I am whittling down my insanely huge haul and I have several smalls left, so today my gorgeous friends, I am sharing another round of them! I love the smalls because not only do I get to cross off six pieces at once, it’s a great way to create several new items for my booth in a short amount of time! And we all know how much I need inventory for my expanded booth space!
Let’s look back for a moment at how huge this haul started:
That’s an insane amount of makeovers!
And here is the bunch of smalls I’m sharing today:
Let’s jump right in!
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Mini Makeover #1
Up first is this metal piece that I thought was one of those metal doormats when I first spied it at a yard sale for $10:
Looking at it more closely, it is a wall hanging with hangers on the back.
Clean
I started by vacuuming away any dust that collected. I thought that would be easier than trying to wipe down all those details.
Paint
I start many of these quick flips by giving them a quick spray with Rustoleum flat white spray primer:
I did bust out my medium spray shelter this time because the wind was kicking up!
Next, I added a coat of Cotton by Dixie Belle:
I used an old Purdy brush that I didn’t care too much about since I was pushing it into all the places.
Sand
Then, I sanded all over to accentuate the details.
The After
I left this one unsealed and here is the final look:
Such a pretty, decorative piece!
And a little closer look at the details:
One done, five to go!
Mini Makeover #2
Next up is this basket I found at the thrift store for $3.99:
It appeared to be made to catch the water from a plant with the plastic tray insert, but I removed that:
UPDATE: I love when y’all can fill in details… this plastic insert is actually food safe and allows it to be used as a serving platter of sorts. Who knew? Y’all did lol…thank you!
Clean
This basket also got a quick vacuum to clean.
Prime and Paint
This one also got a quick first coat using Rustoleum Spray Primer. Then, I followed up with Dixie Belle’s Vintage Duck Egg Blue mixed 50/50 with Cotton to lighten it up a bit:
Sand
I sanded lightly all over with 220 grit sandpaper and then sealed with Rustoleum’s Clear Satin Spray. It’s just easier to seal with a spray product for something like this.
The After
Here is how this one looks now:
It could hang on the wall or be used as a tray:
I think it painted up so pretty in this color!
And a closer look…
I love how a bit of the white primer shows through.
Mini Makeover #3
For the rest, I did clean with White Lightning, mixing one TBSP into a half gallon of warm water:
I wiped them down and then swapped my water for clean water and gave them another wipe down to remove any residue.
This one was especially in need of a bath!
I started by adding feet to the bottom using these wooden drawer knobs I bought for another project but never used, attaching them with E6000 glue:
This one is a no stink version.
I left those to dry for a day or so.
Paint
This one also got the spray primer plus paint, but this one actually bled through in a couple of places, so I also primed with Bonding BOSS and let it sit for 24 hours.
One more coat of paint and I was back in business!
I decided to add a stripe to the bottom of this piece using French Linen. taping the stripes off with my favorite FrogTape:
I then added a little something to the bottom using a piece of the Vintage Script Mastery Transfer I had left:
Seal
To seal this one, I pulled out my Best Dang Wax in Clear:
I used my Belle Brush there since any of the natural bristle brushes do well at applying wax and I already had that brush out.
I buffed it in and removed the excess with a clean, soft cloth:
The After
I think this one is my favorite!
So cute with its new feet!
And a peek at the bottom:
Mini Makeover #4
At number four is this lamp I found at the thrift store for half off of $6.99:
That was quite a deal, so it was definitely coming home with me! When I looked through my shade stash, I discovered this one that I had picked up probably ages ago for only $4.99:
It was a perfect fit, and I set out to redo the lamp to go with it, spray priming it and then painting it in Cotton also. This one was sanded and then spray sealed with Rustoleum as well, and this quick makeover was complete!
The After
The shade goes so well with it!
And a closer look at the pretty details of this lamp:
And y’all know I love when there’s a matching finial:
Mini Makeover #5
Up next is this large basket I picked up for $4.99:
The only issue with it is the twine around the top was coming undone and actually missing altogether on one side:
I ended up just removing it completely which meant I had to remove all the tiny nails holding the top rim in place:
Uh oh! I am no basket weaver!
I couldn’t reuse the old nails because now without the twine, they were too long and poked through, so I decided to use nail heads all around the upper edge to secure it instead:
That worked great!
I had planned to just paint this one blue like I do all the large ugly baskets I redo like HERE and HERE since they sell fast, but I decided to white wash this one instead.
To do that, I applied Cotton paint using my Best Dang Brush to get into all those details:
And then immediately wiped it back off with a rag:
I left this one unsealed.
The After
Here is this one now!
So much better with this simple finish!
And a peek at the inside rim with the nailheads:
I didn’t realize that none of the photos I took focused on them, but you get the idea.
That’s five down and one to go!
Mini Makeover #6
And finally, this small box was an estate sale find for $6 minus 20%:
It wasn’t bad as is, but I wanted to try the new Antique Gold Gilding Wax and I thought a pretty base for that would be French Linen:
Except, I decided at the last minute that I wanted more contrast and chose Vintage Duck Egg Blue instead and didn’t take any more photos lol. That’s not like me at all, but I was working ahead since my sister is visiting this week and I had lots of projects going at once!
Let’s jump to the After!
The After
Ah yes, a much better backdrop for this lovely new antique gold gilding wax!
And even closer…
And that’s SIX more mini makeovers complete!!
It’s amazing what just paint can do!
Want even more smalls inspiration?
Check out 25+ more smalls HERE!
I get to cross another SIX off this list, AND I finally got BINGO lol!
I can see the light at the end woohoo!
See anything you might have missed below:
Three thrifty frame Upcycles
Estate Sale Toolbox
Lowboy turned Dressing Table
Vintage Picnic Basket Makeover
Flatware Box & How to Remove the Lining
Vintage Louis XVI Armchair Makeover #2
$10 Vintage Folding Game Table Makeover
Painting the Smalls #32
Longaberger Basket Makeover
Bunny Rocker Makeover
Small Glass Door Cabinet Makeover
Estate Sale Dresser Makeover
HUGE Estate Sale Tool Box
Estate Sale Mirror Makeover
$5 Yard Sale Night Table Makeover
Update a Thrifted Box for the Holidays
Black Painted Antique China Cabinet
Turn Old Frames into New Holiday Decor
How to Upholster a Louis XVI Armchair
How to Repurpose a Table Top (&bonus…see what I did with the rest HERE.)
Dated Bar Stool Makeover
Update a Yard Sale Tote for the Holidays
Painting the Smalls #31 (the dollar edition)
IKEA Bookcase Makeover
$5 Yard Sale Night Table Makeover
**shop news**
I still have almost 70 CLEARANCE items left in my Etsy shop! See exactly what’s included HERE!
I’ll be back on Thursday sharing a redo of a redo using another new Southern Roots Collection color (See them all HERE if you missed them) on this piano bench:
UPDATE! See the new version now HERE!!
Have a wonderful rest of your week!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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Mary Kaiser says
Oh I so love all the smalls! My favorite is the one you put the feet on, it turned out so pretty! Every one of them will sell quickly from your booth. What is so great about doing the smalls is that at your booth if someone is not shopping for furniture they can find something beautiful to buy!
Christy says
I’m so glad you enjoyed these, Mary! That is my favorite as well. And absolutely…the smalls add up and help keep the sales coming! XOXO
Jackie C says
All turned out beautifully! I love the little blue box.
Christy says
Thank you, Jackie! I love it with that gold! XOXO
Kelly says
How did you apply the gilding wax? Brush, finger, cloth? What’s the best process with the gilding wax? Apply and wipe off excess immediately? I’ve not used it yet.
Christy says
Hi Kelly! I usually use my finger to apply, but sometimes a brush also if the area is larger. I cut one finger from a disposable glove and just cover that finger. If I’m adding it to small details like on today’s box, I don’t buff it as it will smear. I just allow it to dry, but on something larger, I would let it sit for a day and then buff. 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. It can be used to highlight details, change the color of your harware, and I’ve used it on metal casters as well. I hope that helps! XOXO
Celia says
I really love the blue box with gold highlights, did you put the gold on with your finger? Did you paint the inside? It all looks good!
Christy says
Thank you, Celia! I did apply the wax with my finger. The inside is painted the same blue. 🙂 XOXO
Leah says
I need a bigger house to buy more of your amazing pieces. lol
All of your smalls are so inspirational. It’s gradually getting warmer here in Michigan and I’m looking forward to trying out the new paints I bought from your store.
Congratulations on your expansion from a booth to a whole room! It’s been a long time coming. What a lot of energy you put into painting, displays, marketing. Wonderful.
I think it would look great to add some solid colored pieces (w/o transfers) also. There are times I like to shop for an area in our home that needs a neutral piece. Plus, it would calm the effect of many patterns when you enter your booth. I sure wish I could make another trip there. Best wishes on your expanding business. Love the way you transform so many pieces.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Leah! I am so excited to have the whole room! I do need some simple painted pieces in there to break it up for sure…one is coming Thursday! I hope you get the chance to visit again! XOXO
Janice Redden says
Christy, these are so pretty; your creative touches on “the smalls” show how easy it is to take items from blah to beautiful. I had a similar issue with missing twine on a basket so I pulled out my twine, wrapped it in and around in the missing places – after painting it, the “fix” was undetectable. After weaving 3 baskets, I have a huge respect for anyone that weaves and understand why new baskets cost so dang much. Can’t wait to see your remaining “overhauls” – a good feeling for you to near the end of this massive group! Enjoy your sister’s visit.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! Sometimes the smallest of changes do so much. Great idea to wrap the missing areas on your basket…I never thought of that lol! I am so happy to be nearly done with this huge haul. I think I’ll keep the next one a bit smaller! My sister and I are getting massages tomorrow woot woot! XOXO
Kathy W says
Christy – I love when you makeover the smalls!! Good thing you didn’t ask us to choose a favorite because I couldn’t because I have four favorites. Lol. The tray with added feet, the small box, the lamp, and the small short basket. I can’t believe you’re redoing the piano bench. I remember loving it because of the small white accent. Please don’t get rid of that!!!! Lol. I’m sure the new makeover will be even more gorgeous. ????
Kathy W
oxox
Christy says
I’m so glad you enjoy them, Kathy, thank you! This was an easy bunch to redo. I did get rid of the white painted area on the bench, but I think I did okay…have to wait and see! XOXO
Janet says
The last minute swerve to Vintage Duck Egg was inspired!
Totally gorgeous.
I’m grateful to have found this page to witness so many transitions to beauty.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Janet! I really thought the gold would show up much better on the blue! I am so grateful you found me too! XOXO
Cletia says
So good! They all turned out so nice!
Christy says
Thank you, my friend!! XOXO
Abbe Kemack says
Great job getting all those “smalls” completed (“You’re killing me Smalls.” always comes to mind on these days) 😀
I adore the redo on the jewelry box!
Enjoy your time with your sister. ????
Christy says
Ha ha that is funny…I’ll think of that from now on! Thank you, Abbe! XOXO
Mary Smart says
Christy, I don’t know when you sleep. Between all of your painting projects, going out to find your projects, running a booth and running a website and blog and I know there are more things that I have not listed. You are a Super Woman! It’s all I can do keeping house, errands and just doing projects for myself. Everything turned out beautiful as always!
Christy says
Aww you are the sweetest, Mary! Thank you so much! It is a lot, but I love it! I do hire someone to clean though…so that definitely helps!! XOXO
Geri Davis says
I love doing smalls, they go faster and you are satisfied with a done project! I love the wax on the little box! Just tried out your gold wax on a piece last night for the first time! Have fun with your sister ❤️
Christy says
I feel the same! I’ve seen some of your smalls, they are so cute and like you said, so quick to do and it feels like a win! The wax i great for bringing those details to life! And thank you! We have massages on the menu next yay! XOXO
Charleen says
Just 13 to go. Whew!! Love the smalls. Always a miracle transformation. My favorite was number 6 the sweet little box. Just the thing to hold small treasures,or jewelry. Enjoy your sister’s visit. See you next week. Take care
Christy says
I’m so glad you like them, Charleen, thank you! I love knocking out several projects at once. It feels like such a big win! That box had the prettiest details. And thank you…it has been so nice having her here! See ya Thursday! XOXO
Kimmylouwho says
Great job on everything!
I think that plastic insert in the basket might have been for placing food in the basket. I wouldn’t ditch it as it helps stabilize it and could be useful. Imagine crackers and cheese, or chips, or fruit or bread…..
Christy says
Thank you, Kimmylouwho! You might be right! I did keep it, so I should probably put it back in there lol! XOXO
Cyndi says
I love a group of smalls! So much fun! And these are all so lovely. I really love how the Duck Egg basket/tray came out. I like to use that color with the DB whitewash glaze too. I think it has a similar effect to mixing with Cotton. So pretty!
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndi! I love them too…it is so nice to knock several projects out at once. I haven’t tried the Duck Egg with the Whitewash…I need to try that! XOXO
Caye says
If I HAD to make a choice between them all, I would probably choose the blue box with the gilding. I Love that you added the gilding. But they are all so much improved. Great job as usual, Christy!
It always amazes me how much room you have to have to store these treasures! Does your storage space get filled in specific sections, i.e. trays, lamps, chairs, etc.? Any which way, it’s marvelous. Have a ton of fun with your sister. XO
Christy says
Aww thank you, Caye! The blue box had such pretty details for sure. I have a photo of all my pieces stacked every which way that I took a few days ago…I think I’ll share it Thursday. It’s a mess ha ha! XOXO
Lizzy says
I love all of these, especially the small blue box!
Christy says
Thank you, Lizzy! I loved that one too! XOXO
Josee says
A+, I never get tired of looking at your work. God bless
Christy says
Aww you are the sweetest, Josee! Thank you! XOXO
Michele M. says
These smalls turned out wonderful, Christy!!! Well done!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Michele! XOXO
C Kunkel says
What a lovely arrangement! Just love seeing how you stage tour items. Wish I lived close enough to visit your store !
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! I really enjoy the staging part, so I’m glad to enjoy that! I wish you were closer too! XOXO
Cecilia says
Oh yeah! All are so much better now. My favorite is the tray with the added feet…it’s so cute! The antique gold looks pretty on the box. Glad you painted it blue so it’d show up more!
????Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! That tray is my favorite as well. And yes, I’m glad I switched to the blue on the little box also! XOXO
Catherine Cave says
Yes…as all of the above comments…I LOVE the smalls! My favorites are the small box, the tray and the basket with leather handles. I think that is a
“Workshops of Gerald Henn” basket as I have one in navy and red with handles just like that. It hangs in my kitchen above the sink. The plastic liner was so you could put food in it to take on a picnic or whatever. Anyway…I like the color you used to paint it. I have many “Henn” baskets as well as Longaberger (friends who were sales reps for those companies) and I am definitely considering painting some for a more refreshed look! Thank for sharing!
Christy says
I am so glad you enjoy them, Catherine! Thank you! Someone else mentioned that about the plastic insert for the basket. That makes total sense! I always appreciate when y’all fill in those details! XOXO
Vicky says
Christy you are the type of girl that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. Love all of it but that basket was ingenious. The little silver box and metal box you put the feet on and everything else is gorgeous.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Vicky!! Those small projects are such fun challenges sometimes! XOXO
Sheila DelCharco says
I love when you show what to do with the smalls! I was inspired by you to buy an ugly wine holder and paint it white. It’s so cute now! I thought of you the whole time I was buying and painting it! “Christy would approve…” ????
Christy says
I’m so glad you enjoy the smalls, Sheila! And I love that so much!! Isn’t it amazing what a simple coat of paint can do?! XOXO