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?
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.
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.
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.
With that in mind, I take my spackling and fill all the holes.
However, before I call it quits, I also use spackling and a stencil to make a decoration on each panel.
You can see how I use this technique in the video project below. Or, check out these past posts as well.
Last, but not least, I use my metallic paint to blend the base in with the rest of this broken decor piece.
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.
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?
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.
With that in mind, can you tell I made the repairs? They’re facing you bold face – nothing to hide here! woot!
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.
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Additionally, do pin and share how to repair broken decor. It can be done, and folks need to know!
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!
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Last, but not least, check out these other inspiring makeovers just for you:
Also, more DIY adventures like my broken decor repaired & updated:
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!! ?
I was kinda doubtful too, actually. 😉 But, I had to try! Yes, love me some Sculpey.
I never thought about using sculpty. Definitely going to try it! Thanks for the tip!
Sweet! It’s such a wonderful medium to use for many things. My pleasure!
Great job fixing something destined for the trash!
Thank ya, Susan! I’m so glad it worked out as I’d hoped. 😀
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.
Awesome! Thanks so much. Working on things like this makes me so happy. Yay!
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
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!
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 !!
Right? hahaha!! I do that too. Thanks for the smile and love, Nikki.
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!
I could hug ya, Kimberly…you are so sweet and totally made my day. Thank you!! {{hugs}}
You can’t even tell where you repaired it! That’s amazing!! Very nice save! XOXO
whew!! It has that air of time-worn anyway. haha! Thank you, Christy. 😀
It looks so good!!!!
Music to my ears, Audra. Thank you!
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?!
Susan, you always know how to make me smile from ear to ear. Thank you for being so awesome!
Beautiful save, Larissa!
Thank you, Jen.
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!!!
haha! You’ve made my day, Becky. 😀 Thanks!
I love how you take what most would deem garbage worthy and redeem it like new…better than new. Trash to treasure indeed!
Oh yes…the only way to be, right? Thanks so much, Marie. I was just on your site and know we are kindred. 😀
I love the transformation way more than the original! Thanks for the tip on Sculpey.
Awesome! You’re welcome. It’s such a handy textile.