Hello amazing friends! I told y’all when I shared how I finally got my messy work space organized on Thursday, that I had been so productive! I immediately grabbed several small things to paint, including this $4 cookbook stand from my Winter Thrift Store haul:
Just sharing this piece alone seemed like cheating a little. When y’all show up, I want it to be worth it! So I thought it would be fun to share these pieces as another round of smalls. Spoiler alert: most of them are white, but I’m always amazed at what just a coat of white paint can do!
First up is the cookbook stand:
Simple enough! This is already in my booth and I think I priced it at $22.
Life with a teenager:
Remember when Jack was such a little cutie helping me out in the garage?
- For most of these pieces, I used two coats of Cotton by Dixie Belle, applied with a brush. To make things go more quickly, you can always spray prime the first coat with Rustoleum spray primer, but I was in no hurry. I love the texture chalk paint adds verses spray paint. I sanded using 220 grit sandpaper wrapped around an old foam sanding block to sand each piece. Then I gave them a quick wipe down with Dixie Belle’s Satin Clear Coat using their sponge applicator.
Next up are these candle holders that I picked up last year for $8 for the pair:
Two quick coats of Cotton, a quick sanding does wonders:
$8 seemed pricey, but I think I priced the pair for $28, and they were pretty quick to do!
Up next is this candle holder I found before the holidays, also for $8:
I had visions of turning it into a Christmas centerpiece with holiday greenery, but never got to it. I decided to give it a more coastal look instead:
The blue is a 50/50 mix of Cotton and Vintage Duck Egg Blue…
I’ll probably price this in the mid 20s as well.
The next small I painted was this really sweet cherub angel on a book. I must have not taken a before photo, but here it is in this pile of goodies:
It was $3.25 and I just loved it! I knew it would paint up so sweet!
I’m keeping this one for me! Plus I think it might make a cute prop for photos!
I didn’t base coat this piece first. That is the original gold coming through.
And finally, this piece:
Ages ago, I bought this piece for my dear friend that I redid this cabinet for. When she dropped off the cabinet, she brought this also thinking I might be able to do something with it.
And I love how it turned out! After giving it a good cleaning and painting it (I used Fluff on this one.), I used one of the transfers from a sheet of mini transfers (called Classic Vintage Labels by Re-designed by Prima) to embellish it:
This is meant to hold soap, but it doesn’t have to!
I do have two more quick makeovers I tackled. One is a basket that you will see on Thursday, and the other is a set of three tin wall hangings that I didn’t get a chance to photograph yet, but I will use for staging soon!
It always feels good to get these smaller pieces done and out of my stash!
Even though they were very simple, I hope you enjoyed them too!
If you missed my last Painting the Smalls post, I gave these pieces a quick update:
You can see what they became HERE!
And yay! I get to cross another item off the list!
If there’s anything you missed, you can catch up below:
$3 Lamp Makeover (& How to Rewire a Lamp)
Windsor Chair Makeover (& Drop Leaf Table Take Two)
How to Wet Distress (& a $5 Lamp Makeover)
$5 Thrift Store Chest Makeover
I’ll see y’all back here on Thursday with my Furniture Fixer Upper Girls! I’ll be tackling the china cabinet!!
Hope to see ya then!
UPDATE: This beauty of a china cabinet is done and ready to see now HERE!!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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Mary Kaiser says
I Love the white, and the smalls!! Thanks for always inspiring me that I can achieve get results with just a little bit of paint. I love when you show the smalls, because it makes it fun to go to the thrift store to find things that with your vision you have put those ideas into my head to watch for things that are simple to do with paint. You rock! I also love the furniture you redo, even though I can’t find pieces as easily at my thrift store, I still love seeing what you do to bring back beauty to those cast off pieces. Someday I will come across a great furniture piece and I will be confident to purchase because I will know how to transform it!!
Christy says
I’m so glad you enjoy these smaller pieces, Mary! Thank you!! They are so fun and quick to do and I love that you are inspired to find some of these cast-offs to transform too!! XOXO
Carol Claremont says
I love your simple white pieces with a touch of light blue – always gorgeous. I don’t have the strength in my fingers to use spray paint but my son spray paints everything with White primer and then I paint it white with a brush – glad to know you do that as well. When I moved to TN from FL to retire (who does that?), I decorated a guest room in pink and shabby chic for my then 6 year old granddaughter. Well, she is now a senior in college and doesn’t need to stay with her grandmother when her parents go away – or just for fun. That room is now mine! I love to do puzzles and now have a space where I can do them and keep the dogs completely out. I am now in the process of making it a playroom just for me. Color, curtains, Laura Ashley braided rug will all stay the same but I’m making things a little more adult by using lots of white frames that I paint and some brighter art work. I now have a much tidier sitting area in my bedroom and a much cleaner farm table in kitchen. Thanks for all of your wonderful ideas!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Carol! Rustoleum makes a handle that snaps onto the top of your spray paint so that it is easier to spray…not sure if you’ve ever seen it, but I too get my finger in a cramp spray painting sometimes! I love that you have a beautiful feminine room all to yourself! I think I would even love the pink! I have one going to college this year…think he would be upset if he came back and his room was pink ha ha?? I know you enjoy that space! XOXO
Christina in SW FL says
Christy, I adore these “smalls”. Love what your painting them white (with some duck egg blue) has done for them. I’m not even a cherub fan and I fancy that sweet bookend!
I have to get busy! lol
Have a wonderful week!
Christy says
Thank you, Christina! I am not a cherub fan at all, but I just loved this one for some reason. I think it was originally Christmas decor? Have a great week, my friend! XOXO
ruby says
You are so inspiring!! wish i lived closer, would LOVE to shop at your booth. I also love that you get excited about the price you paid for each piece and share that with us. When people compliment me on a piece i got on the cheap, i can’t help but tell them what i paid! so fun to be a savvy shopper. In the spirit of making my life easier, i recently stopped following several blogs, but not yours!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Ruby! Doesn’t it feel so good to know that you got such amazing deals on your decor? People can hardly believe that most of my furniture is and decor is from thrift stores! I truly appreciate you continuing to follow my blog…thank you!! XOXO
Cheryl says
My downstairs looks like what your garage looked like, lol! Great job on organizing! It is amazing what paint alone will do to a project, I love all your items and thank you for being an inspiration to me!!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Cheryl! I appreciate that, my friend! I am determined not to let my work space get out of control this time…I think the stacking drawers will really help. Glad you enjoyed the smalls…a little paint really does go a long way!! XOXO
Denise Cox says
They all turned out great!! But you know my fav piece is the ‘coastal’ piece!! I love the two-toned look with that piece. Can’t wait to see the other babies…
Christy says
Thank you, Denise! That blue is one of my faves!! XOXO
gwen says
Good morning Christy! I loved seeing all the little things you shared today and it’s nice to see your pricing as well. I’m always curious what things go for!
I watched your side video (again!) on how to make chalk paint. I think that’s one of the things that has been slowing me down on painting things – the cost of it! I just ordered calcium carbonate powder yesterday! we have so much extra paint, so if my my first attempts fail, they shouldn’t cost me too much! See you again on Thursday!
Christy says
I’m so glad enjoyed seeing the smalls and what I priced them for, Gwen! They are always fun to do! Yes, try the DIY recipe…it really works great! See ya Thursday!! XOXO
Carmen says
Christy,
I’m always excited when I receive an email regarding your post! I can’t wait to see what you have created and to get motivated to see thrift shop items with a different eye.
Please, keep on inspiring us! I enjoy when you give us details about the purchased items price and the before and after pics and when you have used items to create your work of art and where to purchase those additions.
Happy Tuesday Y’all!
Christy says
Aww yay! I am so thrilled that you enjoy what I share, Carmen! Thank you!! XOXO
Shirley says
Christy, once again you hit a home run with each one of these small items, but my favorite is the candle holder done in cotton and blue. I am a big, big fan of white and it brings out all of the lovely details of this piece. You are constantly amazing me and inspiring. Your blog is my favorite. Keep up the good work.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Shirley! That blue with the white is always such a pretty combination! I too love all things white…I love how white brings out all those details too. Thanks so much for following along with me!! XOXO
Patty says
Christy, I think all of your “fans” think alike – we love what you do no matter what it is!! You inspire and encourage us with each and every project that you do:) I love these littles – I can’t believe all the littles I’ve gotten rid of 🙁 Also can’t believe Jack is so tall – and going to college soon – where did the time go?? Also, I had forgotten that you had mentioned Thalhimers – that was one of my most favorite stores here in Winston Salem growing up and even into my marriage years (actually bought my wedding gown there!). Once they sold out to Hechts it was never the same! Did I ever tell you that my husband was stationed at the Naval Base for army band training? It was during the winter time but we still got to know the Norfolk and Va Beach area – although many years ago! He ended up being stationed in Fayetteville, NC for 3 years – thankfully never sent to war. Keep on sending us these wonderful makeovers – XO
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Patty!! My boys were two and nine when I started this blog! Crazy! Ah yes…Thalheimers… then Hechts, then it turned to Macy’s here, I believe. This is a great area to live, especially for thrifting with all the people continually moving in and out of the area! It was the military that brought my parents here also! XOXO
Debbie in TX says
I agree that the blue is an eye-catching color–my favorite! It makes the details like that candle base really stand out. And before you even mentioned it, I spotted the cherub in the background of the photos of the candle holder. You truly saved the soap holder, too. Brilliant!
Christy says
Thank you, Debbie! I love that blue too! And funny you spied the cherub in the background… you have a good eye! I just loved that one too much to let it go! XOXO
Kathy says
Love all the smalls…would be something first timers could try and not be so over whelmed..keeping send more of your goodies..your awesome, don’t forget that!
Christy says
Thank you, Kathy! I appreciate that so much and I’m so glad you enjoyed the smalls!! XOXO
Rose says
Hi Christy, can the Dixie clear wax work on any other chalk paint ?
Christy says
Hi Rose! Absolutely!! XOXO
Lizzy says
It’s amazing what a coat of white chalk paint can do. These turned out beautifully. My favorite is the stand-alone candle holders. I did something similar and I just love them now.
Christy says
Yes!! I swear white paint has magic powers! I always keep my out for candle holders! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! Have i ever told you my daughter’s name is Christy? 🙂 I love all your smalls. that angel is the cutest thing! I also appreciate letting me know what you sell them for. That helps me so much because i think i overprice my stuff. Did you spray paint these? I love them all! thank you for the inspiration you give me on every single post.
Christy says
Aww I didn’t know your daughter’s name was Christy. I like her even more now! ❤️ Thank you! I really enjoy doing the smalls, but then I do have to sell quite a few more to make what I do on furniture. I used two coats of chalk paint on these, but you could use spray primer for the first coat to make it go quicker. XOXO
Ivory says
I love these finds. more so, what you did with them. Outstanding!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Ivory!! XOXO
Becky says
My goodness! White paint works miracles!!! What a difference! That 3 candle holder was particularly Cinderella-ish. Wow!
Christy says
Right?? White paint to the rescue! I even had my doubts about that candle holder since I had originally planned to cover the base with Christmas greenery when I bought it lol! XOXO
Julie says
You’re a magician!
Christy says
Aww thank you! XOXO
Jessie says
Hi Christy,
I loved this post. I actually love everything you post :). You are so inspiring and your creativity is amazing. I am going to have my first booth at a vintage market in April. I’m kinda nervous lol. I have several “smalls” I’d like to sell but not sure how to price them. How do you decide what to price them at?
Thank you for being such a wonderful inspiration!
Christy says
I’m so glad you liked this one, Jessie! Thank you!! Pricing is a tough one! It really depends how much money you have invested and time if you did something that was a little more work. I wish I had a secret formula, but I try to imagine what I would be willing to pay. You will learn a ton doing your first market! If items move too quickly, you’ll know you can bump the prices a little next time, and of course, you can always mark things down if they aren’t moving. Good luck and have fun!!
Betty Bilnoski says
I love when you do the Smalls! I’m fairly new to this DIY and you give me so much inspiration. I have a small, gold box with a cherub on the lid (inherited 17 years ago along with the lamps & furniture that you know about) that’s just been hidden away. I’m so glad now that I kept it instead of donating it.
Christy says
Oh yay!! I’m so glad you enjoyed these smaller pieces, Betty! That sweet cherub is my favorite piece. I’m glad you didn’t get rid of yours too! XOXO
Susan says
Don’t you just love how everything looks better in white? Love all your projects!
Christy says
Oh yes!! I think I would paint everything white if I could lol! Thanks, my friend! XOXO
Darlene Ramsey says
Christy you inspire the world!!! Thank you!
Christy says
Aww you are the sweetest, Darlene! Thank you so much!! XOXO
Robin says
You’ve done good, as usual. I would have used the soap dish as a repository for keys near the back door (a designated drop zone for 1 family member). Also it could have been in a powder room with a soap dispenser in the dish…
Christy says
Thanks, Robin! Great ideas…love it for keys! XOXO
Christa Peachy says
Yay, the soap holder with hooks looks refreshed and so pretty in its new life! All the smalls look amazing too. You are the master at being able to see the potential and positivity in ALL things (and I might add in ALL situations in life too). Your inner light shines bright! Xoxo
Christy says
Aww thank you, my dear friend!! The soap holder was one of may favorites of the bunch. I should have taken a photo of your candlesticks to add to the post lol. I hope you all are well. Love you! XOXO