It’s Not All About Paint: Add Fabric To Your DIY
It’s true that I will paint just about anything that sits still long enough.
There is hardly a more transforming, affordable, game changer substance available than paint.
But…every once and a while you need a little somthin’ extra.
A little oomph.
Today fabric was the added interest my project needed. Here’s how it worked:
Last summer I scooped up these sweet little tulip candle sticks from a North Carolina thrift shop. I think they were two bucks.
I knew they would be perfect for Spring.
When they came out of hiding last week they begged for a makeover that was simple, fun and blended with our Easter/Spring color pallet. I have loosely built our Spring décor around my kid’s Easter baskets. White, light wood, soft denim, pink, green and blues…all softer than I usually go. In order to make these dated tulips work seamlessly into place I started with a clean white coat of homemade chalk paint.
Next I dry brushed a soft pink color on just the flowers and a ring on the base. Then distressed the paint slightly.
My favorite part is the touch of chambray fabric.
Because I save all sorts of odds and ends I had one of my boy’s shirts tucked away that was too stained to pass on or donate.
I traced a pattern onto the chambray shirt. 
Then ironed the strips and used fabric modge podge to adhere the fabric to the candlestick.
My goal was a tattered worn looking edge so I scrapped the sides of the fabric with some scissors to rough it up a touch.
I needed a break from just paint. This idea is simple but easy to translate to other projects you may be working on.
Paint doesn’t always need to be the teacher’s pet. 😉
I can’t wait to show you how this fresh new project works into my Spring mantel!
Next week I’m kicking off a Magnolia Market (aka Fixer Upper, Joanna Gaine’s store) series that I’m so excited about and hope you will be too!
Love how the tulip candleholder turned out! Not sure I would’ve see their full potential at the thrift store. Great transformation!
It’s hard to look past orange stained wood, but for a few bucks, it’s always worth a try!!!!
Looking forward to your Fixer Upper series! The candlesticks turned out precious!
It’s going to be easy stuff to DIY!!! Can’t wait!
That turned out so pretty! Called it Mixed Media because you know that’s the in thing. 🙂
YES! That is the perfect name for it, who knew I was so hip! 😉
Super cute and that pale pink makes my heart go pitter-patter. ????
It’s not my norm, but I love it too!!!
How cute, Kim! Love what you’ve done with the candlesticks!
Can’t wait for the new Fixer Upper series you are doing!!
It’s going to be great~
Thanks Melanie – I am so excited…there are so many fun ideas floating around in my head…now to get them all out!
The candlesticks are one of the freshest re-do’s I have seen. They are darling.
I just noticed you are in Texas, I live in Arlington Texas. I am new to your blog and I am really enjoying it.
I’m so glad you’re here! We don’t live to far away it sounds…but Texas is Big. Thank for stopping by, I hope you’ll come back often 🙂
Love your creativity and your fellowship with Christ . Blessings to you all !
Love the colors. I never throw away any sizable piece of fabric. Being a quilter too that makes a lot of scraps. I had an other idea. Since my only grand child is 1, I love that we can start art projects. If the metal candle cups came out, and you could use a wider paddle bit to drill out the center a bit so a 4” wooden egg for him to decorate 1 each year.
how cute!!! I love making things fit your specific purpose! great idea, thanks for sharing…I may have to try that!
Love your creativity. Thank you for sharing your faith
thank you for joining me, it means so much to me!