Do you ever go into a thrift store with one thing in mind and end up “just checking out what else there is?” I know I’m not alone. This thrifted shelf is a handmade cat’s meow inspired piece from 1994 complete with speckled paint. Yeah, baby.

Sorry, Snyder. It’s time to make this into something more my style. What is with those cat’s meow anyway? haha. No judging here, but as a kid at the babysitters wondering what her deal with tiny homes was surrounding the top edge of every room in her home kinda creeped me out. I realize that some are painted in the likeness of your own home and local buildings, so that makes sense.

Before I start, however, let me share a bit of backstory on how this find came to be. Honestly, my four daughters and I went into the thrift store for dress-up fun. Our mission was to each find an outfit in three categories (1) an evening gown (2) vintage (3) funny. We.had.a.BLAST!

RECREATING

Ok, so back to my assignment. I found this shelf in the wood section, and it caught my eye. First, I take assessment of what I’m dealing with. While the shelf is made wood, it’s only plywood. That still works for me. Next, I dig into my stash and pull out this corbel pair.

Also, notice I have the shelf flipped upside-down. However, before I can add the corbels, I need to cut them down to fit as well as cut down the shelf.

I love my tools.

In addition to the corbels, I have these two Shaker pegs leftover from this repurposed tote from a thrifted shelf.

Then, once I have it assembled, I use my paper clay and molds and also my spackling and stencils to add design and depth to the shelf.

You can see how I’ve used this same technique on this jewelry armoire, a vintage frame, or this other shelf makeover HERE or the video below.

After that, I use a flat black spray paint to give it a base coat that I know will peek out when I distress the top paint layer later on.

Last, for that final top layer, I use the same custom paint I mixed up for this antique dresser I recently reworked in this post. Then, once two coats have cured, I lightly distress to reveal the black beneath.

SHAKERING IT UP

Now it’s time to see this cat’s meow of a thrifted shelf upcycled into a new style. Would you guess that the original is under there?

The color is neutral and much more my pace. Additionally, the added touches keep it soft while telling a story as well as the Shaker pegs add function.

Just so we’re clear, there was nothing “wrong” with the original cat’s meow shelf. However, my goal, as always, is to inspire you to either take what you have or find and make your own home story.

If you’d like to make this shelf part of your story, you can find it and more in my online store.

SHARE

Now it’s your turn to leave me some comment love down below (the cherry on top of why I do what I do) and also pin and share to inspire others too.

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While you’re at it, here are more fun upcycles like this thrifted shelf: