Fun & Easy Updates!

Time for another project post!   If you have been following me you know that I like to go to yard sales, estate sales and thrift stores to treasure hunt!   I pick up things here and there that I would like to try and update and see if they turn out.  I like  using items that can be updated quickly and easily using minimal materials. 

For these type of projects, a big bang for my buck is spray paint!  With a little paint, and maybe a ribbon, you can transform something ugly or outdated into something modern and cute!  At least most of the time...

Have a look at these fun and easy projects:

Of course I forgot the before photos on most of these...

Blue Heart Bird Cage

This was one of those 80's dark green metal decorative cages that has heavy black paint over it.  Really outdated.  It on sale for 99 cents at the thrift store.  I chose a French Blue and some brown grosgrain ribbon to hang it .  The cage was primered with metal primer, and then a couple of coats of blue.  That's it!  She is transformed!

Wooden Knife Block

This started out as one of those 70's wooden knife blocks.  You can find tons of these at the thrift stores.  I saw the idea to paint one black on The House of Hepworths on this post where she used a vinyl Monogram letter  http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2010/03/24/fun-with-vinyl/several months ago.  I used the infamous Oil Rubbed Bronze.  I picked up a fleur de lis stamp at Micheal's for $1 and used pale blue acrylic paint to stamp the design.

Wall Candle Holder

This was a weird sorta lime greenish color with gold washed over it, also on sale for $1.  How could you go wrong?  It looks like a church window and I was thinking of doing it in white or heirloom white, but then I thought it might look good for holiday decor, or in a house (like mine) with Italian colors so I chose the Claret Wine color from Rustoleum.  After using metal primer and 3 coats of paint  it is so much better!  I wish I had taken before pics.  It was really ugly!  I used 3 pages from an old hymnal and wrapped a candle that I had and tied it with jute. 



Old Chippy Bird House

This one I  distressed as the paint was coming off anyway, and tied on a ribbon, put some matching tulle inside and a couple of french designs on the front.  I am not really happy with this one.  I may redo it again.  I think more farm housey?  What are your ideas for this piece?

Bird House Final

Remember the bird house from here http://mylifeinstages.blogspot.com/2010/10/bird-cages-and-other-finished-projects.html?  It started as a tole painted thing crammed with dusty artificial flowers.  I painted it and was thinking of distressing it but I chickened out and just went with a couple french stamps in  blue and a pale blue ribbon.  What do you think? 

Ok, now get out there and pick up some $1 items at your local thrift store and imagine them into something new!  I want to see your pictures!!  

Linking up at

Funky Junk Interiors Home Decor Party  http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/

Under The Table and Dreaming  http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2010/11/sunday-showcase-party-early-sneak-peek.html

The DIY Project Parade http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/

Somewhat Simple http://www.somewhatsimple.com/