Beautiful friends, can you believe this is my 22nd Painting the Smalls post? That’s over 130 mini makeovers! I know many of you really enjoy these smaller projects, and I do too. Each one completed still feels like a big win even though they are quickie makeovers.
As usual, this set contains six mini redos in all, and these are all from my current haul:
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Mini Makeover #1
Up first is this perfectly good lamp I picked up for $8 at a yard sale:
There wasn’t a thing wrong with it, but I decided to enhance and brighten those pretty details a bit more with Whitewash glaze…
You just brush it on and then wipe it back with a rag:
The glaze will nestle into all the details. Glaze acts as a sealer, so there was no need to seal after.
The shade felt a bit on the small side, and it was dirty on the backside, but I had this shade in my stash that worked well with the lamp…
However, it was very plain!
So, I still had a sheet left from this Antique Damask transfer that I decided to use on the shade:
You will need to place your hand on the inside of the shade to support it so you can firmly burnish the transfer without crushing it.
Here is how this lamp looks now:
Those gorgeous details stand out more now.
And adding a transfer to the shade really makes it unique!
I used this same transfer on these shades HERE when I updated those lamps similarly.
Mini Makeover #2
Next up is this metal basket I picked up at the thrift store for $5:
I always keep my eyes out for these simple metal pieces because I redo them similarly every time.
I use Sea Glass to create a verdegris look almost:
After dipping my Belle Brush in Sea Glass, I wiped most of the paint back off before running it across the surface.
Here is the result:
As you can see, I did not cover the metal completely. I love this look!
I did this one similarly a couple of years ago and ended up keeping it. It was so ho hum before!
See the before and five more smalls from that post HERE.
Mini Makeover #3
Shortly after redoing these prints, I found this set at the thrift store for $4 each:
I knew they could be easily updated with transfers, so I removed the existing “art” and painted the frames in two coats of Cotton:
Once the paint was barely dry, I wet-distressed with an old wash cloth:
If you sand, you can sometimes take it down to the white resin of the frame. Wet-distressing only removes the paint you added, so that pretty gold comes through.
I sealed the frames in Best Dang Wax in Clear.
Then, I reused the art that I had removed for my new art.
I just flipped it over and painted it going one direction on the first coat and in the opposite direction on the second coat which gives it a slight look of linen:
Then, I chose the Toile transfer for my new art:
After selecting what pieces to frame, I burnished them to the surface.
To update the mats, I used Rustoleum Spray primer, then White Satin spray paint:
Allow the painted mats plenty of dry time before adding them to the frame so they don’t stick the glass, about a day or so.
To secure my new prints into the frames, I used my Logan Point Driver:
This makes it SO easy, but small finishing nails hammered in sideways like these points would work too.
Of course, I covered the backs in Kraft paper to finish them off, and this makeover was complete!
I like a bit of the detail from the frame peeking through, but these would be great solid white too.
This is such an easy way to update old art prints!
Mini Makeover #4
Number four in our set today started as this small decorative box that I found for $3.99 at the thrift store:
I always grab little boxes like this since they are easy to update and sell quickly.
This one got two coats of Cotton, a light sanding all over, and then sealed with Easy Peasy spray wax.
For some reason, I have zero in progress photos, but here is how she turned out!
I love how the white on the outside plays up all those pretty details, but I had to have fun with the inside!
This is one of Dixie Belle’s new colors, Secret Path:
I love it!
Mini Makeover #5
Next up is this narrow silver plated tray I found at the thrift store for $4:
It got two coats of Slick Stick bonding primer, and the next day, I came back and painted it with two coats of Silk Saltwater:
I decided to add stripes in Silk Baja Gray.
For this, I used my favorite FrogTape to tape off my stripes and pulled the tape off as soon as the second coat of Baja went on:
I sanded to distress just a little to knock down the stripes a bit.
Then I chose a mini transfer from the Classic Vintage Labels mini transfer set (it has 26 mini transfers in all):
Silk paint doesn’t require a topcoat, but I wanted to protect the transfer, so I sealed with Clear Coat in Satin using the blue sponge:
On the large silver tray I shared the other day, I sealed with wax because I was afraid that the liquid sealer would pull through a funky pink hue that can come through on some metals. I decided to test it over the silver plate here, and it actually did great!
Here is how this little tray looks now!
It’s the perfect size to hold a few perfume bottles on a dresser!
Sweet and simple.
Mini Makeover #6
And finally, this basket was definitely coming home with me for $4:
I love the large weave of these baskets as it makes them easier to paint, as does my Best Dang Brush…
The large round head helps to cover the woven surface with ease.
This basket was painted in two coats of Silk Serenity:
This is the Silk version of Vintage Duck Egg Blue chalk mineral paint, and this small 4oz jar was plenty to tackle this basket.
Once it was dry, I decided to add stripes to this piece too.
Once again, I taped it off with FrogTape, painted two coats of Saltwater this time, and then removed the tape while the paint was still wet.
I added one more stripe and then sanded all over to distress it. I followed that up with a very dry brush with Saltwater on it to add to the easy breezy coastal feel.
When I was done, I left the basket unsealed.
As you can see, I did add a cute tag to the handle to finish it off…
I redid a basket HERE a few years ago and painted No 2 on the side and then filled it with TP.
The 12 year old in me thought it was hilarious. 😀
I love the weathered look of this one now!
And that’s six more mini makeovers done!
And here’s a Lyla sighting…making herself comfortable on the props!
I love when I get to cross a bunch off my to do list!!
It feels like I’m flying through this bunch!
Visit the completed makeovers at the links below:
Easily Paint a Silver Tray
Upcycled Sewing Machine Drawers
$5 Yard Sale Stool Makeover
$6 Mini Wall Cabinet Makeover
$4 Jewelry Box Makeover
Vintage Sewing Storage Table
Wooden Horse Redo TAKE TWO!
White Painted Drop Leaf Table
Unfinished Wooden Horse Makeover
Updated Candlesticks
Voodoo Stain and Stencil Bench Makeover
Drawer Organizer Makeover
I’ll be back on Thursday with my Furniture Fixer Upper ladies sharing what I did with this yard sale find:
I hope to see you then!!
Update: See what I did with this table, and check out three more furniture flips from my friends HERE!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
EMAIL * INSTAGRAM * FACEBOOK * PINTEREST
Get FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $50. No code needed at checkout! Orders under $50 always enjoy $8 flat rate shipping! Most orders ship same or next business day!
Sue Cox says
Always enjoy your mini-makeovers (and we all have a secret 12-year-old inside!)
Christy says
Ha ha thank you, Sue! 😀 XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
I love the smalls! This batch turned out so good, as always! The twelve year old in me came out also when you made the tag No. 2 for the TP holder! LOL!! who am I kidding, I think that is funny at any age! I am almost 62 and I think it is so funny!! I love all the make overs, but that lamp with the new lamp shade with the transfers on it knocks it out of the park!! Love the secret path color, I am going to have to order some of that from your Etsy Shop!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary!! Ha ha sometimes it’s fun to be twelve lol! Glad you enjoyed this bunch…that Secret Path is SO pretty!! Have a wonderful week! XOXO
Nana Diana says
Those all turned out really cute. The lamp was much bigger than I thought it was once I saw it in connection with other items. Love the tray! Diana
Christy says
Thanks so much, Diana! That lamp was already pretty, so it didn’t need much! XOXO
Janice Holt says
As usual I love all of them but do believe the woven stripped basket is my favorite. Always love the smalls. Such an inspiration.
Christy says
Aww thank you, my friend! I think that is my favorite too! XOXO
Jackie C says
I love every single one of these pieces! Betcha these will fly out of your booth. Lila has the sweetest face❣️
Christy says
Thank you so much, Jackie! She is a sweet girl! XOXO
Christine DiTrinco says
Those transfers are beautiful, and made a world of difference!!
Christy says
Thank you, Christine! They are so fun to create with! XOXO
Jaye says
You are so incredibly talented. A true visionary! I love your make overs.
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Jaye, thank you! XOXO
Denise says
So happy to see the stripes, they make me smile!
Christy says
Thank you, Denise! Me too! XOXO
Ce Ce says
I always enjoy the big projects and small projects as well. I wanted to ask where do you find the stencil rub on. I really like the one used on the lamp shade. I have a couple of gold lamps I plan on re doing. I have not got shades yet. But if I could find a couple at thrift store that needs something extra . That looks like the way to go. Thanks for great finds to share. Have a wonderful Tuesday. Ce Ce
Christy says
Thank you, Ce Ce! I sell those transfers in my Etsy shop. If you ever see blue text in my posts when talking about products, those are clickable links that will take you to where you can buy them. You can see those transfers here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1236783958/antique-damask-redesign-decor-transfer but I carry over 170 transfers in my shop, so you may see another you like too! XOXO
Niki says
Great group of smalls! And yes it does seem like you are breezing through this haul. Summer has been a blur so far. Anyway I think my fav of this set is the toile transfers in the redone frames. The blue in the transfer is striking.
Christy says
Thanks, Niki! Right?? I think my two previous hauls just had so many things in them that they seemed to last forever lol. And I agree…summer is whizzing by! Glad you enjoyed the toile “art”! XOXO
p says
The lamp redo is perfection. The muted transfer design accentuates the lamp base detailing Perfectly ! Sooo many places that lamp can be placed.
I think my fav is the decorative box. Amazing how sweet it looks with a simple redo. Love the soft purple interior.
I do love the smalls 🙂 It must be so rewarding to turn these worn finds into adorable gems. You do not disappoint.
Thanks, as always.
p
Christy says
Aww thank you, P! I get so much satisfaction with the smalls for sure! Have a lovely week! XOXO
Cynthia says
Lyla is adorable.
You always make everything pretty and fun.
Christy says
Aww thank you, Cynthia!! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
I know I’m not the only one who enjoys the smalls (I probably say this each time) and every completed project is a win, no matter the size, Christy!
I think my favorite is the lamp, although it didn’t appeal to me before. I thought the original shade was ok with the new driftwood look, but the shade embellished with decals is marvelous! So much better than ok 😁
Christy says
Aww yay…thank you so much, my friend! It is amazing what small changes can do and yes, every completed piece is definitely a win! XOXO
Caye Cooper says
That mischievous 12-yr old! Too funny and cute. Every piece is awesome–as usual. I just found a metal basket like the one you painted, only mine is square and has a woven lid. Love the color you did it in. Think I may paint the woven lid in white. They’re so darn cute!!
Christy says
Ha ha, right? Thank you so much, Caye! Enjoy the win with your basket! XOXO
Michele M. says
BRAVO!!! All of these small make-overs are amazing. I like every one of them, Christy!
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend!! XOXO
Vicki Lombardi says
Christy, I think the smalls might be my favorite posts but who am I kidding? I LOVE everything you do!!! I really loved the lamp (and shade!) some new inspiration for me! Also love seeing your “vintage” photo of your boys in the props! You’re the best!!
Christy says
Thank you, Vicki! I appreciate you so much!! Glad to offer some inspo today!! My boys were so cute and sweet…much stinkier now lol! XOXO
Cyndi says
This was SO much fun! I love them all, but I think that lamp is my favorite. Gorgeous. That white glaze added just enough to enhance and brighten the details, then the shade… Wow.
P.S. Thanks for including the Lyla sighting. Cats and how they always have to lie down on things…??? Ha ha!
Christy says
I’m so glad you enjoyed them, Cyndi! The white glaze did make a big difference for very little effort on that lamp. And I had to show my girl all comfy on my props lol. That is so true…no matter what you bring out new, they have to sit on it lol! XOXO
Amy says
I love your ideas! I especially like the transfers on the lampshade, and the striped basket–both things it would never occur to me to do, but now I will be trying them soon!
Christy says
Thank you os much, Amy! I’m glad you enjoyed those! XOXO
Sue Carole McCombs says
Enjoyed the smalls as always. I too enjoy the smaller projects as I am always in a rush to see how it will turn out. Love the tray and pics, but like all of the projects. I’ll be sending you a large (for me it’s large) soon. I’m very excited to try secret path. Thank you for sharing all of your projects, tips, instructions and secrets with all of us. Your are the best.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Sue, and you’re welcome! I love the smalls too…quick gratification ha ha! That Secret Path is SO pretty!! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
You bring new life to so many items! You are an artist with vision! I have several purses similar to yours!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Rose! I am always drawn to pretty, dainty purses! XOXO
Mary says
Oh, this group of smalls SO fun and you did an incredible job transforming them, Christy! My favorite is the lamp..I thought the new shade looked great with it, but then when you added that rub-on to the shade..Wow! That knocked it out of the park! And its amazing that those old silver-plated trays can look SO wonderful..I have to try that sometime! May I ask, about the lampshade, did you have to use a new rub-on each time you picked up and placed the design? Or does one do ALL of that surface? Just beautiful! Thank you once again for making a difference ❤️
Christy says
I’m so glad you enjoyed this round, Mary, thank you!! The lamp seems to be the favorite for many. This transfer came with three sheets, each including enough to do one lamp shade, so you can do three shades with it. I cut the damask design on this one apart into three pieces and applied them each separately just to make it easier. I hope that answers your question! XOXO
Mary says
Yes! thank you so much for explanation 🙂
Christy says
You’re welcome! XO
Robin says
They’re all terrific, Christy (as usual, lol). The TP basket…how have you priced it for your booth (if I may ask)?
Christy says
Thank you, Robin! I haven’t priced it to take to my booth yet, but it will probably be in the mid thirties. XOXO
Lorri says
The smalls are always my favorites…oh who I am kidding ..I enjoy all your redos.😁 I was wondering for the Toule prints., does the backboard that you primed and sprayed does it ever stick to the glass when you put it together? That happened to me and it looked like it had enough space between the board and frame.
Christy says
Aww thank you, Lorri! And yes, I have had that happen where the painted mat stuck to the glass, but I had not given them enough time to fully dry. I’ve also had that happen with photos I’ve printed. Give the painted parts a couple of days indoors (no humidity) to completely dry before assembling them, and you shouldn’t have any trouble. XOXO