Hello sweet friends! I’ve got six mini makeovers to share with y’all today!
The smaller makeovers are what sell the quickest in my booth, so I need to keep adding them. Gathering several in one post is a great way for me to get several done quickly!
Here’s what I’ve got today:
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
And here we go!
Mini Makeover #1
Up first is this candleholder I picked up for half of of $7.99 at the thrift store:
I knew it would paint up pretty!
I started by giving it and a couple more smalls in this bunch a spray of Rustoleum primer just to get a quick first coat on them:
I used my small spray shelter since it was quite windy…it is excellent at containing the spray. (This shelter also comes in a medium and large size via that link.)
I then followed up with a coat of Dixie Belle’s brightest white, Cotton, using a small brush to paint the details.
I could have just used spray paint, but I much prefer the look and texture of chalk paint.
Once the paint was dry, I sanded all over with 220 grit sandpaper to bring out the details.
I only sealed the top parts that hold the candles and the base, and I did that with clear Best Dang Wax.
White is always a win in my book and I often use it for my smalls…
It was so dated before, but how pretty is it now?
This piece had been passed up by many since it was half off. White paint really did wonders for it!
Mini Makeover #2
Next up is this ornate box that I picked up for $5:
I love anything with pretty details like this, and I see this box often at thrift stores. This isn’t the first one I’ve redone!
I decided to go pink on this one with Silk paint in Conch:
I added Silver Gilding Wax to highlight the details this time:
The insides started out with this fancy velvet paper…
I removed that with the help of a razor blade and after painting the inside in the Conch also, I decided to line it with this decoupage tissue paper I’ve had in my stash for forever:
This is by Redesign, but I don’t carry it. It’s called Flower Market if you’re interested in finding it.
It was just what this box needed to dress up the inside!
See the other one I redid just like this HERE. (That one’s my favorite.)
Mini Makeover #3
This next piece was a super quickie! I found this tissue box holder for $3:
It looked like it might have some age to it when I bought it, but the tag on the inside suggested otherwise.
It got a spray of Rustoleum primer also, followed by two coats of Cotton.
After sanding, this piece was sealed with clear Best Dang Wax.
I really liked the curves, and I knew a simple paint job would make it fresh and new again.
Mini Makeover #4
Mini makeover number four is this ceramic box that was also $3 at the thrift store:
That avocado green was once all the rage! I always pick up small decorative boxes when I see them. I loved the shape of this one!
Because it was a non porous surface, I knew it needed a little prep before painting so the paint would adhere well.
I primed it with Slick Stick first, Dixie Belle’s bonding primer:
I let that dry overnight and the next day, I was able to proceed with paint. This too got a couple of coats of Cotton.
Once that was dry, I lightly sanded just enough to smooth the surface in prep for one of Redesign’s newest transfers, the Vintage Labels I:
There are several new transfers that just released last week that you can see in my last post HERE.
I added one of these labels to each side:
I sealed everything with Best Dang Wax in clear.
This one turned out super cute compared to the before!
Each side has a different label on it!
This transfer is selling out fast, but I have more ordered already, so just sign up to be notified in the listing if it is already sold out, and you’ll get a message when it’s back in stock, hopefully be the end of the week.
For the inside I used this gorgeous Blueberry blue:
Mini Makeover #5
At number five is this set of candle holders I found at the thrift store for $5.25 for the set:
I had actually seen these on one visit and loved them for their dainty glass candle holder inserts at the top, but they didn’t have a price on them, so I just kept going. When I stopped in a few days later, they were still there and had a great price on them!
They also got spray primed with Rustloeum spray primer. The glass inserts just lifted right out, so I was easily able to remove those to paint.
Then they got painted in one of my favorite Dixie Belle colors, Sea Glass. I lightly sanded to smooth after but did not distress this time.
Then, I sealed them like the others, with Best Dang Wax in clear.
How sweet are they now in this soft sea blue/green?
So much better than the brown! The glass insert is my favorite part…
Mini Makeover #6
And finally, I have this sweet frame box I picked up for $5:
I gave this a base of Cotton being careful not to get any paint on the inside.
Then I went back and added a stripe with FrogTape all the way around the bottom in Driftwood paint.
I removed the tape as soon as I applied the second coat while it was still wet:
Then, I cut a piece of hardboard to fit the frame using my miter saw:
That got a couple of coats of paint also and then one of the mini transfers from the Classic Vintage Labels transfer:
That transfer set comes with 26 different mini transfers to transform a ton of smalls!
This box, like all the other mini makeovers in this set, was also sealed with Best Dang Wax in clear.
It has so much more personality now!
As you can see, I also added a small knob I had in my stash…
I kept the inside of this one as is because it is actually a music box!
There’s no way I was going to mess with that. Plus, it was in really nice shape inside, and it plays Amazing Grace. I love that!
And that’s six more mini makeovers complete!!
And that gives me a few more pieces for my booth!
I love getting to cross off several pieces at once!
If you missed the desk I shared on Thursday, you can see it HERE.
And if you really like the smalls, here are 23 more for ya!
See all the before and afters HERE!
I’m helping my sister with a baby shower for her DIL on Saturday, and we’re having a party for my Mom’s birthday on Sunday, which our older sister is coming in town for. With so much to do this week, I won’t have a new project for Thursday, but you know I’ll still have something pretty for y’all!
I’m resharing this vintage secretary desk:
UPDATE: See it HERE now!
Have a blessed day!
XOXO,
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Mary Kaiser says
Oh I love how all your smalls turned out! I think my favorite is the frame box, love the stripes and the transfer on the top! They are all so beautiful now! Tell your mom happy birthday, and tell her thanks for raising such a beautiful, talented, inspirational daughter!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! That’s my favorite too! And you are always the sweetest!! I sure will pass your birthday wishes along! XOXO
Elise Howell says
You truly are a wiz! Those smalls are darling and the decoupaged desk is AMAZING and beautiful! I love how you show the step by step TLC even the yucky water! That’s the must-do to have them turn into “swans” !!! I will visit your stire if I ever get to your coast! Hugs from San Diego!!!
Christy says
Hi Elise!! Thank you so much! Yep…I share all the dirt…literally ha ha! Take care! XOXO
Janie Hayes says
Hi Christy,
I am interested in purchasing the white ceramic box with the blue transfer. Do you ship? I’m in the Raleigh area of NC.
Thank you,
Janie Hayes
Christy says
Hi Janie! I do sometimes ship the smaller items, but I’m afraid that is already sold. XOXO
Barbara Warner says
These boxxes look absolutely fantastic! You have brought them from old and dark to light and desirable – honestly, if you wanted to sell them, they’d be scooped up as soon as they were displayed. I particularly love the beautiful white box with the pretty lid and the blue toile on the front, and the box with the bee on the lid. The candleholders, especially the ones with the clear glass at the top, are stunning. You are a true inspiration to those of us who have no vision!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Barbara! I’m so glad you enjoyed them! It’s amazing what a little paint can do! XOXO
Janette says
Some gorgeous make-overs, its amazing what a coat of paint can do and some pretty transfers too. I love these.xx
Christy says
Thank you so much, Janette! You are so right…it’s magic! XOXO
Julie A. Henry says
BEAUTIFUL AS ALWAYS! LOOKING FORWARD TO MORE. HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND, SOUNDS LIKE ITS GOING TO BE FULL OF FAMILY, FRIENDS, LOVE AND LAUGHTER……ENJOY!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Julie!! And I appreciate the wishes for a great weekend…looking forward to it! XOXO
Janice Holt says
I have 2 favorites but of course they are all pretty; the pink box and the candle holders. Everything looks so much better. Love your smalls. Have a great week-end with all you have to do and we always like seeing any of your posts whether new or old.
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! We have a busy weekend planned for sure, but it should be fun! Enjoy your weekend too! XOXO
Jackie C says
All are awesome. Those little glass inserts on the candle sticks are precious! I’ve never seen such small ones. I think my favorite is the last one, the picture frame box. Really love what you did with it. ❤️
Christy says
Thank you, Jackie! Aren’t those candleholders so sweet? I was so glad they were still there when I went back! I think the frame box is mine too! XOXO
Olivia says
The smalls all turned out so nice. If I was shopping in your booth I would want to take them all home with me. I think my favorite was the music box. I loved that it played Amazing Grace. Excellent transformations. Enjoy your upcoming events.
Christy says
Thank you, Olivia! I’m so glad you like them! I love that the music box plays amazing grace too. And thanks…it should be a fun weekend! XOXO
Darlene says
Lovely work, Christy!!! Yours is still the blog I look forward to most! 🙂
You have no idea what an inspiration you have been to me!!! I have opened a small booth at one of our local malls! And have had fun painting and bringing things back to life again!!! I still have a lot to learn… but finding your blog was a treasure chest of wealthy information and how to!!! Thank you so much!!!
Christy says
Aww I love that so much, Darlene, thank you! Isn’t it SO nice to have that creative outlet? I wish you all the success in the coming year and the most important part…have fun! XOXO
Cecilia says
Oooo, I love seeing these dated pieces come to life! My favorites are the candle sticks – the big one is so pretty now and the ones with the glass look way better too. The dark bottoms were too heavy looking for the glass! Then the frame box! Love the bee transfer and stripes. That one would find it’s way home with me, I think! Have fun with your family. Sounds like special times!
😊Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! Candlesticks never go out of style…and I am always drawn to them lol! I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed this bunch. Thanks for the wishes for a fun weekend…it should fun! XOXO
Cyndi says
They’re all beautiful! This was so much fun to see!
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndi! I’m glad you enjoyed them! The smalls are fun for me too! XOXO
Charleen says
Very pretty!It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I believe i5 would be the square ceramic box with the mini transfers. I love anything in blues,aqua, navy You name it. The blue and green family of colors is soothing and restful.GREAT TRANSFORMATION!!!!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Charleen! I think that was the most dramatic makeover for sure lol! XOXO
Amanda says
Love the smalls! So much possibility in these ugly pieces once you get ahold of them! #1 was my favorite!!
Christy says
Thank you, Amanda! Yes! They are fun for me to do as well…I was even a little surprised at how cute #1 turned out lol! XOXO
Chantal Noel says
tout est vraiment superbe,vous êtes douée de talents!
Christy says
Merci beaucoup!! XOXO
Kris Eubanks says
Thank you for all your inspiration! I so look forward to your projects. Retired and now feeling the need to get busy! Thank you.
Christy says
It is my pleasure to share, Kris! I’m so glad you enjoy it, thank you! Now get to work lol! XOXO
Diana Cosgrove says
Beautiful makeovers Christy! It’s hard to pick a favorite… everything you touch becomes so beautiful… How long did it take you to makeover these six items? I have been trying my hand at it with small pieces but it seems to take me forever… I have a spray paint tent and I think that I will begin to spray a base primer on items to see if that would speed up the process for me… Enjoy the rest of your week with family events!
Diana (Massachusetts)
Christy says
Aww thank you, my friend! It took me about three days working on them on and off. The deadline of a post keeps me on track though lol! And yes, the spray tent definitely helps. I tend to line them up and work on them all at once. While one is drying, I can work on another. XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
These look great! They will really add to your booth and probably sell fast! It’s amazing how paint can transform something so bland into something beautiful! Have a wonderful weekend with your family. XOXO
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! It’s always fun to drop off new goodies! And yes…so true…paint is magic for sure! XOXO
Michele M. says
BRAVO!!!!!! You truly took bleh to a whole new awesomeness level, Christy. I love seeing you do smalls b/c they’re practically giving them away at secondhand stores – you revitalize them sooooo well.
Everything is so cute!!! I can’t believe the transformations!!!! ♥♥♥
Christy says
Thank you SO much, Michele!! They are so fun for me to play with! XOXO
Lizzy says
So pretty. I love them all! You have such a good eye for buying the right items to transform.
Christy says
Aww thank you, Lizzy! It can be tough to wade through all those dated items looking for potential gems sometimes! XOXO
Rebecca says
Each of these small items is beautiful! I love your use of whites and coastal colors, and you are so lucky to be on an area where they are popular. I often find myself wondering how you might transform your items if you were located in a different part of the country. Well, you are my hero, and I look forward to your posts.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Rebecca! Ooh that would be interesting…it would be nice to know what colors are popular elsewhere! XOXO
Niki says
So fun! All the smalls turned out way better than the original. The sea glass on the candle sticks is bright and so much happier.
Christy says
Thank you, Niki! For sure…they were so dark and heavy before! XOXO
Denise Cox says
# 2, 4, and 5 are my favorite!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Denise!! XOXO
Constance Colvin says
You never disappoint Christy! 👍❤️💕
Christy says
I appreciate that so much, Connie, thank you!! XOXO
Gloria Stage says
All great projects, Christy. Turned out beautifully. For being so ugly to begin with, you sure perked them up so pretty. I would have passed them by at the thrift store, but then I’m not as crafty as seeing the other side of what can be done to make them pretty. You go girl!
Christy says
I’m so glad you enjoyed them, Gloria, thank you! Yes…there are so many dated items to sift through at the thrift store…it can be hard to know what will turn out nice! XOXO
Jeanne says
Nice job on these. I really love the four-sided transfer piece. Also the candle holder is so much better! Enjoy your family time.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Jeanne! Paint really transformed those ones! Looking forward to a fun weekend, thank you! XOXO
Cheryl says
Beautiful!! It always amazes me how paint and transfers always transform a piece! Always love the colors you chose for each piece!
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! Absolutely! I always seem end up with soft blues or whites for these smaller pieces…my favorites lol! XOXO
Vicki says
Christy, I LOVE the smalls!! I think I love them the best because I can actually do some of them and love your inspiration! Enjoy the baby shower and your moms bday party! You’re the best!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Vicki! I love the smalls too because there’s no pressure to get fancy…just a coat of paint does wonders for most of them. And yes, they are so doable! We’re definitely looking forward to our fun weekend, thank you!! XOXO
Kathy Vimont says
Hi Christy, you have such a vision for what something can be! The music box was my favorite of this batch. What did you use to attach the hardboard?
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that, Kathy! Thank you! The lid actually had a backing already in place, just like on a regular frame that I just had to close and latch. XOXO
Kathy Vimont says
Oh, sure enough! I was thinking you had glued it on top. That is just the cutest piece. I’m so glad I found you. It’s a treat to sit down to your blog posts and watch the transformations. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.
Christy says
Yep, that made it super easy! I’m so glad you found me too! 🙂
Janice says
Number 4 is just lovely!
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! Those new mini transfers are so pretty! XOXO
Ewa says
Wszystko co robisz jest doskonałe, ale te małe rzeczy zawsze czekam. Są dowodem na to, że naprawdę wystarczy odrobina farby. Buziaki
Christy says
Dziękuję bardzo! To jest takie prawdziwe! XOXO
Robin says
First, have a wonderful weekend & happy b-day to your mom! All of the transformations are pretty. The Slick Stick product seems to be a great boon to your makeovers. That avocado green box is the perfect example. I’m wondering after curing, does the paint scratch off?
Christy says
Thank you, Robin! The Slick Stick is a bonding primer made specifically to bond the paint to your surface so it should prevent the paint from scratching off. XOXO
Megan Slifka says
Do you want to marry me? Ha! Christy I’ve been off the grid for a while and just want to say thank you for all the smalls. I ordered the mini transfers from you earlier, getting them out soon. Thank you again Megan
Christy says
Ha ha! Hi Megan!! Thank you XOXO
Chris says
I so love getting your emails and seeing all your stunning transformations.
I didn’t know you had to seal the transfers. Is it only when using chalk paint as the base? Thank you in advance for any info!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Chris! You really don’t have to seal the transfers, but sealing removes the “halo” effect that you sometimes see around transfers and just adds a layer of protection. XOXO