So...I have to ask. Would any of these appeal to you if you spied them in the thrift store. Very often I say that the wood section is one of my favorite spots to find trashure. Wood almost always has potential, therefore, I grab what gives me inspiration. This time around, this recipe box, wooden scoop, and a hobby horse.
Since everything in this lot has a sort of rustic appeal, I'm going to show you how to change them up to suit budget farmhouse decor. Why budget? Well, I say think outside the box store and make your house your home, but keep your pennies in your pocket. No matter what your budget, large or small, there's no sense in spending oodles.
FIRST PROJECT
Let's start with that wooden scoop. I have a thing for grain scoops. You can see how I took a metal duct and made one to replicate and antique grain scoop in this tutorial HERE. This one was too "new" to me and was actually slightly sticky to the touch.
The poly topcoat they put on it was so thick and the grain was lifted so it was rough to the touch too. Plus, that orangey color had to GO. Even the handle came out easily.
Since it was already disassembled, I decided to take advantage of it. First, that awful finish needed to come off. No problem. I whip out my sander and take it all off.
Aaaaahhh...that's better. Now, I love to let wood be wood when I can, so I decided to use this Briarsmoke Stain to give it a new color. You can see how I've used this stain before in these posts.
While the stain was curing, I used the color Vintage to paint the handle, then added waxes and time-worn wear. I also took a hammer to the edge of the scoop to beat it up and make it look like it was old. Fun! haha. I'll show you the end result in a minute.
SECOND PROJECT
Before that, let me show you how the recipe box fit into my budget farmhouse decor scheme. I'm guessing this thing is from the late 70's or early 80's...maybe.
Since most folks nowadays rely on the internet for recipes, I decided to change the function of the box. First, I use the same color paint as I did on the scoop handle.
Once the outside cured, I knock out the inside with a soft gray color. Next, when all was cured, I added a porcelain knob for function and a little cute factor. Plus, I used a my transfer method to hand-paint on a bit of text and design. And also a bit of wax for an aged appeal.
The inside is used to store tea bags and all the essentials to make a good cuppa. Doesn't tea hit the spot when you're feeling under-the-weather or on a cold day?
Oh, and did you notice the grain scoop sconce on the wall? It now has a new look and function.
LAST, BUT NOT LEAST
In case you wondered if I had forgotten about my hobby horse, no worries. I'm saving my fun one for last. This little fella had a similar feel and look that the wooden scoop had - orangey and awful finish. The shape sure is cute though, isn't it?
In a recent post, I showed you how I took a curbside metal table and made it into two new items (see HERE). I used the same finishing sprays as I did on those projects for this horse. See the gray mottled base? There's much more to come.
As soon as those base coats cured, I had such fun with this thing for my budget farmhouse decor project. I paint the rockers, mane, and tail with a tawny brown.
THE REVEAL
After that, it was all fun from here to create the little dappled gray mare I was after. Isn't it cute?!
Call me crazy, but I have a true addiction to vintage toys. They just don't make them like they used to anymore. Plastic is definitely NOT my thing. Can I get an amen?
My hope in all this is that you had fun, and that you are inspired. You too can create your own home story with things you already own or find at garage sales and thrift stores. Creating is half the fun!
All of these recreated finds are now available in my online shop along with many other of my creations. Stop by to see.
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Additionally, pin and share my budget farmhouse decor makeovers. You are sure to help others find their inspiration too!
Up next, antique dressing table is about to get a whole new look. See the after HERE.
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Also, more budget farmhouse decor makeovers:
