HI All! I remember a couple weeks ago my farmhouse signs and thrift store makeover post, when I said that I had two more projects to show you. Well today is that day! I want to share with you how I gave two thrifty finds a farmhouse makeover.
Thrifty Finds A Farmhouse Makeover
The first is a plain wooden tray that has been sitting in my thrift store stash for quite a while. The other day when I was shopping at Hobby Lobby for the items needed for my Spring Garden centerpiece I ran across a stencil that I just had to have.
The first thing that popped in my head when I saw the stencil, was that it would be perfect for the little wooden tray that’s been sitting in the closet forever. So, I snatched it up, and off to pay for my purchases, then get back home, and get started on the thrifty finds a farmhouse makeover, and the other projects that I wanted to get done that week.
I first wiped the tray down with a wet soapy rag, then dried the tray. Next came two coats of Waverly white chalk paint. (I’m sorry I forgot to get a before photo. But it was just a plain wooden tray).
After that dried, I then centered my new stencil on the wooden tray. Using Waverly ink (which is black) chalk paint, and a stiff brush I stenciled the lettering in the center of the tray. Once done I gently removed the stencil.
Once done I let the tray dry thoroughly, then I took it outside and distressed the edges with some fine sandpaper. After that I added a little black to the edges here and there. Just to add to the distressed look I was seeking.
Loving how it turned out but thinking that it needed something else I decided to take a cue from Mary over at The Boondocks blog, and broke out some twine, and my hot glue gun.
Starting on one of the handles I started wrapping the twine around it and gluing it down with hot glue. Then I went to the other handle and did the same.
All done and such an easy Farmhouse makeover! It is now hanging in our kitchen dining area because the hubby really loved it, so I kept this one.
Tweet ThisNext is the Goodwill metal sign that I had bought and wanted to use as a magnetic board for notes but couldn’t figure out what I wanted to do.
First I drew off a chicken, and wasn’t happy with it even before I painted it. So, I added a pig and went as far as to paint. It didn’t like it either so it had been sitting there on the back burner.
Then when I took the bird nest back that I had purchased for the spring centerpiece I went back to check out the other stencils and found another that would be perfect. It would even go with the wood tray above.
So once home I gave the metal sign a quick sanding, then two coats of Waverly’s white chalk paint. Once dry I centered the stencil on the metal board and stenciled in the lettering with my black chalk paint.
Then came a light sanding, a little black paint to the edges of the sign adding to the distressed look.
It is now hanging under the wooden tray. Love how they both turned out! It is amazing how much a new paint job, and some stenciling can make a difference. Don’t you think? Do you love giving Thrifty finds a farmhouse makeover?
Supplies Needed
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Thrift store Wooden Tray
Thrift store Metal Sign
Waverly Chalk Paint
Hot Glue Gun (this is my new one)
Twine
Find grit sandpaper
Stencils
Stencil brush
More Fun Makeovers
How to farmhouse signs and thrift store makeovers
Candle holder bundt pan makeover
Handmade message board
That is such a sweet Tray Linda. I love the light color and the twine, of course. And for the sign, it’s great how you redid it over and made it your own.
Thank you Mary! That sign sure gave me fits. But in the end I am happy how it turned out.
Thank you Mary! That sign sure gave me fits. But in the end I am happy how it turned out.
Oh my goodness, my mom neeeeeeeds these! They would be so perfect for her!
Your mom must have the same taste as I. LOL 😉 I love the farmhouse style!
They both turned out great Linda. I must admit stencils scare me a little. I always end up smudging them but maybe I’m just to impatient or something. I love how you did yours.
Thank you Michelle! I admit I use to hate stencils because they always bled under. And I think that was because I was impatient, but once I learned to slow it down, and use a lot less paint I do pretty good. But those days that I do get in a hurry, sometimes I have to go back and touch up.
Adore the tray – was actually thinking about your wonderful chicken images in bed the other night Linda! I’m definitely copying this idea – the twine really finishes it off nicely 🙂
Thanks Sarah! I hate it when things pop up in my head while in bed. I have to get up and write it now or draw it to get it out of my mind so I can sleep. LOL. Maybe you will have better luck with the chicken then I did.
I have the same tray at home…minus the pretty makeover! LOL Love the stencil you choose. I thought the pig was cute too too. You’re talented! Pinned so I can remember your idea for my tray when I finally get around to finishing it!
Thanks Wendi! I really wanted a chicken or a pig on the metal sign, but it just didn’t turn out like I wanted it too. But I am happy with how the sign turned out. Thanks for pinning!
Both of these look fantastic, I would have kept them too! LOL The stencils are great, it’s amazing how cool stencils are nowadays, they look handpainted.
The extra touch of the twine on the handles of the tray really add a lot of interest, great idea!
Thanks Nikki! I use to hate stencils, but now that I am getting better using them I love them. Especially these new ones, they have a somewhat adhesive side on the back side, so they stick somewhat to the wood. That makes it even easier.
I decided to take a cue from Mary and use the twine. Every time she uses it her project is even that much better.
The twins added just the right touch to the tray! Love it.
Thank you Winona! That was a last minute decision, but I’m glad I added it. 🙂
Wow, these are both so cute Linda! The perfect stencils to use for those, and love the finished look the jute string gives the handles of the tray. I’m going to have to look closely at stencils the next time I’m in Hobby Lobby.
Thank you Florence! I got the idea for the jute handles from one of Mary’s projects. The twine/jute queen 😉 Hobby Lobby does have a pretty good selection of stencils.