Hello amazing friends, and welcome back! I’ve got another oldie to share today that is the perfect piece to share how to add graphics to projects another way besides stencils or fancy cutting machines. We’re going old school here!
My project piece is this real ugly duckling I scored for $10 at the thrift store:
I rarely pass up a good storage piece, even when it looks like this!
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Clean and Prep
The first thing I did on this piece was remove that fancy lattice.
Then I gave it a good cleaning. These days I use White Lightning for that since it is a degreaser and deglosser, so it gives your surface the best possible prep for painting.
New door panels
Next, I cut new door panels out of hardboard that has a dry erase surface on the other side. I can usually find just hardboard like I use for my chalkboards, but the Home Depot was out.
I used my table saw for that…
Paint
Then I painted everything a nice, bright white.
How to Add Graphics to Projects
I wanted to add something to the new door panels to dress them up, so I found an image I had used many times before from the Graphics Fairy HERE. She has tons of ready-to-use graphics for free!
And here’s how to add that graphic to a project:
- Save the reversed version to your computer (She provides the reversed version for you.)
- Upload it to Blockposters.com to make a larger print out of it. (It’s free also)
You just type in how many pages wide you want your final image to be…that’s my kind of math!
This one printed out in four pieces:
That worked out perfectly since I had four “window panes” to fill!
- Next, lay the graphic face down on your surface.
- Use the old school transfer method (See even more details on that HERE.) to transfer the graphics to the new door panels by running a pencil across the surface:
The print outs are in the reverse so that when you rub a pencil across the back to transfer them, the words come out right side up.
- Voila! Your graphic is transferred!
Paint in the graphics
Now you just need to paint in the graphics.
I grabbed my go-to tools for painting graphics:
I used a script liner brush for painting in those small details, Delta Ceramcoat acrylic craft paint which I love for this because I’ve never had it smear when sanding like others I have tried in the past, and paper plates a la Walmart.
The right brush is essential for filling in these small details…
sand & seal
Once the paint was completely dry, I sanded lightly across the entire surface with 220 grit sandpaper to smooth everything out as well as the rest of the cabinet.
Everything was sealed with Satin Clear Coat.
The reveal
And here is how it looks put together!
Paint sure can work some magic!
Do you miss the lattice?
I did keep those strips of wood though because you just never know, you know? And I did end up using them…look for a link to that project at the bottom!
I replaced the original knobs with these pretty glass ones from Hobby Lobby…
The insides just got one coat of paint and a good sanding…
The back of the doors are just dry-erase board.
It might be handy to have in a hidden area like this to jot things down!
This was such a fun project to work on. I hope you enjoyed this replay today!
Want to see how I repurposed the lattice??
Check that out HERE!
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SHOP NEWS!!
- Up first is the most anticipated restock of the year!!
If you missed the memo on my Facebook page, GATOR HIDE IS COMING BACK!! I was able to order it yesterday, so I’m hoping to have it in my hands by next week! Dixie Belle has been unable to get the raw materials for it, and started on reformulating it. But then, they were able to find a source for what they needed, and so this is the ORIGINAL FORMULA woo hoo!
I’ll announce when it’s listed back in the shop! If you want to be notified, just leave me a note in the comments!
- Next up is another exciting product on the way!
Dixie Belle’s brand new paint line, Terra Clay is on the way as well!! This paint helps to create depth and texture on your pieces! You can layer, wet and reactivate hours or days later to keep playing…it really has the furntiure artists in mind! I can’t wait to share the fun things this paint can do!
This is Lani’s Lagoon, and it’s my favorite!
There are 18 gorgeous colors in all:
- And finally, Redesign with Prima has released their newest transfers, and I have these in stock and ready to buy now!!
The first six are the smaller 6″x 12″ transfers and the next four are the larger transfers. Find them at these links:
ROYAL PEACOCK * INDIGO * JULIET * EXOTICA * SECRET LETTER II * VINTAGE WALLPAPER
GOLDEN DAMASK * HARMONIOUS FAN * CERAMIC TILES II * SILVER HARLEQUIN (ON THE WAY!)
- I’ve also added several more transfers to the shop:
The first six are mini transfers, plus a couple more larger transfers and some additional knob transfers as well:
Botanical Paradise * Papillion Collection * Mystic Hydrangia * White Magnolia * Holiday Spirit * Classic Christmas * Xmas Tag
Sunflower Fields * Blossom Flight * Floral Home * Cursive Letters * Parisienne
As always, shipping is FREE on all orders over $50 in my shop!
I went thrifting yesterday and found a couple more things for my new haul, so I think I’m done shopping! I’m so excited to share all my new goodies!!
The heat index has us over 100º this week, but I’m going to attempt to get outside and photograph it all before Tuesday without melting!
UPDATE! I did it! Here’s my new haul…
Come see it up close HERE!
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
EMAIL * INSTAGRAM * FACEBOOK * PINTEREST
Get FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $50. No code needed at checkout! Orders under $50 always enjoy $8 flat rate shipping! Most orders ship same or next business day!
Mary Kaiser says
I also remember this one, and how cute it turned out!! Thanks for sharing again and keeping my memory sharp!! LOL!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! Ha ha! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Janice Holt says
Another great oldie. Is there nothing you can’t do? Such a slim cabinet and could be used most anywhere. Can’t wait to see you haul. We are under a heat advisory here in N. Alabama also. Have a great week-end.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Janice! Absolutely…perfect for so many uses! Try to stay cool down there, my friend! XOXO
Sue Mellette says
What a delightful makeover. I love how you used the transfers and transformed an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan, now much more useful, Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your weekend.
Christy says
Thank you, Sue! Enjoy your weekend also! XOXO
Christina says
Cute cabinet makeover! I was kind of anticipating wire instead. 🙂
I’m also surprised you didn’t connect the transfer over the middle the way you have in other projects.
Someone is going to be thrilled with this beauty!
Christy says
Thanks, Christina! This one was hand painted, so it would have been difficult to traverse the trim as easily! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
Love Throwback Thursday!! So excited about Gator Hide restock! Have a great weekend!!
Christy says
Yes…Gator Hide is finally on its way woohoo!! Enjoy your weekend too, Cecilia! XOXO
Cecilia says
What a pretty cabinet that turned out to be. I don’t remember seeing it before. And it’s always good to have a refresher on transferring designs in that manner. I can’t wait to see what the new paint line is all about. The colors are gorgeous!
Excited to see your new haul too. Have a great weekend!
😊Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! I’m so glad this one was new to you! I don’t use this method as often with so many other options available now, but it is definitely the most cost-effective. I’m excited about the new paint line too! See ya next week! XOXO
Niki says
Thank you for the re-share of this little storage cabinet. I know you have links to everything, but I so enjoy when you do this. If it was an ugly duckling to start, you turned into a swan!!
So glad to see gator hide is coming back. I’ve been wanting to order some for a while and then was disappointed in myself for not when it went out of stock.
Christy says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Niki! Thank you! And yes woohoo on the Gator Hide!! I ordered a bunch! XOXO
Teresa Farrell says
Christy that is absolutely beautiful…..from a frog to a prince😁
Whoohoo Gator hide is coming back. I need to place an order soon and after all the new things your getting I know where my money is going to be going🤣. I will definitely keep checking back for the Gator Hide and getting my list ready for the clay paint and some transfers 😍 Hope you are doing well.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Teresa!! I am so excited that Gator Hide is coming back! And, yes…there are so many things to play with now! Take care, my friend! XOXO
Mary Smart says
Another great piece! No, I do not miss the Lattice, in fact I thought to myself when I first saw it, “I hope she gets rid of that lattice!” I have used the old school method of transferring graphics for years. Sometimes, the old ways are still the best.
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! Ha ha the lattice definitely had to go! And yes…the old ways may take more time, but the results are worth it! XOXO
Sharon L Austin says
You got me; I thought for sure you were going to do fabric covered door panels! LOL I should know better than to think I know what you’re thinking; Your imagination knows no bounds. The cabinet turned out great though, however just the new paint made a 1000% difference!
Christy says
Ha ha! Fabric would have been a fantastic option too! There are so many ways to redo this one. Thanks, Sharon! XOXO
Lisa says
Yes, another beauty😊 It turned out perfect‼️ You betcha I would love to be put on your Gator Hide list 👍 Thank you
Christy says
Thank you, Lisa! Got you on my list! XOXO
Michele M. says
Cute, cute, cute!!! That is remarkable!
And so are those new clay paint colors – swooth worthy – and those transfers, oh la la love those botanicals!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Michele!! Right?? I’m so excited for all the new things!! XOXO
Sheryl says
You are the most creative person I have ever seen, and I often wonder how you come up with such great ideas. I have been a subscriber for a couple of years and always look forward to seeing how you will reinvent your purchases. You truly are an artist. Good job!
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Sheryl! Thank you!! Sometimes I have to stare at something for awhile until an idea hits lol! Than you for following along with me! XOXO
Lizzy says
It’s super cute and so functional! Great work.
Christy says
Thank you, Lizzy! XOXO
Dee says
Cabinet turned out cute, wondering how you filled the recess on the top of the cabinet?
Christy says
Thanks, Dee! The cabinet was actually upside-down in the before photo, so the recess was on the bottom and it was flat on top. XOXO