Thrifting for Smalls

What to do. What to do. When it’s 18 degrees outside and you want to work on a custom project for your client. You step outside, the wind whips your face, and you know it would be a bad idea. So you wait for much improved circumstances.

But you want a project. You want to use a paintbrush this weekend. You want to lose yourself in colors and ideas and creativity. Time to go thrifting!

In the winter months, I have less opportunities to prep and sand my furniture pieces outside, so I sometimes grab some smalls to makeover instead. I have to say I got a great little haul this past weekend and was able to makeover two of the 4 items.

But let’s just celebrate this little number here first.

Not all treasure is silver and gold.
(if there’s some blue in it…you might have something i want)

It was laying on its side on the shelf, but the blue lines caught my eye. Then, when I picked it up and saw the unique features, I knew it was going in my cart. The interesting cylinder shape, intricate weaving design, no damage at all. It didn’t matter what the price tag said, but extra score that it was just $3.99. This works all by itself as a piece of art, or I could see some sweet wildflowers peeking out the top and hanging on a doorknob. This one needs no makeover for me!

Just a Big ‘Ol Box

It’s big. It’s old. It’s drab brown. It’s just $7.99. Let’s do something with it! You probably can’t go wrong with boxes. It can always be functional to hold and hide something away from sight. But as is, this box wasn’t something anyone would want to set out on the foyer table, do you think? I’m not sure what this material is, but I figured it could be painted. For some reason I kept seeing a happy springtime color. Spring is close, right?

First, I removed the hardware (front latch pieces plus back hinges). Next, the whole outer box (other than the bottom) got covered in primer, including the top handle. I painted the box in a pretty baby blue called Clear Pond by Behr. I didn’t cover it opaquely so it feels a bit shabby. It’s definitely a happy blue. But I wanted it to feel even more different.

I decided to pull out my Redesign with Prima decor moulds. These are called Winter Blooms, and the fact that I have two identical moulds makes things move a little faster. I’ve used these before on a pretty little cabinet (https://www.charmandgrithome.com/furniture-designs/). My favorite medium is Polyform’s Model Air modeling clay. I find it at Walmart, and it can last a really long time by storing it in a closed Rubbermaid container.

Removing the moulds before they are bone dry keeps them flexible enough to wrap around curves. Any wood glue will work to make them stick, and I use a toothpick to apply it to the back of the moulds. (If I need to, I use painter’s tape to hold them down in place.) I chose Champaigne Mist for the hardware, a nice contrast with the blue.

Sweet Smelling Towel Holder

Before we get to the box reveal, I also picked up this towel holder. Nothing special. Just a wooden towel holder you could see in any household from the 70’s or 80’s. Not sure what time this was most popular. At $2.99 and solid wood, it’s a steal.

Just a little wooden towel holder – would you have picked it up?

I decided to go with white on this one. Not my typical color choice but I figured it could make a home in quite a few bathrooms. But I wanted it to be more than just a white wall holder, so I grabbed some leftover transfers by Redesign with Prima called Cosmic Roses. These can really add character, color, and charm to a piece. I’ve also used these on a vintage cabinet for a client, which turned out pretty great! (https://www.charmandgrithome.com/light-bright/)