It’s no secret that I like thrift stores. I like to donate to them when I can, but I also really love to browse through them looking for unusual finds that I can turn into great creations. I took my son there the other day to “seek out” Two containers that were the same height as well as that I could pair up on my mantel. Wow! Did I luck out! I found some other unusual things there as well, but I’ll show you the goods on that another day.
So these are the containers that I found. Pretty….. umm… yeah…. well they were dated for sure, and needed a good clean. But for the price of $3.99 each they both came home with me.
I was so excited I went to work on them right away that afternoon. For all the spray painting I do I should seek out a company that sells spray paint holsters? What do you think?
After soaking them in a bubble bath of dish soap, I dried them out really well and put on a few coats of my favorite spray paint primer. Kilz is the only way to go.
For the next step I applied a few coats of “Blossom white” made by RUSTOLEUM. It has a smooth, soft effect when it’s applied. You can see a close up of it here with our DIY spray paint project on our headboard we found at our favorite Antique store.
Well the finished product looks pretty good for a little over $4.00 each, considering they would sell for at least $10-15 each new somewhere else. I added some rustic twigs as well as some small shiny ornaments to give the twigs some glam. I’ll show you the rest of my fireplace mantle in a few days. Keep checking back.
Reusing is a very satisfying way to go sometimes. Well… usually all the time if you keep your eyes open for what you’re looking for. Well that’s two less containers that will go to the land fill.
Are you’re eyes open?
Hi Jodi,
I just want to say that I really appreciate your clean and simply lines and colors. You show a perfect mix of classic and modern (my kind of taste too). I can’t wait to see the other side of the mantel!!
Thank you for the ideas!
Thanks! Stay tuned for the rest of the fireplace and mantel. I’ll give a break down of what’s all on it as well as where I found it! Thanks for the message! I love to hearing from you.
Jodi, those containers are amazing finds! But what is more amazing to me is that you had the eye to look past the dated pictures on them and were able to transform the containers into something beautiful. Wish I had your talents.
Susan
What I noticed first about the containers was the angles and lines of them, and I knew I could cover the ugliness with primer and paint.
Everyone has different ways of looking of objects, and I know along the way you too will find objects like that as well. Keep your eyes open.
I love these containers and I would like to factor in the cost of the primer and paint. I have a few things that need a coat of color but looking for paint at HomeDepot the cans range from $5-$8 each. Where do you get yours? I’m working with a tight budget for things like decorations and furnishings.
The primer is 4.99. Kilz spray brand. I get mine from Home Depot. The White spray paint (brand- Painters Touch) ( Blosom white) costs 5-6.00 These cans will do lots of containers, so you will have lots left for other projects. Hope that works.