Hello sweet friends! I’m so glad you’re here! In my last post, I shared the cutest pink night table using the Hello Baby transfer and today, I’m back with another child’s piece, a neutral rocker makeover using more of that transfer! It will be hard to top that sweet night table, but this turned out pretty cute too.
I found this rocker at the thrift store for only $6.75, and I had a full punch card which earned me an additional 20% off:
It ended up being a fantastic deal. I almost always grab up these children’s pieces since they are usually good sellers.
After going pretty in pink on the night table I share on Tuesday, I set out to see if I could create something sweet that was a bit more neutral.
Clean
As always, I started this makeover with a good cleaning with White Lightning, mixing one TBSP of White Lightning with a half gallon of warm water.
These terrycloth applicator pads are perfect for the job! I swapped out my dirty water for clean and gave everything one more wipe down to remove any residue.
This rocker was now ready for paint!
Paint
When using chalk paint, there is no need to sand or prime in most cases, so I went straight to painting in a color I’ve never used before but have wanted to try.
This is Dixie Belle’s Sand Bar:
It’s a bit darker than a traditional cream color, but such a lovely neutral, and it covered that green in just two coats!
Now how cute could a child’s piece be painted in such a neutral color?
Let’s keep going and see!
Next, I went for my tried and true stripes! Y’all know I love stripes. They are just such an EASY way to add a little something extra!
I added them to the back…
And also to the runners:
This is Dixie Belle’s Cotton, their whitest white. I gave the stripes two coats and removed the tape while the paint was still wet.
Once everything was dry, I sanded lightly all over and distressed just slightly since this piece was already a little rough around the edges.
Transfer Time
Then I turned to my leftover pieces from the Hello Baby Transfer I used on Tuesday and immediately decided on this sweet lion:
He came in two pieces.
Then I added the word “Hello” from this transfer to the back.
I was trying to decide what else I could add since I had used all the flowers that came with this transfer already.
I didn’t really want flowers anyway, so I ended up pulling out this Papillon Collection Mini transfer:
And I found a few neutral ones that were perfect for this piece, including this one I added to the back:
And a couple that I added to the seat.
Seal
To protect this sweet rocker, I sealed with Clear Coat in Satin using the blue sponge applicator:
I gave the seat and the arms two coats.
The After
Let’s see if this neutral redo is cute enough!
Here ya go…the cute part!
I just love this sweet lion, and his butterfly friends were a perfect fit!
I added a little surprise to the back also…
How sweet are they? This is also from the Hello Baby Transfer…
I found that little yellow flower in leftovers from the Botanical Paradise set that I used on this tea kettle.
I love color for children’s pieces, but I think neutral can totally work too!
It’s much different than the before!
One more down!!
Here’s what I’ve shared so far if you’ve missed anything:
Pink Painted Night Table
Mass-Produced Shelf Makeover
Repurposed Cabinet Door
Oak Drop-Leaf Table Makeover
Child’s Rocker Makeover
Vintage Banker’s Chair Makeover
Terra Clay Paint Case Makeover
Tea Kettle Makeover
Tray Update with Stencils
Painting the Smalls #18
How to Turn a Spindle Bed into a Bench
Dated Shelf Makeover
80’s Clock Repurposed
Stenciled Demilune Table
DIY Fabric Lamp Shades & $5 Thrift Store Lamps
Thrift Store Dresser Makeover
I’ll be back on Tuesday with my Halloween tour! I can’t wait to share this year’s display!
Update: See our Halloween tour HERE now, OR this is my next thrifty makeover:
You can jump right to that HERE!
Have a fabulous weekend, dear friends!
XOXO,
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Bohuslava says
Ahojky,
pruhy jsou úžasné- vždycky…Přidala jsem je na obyčejnou krabici- vždy si na tebe vzpomenu, když se na ni podívám.
U pravidelných proměn hádám, co se z ní vyklube a vždy je to milé překvapení. / tvoje stránky jsou ty nejlepší, na které jsem narazila /
Spoustu dalších nápadů—Bí
Christy says
Děkuji mnohokrát! Opravdu to oceňuji! Taky miluji pruhy…dodávají trochu rozmaru! XOXO
Robin Stephens says
Gosh, you do a great job! You never leave anything out…any small detail untouched. 100% perfect! Such a darling piece!
Christy says
Awww I appreciate that so much, Robin! Thank you! XOXO
Janice Holt says
You know I love this rocker. I knew there would be a surprise on the back and such a sweet one at that. You are simply amazing. My granddaughter will be glad to see your Halloween decorations (and me also). Have a great week-end.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! I’m so glad you love it! I’m excited to hear what your granddaughter thinks…I changed it up a bit this year! XOXO
Geri says
Oh my goodness, too cute! I shy away from kids furniture, but may have to try it out now!
Christy says
Thank you, Geri! Yes…it is so fun to do! XOXO
Liz says
This is the cutest! And your little stuffed lion goes right along with it. I am so anxious to try some transfers! Thanks!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Liz! Transfers are so fun to play with! XOXO
Lettie schultz says
What tape do you use? Whenever I try to stripe I get bleed thru.
Christy says
Hi Lettie! I only use the yellow FrogTape and never have any issues. You can find it at the Home Depot or here on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Tj68ml It is the best! XOXO
Margie says
How adorable is that! Love love the sweet transfers.
Christy says
Thank you, Margie! XOXO
Gin says
Perfection again Christy!
I’ve often wondered if the message on the black board is yours. It’s beautiful penmanship.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Gin! Yes.. that is mine…thank you! When I was in 6th grade, I had a student teacher named Mrs. Rice who had the most beautiful, perfect handwriting. I tried so hard to write like her that I practiced practically every day over and over lol. I think that helped ha ha! XOXO
Karen says
Christy,
This rocking chair looks amazing! Looks warm and comforting. Love it! Your pieces are always inspirational.
Christy says
Thank you, Karen! I appreciate that so much! XOXO
Peggy says
Love it. Who would have thought to put a lion with butterflies? But it works perfectly! Love, love, love the neutrals! 🤎🤍🤎🤍🤎
Christy says
Thank you, Peggy! I’m so glad the Lion and butterflies worked out lol! XOXO
Denise Cox says
LOVE that color!!! And the lion transfer was perfect with it cos of it’s brown color. I wasn’t sure what was going on with the bunny and then I figured out it was a fox giving her a hug…lol. Another job well done!!!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Denise! The part of the transfer that had the top of the fox’s head got damaged, so that was a great way to still get to use it! 🙂 XOXO
Susan says
So stinkin’ cute! That was quite an ugly duckling before!
Q: Do you always need a sealer over chalk paint? Newbie here! If so, which is better, wax or clear coat? It’s for some banquet benches I’m in the process of modifying to creat a Deeper seat. Will have cushions on after it’s finished. (And no kids in the house.) Thx 🌷
Christy says
Thank you, Susan! It wasn’t very kid-like in style that is for sure lol! Chalk paint does not require a sealer, however, the finish is very flat and not the nicest looking. When your paint is dry, give it a very light sanding all over with 220 grit sandpaper. I like to wrap it around an old sanding sponge to make it easier to handle. This will make your paint super smooth. Vacuum or wipe away the dust and then you’re ready to seal. I prefer to use Clear Coat in Satin for most things, especially furniture. It’s super easy to apply with the blue sponge, and has excellent wipability. I use wax on smaller items and items with more detail that might be more difficult to seal. I hope that helps! XOXO
Niki says
Adorable! The neutral tones add a softness, and the butterflies with the surprise on back are a wonderful addition!! So much better than that harsh hunter green.
Christy says
Thank you, Niki! That green wasn’t exactly what you would expect for a child’s piece lol! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
Adorable!
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! XOXO
Vicki says
This is absolutely precious! I actually prefer childrens’ furniture that is neutral, especially if it may be used in common living spaces where bright or pastel colors may not look right. Plus it’s more gender neutral if used for more than one child. Great job!
Christy says
Thank you, Vicki! Oh yes… I hadn’t even thought about this being in a common space, but being neutral would definitely fit in better! And yep, all the kiddos can enjoy it! XOXO
Josee says
Wonderful!
Christy says
Thank you, Josee! XOXO
Sharon L Austin says
I have a cousin in law that would love this; her nursery is neutrals! I mostly need color, but that’s just me. 😉
Christy says
Oh this would be perfect! I definitely wanted color in my nurseries too since my house is pretty neutral everywhere else, but I can see how a neutral nursery could be super cute! XOXO
ROBIN says
I JUST WANT TO HUG THE ROCKER AND THE NIGHTSTAND. YOU HAVE A AWESOME IMAGINATION. YOU OUT DID YOURSELF!!! CAN’T WAIT FOR THE HALLOWEEN TOUR!
Christy says
Ha ha I love that reaction so much, Robin! Thank you! XOXO
Constance Colvin says
Darling darling darling!
Christy says
Thank you, Connie!! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
So much better now, Christy! Not everyone likes pastels or primary colors for kids’ rooms. And it likely will fit in better if it’s going to live in a common area like a family room. I love Sand Bar and think it’s the perfect ground for those transfers.
Christy says
Thank you, Marcie! Yeah that green wasn’t intended for sweet kiddos. And yep, it can go anywhere now and be enjoyed by both girls and boys! I love Sand Bar too…glad I finally got to try it! Have a lovely weekend! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
Oh Christy, I Love how this sweet rocker turned out. The colors are perfect and the transfers are so sweet. It is so funny because I picked up two childrens rockers recently and I am going to be doing a make over on them 1 for the only grand daughter that I already have and 1 for the grand daughter that is on the way November 8th. Thanks for the inspiration. I have a bit of time as I think those rockers will be for Christmas this year!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! What wonderful Christmas gifts those will be from their favorite grandmother! They will surely enjoy them for many years! XOXO
Michele M. says
Love love love LOVE it! WOW!!!!
You’ve done it again, ma’am.
Have a fabulous weekend.
Christy says
Thank you, Michele! Pieces for the littles are so much fun to do! Enjoy your weekend also! XOXO
Cecilia says
I think it’s adorable! The stripes always give it that extra something. Cute, cute transfers. Love them.
😊 Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! I just love the whimsy of stripes! XOXO
Tina Casey says
What a difference! How cute that is. I love it!
Christy says
Thank you, Tina! I’m not sure that green did anything for it lol! XOXO
Petra says
So sweet 🙂 and looks like it belongs in a high-end baby shop xo
Christy says
Aww thank you, my friend! XOXO
Amy says
What a cute re-imagine for such a traditional piece. Just curious, do you sell your items? And if you do, what price would you comfortably sell that rocker for?
Thank you for always sharing your creations.
— Amy
Christy says
Thank you, Amy! I have a booth in an antique mall where I sell my pieces. This will probably be priced at around $45. XOXO
Gwen says
This little rocker is the cutest chair ever! You have an amazing talent. Loved seeing this!
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Gwen! Glad you enjoyed this sweet chair! XOXO