Ugly Thrift Shop Christmas Tree Upcycle
December 11, 2017
I found this skinny wooden Christmas tree at the thrift shop last week.
I think it was originally a primitive style, craft sale tree.
But at some point the wooden tree was decorated with paper stickers and fake gifts were glued on the base.
It took some elbow grease, and Goo Gone to get the stickers off.
I pulled the little gifts off the base, but hot glue gobs remained. I used a hair dryer on the glue to loosen it up so I could scrape it off.
Then I just gave it a scrubbing with soap and water.
I pulled the little gifts off the base, but hot glue gobs remained. I used a hair dryer on the glue to loosen it up so I could scrape it off.
Then I just gave it a scrubbing with soap and water.
I brushed two coats of Waverly Inspirations Chalk Paint in Celery.
I painted the tree's base first in a cream chalky paint, but then decided to go brown with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Honfleur.
I then pulled out my favorite stencil, buffalo check from *Old Sign Stencils.
I stenciled on the checks with Ceramcoat Acrylic Paint in Buttercream
with a Dreamweaver stencil brush
.
with a Dreamweaver stencil brush
.
I thought my tree was just a little too blah so I decided to try the Plaid Shirt stencil in red over the buffalo checks.
I distressed the stencils just a bit and then faux distressed the edges with the FolkArt Layering Wood Block
. I use the layering block all the time! More about the layering block technique is here.
After distressing the base with sandpaper, I sealed the whole project with Varathane Water-Based Polyurethane in Satin Finish.
I added an iron star to the top of the tree with a screw and washer. The star is from the thrift shop too!
. I use the layering block all the time! More about the layering block technique is here.After distressing the base with sandpaper, I sealed the whole project with Varathane Water-Based Polyurethane in Satin Finish.
I added an iron star to the top of the tree with a screw and washer. The star is from the thrift shop too!
Here is the skinny tree after the transformation!
I think it's pretty cute.
So be on the look out for dated Christmas decor to upcycle!
*Old Sign Stencils provided me with complimentary samples.
All opinions about these fabulous products are my own.
Other 2017 buffalo check Christmas projects:
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Amazing makeover! You sure are talented!!! Well done!
ReplyDeleteLove your projects with the buffalo check! I think I have a knack for seeing a new life for an ugly item, but I would have passed that tree up! Great eye!
ReplyDeletePositively brilliant!!!
ReplyDelete~ Christina in SW FL
Such an improvement! Great project & great find Carlene!
ReplyDeletewhat a great save, super cute!
ReplyDeleteI love all your projects! You are such a talented lady!
ReplyDeleteMore cuteness.......thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Tammy
You are so talented! Love all of it. The tree is amazing!
ReplyDeleteAmazing ... all you need is a stencil and an old piece of wood. Love it.
ReplyDeleteHugs and Merry Christmas
Audrey Z.
I have 3 trees just like your originals. Love the buffalo check but expect 3 trees done the same would be less effective. I was thinking that perhaps one buffalo check and the other 2 with their own design..1. .alternate sized stripes in 3 different widths of stripes, same muted colour but different depths of that colour 2. stars, same idea as stripes..??? .....any other ideas? What do you think of mine...honestly!
ReplyDeleteI think they could all be the same. I just love buffalo checks with Christmas decor more than stripes.
Delete