There’s something so satisfying about taking an ordinary, overlooked item and transforming it into a beautiful, vintage-inspired treasure. If you love DIY projects, upcycling, and giving thrifted finds a new life, you’re in the right place! Today, I’m sharing three incredible makeovers that will inspire you to think outside the box when it comes to decorating your home on a budget.
What You’ll Learn
We’re transforming:
- A paint can into a rusty, vintage-inspired campfire marshmallow tin
- A thrifted wooden jewelry box into a charming vintage keepsake
- A picture frame into a stunning copper patina work of art
Let’s dive in and get creative!
Project 1: Campfire Marshmallow Tin Makeover
I’ve been on the hunt for an antique Campfire Marshmallow tin, but since I haven’t found one yet, I decided to make my own! Here’s how I did it:
Supplies Needed
🔹 Supplies: A new paint can (or any metal tin), Sweet Pickins Milk Paint in Flower Sack, Dixie Belle Patina Paint (Iron), and a Campfire Marshmallow label.
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔹 Step 1: I started with two coats of Flower Sack milk paint, adding Extra Bond to help it stick to the slick metal surface. Milk paint naturally chips and crackles, giving it that authentic vintage charm!
🔹 Step 2: Once dry, I applied the printed Campfire Marshmallow label using Dixie Belle’s Satin Top Coat as a decoupage medium. I smoothed out any wrinkles and let it dry completely.
🔹 Step 3: Time for the fun part—making it rusty and crusty! I used Dixie Belle’s Iron Patina Paint, applying it around the edges and creases where natural rust would form. After two coats, I spritzed on the Patina Spray in Green & Yellow, activating the metal flakes in the paint to create a gorgeous rust effect!
🔹 Step 4: Once everything was dry, I sealed it with Dixie Belle’s Gloss Top Coat for an authentic tin finish. And voila—a perfectly aged Campfire Marshmallow tin!
Project 2: Vintage-Inspired Jewelry Box Refresh
I found this heavy, well-made wooden jewelry box at a thrift store. It had great bones but needed some vintage charm!
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔹 Step 1: I painted it in Soft Pink Dixie Belle Chalk Paint, giving it two good coats for a smooth finish.
🔹 Step 2: For an elegant touch, I added IOD Lattice Rose Paint Inlays to the top. These inlays work with wet paint, so I applied a fresh coat of Soft Pink, laid the inlays down, and pressed them in. Once dry, I spritzed them with water and peeled them back to reveal a stunning design!
🔹 Step 3: To enhance its vintage feel, I lightly distressed the edges and hardware with 220-grit sandpaper, making it look naturally worn over time.
🔹 Step 4: I sealed the entire box with Dixie Belle’s White Wax, buffing it back to create a dreamy, aged finish. Now it looks like a treasured heirloom straight from Grandma’s dresser! 💕
Project 3: Copper Patina Picture Frame Makeover
This plain picture frame was begging for a transformation, and I knew a copper patina finish would be perfect!
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔹 Step 1: I painted the frame with Dixie Belle Collard Greens Chalk Paint—this deep, moody green made a great base color for the patina effect.
🔹 Step 2: I mixed Dixie Belle Copper Patina Paint with Saltwash to create a textured finish. Using a chip brush, I stippled the mixture onto the frame, letting it dry before repeating for extra depth.
🔹 Step 3: While the second coat was still wet, I sprayed it with Dixie Belle’s Blue Patina Spray. As it dried over the next few hours, the magic happened—the copper paint oxidized into a gorgeous aged patina!
🔹 Step 4: I sealed the frame with Satin Top Coat and added Connie Lines & Designs Lilac You More Rice Paper to the picture area using decoupage medium. The result? A stunning, high-end vintage-style frame with loads of character! 🌿
Which Makeover Was Your Favorite?
I’d love to hear which project inspired you the most! Drop a comment below and let me know. If you love DIY upcycles, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more creative transformations!
🛍 Shop my favorite DIY supplies here: www.thevintagehenandchick.com
Happy crafting, friends! See you next time! 💛
If you enjoyed this blog and want to remember it for inspiration, be sure to PIN IT FOR LATER!