Awesome Friends, I totally forgot how inspiring the smallest of makeovers could be! You told me and I listened. I don’t often share all those smaller makeovers, but you can expect to see more smalls posts like these in the future…I will share them all, big AND small! 🙂
Today I am sharing the other half of these items I pulled from my stash to replenish my booth:
If you missed the first half, you can catch up HERE.
I marathon-painted these items in two days!
Here’s a closer look at what I’m sharing today:
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love!
Today I’ll start with this little shelf I picked up for $3:
I figured it would be really cute painted, and it is!
Like most of these items, I spray primed with Rustoleum’s Spray Primer first. That was just to save time by getting one coat on each item quickly. I followed up with Behr’s Bit of Sugar made into DIY chalk paint. ( Recipe HERE.) I sealed most of these items with a quick spray of Rustoleum Clear matte spray.
Next is this recipe box I picked up for a dollar:
I decided to go blue with this one:
This is my new favorite blue: Sunken Pool by Behr (also made into DIY chalk paint).
And this doesn’t have to hold recipes! You could sit it on the counter and use it to toss your keys in, or to keep medications or vitamins handy, but concealed.
Next I have this pretty oval mirror I picked up for $4.98:
I removed the mirror prior to spray priming and painting:
I think that always gives it a nicer finish since you can paint the back of the area around the mirror. That way the reflection will be white and not the original brown:
Up next is this plate stand/ frame holder/whatever-ma-jiggy:
These kinds of things are a dime a dozen at thrift stores, but I think paint worked wonders here too:
It makes a great stand for my iPad!
Here is another little metal wire piece that you might see a lot of at thrift stores:
As you can see I picked it up on clearance for 99¢. I removed those rubber feet before painting, and replaced them after:
Cute for a dollar, right?
By the way, I used my mini spray tent by HomeRight to prime most of these pieces, and I fit several pieces in there at a time:
I bought mine on Amazon HERE.
And as you can see here, I used a brush to apply the chalk paint, even on these skinny pieces:
This little round Zibra brush was easier to use in these pieces than a regular paint brush would have been.
Like I mentioned in my last post, I could have just spray painted the second coat, and that probably would have been much easier, but I love the texture chalk paint adds.
Up next is this pretty pair of lamps I found on clearance for $3.98 each:
They were missing their shades, but I loved the shape of them.
I painted both, but here is one staged here in my office:
I think they are pretty even without shades.
And I love them at night:
It’s a nice soft glow, reminiscent of candles.
I shared a tiny spice rack on Thursday, and I have one more here to share:
I mentioned I found several on one thrifting trip and this is last one I had. I staged this one with polish also:
You could hang it on the back of a door or sit it out on the counter. This thing could hold a ton of nail polish!
I added the little oval tag for some interest. I used my silhouette cameo to add the number three. (No significance there.)
Lastly, this next quickie makeover might just be my favorite. One of my dear friends saved these corbels for me thinking I could use them for something:
They make perfect book ends!
Right? She might want them back now! I love them here on my built-ins!
The only things that did not get made over from the original group photo are the shell bookends. One of them had a big crack in it that could not be easily repaired. Here is the original photo:
And after!
Ooh love them all together!
I dropped most of these off at my booth on Friday. I say “most” because not everything made it there. I did keep two items…any guesses?
If you enjoyed these smalls, you might like round #3 I did as well:
See how they turned out HERE!
I’ll meet you back here on Thursday…I’ll be sharing how I created a fun crafty project just in time for Spring out of these roses:
UPDATE: No need to wait, bring a little sunshine indoors with this fun craft HERE!
XO,
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ROSE LEFEBVRE says
They all look great painted an I love the nail polish holder idea!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Rose! Glad you enjoyed that one! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
Wow, it all turned out beautiful! I bet you kept the lamps and the corbel book ends!! I appreciate seeing all of your small makeovers, they are so inspiring, thanks for listening!!! You ROCK!!!
Christy says
Thank you SO much, Mary, I appreciate that!! Great guesses…I’ll reveal on Thursday! 🙂 XOXO
Sheila DelCharco says
The corbels!! Everything looks so good!! You inspired me to paint a few smalls of my own! I would have kept the candlesticks too!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sheila! I love that you were inspired to do the same…that is the best compliment ever! And I love both of those items…I’ll share on Thursday what I kept! 🙂 XO
Christina in SW FL says
Another bunch of cuties! Love the transformations Christy. I know they will sell quickly.
Christy says
Thank you, Christina! XOXO
chris tucker says
napkin holder and the thingamajig?
Christy says
Good guesses, Chris! I’ll keep you in suspense until Thursday lol! XO
Christine DiTrinco Prowak says
I just as just going to ask you if you saved the lamps and the corbel bookends????
Christy says
Great guesses, Christine, I love both of those! I’ll reveal on Thursday! 🙂
Kim Burt says
Love love love!!! Everything is so pretty now. All those dark browns everybody used years ago is just dark and dreary. But, when you can give them new life and somebody can use it in their home again, I love it. It’s like they were sad, now they’re happy. LOL
Christy says
Thank you, Kim! That is exactly how I feel when I spy these items at the thrift store…”I’ll take you home and make you happy!” ha ha! XOXO
Melanie says
Quick question- did you mix up your own blue chalk paint or did the store do that for you (Behr Sunken Pool)? Thanks
Christy says
Hi Melanie! I mixed my own. You can find the recipe here: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/sewing-stool-redo-chalk-paint-recipe-revealed/ 🙂
Patty says
Christy, always such great ideas from you! Paint does amazing things – I bought the mini paint tent and I have several “smalls” that could use make-overs. Now that Spring is on it’s way, I will follow your example and get busy! By the way – did you keep the corbels – I hope so – and the lamp, it looked pretty in your office?
Christy says
Thank you so much, Patty! It is so nice to hear that! You will love the mini tent…I use it all the time! Good guesses on what I kept…will reveal on Thursday! XOXO
Laurie says
Love them all but I think you kept the corbels! Keep sharing these small projects please. I love your furniture makeovers but am not brave enough to attempt one yet. These small ones have me looking around the house and wanting to run out and buy white paint ????
Christy says
Thank you, Laurie! I am so thrilled to hear that ya’ll enjoy these smaller makeovers just as much…I will definitely continue to share them! I hope you found some things you could update…it is fun to give things a new look with paint. And good guess on the corbels…I’ll share what I decided to keep on Thursday! XOXO
Sheri Housman says
I love getting your emails to see what you’ve been up to. 🙂 You have inspired me to Paint whatever I can get my hands on . I appreciate you sharing your skills and finds.
Where did you find the paint tent?
Christy says
Thank you, Sheri! I love that you have been busy painting too! I purchased the spray tent on Amazon. You can find it here: http://amzn.to/2tniFxG 🙂
Laura Werley says
Christie, I love the transformations, too! I always shop for smalls at the thrift store to upcycle into booth ready pieces, it really helps to fill both your booth and your wallet. Your items are great inspiration – I normally pass on things like the spice shelf or photo holders. I believe you kept the corbels, especially since your friend gave them to you. And boo to the shell bookends, but I bet you’ll figure something out, you’re creative.
Christy says
Thank you, Laura! Those smalls are so important in our booths! I’ll share what I kept on Thurs, but great guess…and as for the shell bookends, I was bummed when I saw one was cracked. Hoping I can still use them in some way! XOXO
Carol says
What lovely transformations! It’s like the sun coming out on a rainy day, ????
Christy says
Aww that is such a nice thing to say! Thank you, Carol!! XOXO
Patti says
Love them all! You’ve given me so many ideas here!! I would have kept the corbels and lamps. You too? Ha ha
Christy says
Thanks, Patti!! Glad I could offer some creative inspiration! I do love both of those…will share on Thursday what I decided to keep! 🙂 XOXO
Melinda says
Loved your posts,#1 and #2 We can all accomplish these kind of makeovers,I speak for myself. lol. Thanks for the inspiration.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Melinda! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed these mini-makeovers! XOXO
Linda Petersen says
Knockin’ my sox off!! I guess the lamps & IPad holder. Of course I would probably keep them all lol! Part 1 is amazing too & the hutch????. Can’t wait for Thursday…XO
Christy says
Aww thanks, Linda!! Good guesses! I’ll reveal on Thursday what I decided to keep! 🙂 XOXO
Kimberly says
I think you kept the corbels. I know I will definitely have my eye out for some to put on my bookcase. You’re killin me (with the) smalls. 🙂
Christy says
Ha ha thank you, Kimberly!! I do love the corbels…will share what I kept on Thursday! XOXO
Roberta says
Corbels and lamps 🙂
Christy says
Great guesses…I love both of those!! I’ll reveal on Thursday! 🙂 XOXO
Debbie in TX says
Hi, Christy! My guess is that you saved the bookends and the lamps, both of which are so decorative and beautiful. All of these items turned out nicely. I always wonder if anyone who donates to the thrift store reads your blog and sees the wonderful transformations you perform on their old pieces!!! Have a great day!
Christy says
I love both of those, Debbie! you’ll find out if you’re right on Thursday! I have had a couple of people contact me because they saw their items that they purchased from my booth, on Pinterest! That was pretty awesome! 🙂 XOXO
Sherry Stuifbergen says
I bet you saved the lamps and corbels for book ends. I think you already have a place for your nail polish. I love the lights. Yes, no shades are necessary. Everything you touch turns to “gold”…(white.) I want YOUR thrift shops!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sherry! We do have fantastic thrift stores around here for sure. Good guesses on what I kept… I love both of those! I’ll share tomorrow what I kept! XOXO
Sandi says
My guess is that you kept the corbels and one of the candlestick lamps. Great post, love all of your smalls!
Sure wish I lived closer, but Wisconsin is a distance away! Would love to shop your spot in the mall!
You continue to be an inspiration and great teacher for me! Thanks always for sharing!
Christy says
Aww You u are so sweet, Sandi, thank you so much! Yes, Wisconsin is a bit far…my sister and her family live in Kenosha! You know me well…I love those two items! I’ll share tomorrow what I kept! XOXO
Debra Wise says
They all look great. I bet you kept the corbel bookends and the lamps. Thanks for sharing the smalls!
Christy says
My pleasure, Debra! Thank you! I’ll reveal tomorrow what I kept, but those are great guesses! XOXO
Joan says
Love the lamps and the corbels look perfect on your shelves! I am on the hunt for a cookbook holder after seeing what you did with these. See now what an inspiration you are! I would have walked past many of these things and not given them a second glance! Thanks so much for sharing your ideas with us!
Christy says
Thank you so much much, Joan! Good luck in your search for a cookbook holder! XOXO
Carole says
I think you kept one of the lamps and the bookends. Everything turned out just right. I sure wish I could go to your booth. Maybe someday.
Christy says
You know me well, Carole! I do love both of those! Thank you…and I wish you could visit too! ????
Trina Price says
Great job Girlie! If you are ever in the Pacific NW, swing by the house and we can have coffee and go play in my workshop. There are always a pile of goodies out there to work on.
Christy says
Thanks, Trina! Wouldn’t that be fun??! ????
MaryJean says
Christy, I also picked up a few things at my local thrift stores. One thing I noticed that our Goodwill stores have raised their prices. I don’t mind spending a little more for a good cause, but somethings are priced way too high!
The one little shelf that you did last time and used for nail polish I found one very similar. I didn’t realize it until I saw it this time on your post. I also found another suitcase and an overnight case that I definitely have plans for. Thursday I have a link back to your post on your suitcase.
I have got to get that paint spraying tent! I think I’m going to purchase it now. I could have used it many times already.
Christy says
Yes some of our stores are overpriced as well. Sometimes I get lucky and find things on clearance though. Can’t wait to see what you did with your suitcases on Thursday, and yes I hope you bought that spray tent! It is awesome for those smaller things! XOXO
Robyn Wright says
So so pretty! Do recipe boxes sell well? I see them all the time but I’ve been passing them by.
Christy says
Thanks, Robyn! I have sold a couple in the past pretty quickly. Usually any kind of small box sells well, since they can be used to store so many different things! ????
Marcie Lovett says
Sure, big transformations are exciting to watch, but smalls are fun! They’re a nice change of pace and just as inspiring.
I hope you kept those bookends!
Christy says
So true, Marcie! I enjoyed playing with the smaller items for a change. And I do love those bookends! ????
Cecilia says
Love how paint makes all those items look updated and fresh. The shelf holding the nail polish would also work great as an essential oils holder! (I know a couple of people who would like that). Ooo, what did you keep? 😉
Christy says
Yes paint to the rescue for sure! Great idea with the essential oils! I’ll share on Thursday what I kept. You know I couldn’t resist keeping a couple of things for myself! ???? XOXO
Leslie says
I think you kept the corbels and one of the nail polish holders. I love how you breathe new life into forgotten, dreary items. Now that spring is around the corner I’m ready to tackle the small pile that has accumulated in my garage over the winter. Love the Sunken Pool and Bit of Sugar. They are such fresh and clean colors. You do beautiful work.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Leslie! I appreciate that! I did keep the corbels…also one of the lamps and have yet to let go of one of the napkin holders ha ha! Have fun working through your stash! XOXO
Holly says
Thanks for sharing Part 2!! It didn’t disappoint 🙂 My guess is that you kept at least one of those gorgeous lamps (swoon) and the corbels because they looked incredible in your built ins! I honestly don’t know how you part with your beautiful projects! Do you think corbels that are similar to yours but with holes (for curtain poles-I think) would look good as book ends too? I love the look of yours and have some in my “stash”. XO Holly
Christy says
I’m so glad you enjoyed part 2, Holly! And great guesses…that is exactly what I kept! I think tour corbels would probably look great too! XOXO
Holly says
Thanks Christy! I am going to try and if they look silly I will save them for something else 🙂 It wasn’t too hard to guess what you would keep – I mean – how could you not? So beautiful!! XO
Christy says
Aww thanks! 🙂
Marie says
I so enjoyed your two smalls makeover posts, Christy. Once again you prove the power of paint, especially white, to completely transform anything and everything! Something tells me you’ll be pulling out the Homeright paint booth again soon because these won’t last long in your booth.
Christy says
I’m so glad you enjoyed those, Marie! I loved finally getting them out of my storage room, and getting a couple of posts out of them was a bonus! 🙂
Terre says
Do you use the clear finish spray instead of wax and why?
Christy says
Hi Terre! I only used the clear matte spray for these smaller items. I almost always use wax, especially for my furniture pieces. It is hard to get a nice smooth looking finish on furniture using the spray in my opinion, but it worked great for these smaller items!