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Broken Decor – How to Repair & Update

It’s an exciting time when the second Tuesday of the month rolls around because that means I get to join up with my blogger friends for Trash to Treasure Tuesday. {{happy dance}} You’re in for a treat as we all share new projects to inspire you. The idea is to take the broken and unwanted and give it new life. Today, this literally broken decor piece is in need of some love, don’t you say?

Busted Decor Piece Before Makeover | prodigalpieces.com

If you look close, you can see where it was dropped and a piece broke off and fell inside. I already put back part of it, but there is still a missing piece left. Also, one of the mirrors is missing off the base as well.

Brokend Decor Piece | prodigalpieces.com

Missing Mirror on Broken Decor Piece | prodigalpieces.com

DIY TIME

Well, we can’t let this head to the landfill. tsk. So, it’s time to do some fixin’. First, I take a piece of Sculpey (my favorite polymer clay) and create a replacement piece. I press the clay in and gently remove it to bake it. Likewise, you can see how to use the clay to repair furniture in my post HERE.

Repairing Broken Decor with Polymer Clay | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Then, I replace it in the hole and glue on. While it fits perfectly, it does still need a bit of shaping. After that, I use my Dremel with attachment. However, you could hand-sand as well – no special tools needed. Next, the base needs some love. I take off the mirrors and set those aside for another purpose.

Removing Mirrors from Broken Decor Pineapple Statue | prodigalpieces.com

With that in mind, I take my spackling and fill all the holes.

Filling in Broken Decor with Spackling | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

However, before I call it quits, I also use spackling and a stencil to make a decoration on each panel.

Embossing Broken Decor with Stencil & Spackling | prodigalpieces.com

You can see how I use this technique in the video project below. Or, check out these past posts as well.

DIY Embossing Vintage Shelf Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Last, but not least, I use my metallic paint to blend the base in with the rest of this broken decor piece.

Bronze Metallic Paint to Finish Broken Decor Piece | prodigalpieces.com

NEXT STEPS

While we have the piece in a finished state, it’s time to make it our own. From here you could leave it as is with the touch-ups, or go in a completely different direction. Although, for me, I want a bit more texture and softness added to it, so I give it a base coat of a white milk paint.

Painting Broken Pineapple Statue | prodigalpieces.com

After that, I apply waxes to draw out the details and distress to see the metallic paint peeking out below.

THE REVEAL

Finally, our broken decor is repaired and ready for a great many more years.  Can you believe it’s the same piece?

White Pineapple State - DIY Broken Decor Repair by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #diy #home

Broken Decor Repair Pineapple Statue Top by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy

Not bad for broken decor with that misfit vibe, don’t you think? What is more, all it took was a willing spirit and a little elbow grease.

DIY Farmhouse Chic Style from Broken Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #homedecor #farmhouse #decor

DIY Embossed Pineapple Statue to Fix Broken Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #farmhouse

With that in mind, can you tell I made the repairs? They’re facing you bold face – nothing to hide here! woot!

Closeup of Broken Decor Repair by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #home #farmhouse #diy

Farmhouse Chic Pineapple Statue Repair by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #rusticchic #diy #homedecor

As always, my goal is to inspire you to see past the obvious and have a vision to what #trashure really can become with a DIY spirit. If you want to add this piece to your home decor, you can find it and more available in my online shop.

  • Magic Linen Beige Waffle Blanket available at Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #bedding
    Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130

SHARE

Additionally, do pin and share how to repair broken decor. It can be done and folks need to know!

Don't toss that broken decor. Repair it! It's simple and easy with the steps by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #farmhouse #homedecor #home

Up next, I have a GIVEAWAY you don’t want to miss that also showcases a way to create the most unique gift. HEAD HERE to join the fun!

Stack of Reclaimed Boards for DIY Charcuterie Board | prodigalpieces.com

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Next, head below to see my friends’ Trash to Treasure fun!

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Last, but not least, check out these other inspiring makeovers just for you:

Trash to Treasure Tuesday | prodigalpieces.com

Trash to Treasure December 2021 | prodigalpieces.com

  1. Salvaged Inspirations
  2. Artsy Chicks Rule
  3. Confessions of a Serial DIYer
  4. Girl in the Garage

Also, more DIY adventures like my broken decor repaired & updated:

A single upcycled broken chair is turned into 5 different home decor projects by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #upcycled #farmhouse #home #homedecorDon't toss those broken drawers. Instead create your own home decor. Tutorial at Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #farmhouse #home #homedecor #spring

Comments

  1. Rebecca - NC says

    Did not see this one making it…. What an amazing transformation!! And I am going to try the sculpty clay fix…. I’ve always used epoxy putty and it is difficult to use. Thanks again for another instructive post!! ?

    • Larissa says

      I was kinda doubtful too, actually. 😉 But, I had to try! Yes, love me some Sculpey.

  2. Susan says

    I never thought about using sculpty. Definitely going to try it! Thanks for the tip!

    • Larissa says

      Sweet! It’s such a wonderful medium to use for many things. My pleasure!

  3. Susan Skidmore says

    Great job fixing something destined for the trash!

    • Larissa says

      Thank ya, Susan! I’m so glad it worked out as I’d hoped. 😀

  4. Cheryl Atkinson says

    Hi Lariss,.I love how this turned out. It look like a light wood with a wash. I was surprised at the final look. I need to try that. Ombo. Thank you.

    • Larissa says

      Awesome! Thanks so much. Working on things like this makes me so happy. Yay!

  5. Denise - Salvaged Inspirations says

    Amazing! I wouldn’t have touched this one with a 10-foot pole ? but I’m in love with the finished look! I see similar decor selling in Homesense all the time! Well done my friend! XOXO

    • Larissa says

      haha. I couldn’t wait to mess with it. Originally I was going to chop it up, but figured I try this first. Thanks so much, Denise!

  6. Niki says

    This is so much better Larissa, you did a wonderful job. I always look at pieces like that and think….who designed that and why?? However the way you recreated it makes it a true trash to treasure !!

    • Larissa says

      Right? hahaha!! I do that too. Thanks for the smile and love, Nikki.

  7. Kimberly Ridgway says

    Turned out beautifully! You never cease to amaze me with how you take broken, damaged, unwanted items and turn them into gems for pennies! You are such an inspiration to so many and I always anticipate your next trashure item. Continue on as you are fulfilling your God-given purpose with the giftings He has given to you. God bless!

    • Larissa says

      I could hug ya, Kimberly…you are so sweet and totally made my day. Thank you!! {{hugs}}

  8. Christy James says

    You can’t even tell where you repaired it! That’s amazing!! Very nice save! XOXO

    • Larissa says

      whew!! It has that air of time-worn anyway. haha! Thank you, Christy. 😀

  9. Susan says

    Even without the substantial damage this piece definitely needed the Larissa touch! Your artistry always impresses! I like it SO much better after you got hold of it! Great job and valuable suggestion to use Sculpey… who’d have thought?!

    • Larissa says

      Susan, you always know how to make me smile from ear to ear. Thank you for being so awesome!

  10. Becky says

    Holy COW. And here I was, wondering why you were wasting time and talent on an obvious PIECE OF JUNK. ?? This is your transformation of the year. Fantastic!!!

  11. Marie B. says

    I love how you take what most would deem garbage worthy and redeem it like new…better than new. Trash to treasure indeed!

    • Larissa says

      Oh yes…the only way to be, right? Thanks so much, Marie. I was just on your site and know we are kindred. 😀

  12. Trudy says

    I love the transformation way more than the original! Thanks for the tip on Sculpey.

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