It is quite the norm for folks to send me pictures of cast-off they spy set out on the curb or left for trash. Take for instance this forlorn set destined for the dumpster. They’re obviously broken and dirty, but that looks like #trashure to me. I envision salvaged spring decor from these broken chairs. Do you see it? 
However, before you question my sanity, take a look at the chairs again. What makes me see potential? I see turned legs, wooden seats, and gorgeous chair back with splats that remind me of clover. Oh, and say hi to Lily. hee hee.
Yes, I have the spring bug and have garden brain this time of year.
DIY TIME
First, my hammer and screwdriver come out to play to take everything down to pieces. Many of you ask how I get my ideas. Well, this is one of the best ways. Seeing the parts in their basic form allows me to twist and turn them to fully let my brain wrap around what I have before me.
My focus today are those gorgeous chair backs. I’ll save the rest of the pieces for my next project. So, first, I cut the back backs off the legs. To do that I use my circular saw and make an angled cut. I need to do an angled cut because the backs taper back and I want them to rest flush.
NEXT STEPS
Next, how does one connect those pieces? Well, I use my Kreg pocket hole jig to make opposing joints on each side. Then, I filled the spots with wood filler and sanded smooth.
After that, it’s time to break out my favorite new tool…the HomeRight Quick Finish Sprayer. It’s super easy to set up, use, and clean. To begin I fill the canister per manufacturer instructions. However, before I tackle my salvaged spring decor, I take a second to practice my spray flow on a piece of cardboard. Finally, it’s spray time!
Using my Small Spray Shelter, and my Quick Finish, I begin to spray. Isn’t that color perfect? Just the right spring green called Rolling Hills by Benjamin Moore. Plus, not only is the Quick Finish good for paint, but also stain and poly too.
With only one coat (because I’m after an aged appeal), I’m done!
THE REVEAL
With a bit of time-worn distressing and some free botanical prints, my thrifted spring vignette is set. In like fashion, everything here is second hand. Barn wood with antique hand-forged nails, a bit of lace, cast-off hat, a thrifted basket, and a curbside stool.
And how about those tulips? I couldn’t resist a couple dozen of them. Most important, are you getting the spring vibes yet?
In addition, I think the chair back are reminiscent of an old porch rail. I just adore old bits and baubles.
Also, if you’d like to make this part of your home story, you can find it available in my online shop. (SOLD)
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
GIVEAWAY TIME
With that, HomeRight and I want to help you have a blast with your DIY projects. We are giving away a Quick Finish Sprayer to one of you. Easy entry – just complete the widget below for as many entries as you like. Open to U.S. & Canada residents 18 years of age and older. In addition, winner will be notified by email and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. Also, be sure to check your spam!
In addition, do pin and share my salvaged spring art because there are more bits and pieces just waiting to be saved from the dumpster.
Up next, I’ll sharing what I do with the rest of those broken chairs. Any guesses? SEE PART 2 HERE and PART 3 HERE.
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!
Also, more fun DIY like my spring salvaged decor:
I have the exact same chair but it is in one piece. You did a good job on recreating them. We do love chairs because they so many uses beyond the chair life.
They are amazing wood. Yes, for sure! Thank you, Debra.
Really like what you had done to the chair backs; but you fooled me, I was thought from the start you was going to turn that into a headboard or was going to turn it vertical and hang in the bathroom to hang towels on but I do like what you had done and using as a Spring wall decor.
Spring can’t get here soon enough. It is soooooo cold and nasty right now here in Texas, I just can’t wait till it warms up somewhat. Hubby had to call into work yesterday cause wasn’t able to get out and onto these bad country road conditions. They are telling Everyone to stay home if you don’t need to get out. Right now our temperature is 0 deg.
Yesterday morning we had 7deg. with wind chill -13. Now that is cold for Texas.
Stay warm & stay safe
Thanks! It’s fun to recreate these finds. I’m having fun with the rest too. As for the weather, I get it. We’re zub zero with 12″ that just dropped. Staying in when we can. 4 wheel drive is awesome. 🙂
Love it!!! Looks better than original chairs!! No snow here, but we had a deadly tornado at the coast overnight…. praying for the injured and the families of the deceased. ??❤️
Oh no! I hadn’t heard that. Crazy weather we are all having. Thanks for the love!
such a great upcycle Larissa! i love the color and the aged look!
Yes, it’s still snowing here in Sheridan, WY!
I’m just so eager for spring. woot! Thank you!
I love the way your mind works!
I’m so glad I don’t scare you! haha!
Larissa,
Just love all of your projects and you are such an inspiration to us all! What a creative imagination you have! You are a gem in the throw away culture. Hopefully the millennials will take away from your creative spirit in upcycling and trashures! Keep goin…
Penny, your words means so much. Thank you for the ear-to-ear smile! 😀
Another great project! I would love to win the sprayer!
You will absolutely love it! 😀 Thank you, Cindy.
I love where you went with these, Larissa!
Girrrrlll…so fun! I’m finishing up using the rest of the “junk”. Thanks!
What a creative re-purpose! You have a real gift for seeing what a treasure there is in any piece that you take on! Thanks for the inspiration.
My absolute pleasure and joy to share, Deanna. Thank you!
What a clever idea. I am with you on that awesome color choice, too – love spring green!!
Best part is using something that would have end up in a landfill. Well done, ma’am! : – )
And thank you for this generous giveaway. I get your newsletter and am leaving a comment.
Boy oh boy could I ever use a sprayer!!!!! Thanks!!!!
I just couldn’t let them go to the dump…so much potential! 😀 Thank you for the smile, Michele.
Cute project! You have such a good eye! I swear you can turn anything into something beautiful! Great job!
aww…thank you! It’s fun for me, especially during winter months.
Another great do! You are soooooo creative! Thanks for ANOTHER giveaway!
Luv ur stuff!
How sweet of you to say, Amy. Thank you!!
Love all the ideas as always!! As boring as it sounds, my garage doors are in desperate need of a paint job and the paint sprayer would make that job SO much easier!
Hey, that works for me, Sara. DIY or die! 😀 haha! You will love it!
I LOVE how this project turned out! As usual, I didn’t “see” the potential like you did, that’s for sure. But so happy you have that gift. Brings me lots of joy to see your transformations. I would love a sprayer to tackle a table and chairs project that I’ve procrastinated about because chairs are so time-consuming with a brush! Thank you for brightening my day 🙂
It is my absolute pleasure, Mary. To get to do what I love and share it with you is such a blessing. I know this HomeRight sprayer will help you so much. I wish I had one for everyone. 😉
Hi Larissa, I agree, your project does look like a piece of architectural railing! What a beautiful new look.
Thank you so much for the love, Kaycee. 😀
I love this spring project, I am so ready for spring to get here.
You and me both, girl!
LOve it! I will never look at an old chair the same the same! THANKs wonderful ideas on repurposing things!
woot, woot! That’s so fun! Thank you, Lynn.
You always amaze me with your inspiring creations! I’m ready
for spring too and what better way than a spring project! I can’t wait to see what your next project is going to be! Thank you for the opportunity to win this giveaway!
Music to my ears, Ginny! 😀 Thank you so much.
Love all your projects, so many great ideas. I would never have thought to make the chairs into something like that.
I would love a sprayer mostly for doing chairs they are so fiddley and time consuming.
Love your work !!
Thanks, Susan! 😀
What a creative mind you have!! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
My pleasure, Wendy.
I love how you saved those awesome chair backs. So creative! The first project that I would use the spray tent for would be a metal plant stand that’s in desperate need of some new paint. Thank you for the opportunity to win 🙂
Thanks! The giveaway is for the sprayer, not the shelter. Just so you know. 😉 You will love it!
I never would have thought of doing that with the chair backs, but it is really nice. Love the color.
Thank you, Elle.
You do have a creative eye.
I love your knowledge of reconstruction with the tools✔️
I seriously miss my build time in the winter. Too cold and my shop, so I make do inside. Thanks, Stephanie! 😀
I believe if I won the sprayer my first tackle will be my grandmothers oak dresser. I have planned to paint this item for a long time but I was concerned about the brush strokes showing and looking very tacky, and the sprayer would be the answer to my prayers. Being retired I have to be careful where I spend my money so to win one would definitely be a blessing.
You have so many wonderful ideas and your presentations are easy to follow.
Have a wonderful day and I love what you designed from the chair pieces…
Hooray!! I know you will love it as much as I do, Cathy. I’m delighted you enjoy what I do. Thank you.
I love the design of those chair backs! I’d never seen that before. I totally love what you did with the backs, and while I typically wince when pretty wood is painted, this works perfectly and you couldn’t have chosen a prettier color.!
I really had a hard time painting as the oak was so pretty. However, to hide the repairs and new fixes paint was the best choice. Thanks so much, Shelley.
Love this project! You are so creative and such an inspiration. Always look forward to seeing what your next project is.
woot, woot! Thank you so much!
I LOVE this project! The color is gorgeous! I have a big old buffet that is just itching for a spraying!
Awesome, Ann! Thanks!
Super cute idea!!!
Thank you, Meg!
That’s a creative idea!
I’m so glad you think so. Thanks!
I just love this! I never would have thought of taking the chairs apart. That’s one of the reasons that I love reading your blog. You always take projects in a completely different direction that it’s original intended use. Your imagination and creativity go hand in hand with every piece you tackle and I love that. It’s an adventure at every turn! The sprayer was the perfect solution for your project and I can totally see me using one for all of my projects from paint to finishes. I’m always up for faster and easier!
Well, you sure know how to make my day, Barbara. Thank you for saying so! I know you’ll love this for sure too.
Great job Larissa! You come up with such clever ideas.
I am moving into a home built in 1860, and I will be converting some furniture to look more period appropriate. This sprayer would be a HUGE help and enable me to get things done just a bit faster. I need to add a dining table/chairs and the one I’ve picked out needs help–but nothing that some paint and transfers can’t handle. Spraying some small cupboards and odd doors too. So I hope to win. I don’t usually enter contests because I typically don’t win, but you and I have been together quite a few years and I know that your products are top quality. Never say never, huh?
Ooh…congratulations, Cate! I’m so excited for you!
Cute idea that I wouldn’t have thought of. I”m definitely ready for spring. I would use the sprayer to tackle some projects I”ve been meaning to do for awhile. Two tables and a coffee table are in desperate need of paint. Thanks for the contest.
You and me both, Robin. Thanks so much!
I saw right away that it looks like a Victorian spandrel!! I love them and the color is glorious!
You got it! It made me so happy to have it done. Thanks!
Great idea!! I will be on the hunt for chairs now!!
That’s the spirit, Andrea!