Hello, amazing friends! I’m back with another edition of Painting the Smalls! The smalls are the smaller makeovers that make great fillers for my booth, but aren’t necessarily big enough to warrant a post of their own. So, I like to gather several of them in one post to share! If I’m being honest, sometimes the simple smalls are my favorite to work on!
Today, I’m sharing the mini makeovers of these six thrift store finds:
These mini makeovers always remind me of what a little paint can do!
I’ve included a few afiiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Mini Makeover #1
First up is this basket I picked up at the thrift store for $3.25:
I always check out the basket aisle. I am just drawn to them for some reason. This one wasn’t even particularly cute, but it was sturdy!
There are three basket makeovers in this bunch today and I started all of them with a quick spray of Rustoleum spray primer:
This a great way to get a quick first coat on.
When that was dry, I used my Best Dang Brush to apply a coat of Cotton:
The large, flat head of this brush makes quick work of painting baskets. (Be sure to wash natural bristles brushes when you’re done as they will clean up much easier than if you wrap them up and leave them for a day or so.)
Then I taped off a stripe with my favorite painting tape and added a quick spray of this pretty mint color:
The After
The result is a fun, beach look that screams summer! (I can use that sometimes mid-winter!)
It’s super bright in these photos, but not quite as bright in person.
As you can see, I also added a handle to the front that serves absolutely no purpose ha ha. It just adds a little something so it’s not so plain.
I used wire to attach it to the front.
Mini Makeover #2
Next up is this clock I found for $4.75:
It’s just a simple clock, but I knew it could be so much prettier with some color!
I gave it a coat of one of my favorite blues…Savannah Mist:
I dry brushed with some white, sanded lightly all over, and sealed with Best Dang Wax in clear.
The AFter
It looks fresh and new now!
This clock may be small, but the tick is super loud. It’s kind of soothing though.
Here you can see the dry brushing I did before sanding. I love the layered look of it…
I added a little surprise butterfly transfer to the tiny drawer too.
So much better and well worth $4.75!
Mini Makeover #3
The third mini makeover in this set is another basket that I picked up for $4.25:
It got a spray of primer just like the first basket, followed up by a coat of Cotton. Then I gave it a good sanding all over with 220 grit sandpaper.
To dress this one up a bit, I added a small tag to the front that I cut out of wood scraps using my miter saw:
I painted it in Cotton also and then added a transfer to it:
This mini transfer is from the Classic Vintage Labels set available in my Etsy shop!
This is my favorite transfer because I have been able to use it on so many projects! See ten of them HERE!
The After
Y’all know I love a simple white painted basket!
And guess what else I added?
A fun fabric surprise inside!
I lined this one with this sweet mini check.
See how I line baskets with fabric in this post.
And the little sign adds so much…
Mini Makeover #3
Next up is this picture I picked up at the thrift store for $2 ages ago:
This is the only piece that is not part of my current haul that I’m working through. It has been hanging around for forever though, so when I was making these chalkboards the other day, I threw this one in with them.
I removed the art work and painted the frame in Savannah Mist:
And then I dry brushed some white on there…
I made a chalkboard for the inside (see how HERE) and added a few more details and this mini chalkboard was complete!
The After
I added these metal corners that I painted white…
And I also added hooks to add more function!
Mini Makeover #5
This is the final basket of the bunch. I picked it up for $3.25:
I’m not sure why I was drawn to it, but I was.
I primed this one the same as the others and then went for another blue. This is one of my favorite custom mixes!
I combined The Gulf, Vintage Duck Egg Blue, and Cotton right into The Gulf jar for a chair project I shared not too long ago and I still have a good bit left, so this basket got it too!
You don’t have to seal baskets, but the easiest way to do that is with a spray sealer like this one, and that is what I used on all three of these.
The After
It was the perfect size for this small tree that I have in our bedroom…
I had to share a little Christmas since it is December!
I sanded lightly all over to show some of the white coming through…
I love this color combination so much!
And how about those cute feet? I added those also.
Mini Makeover #6
And finally, I have this mirror that had a terrible spray paint job on it:
It looks way worse in person. I paid more than I would have liked at $12, but it is all wood and I thought I could tone down the silver and make it so pretty!
I ended up using yet another blue! I hadn’t realized I used so many blues for this bunch.
This one got a coat of Vintage Duck Egg Blue that I applied with my Best Dang Brush:
The Best Dang Brush gets into those details so easily!
When that was dry, I added Best Dang Wax in white wax with my brush also:
Then I took a clean, soft cloth and wiped away any excess, leaving the wax nestled in the details!
The wax seals it so that was it!
The After
Here is how this pretty mirror looks now!
Such a pretty blue!
The white wax in the details…
Waxes are a great way to highlight the details when you don’t want to distress.
I’m always drawn to those blues and whites since those colors sell well for me in my shop.
Even the simplest of makeovers can still make a big difference!
All but one of these mini makeovers are from my current haul, so that is five more done!!
If you missed my last edition of Painting the Smalls…
You can see that HERE!
If you missed our Christmas Home Tour, you can take the tour HERE.
I’ll be back on Tuesday with my Trash-to-Treasure girls and this desk that I’m redoing for Brennan’s room:
Have a wonderful weekend, friends!
UPDATE: Hop on over and see how I gave this desk a much-needed update HERE!
XOXO,
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Mary Kaiser says
Oh I Love all the smalls! This batch turned out so pretty also! My favorite is the clock though, so cute with the butterfly inside the drawer. I can’t believe how all of the pieces look so different after your magic paint brush touches them! I love the white wax in the cracks, it highlights the color so beautifully! Great inspiration for me once again!!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! I too am always happily amazed at what just paint can do! So glad you enjoyed this bunch…have a fantastic weekend!! XOXO
Denise Cox says
Love #1, 3 & 6! Like the handle on#1 and the embellishments on #3. And…LOVE the details on #6. Sooo pretty. And, of course, I’m a sucker for coastal colors!
Christy says
Thank you, Denise! Me too, girl. Me too…coastal always wins! XOXO
Christine DiTrinco says
Love them all!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Christine! XOXO
Janice Holt says
What cute makeovers. Think the clock and the last basket are my favorites. The little tree looks so pretty in that basket. Enjoyed all of them as usual. Have a great week-end.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! I may just keep the tree in that basket! Enjoy your weekend too, my friend! XOXO
Roseann Squire says
Absolutely Amazing, every one of them! Thanks for sharing.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Roseann! XOXO
Jen says
The clock is adorable! I’m sitting in my living room listening to my very loud wall clock tick. 🙂 I too am amazed how paint can transform anything. Can’t wait to see what you did with the desk. I just redid one for my office.
Christy says
Thank you, Jen! Ha ha…this one has been in our dining room just opposite my office and I have grown to like the steady tick! And yes, paint is magic for sure! See ya Tuesday! XOXO
Elizabeth Pusateri says
These are beautiful and I love how you combined them with Christmas decor!
Christy says
Thank you, Elizabeth! Had to throw some Christmas spirit in there lol! XOXO
Mary Smart says
I loved all of your smalls and I wanted to tell you that your Christmas Village is the best one I have ever seen. I watched the Christmas Village video and I was amazed! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Mary!! We really enjoy putting it together each year! Merry Christmas! XOXO
Amanda says
I love seeing what you do to the smalls! I think the clock is my favorite transformation out of this group! The mirror is a close second! Thanks for sharing what you do. I love to follow along!
Christy says
Thank you, Amanda! Those darker stained pieces give the best results when distressing for sure! And I truly appreciate that…it means so much! XOXO
Lily says
Ty for such a great post! Such transformation!
Christy says
My pleasure, Lily! Thank you! XOXO
Cyndi says
Beautiful! I love all of these. I don’t think I could pick a favorite if I had to. 😉
And thanks for all your tips and tricks. They are always useful!
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndi! I’m so happy to hear what I share is helpful! XOXO
Niki says
Great batch of smalls Christy! Looks like you are nearing the end of this haul. It’ll be fun to see what new treasures you find for your next one, but; in the meantime I look forward to Tuesday and seeing what you do with that desk. Have a great weekend!
Christy says
Thank you, Niki! Yes, and I’ve already been on the hunt ha ha…that’s where I spied that desk, and would you believe it was only $12?? Woo hoo! Enjoy your weekend too! XOXO
Mary King says
I love all of these! I also really enjoyed your house tour. I was in a lot of pain before my foot surgery and couldn’t get by the antique mall. I am looking forward to being able to go again when I am up and walking, but that won’t be for some time. Thanks again for sharing your beautiful talent!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Mary! I hope you mend quickly, my friend! Enjoy the season! XOXO
SANDI ALLEN says
These are all amazing! Love the colors.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sandi! XOXO
Lizzy says
They all turned out so pretty. The clock is my favorite. I must pick up DB’s Savannah Mist paint. What a great blue!
I’ve been pretty loyal to ASCP. Do you think Dixie Bell is better? How is it different? Thanks!
Christy says
Thank you, Lizzy! I love Savannah Mist! The biggest difference I’ve found is that ASCP has a distinct smell to it while Dixie Belle chalk paint has no VOCs so there is very little, if any, smell to it. Other than that, they are very comparable to one another. I hope you get the chance to try it out! XOXO
Lizzy says
I will. Thanks for the info!
Christy says
You’re welcome! 🙂
Marcie Lovett says
They’re all nice, but that mirror takes my breath away, Christy! That garish paint job on the frame blinded me to the fact that there was a pretty beveled mirror in it 😁
Christy says
Thank you, Marcie! That previous paint job was SO bad lol! It has such pretty details! XOXO
Debra Hubbs says
All of these came out so pretty. I just love that little basket with the Christmas tree in it.
Christy says
Thank you, Debra! I think it’s staying in there this year lol! XOXO
Michele M. says
WOW, Christy! Those look so good! I absolutely ADORE that clock!!!!! It’d look so great at my sister’s lake house. Well done, ma’am!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Michele! It is the perfect color for a lake house! XOXO
Rebecca says
All are GORGEOUS. Fabulous job.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Rebecca! XOXO
Petra says
Every one of those little pieces would make lovely gifts 🙂 I especially liked the clock and the mirror xo
Christy says
Thank you, Petra! Absolutely! You could save a ton on Christmas gifts…except for teenage boys ha ha! XOXO
Brenda says
My favorite is the clock!
Christy says
Thank you, Brenda! XOXO
Carin says
Like everyone else I just love your ‘painting the smalls’!! Theyre like wonderfully inspiring paint and effects tutorials … but in mini form 🙂 thank you so much for sharing x
Christy says
Thank you so much, Carin! Ha ha yes! Not everyone wants to take on a large piece of furniture, but everyone has a few smaller things they can find to redo! Enjoy the rest of your weekend! XOXO
mary says
Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow! You sure know how to breathe new life into “tired” items. I love them all…the frame on the mirror really “blossomed” after you painted it. It was so “in your face” before i didn’t realize it had all the intricacies…. beautiful job Christy!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Mary! I just loved the detail on that frame! XOXO
Loretta Grant says
Thank you for all your beautiful work! I love doing projects and you give such excellent ideas and examples! I do have a question. I want to redo my kitchen cabinets and am wondering if the Savannah Mist that you did the clock in would hold up on cabinets.
Thanks again.
Loretta
Christy says
Thank you so much, Loretta! I have not used chalk paint on cabinets since I redid mine long before I started with Dixie Belle, but I have seen a ton of people who have had a great experience using it on kitchen cabinets! Savannah Mist would be gorgeous in a kitchen. Be sure to clean really well first and then seal with two coats of Gator Hide for the best protection. XOXO
Sheila DelCharco says
Your smalls posts always inspire me! I’m so happy that our family has decided to do a “thriftmas” this year! My kids live to go thrifting so that’s what’s inspired it! I have found several large baskets and plan on dry brushing some and sealing with clear. I learned it all from you! Thanks!
Christy says
Oh yay! And I LOVE that idea so much! It will be so fun to see what everyone comes up with!! XOXO
Sue Andrepont says
How did you attach the wooden sign on project #3, the white basket
Christy says
Hi Sue! I attached it with wire. You can see how in this other post. There are two baskets in this one and I share this on the second one. 🙂 https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/7-vintage-picnic-basket-makeover/
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! I love all of these small makeovers. The clock really stands out and you gave me a great idea with the chalkboard. It is amazing what a little paint will do.
Christy says
Hi Cheryl! Thank you! Paint is magic!! XOXO
ZOYA K RAUSCH says
Happy New Year Christi,
I love all your “smalls” I too repurpose smalls and sell in a booth here in Texas. I have a question about the little square blue basket you put a Christmas tree in for your bedroom. The little round feet… what are they before they became feet?? also, how did you attach them? Thanks
Christy says
Thank you, Zoya! Those “feet'” were round flat wooden discs that had a hole in the center. My Dad passed along a bunch of wooden odds and ends to me and they were in there. I have no idea what he used them for. I attached them with E6000 glue…it’s fantastic, but look for the odorless version. XOXO