Do you ever find yourself inspired by a not-so-obvious feature? That is the case with this sign below. It wasn’t the typography or the colors, but rather the frame and the stripes that drew me in at the thrift store. Even the surface of the art has a gritty texture that has my imagination running wild with potential. I think it’s time for a thrifted art makeover, don’t you?
Why I think that the frame caught more of my attention than anything else is because I’ve long adored tiles that are reminiscent of it in the arabesque design. This kitchen backsplash photo below is one inspiration for my kitchen remodel (source unknown). I couldn’t find tile that I liked so I ended up going with something more textured.
While this painted floor by Shabby Coast Cottage has been begging me to try it somewhere in my home.
So, now you know why I put that art in my shopping cart with the plans to do something different.
DIY TIME
First, I take off the hardware because I plan to hang this in a vertical fashion rather than horizontal as the original. After that, I use a white milk paint to give a wash to that wood-trimmed frame.
Then, as soon as that dries, I apply two coats of this Highland Blue milk paint to the center panel, letting cure in between.
Last, for painting, I use another wash over that blue paint once it cures using the technique like I used on this vintage Dixie dresser.
SPACKLE ME
To amp it up a notch, I want to add two-dimensional aspect to this thrifted art makeover. In the past, I’ve used spackling to emboss items like these projects HERE or in this video demo below from this past post.
This time, however, I’m sketching art freehand and then using my putty knife to fill it in.
ARABESQUE
Finally, with my short DIY stent, I have my thrifted art makeover complete with a sweet nod to dance.
Not only was this fun for me to play with texture and medium, but also a soft color for this time of year.
Now, David is thinking about taking a nip of that empty bottle. haha. Loula likes David in a weird way. She originally barked and barked at him when she first came home, but now he is her friend.
What is more, if you’d like to make this ballerina art a part of your home story, you can find it and more in my online store.
SHARE
Are you feeling inspired? I sure hope so! I invite you to tell me if you’ve ever tried something like this. Also pin and share to inspire others.
Before you go, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter to see what I’m up to next. See ya later!
While you’re at it, here are more projects like my thrifted art makeover:
Very playful and carefree. I like the colors and the pretty ballerina! How nice your daughter could purchase her first car. Is it weird to have snow envy? Not really- I m not a fan of the cold that comes with snow, but we sure need moisture.
Thank you! Snow is so important to our natural cycles and we need the break. I just need a break every once in a while too. 😀