Hello beautiful friends! I have the cutest redo for y’all today! It’s a tea kettle floral arrangement made from one super ugly duckling!
My Trash-to-Treasure girls get together the second Tuesday of the month, and I was thinking this was going to be the day and that this project would be absolutely perfect!
Except…oops! This is only the first Tuesday, but this project is too cute to wait until next week!
Here is what I started with:
It was dirty and dated and had burn marks on the kettle, the lid, and the handle. They were in odd places too, so no telling how they happened!
It was only $2.95 though, and I was drawn to it for some reason, so in the cart it went.
It wasn’t until I got it home that I realized that we had a set of dishes in this pattern that my mom would bust out for Thanksgiving, and guess what? I still have them.
No wonder I was attracted to it ha ha!
Clean
This actually cleaned up nice and shiny! I just used warm soapy water.
Here’s a closer look at one of those burn marks.
You’re welcome. I know you were dying to see that up close.
It had worn almost all the way through!
EDITED TO ADD: Thank you, Gloria for letting me know that those are likely chips rather than burn marks. That makes so much more sense ha ha!
I knew exactly what I wanted to do with this kettle when I spied it at the thrift store, but it needed a little prep first.
Slick Stick
Because this is a super slick surface, I prepped it with Slick Stick first.
Slick Stick helps to bond your paint to all the shiny surfaces…metal, glass, laminate etc without the need for sanding.
I applied one coat of Slick Stick…
Then I waited two hours and applied a second coat, letting it dry the rest of the day.
Flowers
While I waited for that to dry, I headed to Michaels to choose some flowers for my new kettle arrangement!
The flowers I chose would determine where I went with it next.
I found these pretty blush pink blooms with the fall stems right away:
(There are three blooms on each stem and I ended up only using two stems.)
Then I went in search of filler to go with them. With all the fall bunches of flowers, I found these that were just perfect:
(This is three bunches, but I only ended up using two.)
I also found these that are traditional fall colors that I loved too!
I can picture those with sunflowers!
Paint
The next day I was ready for paint! I chose Dixie Belle’s Fluff and gave this kettle just one coat:
You can see the pattern showing through, but I planned to cover that right up with transfers!
Once it was good and dry, I sanded lightly all over just to smooth out the surface:
Choosing a transfer
I had several of the smaller Redesign transfers in mind for this project:
See all the transfers I have in stock HERE.
There are 39 of this smaller size alone to choose from…just look for the ones that are $12.99.
Any of those would have worked nicely, but I ended up choosing a different one altogether, the Botanical Paradise transfer:
It had lots of pretty pink blooms to go with the flowers I had chosen.
Here’s what comes in that set:
I cut most of them apart, and then I started with my favorite of the bunch and burnished it to the surface:
It looked better already with just that one transfer!
Right??
But I kept going, adding several more until I was happy with how it looked.
Once I was done, I sealed it with Best Dang Wax in Clear, applying it with the la petite brush:
I buffed off the excess with a soft, clean cloth and it was time for the flowers!
Tea Kettle Floral Arrangement
To turn it into an arrangement, I dropped a piece of floral foam in the bottom:
You can glue it, but I did not.
Next, I cut off some of the length of the filler bunches I found and stuck them right into the foam…one in back of the handle and one in front:
All the stems have wire so they are easy to arrange and stay put.
Next, I cut the pink blooms apart and trimmed them also:
Then I stuck those in, adding three to each side.
Ready to see how it turned out??
The After
Let’s get in a little closer…
Pretty cute, eh?
I had fun layering the flowers on the kettle, and the little bee in this set was the icing on the cake:
You’d never know how this sad kettle looked before!
It is now a pretty arrangement that can be enjoyed for years to come.
I did use fall blooms although they don’t scream fall at all lol, but I guess that’s me easing into it!
Even the lid got some love…
And what about the other side of the kettle?
I gave that some love too!
This is another one of the mini transfers from the Classic Vintage Labels transfer set!
That set has 27 mini transfers that you can use to embellish so many things!
See 10 more mini makeovers using that set HERE.
I just could not stop taking pictures of this cutie pie arrangement!
That’s another piece done woohoo!
If you missed any so far, you can catch up below:
Tray Update with Stencils
Painting the Smalls #18
How to Turn a Spindle Bed into a Bench
Dated Shelf Makeover
80’s Clock Repurposed
Stenciled Demilune Table
DIY Fabric Lamp Shades & $5 Thrift Store Lamps
Thrift Store Dresser Makeover
If you liked this post, you might enjoy this non traditional fall arrangement or this oldie made from an old lantern!
I’ll be back on Thursday sharing what I did with this cool case:
See y’all then!
UPDATE: It’s done and ready to see now HERE!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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Denise says
You are amazing! That little teapot is so cute. Those transfers made it so stunning and the arrangement you added is perfect. Of course, I have to admit, I love everything you do!! Yes, Fall is getting reading to happen. This Summer just flew by! Stay well and thank you for sharing your talent!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Denise! I appreciate that so much! And yes, fall is definitely coming lol! XOXO
Robin Stephens says
Wow, that’s almost on the order of water-to-wine! Beautifully creative and unique! Have a splendid day, Christy.
Christy says
You are the sweetest, Robin, thank you! Enjoy your day too! XOXO
Janice says
I love what you did with this little tea kettle!! Now I’m on the hunt for one.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! Good luck in your search! XOXO
Lilly T says
This came out so cute! Gives me an idea for a teapot I was not loving anymore. Mrs. Teapot will now be painted 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Lilly! And yay!! Have fun recreating yours! XOXO
ZOYA K RAUSCH says
Christy, your tea kettle make over is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!
What a great re-purpose of something so ugly to something
beautiful!
One question, what kind of price will go on this one??
Thanks so much Christy. I look forward to all your posts every week.
Zoya
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Zoya!! This will be tough to price since I have over $30 in it, but I’ll probably land somewhere in the mid forties. XOXO
Gloria says
Hi Christy!
Again, enjoying all the makeovers and information. Just an fyi, the spot you thought was a burn is actually a chip. The teapot is enamelware. In the manufacturing coloured glass is the finish put over metal. The black spot is where that enamel has chipped off, due to an impact to, or a drop of, the kettle!
Christy says
Thank you, Gloria! And yes…that makes so much more sense! I appreciate the info! XOXO
Edna says
Hi Christy, When I seen that sad looking tea kettle, l knew it would be beautiful when you were finished with it. I read quickly through your post to see what it would look like in the end. And l was right, it’s so beautiful. It made me smile, I just love it. Thanks for another amazing makeover. Your work is the best. ❤️
Edna
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Edna! I really appreciate your kind words! I had high hopes for this kettle when I saw it ha ha! XOXO
Denise - Salvaged Inspirations says
Super adorable Christy! I love the transfer and how you paired it with the perfect flowers! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! I was saving it for T2T day, but it is late this month lol, and I was too excited to wait! XOXO
MrsSW says
Pretty! That’s my idea of fall colors. 🙂
Sheila
Christy says
Thank you, Sheila! Ha ha I guess it’s my idea of fall colors too! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
I LOVE IT!!! WOW, you even out did yourself with this one! If you are not keeping it for yourself, I would love to purchase it! I think this is one of my favorite pieces you have ever done, and you know how much I LOVE everything you do! This one you knocked out of the park!! Way to go!! Just let me know!
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! Emailing you. 🙂
Darlene says
Love Love Love this blog!!! I Love the before/after photos and how tos! Keep them coming You do an amazing job!
Christy says
Thank you SO much, Darlene!! That makes my heart so happy!! XOXO
Cyndi says
That is so darned cute! The light sanding got it down to the dark color for the distressing?…you didn’t use your “cheat” method, right?
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndi! Yep, I just sanded and the areas that were darker like the lid knob and the rim of the kettle came through. 🙂 XOXO
Marjie says
I’ve enjoyed all your makeovers but this one just touched something in me. I l LOVE it. Question. Do you plan on selling this in your booth and if you do, how do you price it? I have a booth and definitely want to incorporate some items similar to yours. Thank you for all your inspiration!!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Marjie! I have close to $30 in this project, and I priced it at $48. That’s not a huge margin, but fairly priced. XOXO
Margie says
Your vision is amazing. Such a ugly little thing is now so cute.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Margie! XOXO
Mary Smart says
Christy, I can’t believe how magnificent that teapot turned out! I am heading to Goodwill soon to copy that one! I used Slick Stick that I purchased from your shop for the first time over the weekend on an Owl Cookie Jar I repainted and it works so well, that I am inspired to do more with Slick Stick.
Christy says
I’m so glad you like it, Mary! Thank you! Slick Stick is fantastic! XOXO
Denise Cox says
I love it!!! How absolutely clever!! Great choice of flowers AND transfers!! Soooo pretty. Miss Bee IS the icing on the cake, you’re right!! I remember MY kettle days…lol. My kitchen wasn’t complete without a kettle on the stove. I converted to an electric one in the past year as now I have those tempered glass covers on my stove top to give me more surface area ( very small apt. kitchen).
Christy says
Thank you so much, Denise! We always had a kettle on the stove growing up, but we too have moved on to an electric one. That means there should be a ton old kettles at the thrift stores lol! XOXO
Diana Cosgrove says
Your tea kettle is darling … I love that you can reverse it for a whole new black and white look! You’re amazing!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Diana! I’m so glad like it! XOXO
Charleen says
It’s hard to believe the difference. Night and day. Loved the transfer. Pink is such a happy color!Great job as always Take care.
Christy says
Night and day for sure! Thank you so much, Charleen! XOXO
Peggy says
Pretty! Pretty! Pretty! More honeybees please!
Just one question—and excuse the pun–did you fill the “pot” hole? ☺
Christy says
Thank you, Peggy! Ha ha! No, I did not, but it is barely noticeable now. XOXO
Cecilia from Georgia says
You worked your magic to save this sweet tea pot! Love that transfer and I need to see about the label one for small projects. I’m not putting Mirage on the china cabinet but on a dresser–can’t wait to see how it turns out ;)! I still haven’t decided on a color for the china cabinet but will probably take your advise and go with a neutral. Have you done anything with the Terra clay? I love those colors. Enjoy this nice weather! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! Ooh…Mirage will be so elegant on a dresser! I have been waiting on the hard wax that goes with the Terra line as it had been delayed in transit, but I finally decided to go ahead start playing with the Terra paint this weekend. Thursday’s project is done in the Terra. I still need to seal it, but I’ll just use Clear Coat instead. And yes, the colors are gorgeous!! Have a great week! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
HI Christy! Love love love!! I have.used that transfer on several vase projects and they always sold quickly. I’m going to stop overlooking teapots for sure. What would I do without all your wonderful ideas?!?!?
Christy says
Aww thank you, Cheryl! I never thought to use them on a vase…I might have to steal that idea lol! Hope you find some tea pots! XOXO
Karen Owens says
So cute! I love looking at all your creative items! Missing your booth posts! I love to look at your booth creativity
It gives me inspiration and ideas
I have a booth in Georgia!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Karen. I have not shared a booth post in a while because my Dixie Belle paints and now Redesign transfers take up most of it. I am patiently waiting for one of my neighbors to move out so I can steal their space! XOXO
Robin says
Wow. Who would have thought this could be so pretty? I love it. Thanks for the inspiration 🫖🌼🌸🌺
Christy says
Thank you so much, Robin! I’m so glad I could give it a brand new life! XOXO
Cory says
This is absolutely darling! Beautifully reimagined, reworked, and shot. And what a “WOWIE” side-by-side before and after, too. Fabulous job!!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Cory!! XOXO
Ashley says
Hi Christy! You did a beautiful job with that sweet kettle! xox
Christy says
Hi Ashley! Thank you so much, my friend! XOXO
Niki says
I’m a little tea pot…🎶. This turned out just darling Christy. Thanks for the smile this morning!
Christy says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Niki! Thank you! XOXO
Jan Kinman says
Good Morning,
Thank you for sharing this tea kettle save. It turned out so sweet! I love the little bee. It will look perfect for Spring with different flowers too. I’m so thrifting a tea kettle now.
Also, I went to one of your old post you added to this one of a rusted lantern. I have one also that I can use for my front porch display. Thank you for sharing your talent! You inspire me!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Jan! And yes you absolutely could change this out for spring! With so many people using electric kettles these days, there should be lots of old tea kettles to be had at the thrift stores! I love that you are feeling inspired… that is the best! XOXO
Niecie says
I’m wondering if you have ever re done a cast iron kettle. The ones that are used as humidifiers in wood stoves. We see a lot of those at yard sales but don’t have a wood stove. I wonder what you could do with that? Thank you. I’m new here. Love your creativity and appreciate your talent so much!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Niecie! I have not redone that type of kettle. If you’re referring to the kind that looks like a witches pot, I imagine you could still paint it and then see if it sparks any ideas from there. XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
Yeah, that was pretty trashy, Christy. I thought the mark was a chip in the enamel but it looks like someone turned the gas all the way up and left it on the burner too long! Apparently, they didn’t know you’re supposed to remove the plastic bit covering the spout, too 🙄 Now it looks like it’s gained a new life – so fresh and pretty, no matter which season.
Christy says
Ha ha trashy indeed! Someone else mentioned that it could be a chip in the enamel, so I think you’re right. That seems more likely since it’s in the strangest of areas. And yes, they didn’t even remove the plastic thing on the spout ha ha!
Bev says
Love everything you do. You show such enjoy in what you do and the end results reflect that. Also been wanting to add a personal comment about the chest, that I’ve wanted to comment about many times. Love the design but it needs some color. Maybe handles. No offense indented. Everything you do is beautiful and definely reflects your love for art. Have a great day.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Bev! I truly feel blessed that I get to do this as my job! I’m not sure what chest you are referring to? My staging dresser, maybe? I prefer to keep that plain as not to take away from the star of the show. 😀 XOXO
Mindy says
Your tea pot is so darn cute. If I was thrifting and saw that I wouldn’t even of though of picking it up. I can say that about a lot of thing you find but then you do your magic and they turn out beautiful. I was wondering how you fixed that big chip by the spout? The pictures look like there was never any damage there.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Mindy! I’m so glad you like it! I never did fix the chip, I just painted right over it. It’s on the bottom right on the side with the black and white transfer, but your eye goes to the transfer and doesn’t even notice it. XOXO
Ronda says
I so love your work! This little tea pot shines!
The clock is beautiful….one of your designs? I must have missed it. What is the white background with swirls?
Christy says
Thank you so much, Ronda! That clock was a hobby lobby find, and I believe they still have it! XOXO
Cyndel says
I have the same kettle, so when I saw it in your recent haul, I began eagerly anticipating what you’d do with it. Another winner. I also have the same flatware chest as one from your recent haul, as well as the same basket and a very similar lamp, so excited to see what you’ll do with those, too.
Christy says
Oh fun!! Thank you, Cyndel! I’m glad you liked this one, and I hope I don’t disappoint on the others! XOXO
Patty says
Absolutely perfect, Christy! Never disappointed in your projects – as usual, wish I lived closer!! 🙂
Christy says
I appreciate that so much, Patty, thank you! I wish you did too! XOXO
Lizzy says
So sweet & pretty!
Christy says
Thank you, Lizzy! XOXO
Karen Moore says
So cute!! Those flowers are a perfect match for the transfer colors. Great choice!
Christy says
Thank you, Karen! There were so many to choose from, but I believe this was the winner! XOXO
Addie says
That tea kettle was only headed one way…the landfill!!! GREAT save!!! it’s a beauty now….worth keeping. Good job!!! More people need to see things for what they can be….I try!!!
Christy says
Right?? Honestly, I’m not sure I would have donated this myself. I might have to toss it LOL. I sure am glad somebody did donate it though and that I bought it! Now it has a whole new life! Have a great weekend, my friend! XOXO
Constance Colvin says
That’s so pretty, Christy! 👀👍👍
Christy says
Thank you, Connie! XOXO
Larissa says
Beautiful save, Christy. So lovely!
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! XOXO
Marian says
Oh, Cristy. This is so sweet. I like the daintiness of the flowers. I can just picture this in my home. Thank you.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Marian! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! XOXO
Debbie in TX says
This is one of my favorites! Tea kettles have so much charm, and this one is now very beautiful. Love the colors and transfers. I still remember the teapot you made over and used in the yard as a decoration along with a cup and saucer 🙂
Christy says
Aww yay! Thank you, Debbie! Yes I loved that garden feature, but sadly, I dropped it and it broke as I was taking it inside to clean it. I need to make another one! XOXO
Sue Mellette says
Lovely makeover! I especially like the transfers on each side of the kettle. The flowers in the tea kettle also add an elegant touch. The top of the kettle is adorable as well! Enjoy your week!
Christy says
I’m so glad you like this one, Sue, thank you! It never knew it could be so cute ha ha! XOXO
Petra says
This is adorable and even looked perfect when you’d just applied the ‘undercoat’!! Lucky you to have found such a cute piece ☺️
Christy says
Thank you, Petra! yes, paint alone really did wonders! XOXO
Michele M. says
OH. MY. Gosh. WOW WOW WOW!!!
Absolutely ADORE that cutie now! Holy moley it is perfect – and the florals you picked- it’s all perfect. Whoo hoo!!!! ♥♥
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Michele!! This was so fun to do! XOXO
Sandra says
What a darling transformation! I was waiting to see this one and somehow missed this post earlier this month.
Christy says
Thank you, Sandra! That kettle never knew it had its best years ahead of it lol! XOXO
Dena says
Oh, my goodness, Christy! I’ve been following your work for a while, and I’m always impressed, but this little teapot reached right off the page and grabbed me! I have a soft spot for old teapots anyway, but this just inspired me to no end. Adorable!
Christy says
Aww I’m so glad you enjoyed this one, Dena! Thank you!! XOXO
Kerryanne says
That little kettle is adorable Christy ♥
Thank you for sharing your kettle make-over at Create, Bake, Grow & Gather this week. I’m delighted to be featuring it at the party this week and pinning too.
Hugs,
Kerryanne
Christy says
Yay! Thank you so much, my friend!! XOXO
Mary says
Oh, I just love this!!! Now I have to go find a tea kettle…! 😉
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! Yes!! Good luck in your search! XOXO
Laura Nowak says
I learned a great way to clean a lot of items that normally would have to be scraped off. I learned it from a guy who had come to clean the windows of my friends condo. The outside of the windows had years of old tree sap that would not come off. He sprayed Easy Off oven cleaner on it, left it for about 30 minutes and it wiped right off!! It even took off the old residue and haziness (the windows were really old), when he wiped everything off the windows looked like new!!! I’ve cleaned SO many things with that now! Old cookie sheets with tons of baked on food? Spray with Easy Off and either just leave it for a little while, or put it in the oven at a low temperature, and then take it out and wash it. Comes out like brand new!!
Christy says
That is genius! I’ll have to keep that in mind…thanks for sharing! XOXO
Roxanne Justiz says
I absolutely love this make over. I have never used transfers like this. I love how you taught us this restoration process. That little tea pot looks like it came from an expensive store. You’re very talented. Thanks for sharing with your readers how you transform ugly things and make them beautiful. Shalom
Christy says
Thank you, Roxanne! XO