Hello lovelies!! I’m back with a patriotic painted horse today! Another horse?? Nope, the same one.
After finishing and sharing this unfinished wooden horse I scored for free, last week:
I wasn’t quite satisfied yet. I knew it could be so much more!
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Here’s a reminder of what I did with it:
I had a ball working with decor moulds and Amazing Casting Resin (Now available in my shop HERE!) to add a saddle…
And also reins, a bridle, and a few other details, but after looking at it here in my office for a few days, I kept imagining another idea for it!
You can see all the details on how I made all those mould additions in the original makeover HERE.
Unfinished Wooden Horse becomes a Patriotic painted horse
I pulled out a few colors from the Silk Mineral Paint line in the perfect patriotic pairing!
This is Fiery Sky, Deep Sea, and Salt Water.
(All of the Silk colors are now available in 4oz sizes that are perfect for smaller projects.)
With Independence day not too far off, I kept imagining it adorned in patriotic glory!
So, I got started making that happen with Deep Sea for the body of the horse…good bye Baja Gray!
Next, I attempted to add stripes to the base in Fiery Sky.
I say attempted because that was not easy to do over the texture of the Sea Spray I had added as you can see below, but not to worry!
A small brush and a little patience fixed those lines right up…
In keeping with the patriotic theme, I knew I wanted to add stars, but I didn’t have a stencil.
I did, however, have some plain stencil mylar in my stash, so I pulled up a silhouette of a star on my phone, laid the mylar over the top, and traced it with a sharpie.
Then, I used a utility knife to cut it using a straight edge.
(This mat is self healing and comes with the straight edge and a rotary razor cutter HERE that I used ALL the time!)
I added a quick spray of Loctite Spray Adhesive to the back, waited about 10 seconds, and then placed it on my surface.
My go to paint for stencils is usually Acrylic craft paint as it has a longer dry time and is easier to wash off my stencils than chalk paint, but Silk paint is much the same, so I used the Salt Water here.
I prefer to use a brush with stencils, brushing it away from the edges, but you can use whatever method you prefer.
I also painted the rope trim detail I had added with the molds in blue also…
Once I had it all painted, I really wanted to bring that Sea Spray texture through again, so I sanded all over with 220 grit sandpaper wrapped around an old sanding sponge.
There was no need to seal since Silk Paint has a built in sealer, so that was it!
See more on how to paint with Silk Paint HERE.
I’m excited to hear what you think of the new look!
I think this patriotic palette is just what this fun piece needed!
The mould pieces I added stand out so much better now too!
The first one was nice…
But this one has my heart!
I hope you like it too! I’d love to know which version you prefer!
I know you were expecting this sewing notions table today:
I forgot that Thursday is Furniture Fixer Upper Day, so I decided to swap these two posts this week and I’ll share that on Thursday. I can’t wait for y’all to see it!
UPDATE: No need to come back! You can see it HERE now!
Have an amazing day!
XOXO,
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Petra says
I really like it. And it would look great on a front porch that’s decorated for your 4th July 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Petra! Absolutely! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
Wow, so much better!! I loved the other version also, but this one is WOW!! I can’t even know how your imagination thinks these things up!! It is totally amazing!!
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! I’m so glad you like it! You know I can’t leave well enough alone sometimes ha ha! XOXO
Lisa says
Patriotic horse for sure !
I look forward to your seeing your projects every week!
Your pieces are beautiful and so inspiring !!
Your beachy colors speak to my soul 😎
Christy says
Aww yay I love that, Lisa! Thank you so much! XOXO
Carolyn says
Love the patriotic horse! You are so creative and talented! Your blog is my favorite DIY site! Thanks so much for sharing!
Christy says
Aww I truly appreciate that so much, Carolyn, thank you!! XOXO
Sandra says
All your ideas are amazing..love the new look
Christy says
Wow thank you so much, Sandra! XOXO
Connie says
I love it!! Thank you for your inspiration!! Love your Etsy Shop! I received my first order from you last week and you have become my go to for supplies. Your inventory is FANTASTIC and my wish list is growing. Still can’t believe how quickly it arrived. Thank you for being you!
Christy says
You are the sweetest, Connie! Thank you so much! I appreciate your business!! XOXO
Nichole Raynor says
LOVE what you did with him! 🇺🇸
Christy says
Thanks so much, Nichole!! XOXO
Lorena says
I love both but the starry patriotic version is my favorite. Nice work.
Christy says
Thank you, Lorena! XOXO
Cecilia says
Oh yes! This version is much better! The other was nice but this pops! Besides I like color. Lol. 😊
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! I agree! XOXO
Patti says
Patriotic is my fav! 🇺🇸
Christy says
Yay mine too! Thanks, Patti! XOXO
Donna Duffy says
Patriotic horse does give it more character. You do wonderful work
Christy says
Thank you so much, Donna! XOXO
J says
I love the patriotic version of this horse. If any further revisions were to be made, I’d like to see the tiniest splash of red up top, perhaps on the bridal “rosettes,” the saddle, and/or the tail. You certainly did a beautiful job on those stripes too. Wow 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, J! I did consider painting the rosette in the red, and I just might now! XOXO
Lorri says
I liked the simplicity of color and the resin pieces( you did a lovely job picking out what pieces to do)of the grey horse. The patriotic horse is simply beautiful and now a keepsake for some lucky person to have for years and years.❤
Christy says
Thanks so much, Lorri! It might be hard to let this one go! XOXO
Janice Holt says
Now what a change. I loved it last week but think I love it even more this week. It does stand out so much more. You can still use it in a blue themed room and not just for July 4th. Great addition.
Christy says
Thanks, Janice! I have tried him in several places here ha ha…might keep him! XOXO
Ann Williams says
I love the red, white and blue one!!!❤️
Christy says
Thanks so much, Ann! That’s my favorite too! XOXO
Melissa Gustafson says
The first one was nice, but wow!! The Patriotic paint just makes it pop!! Beautiful!!!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Melissa! XOXO
Susan M Van Dyke says
Oh my goodness! I liked the first rendition but I would not have considered it for my home because it is not in my color palette, BUT I love this version! It also has my heart!
Christy says
Yay! I’m so glad you like this version, Susan! It no longer matches my own home, but it has my heart too! XOXO
Kathy says
I like this version even better!
Christy says
Yay! Thank you, Kathy! XOXO
Sandra Long says
I love this!! So much better than redo # 1. You need to rush this to your booth because this will sell in a nano second. Don’t know how you came up with this idea, but it is a winner. Your amazing talent comes through once again. Great job!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Sandra! I will be sad to see this one go! The idea came to me as I was laying in bed trying to fall asleep lol…many ideas hit me then! XOXO
Lazy Susan says
Like the patriotic horse better! Actually, LOVEEEEEE it! gr8 job!
Christy says
Yay! Thank you, Susan!! XOXO
Cyndel says
Patriotic Pony for the win! Like his braided tail, too.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cyndel!! XOXO
Jayne Hillhouse says
Like the patriotic horse even more!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Jayne! This is what he was meant to be! XOXO
Charlene says
This patriotic horse is ready for a July 4th parade! He is my favorite of the two, but the grey one was pretty too. All I can say is that, you’re a glutton for punishment, for having repainted it and not get any paint on the white details! You’re a perfectionist!
Christy says
It sure it is, Charlene! Thank you! And girl, I got that blue paint on the white, then got the white on the blue, and then got the red on the white. It was not a perfect transition lol, but I did get it sorted in the end! XOXO
Lane says
Love it. Love it. Both ways. I always learn so much with your posts.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Lane! XOXO
Barbara Warner says
I loved the horse when you did it in gray. However, after looking at both versions several times, I’ll have to admit the patriotic horse has the most flair, and outshines the gray version. Keep up the good work! I won’t be surprised when you show us another update – or you find another horse to “save!”
Christy says
Thank you, Barbara! I kept thinking he needed something more, and this was it! Ha ha this will be the final version, but it would be fun to keep redoing him to match the seasons! XOXO
Vicki says
The patriotic #2 Redo is amazing! Thought the #1 was cute, this is really striking! You are soooo talented! I love your work, and inspiration!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Vicki! I thought I was done but I just couldn’t stop myself ha ha! I appreciate that so much!! XOXO
Sheila Kennedy says
I think I’d paint the saddle red. Just want more red.
Christy says
Thanks, Sheila! I had considered adding a touch of red to the rosette on the bridle…might still do that! XOXO
Eileen M Napolitano says
I love the horse re-do! And love that you went patriotic! It came out beautifully.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Eileen! I’m so glad I took it in that direction too! XOXO
Lori says
The 2nd version, definitely !! The 1st was too plain, now it stands out !!
Christy says
Agreed! Thank you, Lori! XOXO
Jackie C says
This took that pony over the TOP! Really love it! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Christy says
Thanks so much, Jackie!! XOXO
Frappe says
Now that horse makes a statement!
Great job! Just beautiful!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Frappe! XOXO
Beth says
Love it! Much better!
Christy says
Thank you, Beth! XOXO
Sherry says
I love your 2nd redo on the horse. I am a sucker for Americana (my living room is Americana). Great job!
Christy says
Thank you, Sherry! I’m glad I couldn’t leave well enough alone lol! XOXO
Kim says
Christy, I never generally comment, I love your touch you put on everything! You have such good ideas on how to make something old new and pretty again! But this is especially a different take on a redo! I absolutely love decorating for the patriotic holidays, you hit this one out of the ballpark! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Kim! I’m so glad you like it!! XOXO
Eva says
Lovely!!!
I thought the other version was nice, but this one is WOW! The final version is perfectly suited to this piece!! Nicely done! Happy Independence day.
Christy says
Thank you, Eva! I thought I was done with it, but nope ha ha! Happy Independence day to you as well! XOXO
Jennifer says
Loved the first one, but this is even better!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Jennifer! XOXO
Wendy Grace says
I have to admit that your first attempt fell flat with my but you hit it out of the park with this one! I’d proudly display this.
Christy says
I did like the first version, but it does look so plain compared to now ha ha! Thanks, Wendy! XOXO
Paula Coyner says
I bet this will sell within minutes of being in your booth! I love the patriotic theme!
Christy says
I hope so! Thank you, Paula! XOXO
Carol says
Hey there,
I loved it white but love it even more now! The blue and stars give it more depth. You are so creative girl. Love what you do!
Happy summer!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Carol! I’m so glad I went in for a redo! XOXO
Bonnie says
I love what you did with the horse both ways but you really brought him to life with the patriotic version ! You always do amazing transformations !!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Bonnie! XOXO
Claudine Dionne says
Wow! When I first read that you redid the horse I thought “Nooooooo!” Because I just loved that horse so much, that is an amazing look. But…I have to say, this makeover is amazing! I love this patriotic horse and it is true, the mouldings really stand out now. 🙂
Christy says
Thank you so much, Claudine! I figured if I messed up the second makeover, I just wouldn’t share it, but I had to go for it. I’m so glad I did! And yes, the mouldings do stand out better now. XOXO
Gin says
I love the the second one. What a dramatic difference it made. 🇺🇸
Christy says
Thank you so much, Gin! XOXO
Kim says
Good choice giving the horse Stars and Stripes!
Christy says
Thank you, Kim! XOXO
Sheila Stevens says
Love the new version! The patriotic red white and blue is perfect for this little pony! It’s what Yankee Doodle rode to town!
Christy says
Ha ha yes!! Thank you, Sheila!! XOXO
susan says
Oh yes! I like this version so much better!
Christy says
Yay! Thank you, Susan! XOXO
Mary says
Oh yes!!! This is just perfect for this horse – I love it Christy!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Mary! XOXO
Deborah Mealus says
Wow! What a difference! I really liked the first redo but, like you, the second one has my heart! I couldn’t wait to see what you did as I have an unfinished rocking horse as well. I’m definitely doing the red, white and blue on mine. Thanks for the awesome inspiration!!
Deborah Mealus
P.S. Now I have to order more paint from you! 😉
Christy says
Thank you so much, Deborah! I love that you are inspired for your own redo!! XOXO
Liz Shivel says
Hi Christy, I like both horses but the patriotic one is my favorite. I might have considered doing the saddle in red to bring up the red from the platform stripes.
Christy says
Thank you, Liz! I may paint the rosette on the bridle to add a little red up top. 🙂 XOXO
Fran says
Both of them are great! I really don’t know which I like better! The Salt paint gives the Americana horse a nice texture. The grey is/was elegant.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Fran! After I did it in the patriotic, I wondered how the original would have turned out had I just added stars to the body in white and stripes to the base in the gray? Sort of a muted patriotic! XOXO
Marietta R Walker says
I like him both ways. I do think he looks great as a patriotic pony!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Marietta! XOXO
Libby says
Love, love the patriotic horse redo. Beautifully Done !
Christy says
Thank you so much, Libby! XOXO
Niki says
I really like the patriotic better: I gotta say though, even with the grey my heart was hoping for a jute mane too! I would call him ‘Murica! 😁
Christy says
Thanks, Niki! Aww that would have been sweet too! XOXO
Mary says
The first version just wasn’t my taste. Love this version! It looks great!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! He definitely needed something! XOXO
Cyndi says
Great idea! A fun piece like this pony is perfect with a special paint job like this. And I have to tell you, Christy, that I’m glad to know that even pros like you repaint projects after thinking they were done with them. I literally just came back to the computer after going to the kitchen for my breakfast and while I was there, looked over at a small tray in my projects area (dining room table), grabbed it and REpainted it. 🙂 Thank you for sharing your knowledge and inspiration!
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndi! I love that!! Yes, sometimes even freshly redone pieces don’t turn out how you imagined, so you just get right back in there and try again lol! XOXO
Melody says
OMG! It’s SO cute! The first one was cute too but the patriotic version is awesome. You totally inspire me!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Melody! He definitely needed something more and this was it! XOXO
Laurie says
This piece is so adorable! Love all your creative redos!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Laurie! XOXO
Rose E Lefebvre says
I don’t like red, white and blue stuff. Far prefer it with first design. Sorry.
Christy says
That’s okay! After I was done with the 2nd version, I did consider how it would have looked had I added white stars to the body and gray stripes to the base…sort of a neutral patriotic! XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
That’s so funny, Christy!! You sound like me!! haha! I love the new version, perfect! xoxo
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! Ha ha…the mouldings took so much time on the first redo that I ran out of time to be more creative with the rest of it. I’m so glad I redid it! XOXO
Sue H Mellette says
Love, love this makeover! You nailed the July 4th colors with your details, stars, and stripes. This will be a keeper for a long time! Thanks for sharing.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sue!! He looks so cute here in my office! XOXO
Sharon says
Oh my, the first one was pretty, but subdued. This one is the bomb! So beautiful. I have a wooden horse on a rocking base. I would love to copy your design. All of your work but is lovely. Be Blessed, Sharon
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sharon! Go for it! XOXO
MrsSW says
Nooooooooooooooooo – put it back!
Sheila
Christy says
Aww sorry!!
Josee says
Even better! I love it
Christy says
Thank you, Josee!! XOXO
Maia says
Very cool idea. When you look at it from the side you really don’t see any red…what about painting the bridle red, so there’s some red visible at the top?
Christy says
Thanks, Maia! I may go back and paint the rosette on the bridle red to add a touch of red up top. XOXO
Catherine Cave says
oh yeah!!! Love it way more this way!
Christy says
Thank you, Catherine! XOXO
Denise Vagi says
Much much nicer
Christy says
Thank you, Denise! XOXO
Ellen Shook says
The first one fell flat for me, probably because I do not like grey and white. This one is fantastic, and really sings!
Christy says
Thank so much, Ellen! It did need something more for sure! XOXO
Donna says
Love everything you do. Your eye for seeing the possibility in so many different items. The way you display finished items, so we can see the beauty from every angle. Thank you for sharing your talent with everyone. I have a question for you. The window you use behind so many of your displays is something I would like to duplicate. Have looked high & low for the mesh wire on the back with no luck. Found many others but not that one. Where did you purchase it? Thank you and keep the beautiful work coming. Donna
Christy says
Thank you so much, Donna! I really appreciate that! That mesh is from a roll of heavy duty decorative metal sheeting that my husband had purchased about twelve years ago online for a project in our home. Unfortunately, he has no recollection where he found it. I’m so sorry about that! XOXO
Patty says
Christy, he’s now a patriotic beauty❤️🙂
Christy says
Thank you so much, Patty! XOXO
Michele M. says
TOO CUTE!! Haha, the light grey sure didn’t last long. It’s so whimsical and fun now though!!!!
Christy says
Thanks, Michele! I just couldn’t leave him so plain lol! XOXO
Mary Loveland says
Your little pony is a beauty! You always come up with a creative idea to improve perfection. Keep you eyes open for a cowboy teddy bear that can hold a small flag and keep your horse company.
Christy says
Aww thank you, Mary! And yes…how cute would that be?? XOXO
Sandee says
Patriotic all the way! The gray was elegant , but this horse was made for Stars and Stripes!🇺🇸
Christy says
I agree! Thank you so much, Sandee! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! I love the way your patriotic horse turned out and the texture makes it perfect.
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! He might be a keeper now! XOXO
Barbara Moran says
Love the Stars and Stripes. I’d keep it on my porch all summer, Memorial day , July 4th, Labor day. I keep my flags out all that time.
Christy says
Thank you, Barbara! Great idea…I keep my flags flying all the time too! XOXO
Lynn says
Love the new version.
Christy says
Thank you, Lynn! XOXO
Cheryl says
I love, love, love this new look!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cheryl! XOXO
Anita Young says
I love everything you do, Christy, and I do comment from time to time, but I didn’t weigh in on your first run at the horse. The grey horse was pretty, but your version #2 is fabulous! And I’m not even American. I’m one of your Canadian admirers from the West Coast. With all the seasonal decorating I know you like to do, I hope you keep it, especially since it was double the work! Awesome job! Makes me think I should come up with some Canadiana for my own front porch for our July 1 celebrations. Thanks for sharing your brilliance!
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Anita, thank you! I agree that this piece was missing something on the first go and of course, I could not leave it be lol! It is always nice to show patriotic pride… have fun with yours and Happy Canada Day! XOXO
Kelly says
Oh,, how lovely! I loved the other one, but this patriotic version is amazing! So Americana. Great for this time of year, or some people would use it year round.
You’ve inspired me so much, so it feels kinda weird to add my two cents, but I’d find a way to add a little red to the horse. I’m also OCD about balance, so I could be way off. Just my thoughts.
You always do such amazing work and are so creative!
Christy says
I appreciate that so much, Kelly, and thank you for your thoughts! Many have suggested the same lol! XOXO
Shari Harrison says
I love the second transformation! The darker blue really makes your moulded pieces pop.
Christy says
Thank you, Shari! I agree! XOXO