I found an old wooden sled - not a real one - for decorative purposes only - at a moving sale several years ago. It looked like someone had tried to sand off whatever was on it! I couldn't resist for just two dollars! After all, it was solid wood! Imagine what you can do with a piece like that!
But first it needed to be spruced up a bit - by sanding the wood until nice and smooth. And then putting my own touch on it by dry brushing the sled with a gray chalk paint. - no primer needed!
It's looking better already! You know what they say about what a little paint will do!
Next, I needed to add some embellishments and got out my trusty Bowdabra to make a bow . . . first by adding 12" tails with dovetail ends . . .
and then the actual bow made with 4, four inch loops and 2, three inch loops!
with bows, berries and stems!
Decorating an old sled is lots of fun - the possibilities are almost unlimited.
The finished piece adds a warm, charming and nostalgic atmosphere to any area and is a nice alternative to the usual Christmas decor!
Welcome back to the 'Do It Over' Designers, a group of talented bloggers who love to recycle/upcycle/DIY, hosted by Anne @The Apple Street Cottage. It's all about taking something old and/or unused and 'doing it over' into something new. Anything from fabric, old dishes, and decor to dressers and hutches. Items found in closets, barns, garages, yard sales, thrift stores, you name it! Sounds like fun, doesn't it!
Be sure to check out all the 'Do It Over Designers' listed below to see their lovely "do overs" too!
Ann - The Apple Street Cottage - The Christmas Mermaid
Anita - Unique Creations by Anita
Allyson - Southern Sunflowers - How to Make an Upcycled Wood Ornament Stand and Rustic Ornaments
Chas - Chas’ Crazy Creations - DIY Kids Advent Calendar
Cindy - Cloches & Lavender - Curbside Hutch
Donna - Modern on Monticello - DIY Festive Santa Painted Basket
Gail - Purple Hues & Me - Wood Sled Makeover
Kathleen - Our Hopeful Home - Farmhouse Corbel Shelf Refinish
Kim - Exquisitely Unremarkable - Fan Blade Junk Angel DIY
Naush - Doodle Buddies - DIY Faux Farmhouse Crate From a Carton
Patti - Pandora’s Box - Recycling Your Throw-aways!
Sara - Birdz of a Feather - Tiered Plant Stand DIY
Tania - Little Vintage Cottage - Upcycled Vintage Wall Pocket Christmas Vignette
I often see these in the thrift stores and I have painted them in checks, BUT I love the softness of yours much better! Well done!
ReplyDeleteYour sled is adorable and that $2 price tag - you're a girl after my heart!
ReplyDeleteOk... I definitely think I need a bowdabra now!!! I love your sled upcycle Gail!
ReplyDeleteThis was a great find and your makeover is so pretty. I have always wanted to find an old sled for my house. Glad you shared this.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great makeover! I would love to have one of these and you always make such creative things. Thanks for sharing and wonderful crafting with you.
ReplyDeleteThat is so sweet, Gail! I have one of those sleds waiting for a makeover in my craft closet. And I have a Bowdabra...love that thing...now I have some great inspiration to finally make it over! Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteOh my, your two dollar find looks like a million bucks now Gail! It's fabulous. I really have to check out that Bowdabra; what a great gadget!
ReplyDeleteI agree about the paint:) I actually have a small sled waiting for a makeover -- yours is beautiful and gives me inspiration! Matches your tree beautifully! xo Kathleen
ReplyDelete$2 my kind of craft. Love your sled and the paint gives a custom look.
ReplyDeleteCindy
What a great looking sled to start with and even better once you had finished. I must live under a rock because I had no idea you could buy a gadget to help you make bows. How cool.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic makeover! That was a great find for only $2.00. I'm looking out for a thrift sled, but the last one I found was too expensive at $6.00 LOL!
ReplyDeleteGail, such a fresh and lovely transformation. Love it.
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