Hello, dear friends! Who’s up for another round of smalls??
Let’s get right to it!
I have several smalls left in my current haul, so today’s group will help knock several projects off the list! Smalls are great for keeping my my booth stocked and fresh, and they are just fun to do!
This group of misfits are what’s getting some love today:
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Enjoy!
Mini Makeover #1
Up first is this basket I found for $5.99. I’ve picked up a couple similar over the years and I like the shape of them:
The only cleaning I usually do on baskets is a good vacuum with my shop vac.
Paint
I painted this one in the leftover French Linen/Cotton 50/50 mix I used on this gorgeous cabinet I redid not too long ago, using my Belle Brush to apply it:
Once that was dry, I decided to add a simple “dipped look” taping it off with FrogTape and painting in Cotton:
I don’t always seal baskets, but when I do, I use Rustoleum Clear Satin spray since it is easy to apply over the weave:
After:
Simple, but so much better!
I love this color mix!!
Mini Makeover #2
Next up is this metal shelf I also picked up for $5.99:
These metal pieces always paint up fantastically!
Clean
While I didn’t wash down the baskets, I did clean everything else with White Lightning, mixing one TBSP into a half gallon of warm water.
I swapped my water for clean water and wiped down once more to remove any residue.
Prime the Metal
I used Bonding BOSS first since this shelf had a metal front. I did not expect this to bleed, but it totally yellowed the Bonding BOSS.
Still, I only gave it ONE coat and made sure to wait at least 24 hours before painting.
Paint
I chose simple Cotton white, and you can really see how much it had yellowed when I added the white paint:
I gave it two coats of Cotton, and that one coat of the Bonding BOSS blocked the weird yellowing beautifully!
Then, I sanded lightly all over to reveal the pretty details.
Seal
To seal, I went with Clear Best Dang Wax, brushing it on with the Best Dang Brush, and buffing the excess off with a clean cloth:
After:
I love how the raised details stand out now…
You could use a little shelf like this almost anywhere!
Mini Makeover #3
Mini Makeover number three is this sign that I picked up for half off of $6.99:
Prime the Metal
I also started this one with a coat of Bonding BOSS since it too was metal…
Then I left it to dry for about a day and half with the shelf.
Paint
I chose one of my favorite summer colors, Farmhouse Green, for this sign giving it two coats.
Creating a Stencil
Once I had my new sign painted, I decided to dust off my Silhouette Cameo and use that to create a super simple “SUMMER” stencil.
This is how I updated a lot of pieces before transfers came into my life.
I shared how to upload and cut your own image on your Cameo HERE many moons ago, but there are far more qualified users out there if you want to dig into all these machines can do.
I’m thrifty (cheap) as y’all know, so I use contact paper in place of vinyl and usually without any issues. However, this roll was super sticky and when I tried to move the “stencil” to center it properly, it stuck so well that it kept ripping as I was pulling it off lol. (I was also doing it without transfer paper like the pros use which makes it easier.)
After about 30 minutes, I had it ready to go…finally!
What was great about it though is that this sign was metal and I had primed it with Bonding BOSS first and although this contact paper was super sticky, I had no issues with it removing any paint woohoo!
The letters were painted in with two coats of Cotton:
I immediately removed the contact paper after the second coat went on.
Seal
Then I sealed with Clear Best Dang Wax, and this project was complete!
The After
Hello, Summer!!
I kept it simple…this would be great on a sun porch!
Want an easier way to make a summer sign without fancy machines?? Check out this post HERE.
Mini Makeover #4
Next up is this small basket I found for $2.98:
After giving this one a good vacuum to remove any dust, I painted it in small sections in Cotton…
Then, I went back and wiped away some of the paint to get this look I really like for these baskets:
The After
As you can see I painted the thicker bands in Cotton to highlight them:
I also added these wooden discs as feet using E6000 glue for a little lift:
This basket was also sealed with Rustoleum Clear Satin spray.
Mini Makeover #5
I almost always have a trinket box of sorts in these smalls posts, and I have one this time too!
I picked up this little what looks like a toiletry jar, for $2.98:
I always like the details on these little boxes.
Paint
This too got a couple coats of that lovely leftover French Linen/Cotton 50/50 mix:
The mop head on the Belle Brush is good at getting into all the small details. (For easier cleaning on these natural bristles, be sure to wash as soon as you’re done.)
To highlight the details, I used a little gold Gilding Wax:
Seal
I spray sealed this along with the baskets using Rustoleum Clear Satin spray.
The After
Simple and sweet…
The inside was already this pretty gold tone…
Mini Makeover #6
And finally, this very plain wood tray set me back only $2:
Paint
I decided to go with Weeping Willow on this one giving it two coats. I followed that up by mixing Weeping Willow 50/50 with Cotton to get a lighter shade so I could add a stripe…
Once I had my stripe added, I sanded lightly all over and then pulled out what I had left from the Pastels Artistry Middy and Maxi transfers that I used on this dressing table to see what I could use on this piece.
This piece from the Middy Transfer was perfect!
Y’all should have known, I wouldn’t get by this round without using at least one transfer!
Seal
I ended up sealing this tray with Clear Coat in Satin.
The After
I just love this green!
This tray wasn’t much in its before state, but it turned out to be a real cutie!
The little wooden feet I added are these dowel finials:
I was going to paint them, but they pick up the colors in the transfer…
Here’s a peek of the inside without the bottles…
It’s not plain anymore…it turned out to be a fun piece!
And that’s SIX mini makeovers complete!!
Do you have a favorite?
That’s several more I can knock off the list!
I’m helping my parents get their outdoor space together this week, so I’ll be back on Thursday with a fun round up!
UPDATE: See them all HERE now!
Have a great week!!
XOXO,
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Donna Marie says
I think the feet on the tray should be white. They don’t look like they belong.
Christy says
I appreciate your feedback, Donna! It may help to see the whole thing in person to appreciate the wood feet. XO
Mary Kaiser says
Oh I LOVE the smalls! The tray ended up being my favorite, that green is amazing, and I love the transfer you used inside the tray. That is so nice your helping your parents with their yard, you are an amazing daughter! You have so many talents that I could not list them all beause I would be here for hours, and I do have to go to work!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! That tray needed some love for sure. I was really feeling the green this time! My dad had a knee replacement last month, so they need the help and my sister and I are happy to lend a hand! I appreciate you so much, my friend! XOXO
Janet says
The weeping willow tray is just a knock out! As a reseller I experience the “that will sell fast but it doesn’t” syndrome and the reverse.
I am betting on that going very fast.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Janet! That happens to me too lol! XOXO
Janice Holt says
Well I think my favorites are the trinket box and the wooden tray. They are all so cute it was hard to choose.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! The tray might be my favorite too! XOXO
Cory says
You’re cranking right through these! They’re all perfect! 😍
Christy says
It sure feels that way lol Thank you so much, Cory! XOXO
Sue says
Lovely, lovely smalls redesign! I love the green tray with the light and fresh looking transfer!
Christy says
Thank you, Sue! That seems to be the favorite! XOXO
Sandi Allen says
These are great transformations! I Love them all. Hard to pick a favorite!
Christy says
Thank you, Sandi! XOXO
Pam says
What is the size of the “scarf” used on the chest of drawers that displays your finished projects. I can’t seem to get that look. Please help.
Christy says
Hi Pam! That is part of a vintage chenille bedspread that I cut lol. It had moth holes in it, so I made some pumpkins out of it and then that scarf with the leftovers. It’s cut into a triangle. 🙂 XOXO
Sue McCombs says
Hello Miss Christy, another beautiful set of smalls. I really enjoy smalls, especially trays and candle sticks. Your try and trinket box are my favorites this week. Love trays. Hope it is okay to ask you a question here. Painting a table and embellishing with imitation silver leaf. What do I seal the silver leaf with???
Appreciate your help. My favorite days of the week are Tuesday and Thursday. I’m always excited to see your latest projects.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sue! The smalls are fun for me too! I would look at the packaging to see if it tells you, but I would think any water based sealer would work. If you don’t want to dull the shine, maybe Clear Coat in the gloss finish? I would do a test in an inconspicuous area or on a scrap to be sure though. XOXO
Cyndi says
It’s always fun to see what you do with the smalls. And these are ALL so cute I’d hate to have to pick a favorite! Enjoy your time with your folks!
Christy says
I’m so glad you enjoy them, Cyndi! Thank you!! XOXO
Marietta Walker says
I have no favorite! They are all fantastic, beautiful and so you.
Christy says
Aww you are the best!! Thank you, my friend! XOXO
cheryl atkinson says
Hi Christy! I love the Tray and the baskets!
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! I’m always a sucker for the baskets too, but the tray seems to be the favorite today! XOXO
Michele M. says
Oh WOW!!!!! Well first off, let me say how much I adore your smalls posts. You take the most inexpensive boring items and turn them into magically gorgeous decor items. And omg I love love love that green mix too – it’s such a perfect color!!!!! Well done, Christy.
Christy says
Yay!!! Thank you, Michele!! I should have taken an after photo with all the items stacked like the before photo…I am still amazed at what paint can do! XOXO
Cecilia says
The green summer sign and green tray with that beautiful transfer! All look great though!
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! I was feeling the greens this time! XOXO
Kathy says
Christy – I have to agree with many of the comments. The green 💚 tray was my favorite. Why? You can’t go wrong with stripes and a transfer (my faves)!! I did not realize in the before picture of the tray that it had the woven sides. It’s amazing how paint brings out the details of the tray. I also love the natural wood feet!!! They could not be any more perfect!! My next mission: finding a tray to redo just like yours!! Sorry to be a copycat. Lol.
Christy says
You copy any way you like…I love it!! Thanks so much, Kathy! I hadn’t intended to leave the feet wood initially, but they looked so good with the transfer as is…funny how ideas evolve as you go! XOXO
Janice Redden says
Christy, your “smalls” are always done as beautifully as your large pieces; and I agree, they are a fun and quick diversion! If anyone in “Christy’s Crew” hasn’t tried her old-school method for letter transfers, give it a try – it is easy peasy.
Have fun playing with your parent’s outside space – what a wonderful Mother’s Day and early Father’s Day gift; I know it will be spectacular!
Can’t wait ’til Thursday and, woohoo, a sale, too!!!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, my friend! Yes, it is a great alternative to using those fancy machines! I got all my parent’s outdoor space done today, and they are so happy, so that makes me happy lol! See you tomorrow! XOXO
Jeanne says
I’m inspired…again…by you. 🙂
Christy says
Aww that makes me love what I do! Thank you so much, Jeanne! XOXO
Robin says
Love them all, Christy. Glad you used color this time!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Robin! This color is one of my favorites! XOXO