Are you ready to transform forgotten thrift store finds into stunning home decor? In today’s blog post, we’re diving into three incredible Trash to Treasure makeovers that breathe new life into outdated pieces. Using Dixie Belle, Sweet Pickins, and IOD products, these projects are perfect for anyone who loves DIY, upcycling, and vintage-inspired decor.
Let’s get started on this creative journey with three simple yet beautiful thrift flips!
Project 1: Primitive Sheep Makeover
This adorable primitive sheep was dusty, outdated, and in need of a serious facelift. Here’s how I transformed it into a charming, vintage-style decor piece.
Step 1: Cleaning and Prep
To begin, I removed all the old decorations, including the ratty pipberries, faded ribbon, and metal star. Using Dixie Bell White Lightning, I thoroughly cleaned the sheep to remove dirt and grime. Once clean, I rinsed off any residue with a mist of clean water.
White Lightning Cleaner is the ultimate solution for prepping all your projects before painting. It effortlessly removes grease and debris, ensuring a flawless canvas for your creative vision. Achieve a stunning, professional finish with White Lightning—your go-to choice for a perfect painting foundation.
Step 2: Painting the Body with Milk Paint
For the body, I used Sweet Pickins Milk Paint from the Bespoke Collection by Jamie Ray Vintage in the color Hollandaise. Milk paint is unique because it’s a powder mixed with water, creating a beautifully chippy, vintage finish. I applied two coats, allowing each to dry thoroughly.
Hollandaise Milk Paint by Jami Ray Vintage is a beautiful soft yellow inspired by the classic sauce from Normandy, France. Made from all-natural earth materials, it’s environmentally safe, non-toxic, and VOC-free. Perfect for achieving a chippy, aged look on furniture with customizable color and texture.
Step 3: Distressing and Chipping
Once the paint was dry, I used a finger sander to distress the body, enhancing the chippy, aged appearance. This step adds character and a time-worn look to the piece.
Step 4: Adding Character with Stamps
To add some flair, I used IOD Mercantile Stamps with black ink. I strategically placed the stamps on the sheep’s body, pressing firmly to transfer the design. For a more distressed, vintage look, I lightly sanded over the stamped areas.
The Mercantile IOD Decor Stamp is perfect for adding unique, detailed designs to your DIY projects. Ideal for furniture, home décor, clothing, and even food, it lets your creativity run wild. Pair it with IOD Moulds, Transfers, and Paint Inlays for a truly custom look.
Step 5: Sealing for a Vintage Finish
I sealed the project with Sweet Pickins Dark Oil Wax, which enriched the chippy paint and added depth to the distressed areas. The dark wax also gave the sheep a warm, antique feel.
The Dark Oil Wax adds an aged, antique look to painted furniture while sealing and protecting the finish. Made with natural resins and waxes, it creates a durable, water-repellent satin finish. Easy to apply and non-toxic, it's perfect for achieving a vintage, timeworn effect.
Final Result:
The once-forgotten primitive sheep is now a beautifully vintage decor piece, perfect for farmhouse or cottage-style homes!
Project 2: Lazy Susan Makeover
This Lazy Susan had good bones but was a bit plain and outdated. A little paint and creativity brought it back to life!
Step 1: Painting the Base
I started by applying two coats of Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in the color Sea Glass. This soft bluish-green shade gave it a fresh, French country-inspired look.
Sea Glass Chalk Mineral Paint captures the serene essence of the ocean with its soft green hue and subtle blue undertones. Perfect for transforming furniture and DIY projects, it brings a coastal charm or vintage elegance to any space. Its smooth application and versatile style make it a favorite for both modern and classic décor.
Step 2: Stamping for Vintage Appeal
Using the IOD Mercantile Stamps and black ink, I added a vintage design to the top. Stamping is a great way to add intricate details without hand-painting.
The Mercantile IOD Decor Stamp is perfect for adding unique, detailed designs to your DIY projects. Ideal for furniture, home décor, clothing, and even food, it lets your creativity run wild. Pair it with IOD Moulds, Transfers, and Paint Inlays for a truly custom look.
Step 3: Sealing and Adding Dimension
To protect the paint and enhance the stamped design, I used Dixie Belle Clear Wax, followed by Black Wax around the outer edges. The black wax added depth and dimension, creating a lovely aged effect.
Best Dang Wax is a water-based, zero-VOC furniture wax that provides a smooth, creamy application. It enhances depth and dimension while protecting your painted or unpainted pieces. Available in multiple colors, it can be mixed with Dixie Belle paint to create custom finishes.
Final Result:
This Lazy Susan went from plain and boring to a beautiful, vintage-style serving piece that’s both functional and decorative!
Project 3: Wooden Bunnies Makeover
These wooden bunnies were outdated and worn out. With some decoupage and paint inlays, they became adorable spring decor pieces!
Step 1: Cleaning and Base Coating
I cleaned the bunnies with Dixie Bell White Lightning and then painted the first bunny with Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in the color Fluff as a base coat.
Fluff Chalk Mineral Paint is a soft, crisp white that adds a clean, elegant look to any furniture piece. Its smooth, creamy consistency ensures easy application and flawless coverage. Perfect for modern farmhouse, vintage, or shabby chic styles.
Step 2: Decoupage on Bunny #1
Using Dixie Belle Vintage Wallpaper Decoupage Paper, I added a beautiful vintage floral design. I decoupaged the paper with Dixie Belle Clear Coat in Satin Finish, ensuring no wrinkles by misting the back of the decoupage paper with my mister bottle.
Vintage Wallpaper A1 Rice Decoupage Paper features delicate pink flowers and lush green leaves against a soothing beige background with elegant script accents. Its timeless design evokes nostalgia and sophistication, perfect for adding vintage charm to any project. Meticulously crafted for superior quality, it’s ideal for journals, home decor, and artistic creations.
Step 3: Painting and Inlays on Bunnies #2 and #3
The other two bunnies were painted in Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in Soft Pink and Sea Glass. I applied IOD Spring Melody Paint Inlays in contrasting patterns, giving each bunny a unique look.
Spring Melody Paint Inlay captures the essence of spring with whimsical vignettes, sweet borders, and clusters of delicate patterns. Featuring a soft pink and pale green palette, it brings English countryside charm with bunny toile and dainty crests. Perfect for adding a touch of whimsy and elegance to small decor, wall art, or vintage furniture projects.
Step 4: Sealing and Finishing
To seal and protect the designs, I used Dixie Belle White Wax, which softened the look and added a subtle vintage charm.
Best Dang Wax is a water-based, zero-VOC furniture wax that provides a smooth, creamy application. It enhances depth and dimension while protecting your painted or unpainted pieces. Available in multiple colors, it can be mixed with Dixie Belle paint to create custom finishes.
Final Result:
These once outdated wooden bunnies are now charming, vintage-inspired spring decor pieces, perfect for a whimsical Easter display!
Why These Makeovers Are a Must-Try
These three Trash to Treasure makeovers show just how easy it is to transform old, forgotten pieces into beautiful home decor with just a little creativity and the right products. Whether you’re a seasoned upcycler or a DIY newbie, these projects are fun, easy, and affordable. Plus, they allow you to personalize your home decor while staying environmentally conscious!
Get Crafting and Stay Connected!
Feeling inspired? Grab some thrift store finds and give them a fresh new look! Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more DIY and upcycling inspiration.
Happy Crafting!
Watch the full step-by-step video tutorial here:
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