Hello, amazing friends!! Who’s up for another round of smalls today? I had just three small items left in my End of Summer Thrift Store Haul, so I’m sharing those plus a couple more smaller items to make it another batch of smalls!
Smalls are the smaller items that keep my booth going in between furniture sales. I used to not share them since they are all just simple makeovers, but together, they make for a fun post and y’all seem to enjoy seeing them. That’s great for me because I love doing them!
Here’s the bunch I’ll be sharing today:
Up first is this basket with handles that I have had for forever!
I bought it probably the Summer before last for one whole dollar at a yard sale. I knew it would paint up so cute, but it got buried in my storage room and I forgot all about it! I pulled it out a couple of months ago and finally got it done!
I redid it at the same time as I redid this table I shared this Summer, but forgot to share it in my last round of smalls. You can see that table makeover HERE if you missed it. I just love the freshness of that Farmhouse Green!
For this basket, I brushed on two coats of Dixie Belle’s Cotton:
I just love the texture chalk paint adds to a basket! And that tag is one I made from a scrap of poplar. I painted it also and added a mini transfer to it. It is from a set of mini transfers called Classic Vintage Labels by Re-designed by Prima. You can find them in my shop HERE.
To see how I attached it with wire, check out the second basket I share in this post.
Up next is a set of candlesticks that I picked up at the thrift store this week. You may have seen this photo I shared on my Facebook page this week:
You can barely see the candlesticks in the front of the cart behind that awesome frame. They weren’t the prettiest:
They were priced at $4.25 for the set though which is a steal, so I had to get them. No worries if they weren’t exactly my style of course because I painted them!
I gave them two coats of French Linen and followed up with white wax, applying it with a wax brush:
I just used a clean soft cloth to wipe the excess away and a buffed it a bit. There is no need to seal over the wax since the wax is a sealer also.
I painted decorative wooden discs as samples for my booth to show the different colors of wax and this was one of the combos I chose…
I just loved it so much that I knew I had to use it on something else!
I recommend applying a coat of clear first if you plan to use the black or brown wax as the chalk paint can really soak it up. However, there is no need to start with clear wax first when using the gray or white waxes.
The next item I’m sharing today is this pretty clock that was one of the final items in my Summer haul:
I paid $5.25 for it and knew it would paint up so pretty!
Cotton all the way for this one! It was easy to paint since I was able to pull the clock face right out of its socket.
A little distressing with 220 grit sandpaper really helps show off all those pretty curves!
I sealed with Satin Clear Coat using the blue sponge. I didn’t try to get every little detail. I just ran the sponge lightly over the main parts.
This next item is something that I always pick up when I see them…spice racks!
This one was on clearance at the thrift store for only 99¢!
I painted this one in Mint Julep…perfect for a cottage kitchen!
This old fuddy duddy of a spice rack painted up pretty darned cute, right??
The addition of another mini transfer added a little more charm:
I sealed this one in Gator Hide since it will likely be used in a kitchen. I almost always use the blue sponge to apply it, but for something with these small areas and inside corners, it was easier to use a 1″ brush to apply it.
I have one more spice rack that I pulled from my stash. I took a photo of the before ages ago, but I must have deleted it from my phone when I was trying to make room last week. (Anyone else always running out of storage on their phone?? I think I just take too many photos!)
It looked very similar to this one:
I gave it one coat of Fluff and then sanded it more heavily than usual:
I’ve staged these with polish in the past and I love this repurpose for these spice racks! You could mount it right on the inside of your bathroom cabinet door!
I added part of a mini transfer to this one too! Such a quick way to add a little something! You could stencil something in that space also.
I sealed this one with Gator Hide also since it too will likely end up in the kitchen!
Although I staged these as free-standing, I did add hanging hardware to the backs. Just be sure to pre-drill when using screws on these small/thin pieces of wood so you don’t crack the wood:
I learned that the hard way!
And finally, this rattan and wood box that I picked up for only $2.98:
These boxes are beasts for bleed-through, so I knew I needed to start smart with a coat of BOSS in white:
I left it to dry for a couple of days before I had a chance to get back to it. I try to let items that I BOSS dry for at least a day. The more dry time, the more effective.
Then I painted most in Cotton and the rattan parts in a 50/50 mix of Vintage Duck Egg Blue and Cotton that I had mixed up for the clock in my last smalls post.
I applied the blue with a small brush to get into all those holes…
This one got a good sanding and a light coat of Clear Coat in Satin to seal.
Now it’s a treasure box!
I painted the inside in the blue, but forgot to take a photo!
Cute, right? I wasn’t sure if this one could be cute, but for $3, I was willing to take a chance!
And that is six more smalls complete!
I love painting the smalls and I hope you enjoyed them too!
And that also completes my End of Summer Thrift Store Haul!!
Can I get a WOO HOO??
If you’ve missed any of these makeovers, or want to revisit any, you can find them all here:
$3 Thrift Store Basket Makeover with liner
$6 Picnic Basket Makeover with Transfer
$60 Thrift Store Dresser with Transfer
$4 Thrift Store Flatware Makeover
Thrifted Buffet Lamps Makeover
Yard Sale Sewing Machine Table Makeover
I have been shopping and I can’t wait to show you what I have coming up!
But first, I’ll be back on Tuesday sharing a post I’m putting together as a reference for all the different Dixie Belle products!
UPDATE! Take the mystery out of all those products now HERE!
I hope you have a fantastic Fall weekend!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Petra says
I was so looking forward to seeing the clock – you don’t disappoint 😀 Have a great weekend 😀
Christy says
Thank you, Petra! I knew that one would paint up so pretty! Enjoy your weekend too! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
WOO HOO!!! I love the smalls you do, they all turn out so amazing!! Never stop showing us the smalls, I LOVE all the smalls you do!!
Christy says
Ha ha yes WOO HOO!! Thank you, Mary!! Honestly, I love them too so I will definitely keep them coming! XOXO
Sheila DelCharco says
I love when you paint the smalls! I learn so much!
Christy says
Thank you, Sheila! They are fun for me! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
I always love painting the smalls. I thought I could choose a favorite but I love them all. Which is your favorite?
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! I think the spice racks are my favorite…it seems they are always being donated and yet, with a little paint, they are so cute! XOXO
Peggy Weiss says
Love seeing all the smalls and everything you do. So pretty.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Peggy! XOXO
Maryellen Webber says
These smalls are all so pretty! I have seen a similar rattan and metal box and thought about buying it. After seeing how you painted yours, it doesn’t look so hard! Thanks Christy for all the inspiration! Have a great day!
Christy says
Thank you, Maryellen! It wasn’t too hard at all once I primed it! XOXO
Christina says
Oh Christy, this batch of smalls is soooo cute! You have beautiful vision to make them all so pretty!
I’m loving that green spice rack! The treasure chest is stunning! Oh, you know I love all of them. 🙂
Be well!
Christy says
Thank you, Christina!! The spice racks might be my favorite… I really enjoy the smalls! XOXO
Janice Holt says
I love all of these; hard to choose but think the spice racks were my favorite. The green one would go so well with Jadeite (sp) dinnerware. I didn’t get to comment on your basket Tuesday but it was so cute (went thrifting all day to Goodwills in Middle Tennessee with my sister and niece). Didn’t find much but man the weather was beautiful and always enjoy being with my siblings.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! If I had to pick, I would choose the spice racks too! I’m sorry your thrifting day wasn’t very fruitful, but more important are the treasured moments you got to spend with those you love. Sounds like a fun day out! XOXO
Carolyn says
As always, so inspiring!!! Thank you :))
Christy says
Thank you, Carolyn! XOXO
Cheryl says
Oh yes Christie you get a double WOO HOO !!
Girl, you are the BEST at turning trash (good trash) into TREASURE !! And yes, I love seeing the smalls turn ugly duckling (meh) into CJ beauty swan magic ❤️❤️
Christy says
Aww thank you Cheryl! I really appreciate that! XOXO
Rosie says
Great job on all the pieces! The smaller are sometimes the best transformations. I think my favourite is the treasure box so darn cute!! Have a great weekend Christy 🤗
Christy says
Thank you, Rosie!! That box had a lot going on, but paint did wonders! Enjoy your weekend also! XOXO
Dianne says
Love the smalls too. They all look wonderful. I’m getting ready to paint a mirror red and use the etching paint and stencil for Christmas like you did. Wish me luck that it turns out as pretty as yours.
Christy says
Thank you, Dianne! Good luck on your mirror!! XOXO
Sharon says
WOO-HOO!!! Congrats to staying on top of your hauls! I tend to have an on-going “stash” that piles up! :-/
I bought some mini transfers after seeing you use them on other make overs. 🙂 Do you remember what set(s) the Cafe and New York transfers are a part of?
Thanks!
Sharon
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon!! It always feels so good to cross off those final items! If I didn’t have my blog to hold me accountable, mine would pile up too ha ha! The Cafe mini transfer was a bigger one that had a wreath around it I believe, and the NY one had “Cape Cod Cranberries” at the top. XOXO
Kathy Blumenberg says
Girl! You are too much…you have more ideas swirling around that cute little pinky of yours than I have in my brain! How fantabulous these little smalls are…you inspire me. Dang you COVID-19!!!! I want to go thrifting and get my own little smalls. ha!!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Kathy!! Hopefully you’ll be able to thrift again soon!! XOXO
Rowena says
I love your smalls#9! Great job!
Christy says
Thank you, Rowena!! XOXO
Micah says
They all look amazing (as always) but the treasure box is my favorite!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Micah! Paint really made a star out of that one! XOXO
Donna says
I love to see how you do the smalls. Gives me such great ideas for things I have or come across to do.
Christy says
Thanks, Donna! XOXO
Jackie C says
I love ❤️ them all!
What did you use to attach the tag to the first basket?
Christy says
Thank you, Jackie! I just used a little craft wire. XOXO
Toni says
WOO HOO!
(I do love the smalls)
Christy says
Thank you, Toni! Me too! XOXO
sharon austin says
I love them all….just about anything you paint would look great in my cabin and keeps my wheels turning!
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon! That’s awesome…glad I could offer some ideas! XOXO
gwen says
Christy, love them all especially the spice racks! only one question – what did you connect the little transfer piece with to the first basket?
i have two very similar ‘treasure boxes’ we got as wedding gifts 18 years ago and have never actually liked them – too dark! i think when the unpacking happens after our remodel, they are going to get painted! thanks for the great ideas!
Christy says
Thanks, Gwen! I used a piece of craft wire to attach the little wood piece. I shared how in an older post here if you’d like to see more: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/7-vintage-picnic-basket-makeover/ (Check out the second basket I shared in that post.) Paint always does wonders! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Becky Fischer says
I love what you have done.
Christy says
Thank you, Becky!! XOXO
Joan says
I love what you do with chalk paint. BUT, a word of caution — never rince anything containing chalk paint made with plaster of paris as an ingredient in your sinks. The plaster of paris will separate and settle in the drains and harden there. Eventually there will be a blockage and probably a call to a plumber.
Christy says
Good tip, Joan! I never have used plaster of paris. When I made my own, I used calcium carbonate. XO
Deanna says
I just love how all your smalls turned out! I enjoy these smalls when you do them. Shows how the little treasures that we find can be lovingly updated with some paint and transfers. Spectacular work, as usual! Have a great weekend!
Christy says
Thank you, Deanna! These are really enjoyable for me to do, so I’m so glad ya’ll enjoy them too! XOXO
Julia says
I love them ALL! (as usual). On the first basket, how did you attach the wood piece? Thanks in advance 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Julia! I used a piece of craft wire to attach the little wood piece. I shared how in an older post here if you’d like to see more: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/7-vintage-picnic-basket-makeover/ (Check out the second basket I shared in that post.) XOXO
Kathy M says
I am always happy to see your emails! You never fail to impress me with your makeovers. I’m pretty much in awe of you. I love that mint julep spice rack. It’s such a great color if my monitor is representing it accurately. Not to mention the adorable chest, the little clock….everything!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Kathy!! You are the sweetest! Mint Julep is a fantastic color for sure. I’m so glad you enjoyed this bunch! XOXO
Constance Colvin says
Boom!
Christy says
Ha ha!! XOXO
Carolyn B Graves says
Here’s a BIG Woo-Hoo from me! I look at your projects over and over and they inspire me so much! I am so anxious to try my hand at some little thing! You have such fantastic talent and taste. I always look forward to your email in my box! Stay well and keep up the good work….on your projects and on your posts!!
Carolyn G
Christy says
Thank you so much, Carolyn! I’ll warn you that once you start, it is quite addictive and you may find yourself wanting to paint everything ha ha! XOXO
Carolyn B Graves says
I already want to paint everything….and I haven’t even started!
Christy says
Ha ha!
Marian says
Christy,
I love all of the smalls, and my favorites are the clock and the treasure chest. There are so many “goodies” that can go into it. I also really like the candle sticks. Let’s face it, they are all my favorites! I can’t wait to see what you have next for us.
Marian
Christy says
Thank you, Marian! Oh yes, that box can hold so many treasures or just hide things you don’t want sitting out! I’m so gad you enjoyed this bunch! XOXO
Christine Hamon says
I was curious to ask you if you usually paint the backs of your dresser pieces. I’ve seen where some people prefer to see the original wood color thus leaving the backs of the dressers as they were.
Can I get your feedback on your thoughts regarding this.
Christy says
Hi Christine! If the back is in nice condition, I don’t bother. If it is an antique piece that traditionally has a flat border piece around the perimeter of the back, I will usually paint just that border. If the back is in ugly condition, I will paint it for sure. I also take care not to get any paint on the back, sometimes taping it off to keep a nice, clean edge. I hope this helps! XOXO
Karen H says
I love the smalls, Christy! And there were several that I would love to have in my own home. I really liked those candlesticks and just may have to try something with the French Linen and white wax! 🙂
Christy says
Thanks, Karen! The smalls are fun for me to do too! And I too love the French Linen/white wax combination. Have a great weekend! XOXO
Tracie says
All of your makeovers are so lovely! I so look forward to finding inspiration in your posts!! Where do you get your mini transfers?
Christy says
Thank you so much, Tracie! The mini transfers are from a set by Re-designed by Prima called Classic Vintage Labels. I find mine on Etsy.com. If you search that name on Etsy, you’ll find several retailers that have them. I just find one of the cheapest ones and order. XOXO
Sue Mellette says
Thanks for sharing your “booklet” on how to use the Dixie Belle products. It really is helpful as I always have a question after reading your blog about using it. I love, love all the smalls! I particularly like the candlesticks and the “treasure” basket. But I think my favorite it the wicker basket with the wooden transfer. I am always amazed at how talented and creative you are! I get so many ideas for re-doing items, but I have a hard time finding the time to do them all or even just one! I just keep changing my mind. Your approach is so straightforward and so helpful! Keep painting those smalls and sharing all your wonderful makeovers.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sue and it was my pleasure! I’m so glad you enjoy the smalls…they are fun for me too! I’m not sure I would be as productive if I weren’t sharing my pieces with all of you ha ha! XOXO