Top
Subscribe for free and never miss a post

Metal Art – Repurposed Farmhouse Decor

Who doesn’t love a good thrift store run, right? Recently, I came across a good load and included in it were these two metal farm animals – a cow and a rooster. I have an addiction, not only to farmhouse stuff, but also to quirky metal art and these fit the bill.

Thrifted Metal Cow and Rooster | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

My belief is that they are actually lanterns. Each one has a spot where you can insert a votive candle and see the light peeking out of the holes. However, I had to giggle because the rooster was missing his legs and I thought…what am I going to do with that? My kids loved them and I knew I could find some sort of purpose for them.

DIY TIME

In all of my repurposing projects, I head out to my stash and almost instantly something speaks to me. Here is what I dragged in…

Reclaimed Wood for Farmhouse Metal Art | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

What you see is a barn wood plank on the bottom, two leftover table legs from my wooden totes, some luan remnants, a dowel, and a chunk of leftover wood from our clients custom open shelving made from 1800’s beech. Have I intrigued you yet? hee hee hee.

First up is the cow. I grab my drill and mount it to that barn wood plank with some screws. Then, I felt kinda funny drilling into the belly of this bovine.

Mounting Metal Art Cow to Reclaimed Barn Wood | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

However, there was a bit of room where I wanted to add some farmhouse funk. So, how about some milky goodness?

Fresh Milk Graphic for Metal Art | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Next, using my transfer method, I applied the text to the barn wood and then hand-painted it in – my therapy.

Hand-Painting Fresh Milk Sign | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

SIGNAGE

Now for some farmhouse goodness…isn’t this metal art sign sweet?

Thrifted Metal Art into Farmhouse Decor by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

In addition, I have a soft spot for cows as I used to collect any and all as a kid. Their genteel spirit and playful way just draw me in.

Rustic Farmhouse Fresh Milk Sign Metal Art from Reclaimed Finds by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

The best part…you can even still add a battery operated votive for some extra fun. Yay! Oh, and yes, that is really fresh milk that we get weekly from the lovely ladies at a local organic dairy farm.

UP NEXT

Next is that legless rooster…hee hee. After mulling around a few ideas, I totally saw a weather vane in this handsome fella. Then, I grab my drill and one of those leftover antique table legs, and take that hole completely through, making it open to both sides.

Drilling Through Antique Table Leg | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Next, I use the same boiled linseed oil I used on my antique pew makeover to give that 1800’s beech wood a nice natural color and finish. Look how it brings out the grain…swooning!

Applying Boiled Linseed Oil to Reclaimed Wood | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Once the oil has had a chance to soak in, I drilled to make a hole in the barn wood and also in the base of that antique table leg. I am creating a space for a dowel to connect the two together.

Building Weathervane from Reclaimed Parts | Prodigal Pieces | www. prodigalpieces.com

From that scrap pile I showed you earlier, I take the dowel and luan pieces and create the cross-piece of the weather vane. Finally, here it is in the raw.

Rough Design of Repurposed Faux Weathervane | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Notice I added a ceiling plate from an antique light fixture to the base. But, this guy’s not finished yet. I want patina, so I go to a copper metal effects set that I used on my Art Deco vanity. Let me tell you…this stuff ROCKS!

Modern Masters Metal Effects Copper Paint | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

This is metal in a jar and when added to wood, metal, plastic, anything…it becomes oxidized with the green aging solution. See, I told you it was cool. tsk.

PATINA

I gave my faux weather vane a coat of acid blocking primer and, next comes the gorgeous reactive copper paint.

Applying Copper Paint to Metal Art | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

While I could stop there, I am aching to see this thing take on that wonderful green patina. After that, I spritz it with the aging solution and watch the transformation take effect in minutes. Likewise, this is a cool experiment to show my homeschooled children. Science is fun!

THE REVEAL

Finally, are you ready to see my legless cock turned rustic weather vane? Meet Sir Clucksalot. (yes, I give quirky names to my creations at times)

Repurposed Wood and Metal Art Faux Weather Vane by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

I love the character this metal art has and find it amazing that it’s mostly made of wood. Additionally, how about that butcher block…swoon! It is available in my shop along with my cow and rooster creations. Come on over to see all there is to offer.

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

Faux Copper Weather Vane from Reclaimed Parts by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

My kids kept giggling at this rooster turned weather vane because they like it so much. I have to admit, he’s kinda cute.

Close-up of Copper Patina on Reclaimed Metal Art by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

And not only that, but I love this green patina created in a half hour.

Copper Patina Created on Wood Metal Art by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Additionally, if you love those faux cotton stems too, I have a video tutorial for you so that you can make two arrangements for less than $4.

DIY Cotton Stem Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing my metal art creations come to life and find a new purpose. Are you inspired to take the chance on some thrifted goods? tsk. I know you are.

SHARE

In addition, pin and share to inspire others to get out there and DIY too. ♥

Farmhouse Metal Art from Thrift Store Finds by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Up next, I’m showing you what I do with that other table leg and this pile of reclaimed goodness. Come on and see here!

Reclaimed Wood Pile with Vintage Cake Pan | Prodigal Pieces | 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. Until next time!

blog signature

Also, here are more of my projects like my metal art:

Vintage Waterfall Dresser Gets Volkswagen Bus Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.comBudget-Friendly French Farmhouse Master Bedroom Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Cecilia says

    Love them both! I might like the cow just a bit more though. 🙂

  2. Zoya says

    Girl, you have got TALENT! Love these and very clever and very farmhouse! I spent some years of my life on a Holstein dairy farm and love the Cow sign. The rooster is positively wonderful. Thank you for sharing these. Of course, the trick will be finding the cow and the rooster without his legs!! ha ha

  3. Sherry Stuifbergen says

    You are fantastic with your”vision” for making things look so good. I would have picked up the cow for sure at a thrift shop. You are so lucky with your thrifting. I can go weeks without a treasure! I will explore your shop for MORE goodness!

    • Larissa says

      hee hee hee. Thank you, Sherry. I have fun in my treasure hunts and creating. 😉

  4. Mary-the boondocks blog says

    Wow, I am seriously swooning over that patina Larissa! I want some of that stuff!! Just you wait, next time someone comes to visit from the States I’m going to demand they bring me some bottled patina!! Of course, it would be nice if you came too so you could make all these things! 😉

    • Larissa says

      It is seriously an addictive product. I am always on the lookout for what I can transform. Thank you for the love, Mary!

  5. Gwen Clark says

    WOW Larissa,

    The rooster weathervane was so creative but you surpassed yourself when you added the verdigris. Just love it and the cow as well.

    Have never seen anything that fun at my local thrift shops. I, also, love anything made of iron.

    Am going to make the cottonball branches, so fun!

    • Larissa says

      That’s wonderful to hear, Gwen! Thank you so much. It can be scarce at the thrift store, which makes the good finds all them more exciting. 😀

  6. Starlene Dreyer says

    I love the rooster. Good job.

  7. Marie, The Interior Frugalista says

    Gotta love that patina that the Modern Masters Metal Effects kits give. Love how the cute rooster and the wood spindles have the same oxidized copper patina. You rocked this Larissa!

    • Larissa says

      You and me both! Thank you so much, Marie. My rooster is headed to his new home and I must say it was hard to say goodbye!

  8. Joan M. Stricker says

    I just passed up a metal rooster earlier in the week and now I really want to go back and buy it.

  9. Louise says

    I’ve got to try that copper patina paint on something! Very creative. Thank you for your inspiration.

    • Larissa says

      Seriously you must! It is addictive. I can’t wait to use their other metals too.

  10. Linda Clement says

    Can’t choose, I love them both!!

  11. Laurie @ VinYet Etc. says

    I thought, I like them just the way they are! But I was wrong, I LOVE them now, so so smart! The cow is my fave! xo Pinned

  12. Janice says

    Your creativity never ceases to amaze you. God truly gifted you!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Client Love

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

~ Stephanie

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

~ Mikki

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

~ Sharon

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

~ Sharon

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!

~ Deanna

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
0
0
Prodigal Pieces