TABLE INTO A DRESSING TABLE
$5 BARN SALE MIRROR MAKEOVER
HOW TO PAINT NICOTINE STAINED FURNITURE (TRESTLE TABLE)
80’S COUNTRY CABINET MAKEOVER
FOUR THRIFTY BASKET MAKEOVERS
FARMHOUSE HUTCH MAKEOVER
HOW TO REPURPOSE SMALL LAMPS
HOW TO REPURPOSE AN OLD SWIVEL MIRROR
PAINTING THE SMALLS #12
COASTAL DRESSER MAKEOVER
$5 BULLETIN BOARD MAKEOVER
$3 THRIFT STORE BASKET AND LID REPURPOSED
SUMMER BASKET WREATH FROM A $3 THRIFT STORE FIND
$7 THRIFT STORE MIRROR MAKEOVER
VINTAGE CANE CLUB CHAIRS UPDATED
$6 THRIFT STORE SHELF MAKEOVER WITH TRANSFER
PUB TABLE MAKEOVER
BECKY’S SECRETARY DESK MAKEOVER
UPDATE A THRIFT STORE BOX WITH FABRIC
$5 BUFFET LAMPS UPDATED WITH DECOUPAGE PAPER
MIRROR HARP REPURPOSED
I will be back TOMORROW with the ladies of the Seasonal Simplicity Fall Series sharing my outdoor HALLOWEEN DECOR!!
Then I’ll be back again on Thursday with my indoor Halloween Decor! Woohoo!
UPDATE: My Halloween post is up and ready to spook you!! See it HERE now!
Hope to see y’all tomorrow!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Petra says
Oh my, what a great improvement! I bet you couldn’t wait to paint it white.
And loving the pink inside too 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Petra!! Ha ha yes…white fixes everything lol! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
Awe, it turned out so sweet. I had a box like that, different colors, painted it inside and out and painted my Grandson Jackson’s name on the top for him to use as a toy box. He loves it. I love yours very much, especially with that sweet fabric inside. I have 8 Grandson’s and in December will be finally getting my 1st Grand daughter, Woo Hoo. I have been busy sewing blankets and bibs and burp cloths. I will have to find another one of these chest to make over for her. Thanks for the inspiration!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! Oh I bet your grandson’s box turned out so sweet! And yay, finally a granddaughter…she is going to be so spoiled and I know you’ll enjoy every minute! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
You have such talent! This is lovely.
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! XOXO
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
Oh, what a sweet makeover, Christy. Love the details and patterns you used. ❤
Christy says
Thank you so much, Larissa! XOXO
Denise Cox says
WONDERFUL & CREATIVE job! If I lived closer, I’d buy this in a HEARTBEAT! I’ve been following you for only about two years, but this is my favorite chest! Love your choice of transfer /decoupage. I also noticed how you inserted the small flower in the bottom right corner of the inside lid. Cute!!! It did seem that this chest involved a bit of work…? But it paid off! Absolutely lovely!! Can’t wait to see your Halloween decor… 🎃🦇👻😈🍁
Christy says
Thank you, Denise!! I’m so glad you love this one! I had a lot of fun using different elements and patterns to bring it to life! XOXO
Janice Holt says
This turned out so pretty. It has to go in a little girl’s room. The paper and fabric look so good together and that little touch of flowers inside the lid just adds such charm to it. Will have to show my granddaughter your Halloween decorations again this year. She loves to look at them.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! Yes…I love that you can enjoy that with her! XOXO
Christina says
Oh Christy, this little chest looks so beautiful and happy now! I love the coordinated The black wax over the clear was an inspired choice. I love that you put a transfer and black wax inside the lid as well. 🙂
I can’t wait to see all your Halloween decor!!
Christy says
Thank you, Christina! This was a fun one to play with for sure! See ya tomorrow, my friend! XOXO
Sharon says
This chest is absolutely darling!! Did you paint the original latch? You’re so creative!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sharon! I did paint the latch. Then I scratched off some of the paint here and there and black waxed it also. 🙂 XOXO
Cecilia says
What an improvement! I love the touch of the small flower decoupage inside the lid. The mix of patterns is perfect too.
Oh good! I am looking forward to your Halloween decor. It’s always so much fun.
Hugs, Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! I loved playing with the patterns! I’ll see ya tomorrow! XOXO
Shirley says
One word, Christy……Adorable. I can see doll clothes inside but my little girls are all grown up and I have 3 grandsons so no doll clothes are available. I can see cards, letters, photos….keepsakes. Whatever is inside has an adorable home.
Christy says
Thank you, Shirley! Yep, no girls here either…it would be fantastic for keepsakes! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
The peonies are so sweet. I like how the dark wax kind of surrounds the flowers like a morning mist. You line your boxes so neatly. Have fun decorating for Halloween!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cecilia! XOXO
Sue Mellette says
WOW! I love this makeover. The transfer on top is perfect and the posies on the side add a nice complement. I love the fabric inside and the sweet small rose transfer on the inside top. I do believe the black wax really ties everything together! Nice job! Thanks as always for taking the time to share your details about this makeover! I hope you enjoy your week.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sue! I really enjoyed bringing all the patterns and elements together on this one, and I’m glad you enjoyed seeing the end result! Enjoy the rest of your week too! XOXO
Rebecca STANEVICH says
Wow!! What an exceptional transformation!! The combination of patterns were all connected by color and complemented one another perfectly. I’m always in awe of your creativity!!
Christy says
Aww thanks so much, Rebecca! I really enjoyed playing with the patterns on this one! XOXO
Deanna says
I love what you did with this chest. You always transform things into perfect pieces. I love that you give such attention to all the details. Especially the inside.
Christy says
I appreciate that so much, Deanna! Thank you!! XOXO
Marietta Walker says
Oh WOW! Night and Day and it is beautiful! I wish I had more time to work on all my projects, but I am getting there slowly! I have three trunks that will get makeovers and I cannot imagine better inspiration than what you shared here today.
I so admire you ladies for the time I know it takes to take pictures and write up all this information. It is a gift you give to all of us who are trying so hard to learn on our own.
Bless you as you have blessed us.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Marietta!! I am so thrilled that you are feeling inspired with this one! It is always a pleasure to share, especially knowing that it is inspiring others with their own projects! Have a blessed day! XOXO
Terry says
I have been waiting for this post. I have two chests, one your size and a little smaller one that stacks on top of the large one. Wasn’t sure what to do with them. This is perfect. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us. You are my inspiration.
Christy says
Oh yay! Thank you so much, Terry!! Have fun transforming yours!! XOXO
Denise - Salvaged Inspirations says
When I saw the ‘before’ I thought it was a small chest but it’s a really nice size! Beautiful makeover my friend! XOXO
Christy says
Oh ha ha…yes I can see how that before photo was misleading! It is a great size! Thank you so much, my friend! XOXO
Lyn Edington says
That is just lovely. I can’t believe how well the two patterns look together. Have you seen the tutorials on using an iron to apply the decoupage paper? I tried it on a small table and it works great. Absolutely no wrinkles and so smooth.
Christy says
Thank you, Lyn! I have seen others use an iron…I will need to give that a try sometime! XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Wow, that’s a true beauty now!! I was surprised when I saw how large it was!! haha I thought it was a small box. xo
Christy says
Thank you, Nancy!! The before photo was misleading lol! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! You always do a fabulous job with boxes. I am going to have to see how you get the sides on the inside done. I am going to need one of each on the papers.. 🙃
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cheryl! The new papers are so pretty! XOXO
Cindy says
Sooo beautiful! A girly look that would be perfect to store doll clothes. Looks great just can’t help but love it!
Christy says
Thank you, Cindy! This is the perfect size for doll clothes, or for me, it would have been Barbie clothes! XOXO
Carroll Xavier says
Gorgeous! I like the surprise transfer added to the inside of the lid. The colours sure pop together 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Carroll! This transfer has lots of pieces you can cut and place anywhere…it was hard to restrain myself lol! XOXO
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
Christy, this turned out so adorable! I love the colors and patterns you chose. Someone’s going to cherish this piece for sure. xo
Christy says
Thanks so much, Jen! I hope so! XOXO
Michele M. says
I really can’t believe that is the same chest. Wow. What a transformation.
I know I say that all the time, but seriously – that is amazing. Awesome transfer choice – really looks great.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Michele!! I truly appreciate that! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
That IS a good size! I thought it was more like a tabletop box initially. The black wax is perfect and, aside from the fabric, I love the surprise of the transfer inside. The transfer and decoupage paper are definitely made for each other. This one’s a beauty, Christy!
Christy says
I’m so glad you like it, Marcy! I really had fun mixing the patterns. That transfer has lots of pieces you can add so it was hard to restrain myself to only two pieces lol! XOXO
Connie says
Loving your trunk. Sooo much work and it shows. Just lovely! Your house looks so great! Where do you buy your skeletons? I finished my sleigh bed and would love a critique. It looks so plain. I’ll send you a pic. ♥️
Christy says
Thank you Connie! My favorite skeletons have actually come from target! I gave you some feedback on your bed… I think it turned out great! XOXO
Leslie Delanty says
Hi Christy, yet again another fabulous project. A young friend gave me a basket of pinecones that she collected and I would like to preserve them. Any suggestions? Thanks so much …. /leslie
Christy says
Thank you, Leslie! I have not saved pinecones, but I have read in the past about people heating them in the oven to kill any critters that may be lurking inside. You can probably google it. Have a great weekend! XOXO
Maureen Vasily says
You made an okay chest look wonderful. It is now amazing and ready to live in a great place in a home.
Christy says
Thank you, Maureen! XOXO
Mary says
Ahhh, the dark wax…this is a show stopper! Beautiful Christy! Love that you share your creative processes with us…so inspiring!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Mary! It is always a pleasure to share! XOXO