Hello beautiful friends! I hope this post finds everyone healthy and well! We are still doing okay so far here.
Today I’m back sharing what I did with this lone oar:
{I was informed that this is actually a paddle (thank you, Steve!)…that’s how much I know ha ha, but it’s too late and I’ll be calling it an oar if that’s ok with you!}
My in-laws were selling it at a flea market booth a couple of years ago. We stopped by to visit, and they had a few things that I wanted to buy, but of course, they wouldn’t take our money. This oar is one of those things. It is a real, functioning oar, but I thought it could be a cute decor piece if painted. It has just been sitting in my storage room taking up space ever since. I added it to my Winter thrift store haul just to finally get something done with it! I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
I started by sanding the light colored stain off of the oar with my rotary sander:
I wanted to give this oar a white-washed look, so after cleaning away the dust, I gave it a coat of Dixie Belle’s VooDoo Gel Stain in Up in Smoke, using a soft cloth to apply it:
This makes the perfect grey base for my white washed finish!
Next, I applied a coat of Cotton that I had watered down slightly. Then I used a clean cloth to remove the paint to get my white washed finish:
You can see that process in a video I created here using a small stool to demonstrate:
If you have trouble viewing, find it on YouTube HERE.
Here is how this fun decor piece looks now:
I imagine it in a coastal kids’ room, or even a coastal-inspired bathroom!
As you can see, I added stripes to the handle. I used my favorite FrogTape to do that. Then I added the star using FrogTape also! I was too lazy to pull out my Silhouette for one small star, so here’s what I did instead:
1. I printed out a silhouette of a star in the size I wanted. (I googled star silhouette.) Then I layered enough FrogTape on a cutting mat to fit the image. I overlapped each edge over the next.
2. Then I laid the image over the tape, and taped it in place. Use a utility knife and a straight edge, to cut the star.
3. I pulled away the tape surrounding the star and carefully pulled up the star, starting with the first piece of tape.
4. Finally, I centered the star on my oar and painted over it with one coat of paint.
This was a pretty simple way to add a star to my oar.
And a close up of the stripes…this was with one coat of cotton and a quick sanding after:
Do y’all remember the wall decor here?
They are a super old project from 2014! I made them for my boys’ old bathroom at our last house.
They started out like this:
You can visit the whole project HERE if you like.
The mats were painted in a Duck Egg blue then, but I spray painted them navy when I redid our boys’ bath here at the new house:
Here is our boys’ bath before:
You can see the big reveal HERE if you missed it!
I’ve got the boys home with me now so it was nice to have a quick project to share today!
And I thought I’d share an updated photo of Miss Lyla! If you’re new here, we rescued her when she was 8 weeks. Her left eye was crusted shut. We also rescued her sister, but sadly, she was very sick when we got her and she didn’t make it. (You can read that story here.)
We are so thrilled that at eight months, Lyla is healthy and perfect! She jumped up on this chair just as I was setting up…like I put it there just for her!
She looks like she is daring me to move her lol. You can see she still has one bum eye, but I think she is just beautiful! Hasn’t she gotten big??
Thank you so much for stopping by today!! I couldn’t do this job that I love if it weren’t for all of you!!
I have just three pieces left in my Winter haul!
If you can’t see what they are….it’s the desk in the middle, a tray on the right there, and the large mirror at the back.
If you missed any of these makeovers so far, you can see them below!
How to Paint Furniture with Chalk Paint (& $10 Night Tables)
$4 Thrift Store Case Repurposed
$25 Thrift Store China Cabinet Makeover
$3 Lamp Makeover (& How to Rewire a Lamp)
Windsor Chair Makeover (& Drop Leaf Table Take Two)
How to Wet Distress (& a $5 Lamp Makeover)
$5 Thrift Store Chest Makeover
I’ll be back with the mirror on Tuesday:
Stay well, dear friends!!
UPDATE: The mirror is up and ready for it’s reveal HERE!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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Maryellen Webber says
What a great job you did on the oar! It is a great coastal decor piece! Your Lyla is so beautiful, I rescued a mama kitty and her 2 sons. They keep me on my toes with their mischief!
Christy says
Thank you, Maryellen! Bless you for taking in three kitties…Lyla can be quite mischievous herself, so I can only imagine with three ha ha! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
I love how that turned out. It is so beautiful and costal now. What are you going to do with it, keep it or take it to your booth to sell? It really goes well in your bathroom. My guess was that you were going to paint it and then add hooks to make it for hanging towels. It turned out beautiful!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! This will be heading to my booth, if I ever make it there lol. I don’t have a spot for it in the bathroom or I would likely keep it. I thought about adding hooks, but decided to keep it simple as I imagine it above a doorway or window. Stay well, my friend! XOXO
Janice Holt says
Glad y’all are all still well; good here also. Cute oar and so glad you are continuing to bring us some highlights in our hunkered down life right now. Look forward to next Tues.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! Glad you all are well also! I think I need to keep showing up here for my own sanity as well ha ha! XOXO
Christina in SW FL says
Christy, you transformed this oar into something so special! Love the white wash over the grey. Wonderful!
Speaking of wonderful, what a beautiful young lady Lyla has become! She has such a sweet face and I adore her markings. So glad she posed for you. 🙂
Stay safe and create on!
xo
Christy says
Thank you, Christina!! Lyla is such a sweet kitty and she posed so perfectly I had to take a picture! You stay safe too, my friend! XOXO
Sandi Allen says
Wow! I love this! Those colors are great.
What a wonderful transformation .
Christy says
Thank you, Sandi!! XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
Just too darn cute! I knew you would knock me over with the oar!
Christy says
So glad you like it, Cecilia! Thank you! XOXO
Donna says
Love the oar, but Miss Lyla is beautiful!
Christy says
Aww thanks, Donna! She is such a sweet kitty! XOXO
Betty Bilnoski says
You have such a talent for making plain everyday stuff just beautiful. I’ve found myself scrounging around in our attic and my Hubby’s garage looking for things that “need” makeovers.
Lyla is beautiful! I remember Lucy’s story well. I was saddened by it but she was very loved in her short life. It reminded me of a time about 40 years ago when we adopted 2 kittens from a shelter – we rescued/adopted 6 cats/kittens in one year early in our marriage while living in a one-bedroom apartment with 2 poodles – and one of the kittens was discovered to have FIP. Our Sweet Pea was very loved and she knew it.
Thank you, Christy, for continuing to post your makeovers during these crazy times. I look forward to Tuesday’s & Thursday’s just to see what magic you’ve created. I’m also about to buy a doormat that says “hide packages from Hubby” because of all the supplies I’ve been ordering from Amazon (I click on your links) and your Etsy shop. I ordered your rotary sander this week. I’ll probably tell my Hubby it’s a gift for him…lol.
Sending you much love & hugs.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Betty!! I love that you are on the hunt for pieces to redo! We are so grateful that Lyla stayed healthy. Wow…six kitties in one year lol! I know it wasn’t easy losing one of them, but yes both yours and our Lucy had the chance to be loved and that is the best thing we could have given them. I need that doormat ha ha! Thank you for your support…it is so appreciated! XOXO
freidia says
Thank you, Christy, for making my morning feel normal : )
hugs,
freidia
Christy says
You are so welcome, Freidia! I need this to make me feel normal too! XOXO
Rita says
I have an “oar” too. It is in my storage and you have inspired me to finally paint it. Love the idea of the stripes. Stay well.
Christy says
Oh good! Have fun with yours! you stay well also! XOXO
Loretta says
Your cat…..who would have guessed she would have grown that much in six months.
My cat was the runt of the litter of feral kittens.
A gal from my vet’s office took in the Mom just before she gave birth.
She found homes for all of the kittens but waited until the runt was older as she worried about him eating and growing.
When he was about 5 months old she was ready to let him go.
He now weighs over 17 pounds and never misses a meal. He is ten years old but you would never know it.
I love the oar/paddle.
It would look great hung in my sunroom!
Christy says
I know! She has gotten so big! Aww I bet yours is so sweet too…cats are awesome! Thank you, Loretta! XOXO
Jill Tetsworth says
Hi Christy,
When I saw the oar (paddle), my mind immediately painted it, turned it horizontal, and put coat hooks on it. Thought for sure that’s where you up would go. But, alas, I love your makeover! Did you put a hanger on the back?
Christy says
Thanks, Jill! I thought about adding hooks, but I figured this way it could hang above a doorway or window, or just rest in a corner. I did add sawtooth hangers to the back for hanging! XOXO
Cindi says
Nice work, thanks for the inspiration.
Christy says
Thank you, Cindi! XOXO
Shirley Lange says
Christy, the oar is “ADORE……..ABLE. “ It is perfect 👌🏾 for the beach cottage that I hope to have someday. There are so many great buys at thrift stores, how do you decide which ones to “snap” up and then what you are going to do to give it a new life? Whatever you decide always seems to be perfect for the piece. You are an inspiration to us all.
Christy says
Aww you are the sweetest, Shirley! Thank you! It’s not always easy to decided what to bring home. It usually has to do with what a good deal it is ha ha…the cheaper, the better! XOXO
Karen from Como says
I have an oar/paddle just like your before picture n my kids’ bath. And I have wanted to elevate its look for. A few years so I was super excited when I saw yours in your latest haul. I knew you would do something fabulous with it and you did. Your creativity never ceases to amaze!
.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Karen!! I really appreciate that! I wish I had space in my boys’ bath for this one! XOXO
Glenda Brown says
Hey Christy, I love this project. You make all your project looks so easy. I, too, love oars. I have a very old one hanging in my study, but I don’t have the heart to paint it. Your post gived us DIYers so much inspiration.
Thank you, for all your beautiful project that you share with us.
Christy says
Thank you, Glenda! And you are so welcome! It is a blessing that I get to do this so the fact that ya’ll enjoy it too is such a gift to me! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy!! What a cute “oar”. Your signature stripes! 😍 Little Lyla is so pretty.
Christy says
Yes…you know how I love stripes! They are just so easy! And that Lyla is a sweetheart! XOXO
sharon austin says
LOVE IT! I’ll take the oar and Lyla both, for my cabin!!
Christy says
Ha ha thank you, Sharon!! XOXO
susan says
Awwwweeee. Miss Lyla looks so good! She makes the picture! Love this take on the oar! I have on in the garage 🤔😀
Christy says
We are so happy that Lyla is healthy! I didn’t have the heart to move her once she made herself comfortable lol. Thanks, Susan! XOXO
Ashley says
❤️ the oar !!! 👍🏻
Christy says
Thank you, Ashley!! XOXO
M. Constance Colvin says
Oh Christy the oar is so darling! Your creative instinct just never ever disappoints! The only downside (for me) is that it makes me feel so UNPRODUCTIVE as I watch you whip through your thrift finds! I suppose that making a business of it is a great motivator ;-D I understand how you feel about your cat and the sadness of losing your other little kitty. We adopted two brothers, one all black and one all white, because they were the last of a shelter litter and so had always been together and we couldn’t bear parting them! They are so connected to each other! We also have four dogs……..what a happy zoo! One of the first questions I’ll want answered when I pass over to the other side is: why are we allowed to love our animals so much when you make their lives so short!!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Connie! And yes!! This blog is an excellent motivator or I would have nothing to share lol! I agree…it is hard taking on a new furry friend knowing already that they won’t be with you forever, but the joy they bring is so worth it! You were so sweet to take both babies! Take care! XOXO
Joanne says
Love the oar! I have several that need some attention. We live on a lake in Wisconsin and I have been putting off the re-do. Hopefully, when spring finally gets here, I will try your techniques. All your projects make me smile.
Christy says
Aww thank you, Joanne! Oars are perfect decor for a lakehouse! Wishing you warmer weather soon! XOXO
Mary Loveland says
Well done Christie! What is the difference between an oar and a paddle? Love the outcome…..you saved it.
Your kitty is so gorgeous and looks so healthy, well done “mom”. Best wishes to you and family.
Christy says
Thank you, Mary!! The shapes are a bit different, but I didn’t know that lol…oh well! Lyla is doing so well and we are grateful she has remained a healthy girl! Stay well! XOXO
Leah says
You are so inspirational Christy! During these crazy times I’ve been going through my haul and your projects to plan some makeovers for the next few months. It’s Autumn here in Australia and I think it’s going to be a long winter! Thank you so much for sharing your amazing talents and inspiring so many people!!! xx
Christy says
Aww you are so sweet, Leah, thank you so much!! At least we have this creative outlet to keep us sane! Stay well down there! XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
I love this!! It would look great in my house! 😉 xoxo
Christy says
Thanks, Nancy! Yes it would!! XOXO
Carroll Xavier says
Your creativity is so amazing and has helped me look at thrift items with a new eye. I love how you revived the oar! I have the perfect spot for it; too bad you are on the opposite side of the country from me 🙁 Thanks for sharing each week 🙂
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Caroll! I wish you were closer! XOXO
Sheila DelCharco says
I have two pars that I have wanted to do something with! Now I know what! Thank you for always inspiring me!
Christy says
Oh perfect! You are so welcome, Sheila! Thank you! XOXO
Phyllis says
Love the oar. Would also be useful in a bathroom with a hook. I did two for my grandsons’ room at their cottage. Lyla has grown into a beautiful cat. Look forward to your next inspirations. Keep safe.
Christy says
Thank you, Phyllis! This would be great with a hook or even a few! Lyla is my sweet girl for sure! XOXO
Ivory says
Fantastic results. I also love what you did to the three picture frames. looks breathtaking as well.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Ivory! XOXO
Petra says
Oh I just love what you did to that oar 😀 You always know exactly what to do :). And look at Lyla <3 She is the perfect model! I hope you've got everything you need and are keeping well and safe. Our PM in Australia is not doing the right thing by everybody, and he's keeping everything open and pretty much business as usual. He's coping a lot of flack :/. Stay safe 🙂 xo
Christy says
Aww thanks, my friend! This whole thing is just crazy! We are really taking it seriously around here. I only left my house once this week for a quick trip to the grocery store. My hubby still has to work though. Schools are closed. Most stores are closed and restaurants are only doing take out right now! Crazy! I hope your PM comes to his senses! Stay well!! XOXO
Debbie in TX says
Well, Lyla has really grown. She’s so beautiful! Love the oar — I thought oar and paddle were the same as well. Just know I’m gonna need one if I’m ever up a creek : ) The coastal style is my absolute favorite, and you made it look fantastic. Stay well and sane. Hope you have some extra thrift finds to work on while staying at home!
Christy says
Thank you, Debbie! Lyla really has grown. I didn’t realize until I compared those photos! And ha ha, I better hold onto this paddle! Don’t worry, project pieces are one thing I have plenty of. When it pays to be a hoarder lol! You stay sane and well too!! XOXO