Hello lovely friends and welcome back!! I’ve got several smaller items left in my Spring 2022 Haul, so I’m back today with another round of smalls! These are the smaller items that aren’t worthy of an entire post of their own, but they are easy wins when it comes to painting projects, so I like to share several in one post.
For this round, I have five pieces from my new haul and one that has been hanging around my garage for a bit:
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Mini Makeover #1
Up first is this rocking horse I picked up at the thrift store for $9.98:
I just love the charm of a painted rocking horse and have redone a few over the years.
This one started with a quick spray of Rustoleum spray primer just to get a quick coat of paint on it. I primed three things this way in today’s haul:
Then I brushed on two coats of Cotton white:
I sanded lightly all over with 220 grit sandpaper wrapped around an old sanding sponge and sealed with Best Dang Wax in Clear.
I applied it with my Best Dang Brush, and removed the excess with clean a soft cloth.
Dixie Belle’s Best Dang Wax is water-based rather than oil-based which is awesome for a few reasons:
- It has no harsh fumes or smell
- It can be painted over once it cures without having to remove it first
- Clean up is super easy! I just spray a bit of the spray Dawn on my wax brushes and rinse
Their wax also comes in a smaller 4oz size, so you don’t have to break the bank. It is a bit more work to use it on larger pieces, but I love it for the smalls!
The After
Much better! Such a handsome fella, he is!
The smallest amount of sanding was enough to highlight some of the details…
A simple white is all this beauty needed!
Mini Makeover #2
Next up is this lamp that I also paid $9.98 for. I just loved the simple, elegant style of it:
I started by searching for a shade in my stash to fit, and I found a plain white one that I had found at HomeGoods a while back for $9.99.
It was just so plain though, so I went searching through my transfers to see if I could dress it up a bit. I found one that had come in a group of four smaller transfers. It is called Floral Home and it is available in my shop HERE.
To apply it to my shade, I had to hold the palm of my hand underneath while I burnished the transfer to the surface:
I wasn’t sure if it would even work, but it totally did!
The original color of the lamp was almost the perfect color already to go with the new shade, but I wanted to highlight the details in the lamp.
To do that, I applied a coat of Whitewash Glaze with a brush:
Then I used a clean soft cloth to remove the excess. leaving the glaze in the crevices:
Glaze also acts like a sealer so there was no need to seal after. I also did not seal the lampshade with anything since I don’t expect it to be handled often.
The After
Perty, no? And how sweet is that shade now?
Find this transfer in my Etsy shop HERE.
Mini Makeover #3
This next piece is one I’ve had hanging around my garage for a bit. I paid $4 for it:
I love clocks and if I like the face, I usually pick them up to redo for my booth. Everyone can use a clock, right?
This one got a coat of Antebellum blue to freshen it right up:
I also highlighted here and there with Gold Gilding Wax…
Quick and easy!
Mini Makeover #4
Mini makeover number four started out as this half silver, half basket weave napkin holder:
What an odd combination? It was only $1.98 though, so in the cart it went!
This one too got a quick spray of Rustoleum spray primer to start.
I sprayed the bottom first and when that was dry, I flipped it over and sprayed the rest.
Then it got two coats of Cotton and a light distressing with 220 grit sandpaper. I sealed it with clear spray matte sealer from Rustoleum as it was the easiest way for this piece.
The After
It turned out quite pretty!
And here it is empty…
Not so weird now!
Mini Makeover #5
Next up is this small box I picked up for $4.98:
I always grab pretty boxes!
This one got an entirely new look with two coats of Sea Glass:
The underside of the lid and the inside of the box were both covered in a very thin velvetish material. I decided to try painting right over it this time since it was stuck pretty good. It did pretty well!
I sealed with Best Dang Wax in Clear, using the Best Dang Brush to apply it and a soft cloth to remove the excess…
I sealed the interior the same way.
The After
This one might be my favorite!
I applied Gold Gilding wax to this one too to highlight some of the detail work on this one. I just used my finger:
It really helped to play up those details beautifully!
And the inside got a little surprise too!
I added that mini butterfly transfer before waxing the inside to seal.
Mini Makeover #6
And finally, the last makeover of this bunch is this mirror I scored for only $6.98:
I always like to remove the mirrors from the frame so I can do a proper job of painting them, but this one was glued in place.
So instead, I taped it off. Then I gave it a couple of coats of Cotton:
I made sure not to completely cover that outer edge with paint as I wanted that detail to stand out.
Once the paint was dry, I lightly sanded all over with 220 grit sandpaper. I sealed once again with Best Dang Wax in clear, using the Best Dang Brush to apply it and a soft cloth to remove the excess.
The After
This mirror was in the background of the rocking horse makeover above.
I love how not completley painting that outer band really made it stand out…almost like lace.
And that’s six more smalls complete!!
I hope y’all enjoyed these mini makeovers!!
That’s a bunch more crossed off the list!
Only eight pieces left!
See any you might have missed at the links below:
Side Table Makeover
Metal Bread Box Makeover
Ballerina Decoupage Paper Box
Petite Side Table Makeover
French Provincial Night Table
Repurposed Cigar Box
Antique Oak Chair Makeover
Painting the Smalls #16 (candlesticks, small box, tray)
Stenciled Mirror Makeover
Hutch Makeover
*SHOP UPDATE*
Just in! All 64 Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint colors are now available in 4oz sizes!! I have them in stock in my Etsy shop right now and will be delivering them to my booth this week!
They are this size…(these are the glazes)
They’re perfect for the smalls!!
Or if you just want to compare colors without committing to a larger size, they’re perfect!
As always, enjoy FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $50! Any order under $50 still enjoys $8 flat rate shipping.
Shop HERE now!
I’ll be back with my Furniture Fixer Upper friends on Thursday sharing what I did with this dresser:
See y’all then!
UPDATE: You definitely don’t want to miss this update…go see it right now HERE!!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Sylvia says
Fabulous!!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Sylvia! XOXO
Denise Cox says
It amazes me how much I enjoy the “smalls” ! My favorite was the lamo.Who would have imagined you could place transfers into a lampshade ? Sooo pretty ! Wish the transfer was still available. And that glaze is lovely!!! A “softer” option, but does a great job in highlighting those details, without sanding. My second and third place winners were the box ( love the Seaglass & butterfly touch) and the clock ( love the color, even without the gilding). Another wonderful job with the” smalls”.
Christy says
Aww yay! I’m so glad you enjoy the smalls! I do too! I was so excited the transfer worked so well on the shade. Have a fabulous day, my friend! XOXO
Sandi Allen says
These are all beautiful make overs. It’s hard to choose a favorite! I Love them all , But I think I might say the rocking horse! He is Beautiful & Eleagant.
I always look forward to seeing your transformations.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sandi! I really appreciate that! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
Oh, I love how all the smalls turned out! My favorite has to be the rocking horse, I just love him! You always make them so beautiful. I can’t wait to see what you do with the dresser!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! He was a favorite of mine too…the wonders of paint! See ya Thursday!! XOXO
Geri says
Hi Christy,
I’ve been following you for a couple of years, love your makeovers! I’ve been doing some myself lately and really enjoy it. Thank you for sharing your beautiful pieces, you are an inspiration for me!
Christy says
Oh I love that, Geri! It is so wonderful to have a creative outlet! Thank you so much!! XOXO
Christina says
Christy these are wonderful. My favorite is the horse. 🙂
I’m working on a mirror right now and can feel you cheering me on.
Christy says
Thank you, Christina! I love him too! Go! Go! Go! Ha ha! XOXO
Rebecca says
As usual, you did not disappoint. GORGEOUS MAKEOVERS. I really love the lamp.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Rebecca! XOXO
Celia says
They all look great but I think the lamp and clock are my favorites. Oh sorry gotta go shopping your store!
Christy says
Thank you, Celia! Yes shop shop shop ha ha! XOXO
Janice Holt says
Enjoyed all the smalls but think the rocking horse and the clock were my favorite. Another great job.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! I am still amazed at what paint can do! Have a fantastic day!! XOXO
Niki says
Great round of smalls Christy!
Christy says
Thank you, Niki! XOXO
Cyndi says
This was so much fun! These are all beautiful! I can’t wait to try the sea glass paint and the whitewash glaze. I think I’m going to have to try that “transfer on the lampshade” trick too. 😉 As always, you’ve inspired me. 🙂
Christy says
Aww I love that you are feeling inspired, Cyndi! That’s the best! Thank you so much! I was super excited when the transfer worked so well on the shade! XOXO
pamela adler says
You had me at ‘the clock’!!! I’m completely inspired and ready to give it a go on the small treasures out there.
Thank you for sharing it all!!
Christy says
Oh yay!! Go find some good stuff and have fun!! XOXO
Mariana says
Seriously Christy! I have been “ with you” for a very long time and loving everything you bring back to life! The lamp in this post is one of the “ smalls ” that has taken my breath away! I am obsessed with it! The beautiful flow of its curves to the chosen stencil and placement, I mean sheer genius, gurrrl !
Thanks for being so fabulous!
Christy says
Aww yay! Thank you, Mariana!! It was really such a small amount of work too to give it such a pretty new look…that’s the best! I appreciate you following along with me!! XOXO
Julie Briones says
That lamp came out gorgeous, Christy! Love the lighter pewter look it has now… and the shade is perfect for it. Where in the world do you find so many ornate boxes? I have NEVER seen those around here! As usual, always jealous of your ‘finds’. 😉
Christy says
Thank you so much, Julie!! The thrift stores near me pull wire shelving to the floor with items that have just been priced. They let them set there for a bit and I I find the best stuff on those! Also, I do better early in the week! 🙂 XOXO
Josee says
Your vision is amazing!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Josee!! XOXO
Constance Colvin says
Christy I just love seeing your “smalls” makeovers! The only downside is how quickly I finish the post )-: Remember that commercial “We want more! We want more”? Lol……….
Christy says
Aww thank you, Connie!! Ha ha!! XOXO
Lizzy says
I love them, especially the horse. I’ve seen horses like that in upscale stores for $$. It’s amazing what a good eye, the right paint & technique can accomplish. Great!
Christy says
Thank you, Lizzy! Oh I bet…this one had quite a bit of detail too! XOXO
p says
I also enjoy the Smalls ! Such cute little gems. 😉
My fav – The clock. You picked a wonderful color !! And such sweet details. Thanks for sharing.
p
Christy says
Thanks so much! I’m so glad you enjoy them! XOXO
Cecilia says
Very nice! They all look so much better now. I adore the rocking horse! He’s a pretty one!
😍 Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! He seems to be the favorite of this bunch! XOXO
Kay says
Always love your makeovers. This time the “box” caught my eye, the color is perfect for my home. I would like to buy it, can you give me details?
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kay! I think that one is already sold. If it falls through, I’ll let ya know! XOXO
Kerryanne says
Love them all Christy. The clock is my favourite. I’d love that in my own home…. if only we lived closer!
Beautifully done my friend.
Hugs,
Kerryanne
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kerryanne! Yep the shipping on that small item would be crazy, I’m sure! XOXO
Phyllis Shand says
Beautiful, as always. I especially liked the frame and the box. Great job.
Christy says
Thank you, Phyllis!! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
As usual, it was great fun to watch you transform the smalls, Christy. They’re all terrific, but I’m amazed by the lamp. What a brilliant idea to use a transfer on the shade – they look fabulous together! And the little box with the butterfly inside – coincidentally, I recently painted a box with a discolored velvet lining. Why not give it a try, right? I figured it had to better than how the box started out. It took several coats to cover, but I paint very lightly. I want to be fearless with my brush like you are!
I hope you’ve been convinced that your smalls posts are fan favorites. Even though these were pretty quick and easy, the results are always wonderful. Even that odd napkin holder with the fancy silver and rustic wicker combo 🤣
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Marcie! I was so pleased when the transfer on the shade actually worked and that one fit the shade so nicely! I too really enjoy the smalls, even the simplest of makeovers! Have a great week! XOXO
Tilly says
Oh my gosh, it’s all so stunning! It’s amazing what a little coat of paint can do. I just revamped an old wrought iron planter in a french country blue, you wouldn’t even recognize it!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Tilly! Yes…paint is magic for sure! I bet your planter is just lovely! XOXO
Michele M. says
BRAVO!!!!!
Totally awesome makeovers, Christy!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Michele! XOXO
Janice says
The lampshade and lamp go together beautifully! Good job!
Christy says
Thank you, Janice!! XOXO
Jeanne says
I love it when looking at your site gives me the little pick-me-up I need. These are all fantastic (no surprise). You have a knack. Do you ever get burned out or feel uninspired though? I wonder if I’m going through a phase? When I see what you do, I think of course I want to continue. I do it mostly because I hate the idea of things just being tossed. We are such a throwaway society. You are inspiring. Thanks for doing your share of bringing beauty back to things that may otherwise not get a chance to show they truly have it.
Christy says
I appreciate your kind words so much, Jeanne! When I am feeling uninspired by a piece, which happens often, I just start painting it white. Painting it white is like giving me a blank canvas to see what else it could be. Sometimes I add stripes, a stencil, a transfer, etc, but a clean white almost always does wonders for those pieces! I too hate the idea of things being toss when they have so much potential! XOXO
Vicki says
All great makeovers, but I especially love the clock! I have functioning clocks in nearly every room of my house (so fun when the time changes, lol), and even have some non functioning vintage style ones just for decor. I recently bought some antebellum blue to paint a vintage drum style table (the ones you see everywhere with the pedestal base and round top with drawer). I decorate with different shades of blue in my living room, but not turquoise shades, and it seems to lean a bit that direction…would you agree?Maybe if I glaze over it, it will tone down the color a bit? Also can’t decide whether to paint the top or leave it stained dark for a two-toned look. Decisions! Thanks for sharing!
Christy says
Thank you, Vicki! I love clocks too and have several around our house also. Many of them I don’t even adjust at DST ha ha! Antebellum is like a really deep teal color. I have seen it with black wax and it is really lovely, but it’s not too bold anyway in person. If you are undecided about the top, then I would paint just the base first and see how you like it with the top stained. Good luck! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy!! I loved them all. I have never come across a small rocking horse but hopefully someday I will. I was surprised with the lamp. I have passed that one up before but I really liked the way it looks now. I also haven tried a transfer on a lampshade yet. I have painted a lampshade. Haha. I pick up decor boxes too and they seem to be a quick seller in my booth. Thank you for all of the inspiration!
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! The horse and the lamp were the first things to sell! I had planned to paint the lamp, but it was so close to the colors in the transfer that a little glaze did the trick! Boxes are generally good sellers for me too…just picked up a fabulous one for my next haul yesterday! Hope you have a good selling season! XOXO
Chris Davis says
I have that exact box. I painted it about 6 months ago, and weirdly enough much the same color! Instead of gold wax though I used iridescent green wax. I love the way it turned out, but I might pull out the paint and paint the velvet inside now seeing the way it worked for you!
I loved the lamp, clock, horse and box. I don’t like what you did with the basket, but that might just be staging…it was hard to see on the dresser!
You are always inspiring, though, just showing what a bit of paint can turn otherwise blah or ick stuff into. 😀
Christy says
Thank you so much, Chris! I’m so glad you enjoyed this bunch! Funny… Everything here has sold except for the basket ha ha! XOXO