WFMW

From Ew! to New!

Re-purpose Thrift Store Finds for Fab Christmas Decorations

I got this idea from one of my many favorite HGTV shows. Remember how I said a few WFMW back that anything can be painted? Well, allow me to demonstrate.

After seeing this great Christmas decorating idea on HGTV I sped over to my nearest Goodwill and found these not-so-quite-beauties:

I loathe brass. It is soooo not my thing. But these candlestick holders are really diamonds in the rough. They just need a little TLC.

I found my spray paint and clear finish at Walmart. I had never tried this brand before but the fact that the paint can promised it would bond to plastic even without a primer is what sold me on it. On the back of the can, it states that it will also bond to metal. That's what I was looking for!

Since it is waaaay too cold to spray paint outside, I set up a tall box in the storage room downstairs. Since the box still had the top panels, I was able to spray a little then close the box up quickly to the "dust" wouldn't escape and cover the other items around me.

It took a few coats but I was really happy with the finish. The paint had a nice smooth feel to it and covered nicely with hardly any drips. The drips that were there (barely noticeable) were, I'm sure, caused by too much spraying at one time. So if you're going to do this project, remember: take your time and spray in small, short bursts. Don't hold the can over the item and spray continuously.

I then followed up with a coat of clear finish. I didn't like the clear finish because it made my smooth paint rough. So now, my candlestick holders aren't as smooth to the touch. I think it's a necessary step, however, to guard against chipping.

I then went to Walmart and purchased some very inexpensive Christmas tree ornaments and placed one on top of each candlestick holder. This one is my favorite.

Here they are all together. Much better, wouldn't you say? What I love about this project is the fact that the candlestick holders are not just for Christmas. Once the season is over, I'll top each of these with a pretty candle and place them at various places throughout my home. Come Easter, I may just top them each with a beautiful Easter egg. Wouldn't that be darling?!

So the next time you're at a thrift store or garage sale and you see something that has a great design or functionality but is aesthetically displeasing (a.k.a. ugly) just imagine it with a fresh coat of paint. You never know what beauty you may uncover!

Re-purposing thrift store items into something beautiful for the holidays - that Works For Me!

My other WFMW posts:

Butter For Your Feet

How To Correctly Fold A Towel

Organizational Bins, Boxes & More!

A Place For Necklaces