Mini Wooden Books Makeover using Chalk Paint

A crafty makeover to this little set of wooden books found at a thrift store. I knew I could make them better & more to my liking by simply using paint!

Crafty ideas came to mind of painting them white and adding words. I’m loving them in this new look and have left them as is ...for now!

Below is the before of the these mini wooden books!  I'm so pleased with this little crafty project!

“Finding joy in the little things!”

Thrifty Painted Medallion Transformation~ Simple makeover using paint & wax!

I transformed this beautiful medallion with a makeover using paint.

~*~

I picked up this medallion for two dollars at GW.

I knew I wanted to paint this the second I saw it! I’ve added a few images of the process. And isn’t it lovely with its new look?!

~*~

I gave this a layer of white chalk paint then after dry, distressed it using an emery board nail file.  Next I gave it some clear and dark wax and then did some buffing with a soft cloth.

~*~

It’s now the piece I envisioned it to be! I love the details and how the distressing and wax make them pop! I’ve seen similar pieces for twenty-five dollars and up!

Using chalk paint and wax is the easiest way to transform a piece!  Don’t be afraid to give it a try!

  

Tiered Tray - Summer style

I dressed up my little tiered tray today!

Just a little something I put together with a summer feel using some greens, white flowers and the sweetest picture frame I found at GW for 1$ sometime ago. I simply used an image from a sales brochure to create the picture in the frame!

- My Tip of the day! -

Thrifty Centerpiece~Styled Four Ways

I’ve truly gotten my money’s worth from this thrifty decor piece I scored last spring for a couple of dollars!  I’ve changed it with the seasons.  It’s back to the look I gave it originally last spring, except I’ve added some pretty roses.

It began as a simple candelabra that I found at a thrift store.  My original post shows how it looked when I found it and what I did to it after I got it home, pictured below.  I was so pleased with my new treasure, and the minimal price paid for it.

Centerpiece Makeover

I enjoyed the look for Spring and right into Summer!  

Fall Centerpiece

A little trip to the dollar store and I had some new items to change it up for Fall!

Christmas/Holiday Centerpiece

When the holidays were approaching I used different candle holders and candles, along with some holly with berries, pine cones and red tulle bows tucked in for a new look!

Crafty Christmas Ornaments

Aren’t these the cutest ornaments?!  I think they are so adorable!

I received them as an early Christmas gift.  My daughter and her daughters/my granddaughters crafted and hand painted these!  A fun Pinterest inspired idea.  And, if you hadn’t figured it out, they’re wine and champagne corks!  So perfect for a wine lover, which I definitely am!

~ Such a fun gift to treasure!

Christmas/Holiday Centerpiece

Merry Christmas & Ho~Ho~Holiday Greetings!

I did a little Christmas-ing to my thrifty candelabra centerpiece by changing out the previous candle holders & candles for plain glass candle holders & gold candles, added some holiday/winter accents/picks & red sparkly tulle ribbon!

This candelabra has been a fun decor item to decorate, and re-decorate throughout the seasons!

Such a great thrifty find this year!

Sources:

-Glass candle holders, Gold candles & Red sparkly tulle ribbon - Dollar tree

-Candelabra centerpiece - Thrift store

-Greenery, holiday/winter accents/picks Hobby Lobby & Michael's

Visit these links to see my original Centerpiece Makeover & Fall Centerpiece 

~ Happy Christmas-ing!

Thrifty TreasureWooden Pedestal and Vase/Candle holder

My latest thrifty treasure and fabulous find is this beautiful wooden pedestal and wide glass cylinder vase/candle holder.

~ A cost of six dollars total for the two items!

I dressed them up with a pretty candle and some faux greenery I already had on hand.

The tray is a thrifty treasure from awhile back.  I chalk painted it white since I have another one that I originally purchased from “Southern Living at Home” some years ago for much more than the five bucks I paid for this thrifted one!
(Upon doing a little search, the pedestal above may also be a SL@H item?)

I’m so pleased with my thrifty treasures!  And, I love the beautiful arrangement I created using them!  All it took was just a few dollars, a little imagination and some creativity!
Decor doesn’t have to be expensive to be beautiful!!!

~ Happy Decorating!...

Centerpiece Makeover

This lovely centerpiece is the result of a thrifty makeover.  I much prefer the way it looks now compared to when I found it at a thrift store!  I thought it had potential and I could make it look better, so I grabbed it up!

Below is the before.

It really wasn't to my liking as it was, but I felt I could give it some love and make it my own.

I then searched the glass area in hopes of finding some candle holders for it, and found three glasses that were perfect to use as candle holders, and they fit nicely.

Now I felt it all coming together and had a plan in mind for it!  At that point I was excited to transform my treasure!

I got it home and removed the old faux greenery and fruits, then gave everything a good cleaning.

I actually liked the look after I stripped everything off and considered leaving it as it was.

But, I decided I’d add some Lamb’s ear greenery, which I already had on hand, for a fresh Spring/Summer look at the time.  I was so pleased with the final results!

I’ve enjoyed having this pretty centerpiece on our breakfast table.  It makes me smile knowing that it looks much better than it did and I spent under five bucks in all!  I now look forward to giving it some Seasonal changes!

I just love finding a good thrifty treasure!  Especially the kind I can change the look of seasonally, that's even better!

Summer Tiered Tray Styling

“Home” it’s my favorite place to be!!

::: It is my happy place!

Creating and decorating our home is one of the things I truly enjoy doing for our home.

::: And, I always enjoy styling my tiered trays, they’re such a fun decor item.  I’m liking this summer vibe, and that it’s about “HOME!”

~ The mini houses were my inspiration for styling my tiered tray for Summer, and a "home" theme.  Most of the items here are from a Thrift store, the Dollar store and Target Dollar Spot, even the tiered tray and items which I already had.  I shopped my home and did this for no extra cost.  That's my kind of inexpensive decorating!

Thrifty Decor for Summer

These are a few of my favorite things...and colors!

::: I’ve styled this console table in our breakfast area with some thrifted treasures and some items from a few of my favorite stores.

Can you believe I found this beautiful green painted wood & iron piece at goodwill?  Yep, and for just a few dollars, that’s why I enjoy stopping in there sometimes.

You just never know what treasure awaits?

I love decor pieces that you can be creative with, and easily change the look of by adding different elements!

::: This rustic box with metal handles is just the thing to do that with!  I shopped my home and simply added three of my gold painted terra cotta pots, a candle holder lifts the center one, some greenery, curly burlap ribbon, faux grapes and flowers, and voila!

::: I have it sitting upon a thrifted bread box I chalk painted some time ago.  Along with the beautiful green wood and iron piece, which as I mentioned above was also thrifted.

I’m enjoying this look for Summer in front of our breakfast room window.

- Tip of the day -

Try shopping your home before buying new items, and be creative!  It doesn’t have to cost a lot to decorate your home in a beautiful way!

Step Ladder Display Shelf

I often like things that are different, unusual, and out of the ordinary!  So the first time I saw a step ladder used to display items on each step, I knew I had to do that!  I can't take credit for the idea, but I'm so glad someone else thought of it!

We had an old step ladder we'd used over the years and of course it was handy when it was needed, the rest of the time it was stored away in the basement or a closet.  I couldn't wait to grab that little ladder and paint it up!...Chalk paint to the rescue!  Now I enjoy using it to display items and change the decor for holidays and seasons.  Such a fun decor piece!

I'm using it currently to display some of my thrifty treasures!  Isn't it a cute idea?  I sure think so! :)

   

Fall Decorating~ Ladder decorating for "Fall" ~

It’s a bright and beautiful Fall day today!  I’m still over here enjoying my Fall decor, and pumpkins.  It takes a while for it to actually feel like fall around here too.  

I like to style this little ladder with seasonal decor, it’s fun to get creative with it and so simple too!  This is my fall theme.

I painted this old step ladder last year and have enjoyed using it in my decor.  I have fun changing it up seasonally and finding new ways to decorate it!  

It's easy to use in any room, and easy to store away if I chose not to use it.   I kept it simple with a few pumpkins, some greenery and flowers, and a few brass items to give it a little bling!  It sits in my breakfast area corner for now, and makes me smile when I see it!

~*~

Here’s to all those who are hosting Thanksgiving and are knee deep in planning and preparing, as I am!


I’m seeing some beautiful Christmas inspiration and lots of ideas are swirling around in my head!

-They’ll need to stay there til after Thanksgiving!  I’m a one holiday at at time kind of gal!

~ I hope all of your holiday planning is going well!...

Thrifty Table Makeover

I truly enjoy refurbishing furniture and decor items.

This sweet little table is one I recently completed, I found it at a thrift store for five bucks!

I knew I could make it beautiful by giving it some TLC and chalk paint!

~*~  ~*~  ~*~

It had potential, and I had a vision!  I loved the style, and the iron and wood combo.

First I prettied up the wood top with chalk paint.

And then decided to give the iron a dry brushing of chalk paint too!

I love the new look, and isn’t she so pretty now?!  I mean, I believe she must be a "She" with all those pretty curves!;)

As I so often say..."Don't be afraid to giving painting a try!  It's the easiest way to transform an item!

~ Hope you find some joy today!

Bread Box Makeover

I love a good a makeover!  Especially if it's done by using paint.   I picked up a simple and plain looking bread box at the thrift store.   I knew I could give it a new look with paint.

I gave this bread box a new look using chalk paints and wax.  I’m so pleased with the results.  Paint it such an easy fix!  I am always amazed at what a little paint can do!

I used two different colors of chalk paint.  I watered down the paint a little and used the lighter color all over first.  Then used the darker color.  I alternated between the two to achieve the look using long slow strokes and a mostly dry brush.

I chose the colors "timeless" and "lace" both are from DecoArt.   I got these paints from the craft store, they are easy to use and clean up easily with water.

After the paint was dry I gave the bread box a light coat of clear wax and then gently buffed it.  The wax gives it a protective finish.

Here is the before of the bread box.  It was in great condition, just not what I'd envisioned or wanted it to look like.  I even painted the metal handle!  That is another thing that I really love about chalk paint, you can paint just about any type of surface or item.

A recent thrift store find for only three bucks, some paint, an afternoon of my time, and now it looks so much better!  I love it!

For now, I’m using it here next to my breakfast table to store cloth napkins on the ready.  It looks right at home here with my Spring decor.

I really love what a little paint can do!

Hello SPRING!

It’s here! ...It’s here!  Spring is officially here!  The wait is over now.  My thoughts are all things Spring at the moment.  Spring weather, Spring flowers, Spring everything! 

I put together this little vignette to welcome Spring.  It's my happy "hello" to spring! :)

~Happy Spring Everyone!

Hello March!

Well, it’s a candle kind of day today, ‘cause

“March”...is in like a Lion! She’s living up to her reputation, let’s hope she holds true to “out like a lamb!”

Even so, I’m very happy to welcome March, because it’s the month when “Spring” arrives!

I created this little display for "March" by shopping my home and using thrift store, and dollar store items.  Easy, and low cost decorating!

I found the photo frame a while back, it's two acrylic pieces that come together with magnets.  I cut the flower heart from an old birthday card that I had.  It was the perfect size!  I'm always on the lookout and pick up some of the scrabble letter tiles and trays when ever I see them for sale at the local thrift store.  I have a good collection of them now and like to use them for different fun displays and vignettes!

~Happy March!...

Winter Decor ~ Our Breakfast Area ~

Just sharing some of the decor ideas I've used to get through the winter blahs!  After the holidays it's a time of transition to get things back to a more normal kind of feeling and appearance.  But, I love to decorate and I enjoy pretty things so, I find ways to make the winter a little more cheery!  And, because I'll admit to it not being my favorite time of the year!

  

The sun was pouring in and brightened up this space,  The sunshine always makes me happy, it brings a smile to my face and a warm feeling to my heart!

Many of the items here in our breakfast area are thrifty treasures, even the beautiful chandelier!  I recently shared the tray I chalk painted and used here as my centerpiece.  I found the table runner a few days ago from a local thrift store.  Over in the corner you may recognize the window with planter box, and the old ladder I refreshed with paint a while back.

This sweet window with planter box is also a thrifty find, it’s a great piece to restyle and change with the seasons. The old step ladder we'd had a long time and it was freshened up in white with some of my chalk paint treatment. White flowers are a favorite of mine, no matter the season!

Flowers and greenery are some of my favorite decor items, whether fresh or faux, I have to have flowers and some greenery!  I found some books to add a little lift and more green color.  The white shutter is one of a few that I have found at various thrift stores or antique markets.  I find them useful in many ways.

A simply styled area with something to brighten these winter days, beat the winter blahs, and warm my heart!

~Oh Winter, how I long for the warmth of Spring!

Chalk Painted Iron Tray

I love what a little paint can do!  I picked up this iron tray at a thrift store a while back, actually it was my daughter that pointed it out to me.  I was happy to get it, even though I had one identical to it at home.  I'd been thinking of painting my other tray for some time, but was torn about doing it.  

Finding this one gave me the idea that I could now have both!  So, I gave it a quick once over with some white chalk paint, (not being overly perfect with complete coverage), and I'm loving the new look of it!  And, I love that I still have the original one I purchased years ago!  Win!  Win!

~*~   ~*~   ~*~

I enjoy putting floral arrangements together, I created this one for winter using items I already had and three winter picks with evergreen and pine cones purchased from the dollar store.

That led to creating this winter centerpiece for our table using my thrifty, chalk painted, iron tray, along with a simple natural wreath, and some long needle evergreens. 

This sweet & simple winter vignette makes me smile!

Planter Box with Window - Winter styled~ After the holidays - Winter decor ~

We’ve had a very lazy day today, after our special holiday celebration with our family.  It was nice to unplug and focus on family and spending quality time together.

I’m pretending now in my mind that I have all the Christmas decor packed up and put away.  That will happen this weekend!  I did manage to dress this sweet little window and planter box with a “winter” theme, so it’s just fine as part of the decor that will stay around a while.

I shared a post about finding this window and planter box at a thrift store earlier in the fall.  I just did a little changing of the contents to give it a winter feel.

”Baby it’s cold outside!” I think I’m ready for hibernation mode, now that the holidays are over!...Brrrr!

~This GA gal is hoping for an early Spring!!!

Planter Box with Window - Fall styled

This sweet planter-box with window was a sore sight when I found it at a thrift store. It was coming apart, and needed lots of love. I had to rescue it!

I discarded the old flowers then added some foliage, flowers, pumpkins, pine cones, and a simple wreath. The white metal piece came with it and since I wasn't sure what to do with it or what it was, I just added a votive candle to it.

This was a five minute throw together after I got it all cleaned up. I can see lots of decor changes for this cute little thing. Not bad for a couple dollars and a few minutes of my time. I love a decor item with creative options!  It will be fun to change this up with the seasons!

Happy Decorating!...