My current haul is huge, but it has lots of smalls, so I am excited to knock another round of them off the list today! Hello, amazing friends! If you’re new here, I like to gather several smaller pieces that alone wouldn’t be very exciting makeovers. However, combined, it’s fun to see how the simplest of changes can update them!
Here’s how this bunch started:
Mini Makeover #1
Up first is this simple tray I picked up for $3.99 at the thrift store:
I think I was drawn to the rope handles.
Clean
I won’t show the cleaning of every piece, but most of them were cleaned with White Lightning, mixing one TBSP in a half gallon of warm water:
I wanted to mix two brand new transfers on this piece, and for that, I started with a base of two coats of Fluff white.
I did lightly sand the surface all over to smooth out the paint and then wiped away any sanding dust in prep for the transfers.
Transfers
I loved this new Vintage Script Mastery transfer:
This is a great one to mix with other designs!
So, I chose this beautiful Garden Whispers transfer to pair it with:
After adding a portion of the script transfer, I chose the pieces I wanted to use from the other and added those also:
Seal
I sealed with two coats of Satin Clear Coat using the blue sponge applicator. That is a sponge I cut into a square a few posts ago to get down inside the corners of this toolbox, and it worked great here too!
The After:
You can see I borrowed some of my staging from my last post lol!
There are lots of pieces that you could arrange any way you like, and I love these two together!
Mini Makeover #2
Next up is this wire basket that I also found for $3.99:
Y’all know I love a simple dry brushed look on these wire pieces. I usually use Sea Glass, but I opted for Vintage Duck Egg Blue this time since I already had it out from my Longaberger basket makeover.
I just pounced here and there with the paint and my brush until I had the coverage I wanted:
The After:
I just love the look this simple technique gives…
These pieces always seem to sell quickly, and this is such an easy way to update them!
Mini Makeover #3
Mini Makeover number three started out as this little box that was priced at only $2:
What a steal it was because it was also 20% off!
It was apparently $30 to start:
I found it at the same estate sale (indoors) where I found this fantastic piece out in the barn.
Paint
After cleaning, this little box got two coats of Secret Path:
I hadn’t thought ahead to what I might do next, I just loved this pretty purple!
I starting searching for something to embellish it a bit and ended up coming across some pieces I had left from the Lavender Bunch transfer that has since been discontinued. (Many of you may have this one though!)
I added the perfect piece to the front section:
Seal
I also added some to the rest of the panels as well and then sealed with Best Dang Wax in Clear, applying it with my smaller French Tip Brush which was perfect for this dainty piece:
Then, I wiped away any excess and buffed the surface with a clean, soft cloth:
To embellish a bit more, I added some Silver Gilding Wax to the raised areas:
The After:
Here is how this one looks now:
SO sophisticated!
A little closer…
The sides are very similar…
If you get any gilding wax where you don’t want it, you can remove it easily with a cotton swab and some odorless mineral spirits.
What a fun piece this was to redo!
Mini Makeover #4
This next item also came from the same estate sale for $6, less 20%:
They had them displayed with some books and I really liked them for some reason.
Paint
I went with Vintage Duck Egg Blue on these and then decided to highlight the details with white Best Dang Wax:
I wiped away the excess, leaving wax in the details…
The After:
I like them much better in the blue…
Here’s a better look at how the wax highlights the details:
Not too bad for $6!
Mini Makeover #5
Mini Makeover #5 is this picture I picked up at the thrift store for $3.99:
I thought I might just add it to my booth as is since it had a bit of a coastal look, but I really wanted to use some new decoupage paper and this was the perfect size!
Paint
I gave it just one coat of Fluff. I stopped at one coat because I was going for a more rustic look.
Then I sanded all over with 220 grit sandpaper:
Decoupage
I loved this set of three papers called Garden Bunny Tales:
I was able to use the back of the original print since it was already white. (A white background is recommended for these papers for the best results.)
This is the sweet paper I chose. I used a hair dryer on warm to remove the crease:
Then, I brushed Decoupage Gel in the matte finish on the surface using a 2″ Foam Brush…
I laid the paper down and used my transfer tool to adhere it to the surface all over. Then, I applied another coat of gel:
Once that was dry, I added a coat of Satin Clear Coat to the top for some sheen as well as to the frame to seal it:
The After:
While these papers are fantastic on the surfaces of decor pieces, I think they are just as fun to frame!
And a wee bit closer…
I kept the frame pretty rustic this time…
What a sweet bunny!!
There are three prints in all in this decoupage paper set that could be so sweet in a little one’s room!
Mini Makeover #6
And finally, this lamp was just under $5 at the thrift store:
Nothing too special, but I figured those curves would paint up nicely.
Paint
I went with Weeping Willow on this one. Here it is after just one coat:
Of course I gave it two for solid coverage.
Then I went in search of a shade in my stash, and I must have bought this one new but never used it:
I had a plan for this one though and this shade would be just right!
I had a few pieces left from the Blossom Bunnies transfer that I knew would be so cute on this shade, hence the reason I went with Weeping Willow on the base.
So cute already!
Shades are pretty delicate, so be sure to keep your hand underneath while you burnish the transfer to the surface.
Seal
I left the shade unsealed, but I gave the lamp a quick spray with Rustoleum clear satin spray to seal. That’s just easier with all those details.
The After:
Here is how this cutie looks now!
And it matches the chair I redid with the same transfer!
I love the transfer on the shade!
This update was so simple to do but made such a difference!
And that’s SIX more mini makeovers complete!!
I’m always amazed at what simple changes can do!
Want even more smalls inspiration?
Check out 25+ more smalls HERE!
I love crossing off six at once!
It feels like I’m finally getting somewhere with this haul!
I’ll be back on Tuesday with my Trashy Treasures crew and this $10 yard sale game table:
UPDATE: This piece is so sleek now! See what I did with it HERE!
Have a lovely weekend!
XOXO,
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Janet Huey says
I am always amazed but never surprised at the beauty you bring to orphan pieces. You create just calm vibes to homes as well as fans here.
Thank you.
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Janet, thank you! Orphan pieces? Ha ha that is such a great way to describe them! I just want to take them in and rescue them all lol. XOXO
Merry Monnier says
Love your style!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Merry! XOXO
Kathy W says
Christy – love, love, love the smalls. My favorites are the little box and the lamp. What awesome transformations!! The box was NOT pretty AT ALL to start with. You made it beautiful!! And, the lamp is so charming. I absolutely love the transfer on the shade and that Weeping Willow color is the best green I have ever seen!!!
Super-cal smalls!!
Thank you!!
Kathy W
oxox
Christy says
Yay! Thank you, Kathy! They are so fun for me too! The box had such pretty lines to work with, and that green is fantastic! I hardly ever used green before that color came out lol. XOXO
Julie A. Henry says
MORNING….BEAUTIFUL AS ALWAYS. HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND….PLAY IT SAFE!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Julie!! Enjoy your weekend too! XOXO
Jamie says
Christy, they are all so beautiful. I love them all! You are always able to find special treasures to redo. Thank you for sharing your talents and ideas!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Jamie! I am so glad you enjoy what I share!! XOXO
Cecilia says
Oh fantastic! They all look so much better. I was going to say the tray was my favorite but then you did the bunny pieces! I love them. That lamp ❤️. So cute with the rocker. I keep looking at that bunny paper. So white is better under the decoupage paper? I have the fox paper and a light green to paint my little table. What do you think? Paint it white where the paper will go? Thanks in advance.
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! The bunny pieces are so fun to do. I personally like a white or light background for the papers as it just makes the colors pop more, but you can hold them aver whatever color you decide on and see what you think. They will just be more muted over darker tones. XOXO
Rhonda Dunaway says
Everything turned out so beautifully, but the bunny rocker and the lamp have stolen my heart! I don’t have any grandkids yet, but I really hope I do someday so that I have a reason to work on pieces like that rocker. Thanks, Christy!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Rhonda! I will be in so much trouble when I finally have grandkids lol! XOXO
gwen says
I love them all, but the $2 lavender box is the most impressive – LOVE it!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Gwen! That box had such pretty lines to work with! XOXO
Cyndi says
OMG! I love them all. I want to frame some of those bunny transfers to use as Easter decor. So cute!
Christy says
Yay! Thank you, Cyndi! They are so great for framing! XOXO
Charleen says
I look forward to the smalls. They usually do need some love. My favorite s would be the box,love the purple and the lamp. I am more of a blue or green person. That box is so pretty .. It’s a pop of color in a world of beige. Have a blessed day. See ya on Tuesday!! ????
Christy says
Thank you, Charleen! I really enjoy doing these simple redos as well. And while I do normally lean towards the neutrals and blues myself, there is just something about that purple that draws me in too! Have a wonderful weekend! XOXO
Barbara says
I love the smalls! Especially boxes. Thank you for all your tutorials on painting, lining, and embellishing them. I’ve been scooping up boxes when I thrift shop and am anxious to try out some of your techniques. The “smalls” are less intimidating than furniture. Just curious… How long do you let a piece cure before bringing it to your booth to sell? Thanks!
Christy says
I’m so glad you enjoy them, Barbara! Thank you! The smalls are so fun to do. I usually keep pieces here at the house for about two weeks before taking them to my booth. It takes three weeks for everything to fully cure, but at that point, I feel they are well on their way! XOXO
Cyndel says
It’s always a pleasant surprise when you stray from your signature whites. Love this new crop of smalls.
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndel! The smalls are a fun way to play with color! XOXO
Victoria says
Best ideas ever! I especially love the white tray. You are such an inspiration. I always look forward to see what you have created now.
Christy says
Thank you, Victoria! I appreciate that so much!! XOXO
MrsSW says
Hi Christy, I think the little box make-over with Secret Path is the best of the bunch. Adding the silver wax really made a difference. And you didn’t distress it! Yay! ; )
Of course anything you painted in that combination would appeal to me.
Pinned
Sheila
Christy says
Thank you, Sheila! The smalls are such a fun opportunity to play with color! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
That wire basket! I love how it looks like it’s aged and naturally chipped all over. But I have to say, Christy, you make even the most unattractive pieces so desirable. The purple box and the green lamp were not things I would imagine, given their before pictures. I hope someone buys both the lamp and the little chair, they’re perfect together.
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! I say it all the time, but I am still amazed at what such small changes can do! I hope someone buys the chair and lamp together too! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
Oh my, you have really out did your self on these beauties! I had to work really early this morning so I didn’t get to see the smalls until now! I love them, they are all so beautiful! My favorite has to be the the lamp, paired with that childs rocker you did. They would be so adorable together in a babies room!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Mary! I missed you yesterday morning and I’m so glad you got a chance to stop by later. I hope someone buys those two pieces together! XOXO
Debbie in TX says
I like the smalls, too! And that little purple box stole my heart. The colors and transfers are just perfect. I never would have thought that piece could look so much better, but you really gave it the “wow” factor. Great job on all of these!
Christy says
Thank you, Debbie! That box had such pretty lines to work with, and I really enjoyed redoing it! XOXO
Josee says
Oh my gosh I am in love with your bunny stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thanks for sharing
Christy says
Aww yay! Thank you, Josee! I am loving playing with the bunnies!! XOXO
p says
It’s official now by everyone… You are the savior of the orphaned smalls.
They are mostly pretty sad when they arrive, and so fresh and happy when you are done. 🙂
As with others, the now purple box is my fav too, it’s so bursting with the promise of spring.
Those bunnies are adorable. And your simple touches to the basket make it so cozy, but fresh.
Thanks.
Christy says
Aww thank you, P! I love reviving those sad pieces so much, and I am so glad y’all enjoy them too! The box is probably my favorite also…such pretty lines to work with! XOXO
Michele M. says
WELL DONE with the smalls, Christy. Every item is sure to sell FAST. What great choices. You sure know how to give old, dated neglected items new lives in your refreshers, that’s for sure. ♥
Christy says
Thank you, Michele! Looking forward to fluffing my booth with them all! XOXO
Marilyn says
I loved everything you did! It is so hard to pick a favorite but I really adore the bunny chair and lamp! That would be a wonderful gift for someone having a baby or a birthday gift for a toddler.
You have a real talent not only for your final products but for arranging the perfect accent pieces to go along with them in the photos!
I recently purchased a 1980s Thompsonville highboy in Cherry for my guest room to store my pjs and jeans for everyday wear. I am planning on changing it to a beige or an off white shade to go with the neutral colors in the room. I was wondering if you ever worked on one of those and if so, I would love to see the before and after photos.
Thank you for giving me inspiration from the beautiful work you do!
Marilyn
Christy says
Thank you, Marilyn! I loved playing with the bunny transfers! And I’m so glad you enjoy the staging…that might be my favorite part. I have not done a highboy yet…I need to so I can check it off the list! XOXO
Bonnie says
I know I am late to the game but not sure which I love best, the smalls or the singles. I feel like I can tackle the smalls better as my hands hurt from wear and tear. Hey you make ugly stuff beautiful could you do your magic on me? LOL!
I love all of these and some are so much bigger than the first show but, I lean toward the trinket box because of the odd shape and how those transfers go all the way around. That would be my pick of the litter though the picture would be a close second(I love picture frames) Hope all is well on the home front. Hugs
Christy says
You’re never too late, Bonnie! I always appreciate the love! I too love that the smalls are easier and faster and still feel like a big win. Ha ha…I wish I could work that same magic on myself as well! This was a fun bunch and the trinket box seemed to be a favorite. Thank you, my friend! XOXO
Robin says
I hope you sell the green bunny set together! Everything looks great.
Christy says
Thanks, Robin! I sold the lamp, but the rocker is surprisingly still there! XOXO