Hello amazing friends! I hope you were all able to enjoy some of the long holiday weekend! Today I’m back with one of my favorite things…another batch of smalls! If you’re new around here, the smalls are mini makeovers that by themselves wouldn’t make for a very compelling blog post, but grouped together, are fun to see!
Here are today’s bunch:
Nothing too exciting, right? Would you have brought these home?
Makeover #1
Let’s start with the first piece, this basket I picked up at the thrift store for $3.25:
It is a great size and a great deal at just over $3!
I usually prime first, but I thought I might just dry brush this in white. I didn’t love that though, so I went over it in this custom mix of 40% The Gulf, 40% Vintage Duck Egg, and 20% Cotton:
The best way I’ve found to paint baskets when brushing the paint on is to use a large round flat brush like the Best Dang Brush. It makes painting details like basket weave super quick and easy!
Then I wet-distressed it with a damp washcloth:
I just love this gorgeous coastal blue!
This might not really be practical as a laundry basket, but it would be perfect to sit by the door to collect shoes!
Or how about to hold a couple cozy blankets by the sofa?
Makeover #2
Next up is this LOVE sign I also picked up for $3.25:
I’m sure we’ve all seen something similar at the thrift store.
I painted this in Cotton and then sanded all over to distress. I had intended to add a transfer right over the center, but the red bled through. I could have BOSSed it and kept going, but I decided to cut a small piece of luan to cover it instead:
I painted it in Cotton also and added a mini transfer to the center:
These are from a set of mini transfers called Classic Vintage Labels by Re-designed by Prima, and you can find them in my shop HERE.
This is so much more chic now!
Perfect to hang by the door for leashes, etc.
Makeover #3
Mini makeover #3 started as this large spice rack I paid $3.98 for:
I always pick up spice racks because they always sell quickly!
This one got a similar redo to the makeover above, Cotton paint and a mini transfer:
I sealed it with Clear Coat in Satin using a small brush. I usually prefer to apply it with the blue sponge, but it’s tricky to get the inside corners with the sponge. Just be sure to add thin coats if using a brush!
Makeover #4
This next one started out as what I believe to be a holder for a large candle:
It was half off of $3.25. These are fantastic as catch-alls for jewelry, hair ties, etc!
I gave this one a layered look by dry brushing in Cotton first, then Sea Glass. Then I sealed with Best Dang Wax in clear. Sometimes sealing metal with a liquid sealer can cause pink to bleed through, so the wax is a better option.
Makeover #5
Next up is this mirror I found at the thrift store for $3.98:
Someone had fun with this one painting it pink, but I took it down a notch by priming first and painting in Cotton:
Then I used Gemstone Mousse in Golden Gem to highlight all the details:
I didn’t want to sand to shabby it up for fear that the pink would show through, so this worked perfectly!
I chose to photograph it as a mirrored dresser tray instead of hanging it since it is quite petite:
Makeover #6
The final mini makeover in this bunch is on this piece:
It originally had two hooks on it that I stole to use on this mirror:
Of course I rarely toss anything, so I stuck this in the to-do pile in hopes of still being able to do something with it.
It’s press board, so filling the holes wasn’t really an option. Instead, I cut another piece of luan to cover the center panel.
Then I spray primed and then painted it in Sea Glass:
Priming is NOT necessary with chalk paint, it is just a quick way to get a base coat on these smaller pieces!
I gave everything a quick sanding and then decided to go back and add a little sweet detail using my stylus:
I attached the sea horse and turned it into a cute towel hook!
I had this sea horse hook in my stash, and it was just perfect for this piece!
This would be so sweet in a coastal bath!
And that’s another round of smalls!
I use a lot of blues and whites on my smalls because that is what sells well for me, but even if these aren’t colors that inspire you, hopefully, you’re inspired to see beyond what you see on the thrift store shelves!
Did you see my last last Painting the Smalls post?
You can see it HERE!
And I am so excited that I get to cross several things off the list this time!
See any you might have missed below:
Cherry Blossom Flatware Box
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’ll be back with something a bit different on Thursday!
I get asked all the time to share what things sell for in my booth, so I’m going to share several smalls from the past and what they ended up selling for:
I hope you’ll join me!
UPDATE: See this fun and informative post on pricing the smalls HERE now!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Mary Kaiser says
I love the smalls, they are my favorite! These all turned out amazing, and the beauty of it is any one can achieve these results and find these types of items at the thrift stores. Thanks to you we know how to make them beautiful again! Wahoowa, I received my transfers yesterday that I ordered from your shop, can’t wait to use them on some projects that I have in mind for them! As always thanks for your inspiration!!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! I really enjoy the smalls also, and you are so right…anyone can do these! Have fun with your transfers!! XOXO
Janice Holt says
You know I love the “smalls.” I could not figure out what you would do with the “Love” sign because I knew you would not leave the letters (nor would I). Good idea but knew you would come up with something. Hard to pick a favorite but if I had to I think it would be the 1st basket. Love the color.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! The smalls are fun for me as well! And that basket might be my favorite of the bunch too! Have a fantastic day! XOXO
Christina says
Christy you are zooming through this haul!! I don’t know if I can pick a favorite in this bunch. You know I adore the colors you choose to use. They will all sell quickly in your booth.
I hope you and your family had a great Labor Day. Here’s to a great week!
Christy says
I know, right? I will be very close to finishing this haul before summer actually ends woot woot! I’m glad you enjoy the colors I use since I use them a lot ha ha! Enjoy your week too, my friend! XOXO
Sandi Allen says
These are great make overs! Love the colors, especially the coastal blue.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Sandi! XOXO
Jennifer says
I love when you share these transformations! These are my favorite type of project ideas.
Christy says
Thank you, Jennifer! I love the smaller makeovers too! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! I always enjoy your Painting the Smalls post. I think the seahorse is my fave.
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! I have had a set of three of those seahorse hooks in my stash for years. Glad I got to use one! XOXO
Cathy Merrick says
Hi Christy,
As usual, I love everything that you transformed!! Just wanted to ask what kind of stylus did you use for the seahorse project?
I’m really looking forward to Thursday’s post as I’ve always wanted to know how you price items to sell.
Until then, have a great week!
~Cathy
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cathy! I used a stylus like these: https://amzn.to/2VpZAKa They are perfect for adding those dots. And you might enjoy this previous post I shared on pricing items for resale: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/how-to-price-items-for-resale/ See ya Thursday! XOXO
Cathy says
Thanks Christy!! You’re so helpful, as always!! xoxo
Christy says
My pleasure! 🙂
Stacey says
Definitely inspired!!
You. Are. Amazing!!!!
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that SO much, Stacey!! Thank you! XOXO
Janet Filberth says
Christy,
Thank you for all your inspiring projects!
I look forward to seeing the posts and now I’ve got my sister watching too!
And once, I gave your website info to a lady who asked me if I could tell her how to paint a piece of furniture!!
You are wonderful!!!!
Christy says
You are so welcome, Janet! Thank you and thank you for sharing me ha ha! It is so appreciated!! XOXO
Laura says
Great crafting! Question:What exactly is a stylus and what does it do? Your project seemed to have raised dots of white. Does it add texture or does it “hollow out” and carve? Do you use additional products with the stylus? Many thanks!
Christy says
Thanks, Laura! A stylus is just a small tool that has a tiny ball on the end that helps to create perfect dots. You just dip it into your paint and then tap where you want to place a dot. Here is a link to them so you can see more: https://amzn.to/38POnW9 XOXO
Rebecca Payne says
I love all of your makeovers in this post. You always do a great job and choosing the colors. Thank you.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Rebecca! XOXO
Denise Cox says
I am really enjoying the “smalls”!! 😝 You know how I love my coastal blue, so I really enjoyed this grouping! I think my favorites were the first basket (great color!) and the seahorse hook. The seahorse would look great in my coastal bath. Great job. You do a wonderful job with the “Littles”… 🙃🤭…
BTW.. what is a luan?
Christy says
Thanks so much, Denise! Oh yes…those two would look great in your coastal home! Luan is just thin plywood. I use it on the backs of antique mirrors when the original is falling apart since they are so heavy! XOXO
Lizzy says
These are so pretty. All of them!
Christy says
Thank you, Lizzy!! XOXO
Michele M. says
You are a miracle worker, I swear. Just LOOK at those incredibly fabulous pieces you have created. Christy, you are so danged good. I wish I had one iota of your talent to see beyond the bleh to bring it to WOWZA!!!
Well done, friend. Love these pieces!!!!
Christy says
I appreciate your kindness so much, Michele! Thank you!! XOXO
Sue Mellette says
I just love your smalls! They are so inspirational. It really makes one think that he/she can accomplish something in a small amount of time and effort! I really could not pick out a favorite. I love them all and each has its own purpose. You are so creative and come up with the most amazing transformations! For example, the last piece, just seemed like an ordinary piece of wood. However, you transformed it into a beautiful piece for a coastal bathroom or any room for that matter! So talented. Thanks for sharing! have a great week.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Sue!! These smaller projects are so fun for me to do and yes, several things can be done in a short amount of time! XOXO
Sue Mellette says
I just love your smalls! They are so inspirational. It really makes one think that he/she can accomplish something in a small amount of time and effort! I really could not pick out a favorite. I love them all and each has its own purpose. You are so creative and come up with the most amazing transformations! For example, the last piece, just seemed like an ordinary piece of wood. However, you transformed it into a beautiful piece for a coastal bathroom or any room for that matter! So talented. As always, thank for sharing and enjoy your week.
Marcie Lovett says
I always enjoy your painting the smalls, Christy. The basket color is beautiful and the white hooks might be my favorite in this group. I love how you regularly turn to your stash to finish projects. I was surprised you didn’t turn the spice rack upside down and add hooks to the bottom, but you have plenty of other hook options here!
Christy says
Thank you, Marcie! Working through these hauls before shopping again really helps me to get projects done! I like the idea to flip the spice rack!! XOXO