Fast and Beautiful DIY Finishes for Accessories in Your Home: Part 1

If there’s one thing that I do when I only have a little bit of time, it’s revamping an existing accessory in my home.  I’ve done it for photo shoots, gifts, home staging…or “just because,” I can always squeeze in a few moments to add beauty to an existing ugly or forgotten item!

 

revamped miniature Swedish Mora clock

A black miniature Mora clock I found at Marshall’s that I revamped

reproduction Mora clock before

You can read how I did this miniature Mora clock transformation here.

I think it just takes some imagination, some paint and a somewhat fearless attitude (you need more fearlessness when it’s something larger – like an armoire!) and you can create something amazing from something so humble.

Here are a few more things that I have transformed quickly and easily…

 a candleholder and frame revamped with Annie Sloan Chalk Painr

candleholder and frame redone with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

Before and After..

The candle holder and frame were inexpensive HomeGoods finds that I changed with some Annie Sloan Chalk Paint ( Scandinavian Pink as the base and Old White dry brushed over them). I think it really brought out the best in both of these items!

adding stripes to a plain picture frame

Some quick black stripes on this $3 frame helped a lot

The clearance rack frame above was so plain when I picked it up but I knew that something graphic on it could help redeem it. I painted some black stripes (and not evenly, mind you) but it gave the photo of myself at the Eiffel Tower a little Frenchiness!  N’est pas? You can read about my bookcase transformation here.

Changing the look of plastic and tin vases with paint

Ugly vases before…

verdigris and faux rust change the look of a vase

Vases after…

Vases and flower pots can be made especially unique and beautiful with a little paint and elbow grease.  I changed these really ugly vases into special items for a florist friend of mine.  It took a bit more time but I think the change was worth it…what do you think? You can read how I changed these here.

Think about the things that you have on hand or are using right now in your home – that you may be less-than-pleased with.  Frames.  How many boring, utilitarian frames are gracing your shelves, tabletops, bookcases etc.  Do you really want a plain black or boring frame surrounding a cherished photo of your baby?  Your husband?  Your wedding?  Don’t think so.  So, change it! 

Keep an eye out at HomeGoods, Marshall’s or Target in the clearance section that most people might pass up. Snag these – and paint them and no one will ever know that you got them for just a few dollars.  Just use some imagination and some paint…and you will be on your way to “Accessory Heaven!”

Sharing this with:  BeBetsy, Savvy Southern Style, The Girl Creative, Centerpiece Wednesday, Domestically Speaking, Between Naps on the Porch; Mad Skills; Creative Blogger

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11 Responses to Fast and Beautiful DIY Finishes for Accessories in Your Home: Part 1

  1. Dee says:

    I love all the beautiful updates you did with paint. Your so right paint can transform things.

    • Linda says:

      Hi Dee – thanks so much! How are you? Hope all is well. I took a peek at your blog the other day – still doing great stuff. I have yet to use the transfer pen that you had suggested – but I know that one of these days I will get to it (been busy).

      Thanks for commenting!

      Linda

  2. The Style Sisters says:

    Love all these ideas and tips! Brilliant! Come link up to centerpiece Wed. And share this post on my blog http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2013/06/dr-suess-party-and-centerpiece-wednesday.html
    Karin

  3. BeBetsy says:

    Wonderful transformations! Thanks for sharing.

    Sharon and Denise
    BeBetsy recently posted..Lavender Harvest Foaming Bath | L’OccitaneMy Profile

    • Linda says:

      Thanks Sharon and Denise. Glad to help out! I have been thinking of doing a Link Party. How are you finding it? I know it’s a lot of work – but well worth it in the end.

      Linda

      PS – Love your blog!

  4. Megin says:

    I wanted to let you know that I loved this project! You Were Featured on VMG206 ~ Brag About It Tuesday’s Linky Party from last week! Stop by and grab a Feature Button and Link something new.
    I have pinned your project to my Brag About It Features Pinterest Board. I can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on this week!

    ~ Megin of VMG206

  5. Home Ideas says:

    Have you ever thought about writing an ebook or guest authoring on
    other websites? I have a blog based on the same ideas
    you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information.
    I know my visitors would appreciate your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an email.
    Home Ideas recently posted..Home IdeasMy Profile

    • Linda says:

      Hi Dorothy…Thanks for commenting. I would like to do some guest blogging and I am in the process of writing a few ebooks. Thanks for reminding me that I have to finish them!!

      Linda

  6. Although the clock came out great I really hope you checked out the value of an antique 18th century Mora (Sweedish) Clock. They are worth about $2,000 to $4,000 if not more
    Arthur Art-Faux Designs Inc recently posted..Grotesque Ornamental Mural PaintingMy Profile

  7. Pingback: Brag About It | Link Party | No. 9 - VMG206

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