Often, I get asked, “how do I get the look I want for less?” We all love budget decor and if we’re super particular for finding antiques all the time, we can mix in a few thrifty finds now and then. Take this set, for instance, it’s sold as a set for seasonal decor and perfect for my purposes today. I’m feeling the need to take it from “made in _____” holiday to a farmhouse bowl and tray with a story to tell.

Sound good to you? Let’s go.

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS

First, when I picked these up, I guessed them to be made of fabricated wood. They’re too lightweight to be solid wood, but also just show a bit of the glued and pressed wood from the bottom.

After I peel off the stickers, I give them a good cleaning with a 2:1 water/vinegar mix to get them ready for paint. Since I have a strong affinity for antique dough bowls, I want to give this bowl that sorta vibe. You can see how I took this tourist piece from Mexico and gave it a dough bowl makeover HERE.

To get started, I use this Nutmeg color paint as a base with two coats letting cure in between.

Meanwhile, I use this dark gray to give the tray a solid base of two coats to work with as well.

However, as soon as my first coat cures on the tray, I remember I wanted to add feet to the base. Next, I pull out these Art Deco knobs from my stash and glue them on using e6000 adhesive before applying the second coat of gray.

After that, I use my metallic copper to apply two coats. But before the second coat cures, I use a paper towel to pounce the surface to give it texture while also letting that gray peek through.

I’ve used this paint before to create patina with the special reactive spray that makes it age before your very eyes. Take a peek at these past posts below:

• Antique Art Deco Dressing Table Makeover
• Thrifted Metal Art Weathervane
• Kitchen Canisters
• Large Faux Clock
• Wall Art from Bedrails

RUSTIC AND RENEWED

First of my farmhouse bowl and tray makeover, take a peek at this beauty.

The copper gives it an entirely new vibe, while the patina spray ages it just enough.

Then, there’s the “antique” dough bowl with dry brush whitewashed finished on top of that paint.

Of course, a true dough bowl would not be painted. Unfortunately, a local flea market tucks in “made in _____” stuff in with their antiques. Some misled buyers think they’re getting an antique and that’s sad to me.

If you would like to make these a part of your home story or give as a gift, you can find them and more in my online store.

 

SHARE

Finally, I want to hear from you. Would you have bought this duo from the get-go? Leave me some love below as well as pin and share to inspire others too.

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Until next time!…

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While you’re at it, here are more thrifty makeovers like this farmhouse bowl and tray: