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Vintage Washboard Wall Art

Do you consider yourself a #trashure junker? I’m not talking about someone who drives around with a car/truck filled with literal junk, but rather someone who sees glorious potential in the cast-offs and unwanteds. Anyone like that is a friend of mine. Maybe you’re not the on that boat yet, but maybe I’ll be the one to inspire you. {{wink, wink}}. Take for instance this vintage washboard wall art. It isn’t exactly ugly, but it sure could use an update to suit today’s rustic farmhouse style.

Vintage Washboard Before Makeover | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

At first glance, you’ll notice it’s made entirely of wood, both solid and manufactured. Also, if you look closely, you’ll see the hand-painted prairie wife doing laundry. I’m smitten with the artist’s work, but it totally dates itself to late 80’s early 90’s. For my purposes, however, I’m aiming for a bit older than that. woot!

THE AGING PROCESS

As you can imagine, my first order of business is to remove those panels. While I’m not necessarily aiming to get rid of them, but rather change them up. First, I remove the nails holding the plywood pieces in place.

Hand-Painted Prairie Painting Removed | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

For the top panel, I want to create my own typography art. You can see how much I adore typography in this cedar chest makeover, all these previous posts, and in this video tutorial below.

DIY Video Tutorial How to Paint a Window Screen by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Since this vintage washboard isn’t really a washboard, but rather in the likeness, I design a laundry sign to suit it best. But, before I can add the art, I need to give a few coats of a black milk paint.

Painting Vintage Washboard Sign | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

NEXT STEPS

Next, while the paint cures, I set about to dress up the bottom panel. Since this is wall art in the likeness of a vintage washboard, I want to give it that effect. Enter in these adhesive tiles I found at the local dollar store. I’ve many ideas of how to make use of them…eep!

Dollar Tree Pressed Tin Adhesive Tiles | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Then, I stick one on and then paint with this weathered steel spray paint I have on hand from previous projects.

Spray Painting Embossed Tile | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Before I can call this makeover complete, I want to add more functionality to the washboard. First, I grab my dowel stash and cut 3 pieces. After that, I use my forstner bit and drill to make holes in which to place the dowel.

Drilling Vintage Washboard for Pegs | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Then, to finish it off, I use a custom mix paint to whitewash it to make it cohesive.

Painting Whitewash Coat on Vintage Washboard | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

With my youngest helper watching my every move, she helps me install the panels with my point driver. It’s the handiest thing ever!

Point Driver for Vintage Washboard Wall Art | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

WASH TIME

Finally, with a smile in my heart, my vintage washboard (aka. 80’s creepy wall art) is refreshed and ready for many more years with a brand new “old” vibe.

DIY Farmhouse Washboard Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #diy #thrifted

Embossed Vintage Washboard Wall Art by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #homedecor

Not only did the whitewash brighten it up, but also the pressed tin effect with aged appeal gives it a nod to the past. In case you’re wondering, I’ve had my hands on several washboards over the years. I have my grandparent’s washboard, but also have had several in my shop. However, my favorite (one featured in a magazine) is this one that I turned into a wall cabinet with a silverware box.

Whitewashed Farmhouse Vintage Washboard by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #laundry #diy

Hand-Painted Farmhouse Washboard by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #vintage #farmhouse

As with all my projects, my ultimate goal is to inspire you. This project was super-simple and budget-friendly so that anyone that can paint can tackle something like this. With that in mind, I’m curious…what would you have done with this vintage goodie?

Additionally, if you’d like to make this a part of your home story, you can find it and more available in my online store.

Shop Prodigal Pieces Furniture, Vintage Finds, Handmade Goods, & Supplies for your home | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Thrifted Farmhouse Laundry Washboard Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #diy

SHARE

Last, let’s spread inspiration love by pinning and sharing so others can join our DIY fun too.

Vintage Washboard Wall Art Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #diy #thrifted

Before you go, take a minute to sign up for my FREE newsletter so you can see what I do with these two cuties. Or HEAD HERE for the repair and update.

Pair of Antique Child's Chairs | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Until next time!
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In addition, more thrifty makeovers like this vintage washboard wall art:

Want to add farmhouse style decor to your home, but lack a big budget? It's easier than you think. Come see at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comWow! This dated vintage tufted bench makeover is one to see | Check it out by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #vintage #furniture #home #diy #upholstery #modernfarmhouse

Comments

  1. Rebecca - NC says

    Unbelievably cute!! I think you were very kind in not using “ugly” to define it…… that is all I could see!!! It’s totally mind blowing to me that this is what you envision through all that!!! 😍

    • Larissa says

      hahahaha!! You crack me up, Rebecca. I was being nice since it was someone’s art. Who knows…maybe one day someone will say the same of my work. 😀

  2. Niki says

    Wow, simple but well done redo Larissa! Washboards make me think bluegrass and bluegrass makes me think Alison Krauss. I must need a little music today to brighten my soul, last night it was Matt Redman “Heart of Worship” and Jimmy Needham “Clear the Stage” maybe today we’ll go down to the river to pray with Alison! God bless you and yours. Have a Happy New Year!! See you in 2023.

    • Larissa says

      Good song! And happy new year to you! 😀 I’m so excited to have a fresh start.

  3. Caye Cooper says

    Well Larissa, you got me thinking on this one! To be forthright, I LOVE that little picture and would save it–just love it’s charm. But I honestly didn’t ever think of refurbishing it as you did. Very cute!

    This is NOT a criticism or meant to be a downer at all, but I would have put some crackle on this to reinforce the the “aged” look. To be really nit-picky, I might even have substituted the shelf with one that is rectangular, because to my small mind, I like to think that in the olden days things were more square and rectangular than rounded. Weird, huh?

    All in all, GOOD JOB LARISSA!

    Much love to you in the New Year and to your family. May your dreams come true!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Caye. My goal in this project was to demonstrate how simple a makeover can be for those that are afraid to try. Trust me, I tend to overdo it in much of my work and it leaves folks asking questions. haha.

  4. p says

    So darn cute Larissa !!! I’m betting you can make something special out of Anything. 🙂
    HappyHappy New year to You – and yours.
    Thanks for sharing.
    p

    • Larissa says

      Aww…you’re so sweet to say such a thing…thank you. I sure have fun when someone challenges me with something new to redo. Blessings to you!

  5. Michele M. says

    Well done, Larissa!

    And happy new year to you and yours!

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