Sponsored: Paint products provided by Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company. Hardware provided by D. Lawless Hardware. Project idea, choice of products, and all opinions are 100% that of my own (see full disclosure policy).
Have you ever noticed how people throw out perfectly good things? All around town I see things on the curb. Sometimes I stop and other times I keep going. This little gem was in my neighborhood the day before garbage pick up. My friend who walks every morning saw it and called me so I could snag it. I will show you how a curbside find becomes a treasure.
Now this sat in the garage for quite a few months. Do you recognize what it is or use to be? It was a reindeer that people use as a Christmas decoration. The poor little thing was missing a few parts but you know how I am. And then it occurred to me how cute it would be if I painted it using Old Fashioned Milk Paint. After I repaired it, of course.
I had to nail a slat back on so since I had the nail gun out I secured all of the slats. After that I unscrewed the tail. And filled in the holes with wood filler The next step was to sand it, especially the paws. Then it was time to wipe it down with a solution of white vinegar and water. Once dry it was time to paint.
Since I knew this was a project calling out for Old Fashioned Milk paint and decided on the color Lexington green. It is a nice rich color. It was only painted with one coat of paint, and I like how the wood grain shows through with one coat. The thing is if it was going to be a planter the plants won’t really show up.
No problem, I brushed on the Crackle Finish to the slats and sides. It is so fascinating to use that stuff.
The next layer of OFMP I used is Light Cream. It is one of my favorite colors to use. You can see another project I used it on here. This piece wasn’t painted entirely in the Cream. I left the interior in the green along with the backside of the legs.
I lightly sanded this little treasure to smooth out a few rough spots. The final step was to wipe it with Tung Oil. I used two coats per the directions.
It doesn’t even look like a reindeer anymore. I was so pleased but it needed a little bling. I had a set of hardware that looks perfect on this curbside find. In order to make sure the handles went in the same place I made a template from a piece of foam board. I was able to measure and then it was easy enough to drill the holes in the right spot.
That’s adorable! I didn’t even get that it had been a reindeer until you pointed it out. Such a cute repurpose! Thank goodness for good neighbors who look out for you & your curbside finds!
I have the best friends and neighbors who give me things or let me know there is a good curbside find. Thanks, Florence.
That’s amazing! I love the finish and color you used on it! Isn’t it great to have friends who notify you of these finds!? My hubby is always bringing home stuff from work that people tell him, ‘take this home to Lauren — I bet she’ll do something with it!’
Thank you so much. We sure are lucky to have people to watch out for us.
Wow. Those hooves really made the piece in the before!
Yes, they did. I kind of felt bad to sand them off. Just for a minute. Thanks.
OMG! You’re a genius! And you’re right, I would have never guessed it in a million years. It looks fabulous 😀
Thank you so much. 🙂
What brand is the crackle finish?
And he do u apply?
Tks
A
The crackle is called Antique Crackle. It is by Old Fashioned Milk Paint Co. The link is in the post. I brush it on. After it has dried 2 hours or more you can paint on the second coat of paint. I love using it. I hope you give it a try.
Another winner Debra. I would never have guessed that it started out as a humble little reindeer before you waved your magic paint brush.
Thanks, Michelle. I was going to keep it but it sold so I may need to buy one to redo it for myself.
Love how this turned out. Its such a novel little piece of furniture. Well done, no wonder your friends keep an eye out for treasures needing love.
I am so grateful that they take good care of me. Thanks.
That little reindeer was meant to become an adorable planter! Perfect repurpose for it and love the crackle finish.
Thank you so much, Marie.
Debra I love your selective use of the paint. The exposed green underneath really makes it much more interesting and fun than just one color. And of course the crackle steals the show. I can’t wait to try that.
Thanks, Mary. It is such a pretty green.
Great makeover and a great curbside find. I had much rather save something than throw it out. #HomeMattersParty
Thanks so much, Donna. I am always on the lookout for curbside finds to do something with.
A great repurposed project I love the crackle, and its new look Thanks for sharing your project at #FridaysFurnitureFix love having you!
Thank you, I alway enjoy joining the party.
Debra, this curb side find is a fabulous makeover! How cleaver! Thanks for sharing at Snickerdoodle. This is the Most Clicked from last week’s party. It will be featured in our party reminder email and all of the co-hosts will be featuring it at tomorrow’s party.
Thank you so much, Beverly to you and all of the people who clicked through.
That doesn’t look as a reindeer at all Debra, it looks gorgeous! I tried the crackle finish some weeks ago for the first time and it’s amazing, now looking for the right piece to use it. Yours is perfect
Thank you so much, Pili. I love using the crackle medium. It is fun to watch it do its thing.
So glad you saw the potential in something someone threw out – it looks amazing now Debra
I love my curbside finds! Thanks so much.
I hadn’t realized what that was until you showed a picture of the feet! What a great repurpose, I bet the former owners would love to have it back now. Thank you for sharing with us!! 🙂
I know, I often wonder what the original owners would say after I redo their cast offs. Thanks.
What a transformation! It looks like it has been just as you painted it for years. The handles are a great addition and really round off the repurpose. The template for mounting them was a great idea, I’ll have to remember that for my next project!
Thanks so much. I appreciate you stopping by.
You did an amazing job transforming this little cutie! Thank you for sharing. You are one of the features at the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Here is the link to this week’s shindig. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/make-pretty-monday-week-226/ Have a happy week! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Thank you so very much. I really appreciate it.