Coastal Needlework Makeover
I am very excited to share my Thrift Store Makeover with you this month. It is perhaps one of my favorite!
This coastal needlework caught my eye last summer at Goodwill for only $5.50! I snatched it right up. Not only does it have vintage flair, but I knew it would be perfect in our family beach cottage. I finally drug it out of my stash. I'd been holding out not exactly sure what I wanted to do with it. I thought of making a pillow with it, using it on an ottoman, or adding it to a large embroidery hoop. Ultimately, I decided to use it as is, but the frame wasn't working for me.
It kind of made me sad to see this at the thrift store. Someone obviously put a lot of time and love into this. Well someone's cast-off has become my treasure!
I painted the frame with a very multi-layered look of dry brushing technique. Dry brushing is when you barely dip the brush in the paint then wipe it off on a paper towel. Then you paint your piece. It leaves you with a very weathered look of various paint colors peeking through.
Here is the process with the following Americana Decor paint products: (not a sponsored post)
- I taped off the needlework.
- Paint 1 base coat in Vintage (that's the bluish-green color)
- Dry brush Timeless (the caramel color)
- Sparingly dry brush Relic (dark grey)
- Dry brush Everlasting (white)
- With a paper towel, apply a coat of Minwax Weathered Oak stain. Then go over with a clean towel to remove excess.
- Let that completely dry
- Thin some Everlasting in water. It will be very thin. Carefully brush it on the frame in sections. I did one side at a time. Then go over it with a paper towel to remove the excess.
- Seal with American Decor Soft-Touch Varnish (I love this stuff!)
You can find my Monogrammed Shell Art HERE.
It really has a multi-layered weathered look to it now.
I can't get over the detail in the needlework. I am smitten!
I adore it here! I just may not take it to the beach house now! You can find my DIY No-Sew Outdoor Fabric Lampshade HERE. The buffet was an outdoor stenciled project from last summer found HERE.
Next time you are in the thrift store, take a double-take. I'm sure glad I didn't pass up this treasure!
Looking for more thrift store inspiration? Visit my thrift store hunting blogging pals!
Our Southern Home (me) Coastal Needlework Makeover
Petticoat Junktion DIY Cookie Stand
Domestically Speaking DIY Anchor Painted Decor
Mom 4 Real Thrifted Vase Turned Nautical Lamp
DebbieDoos (Off this month)
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Have you joined my Facebook group, Decorating Enthusiasts. We are having such fun over there. If you haven’t requested an invite yet, you can do so HERE. Each month we have a decorating topic that the members can participate in. We share our project photos and sing praises to each other. It’s also a great place to ask for advice and just to share your decorating and DIY adventures. Here is July's challenge! Hope to see you there!
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I stitched this exact crewel piece in the late 70s! I did a companion piece of a cow at pasture. I worked these one cold Florida winter when my husband was working out of the country and our daughter was in Kindergarten. She’s now married 26yrs with 2 children. Ironically I had mine framed in dry brushed weathered frames that looks like driftwood. They have hung in 5 different homes over 44yrs, favorites of my husband and in his office in this home.
It’s amazing what a little paint can do, right?! Looks so much better!
Hi Christy! I was looking for ideas of how to update a collection of cross stitch pictures and sayings I have from my grandmother. She spent hours working on these over the years and I really want a way to hang them and enjoy them for years to come! I love your idea! It gives your “find” an updated fresh look which is what I am looking for. If you have any other ideas to share please do.
Hi! I just came across this post tonight & loved it! It feels like you saved a little part of a fellow crafter and kept her alive through her work. The frame was a perfect touch. Thank you!
Thanks so very much! It still has a place on the screened in porch. It has really held up out there!
Christy, The needlework scene is beautiful. The original finish on the frame didn’t do it justice. It’s perfect now!
So pretty Christy! I love the worn, beachy look you gave the frame… so pretty!
Thanks Maryann!!! It’s definitely a favorite of mine now!
I am not even kidding when I tell you that is my favorite thing you have ever done. You brought someone’s hard work back to life. The color of the frame is perfect for the stitching, and it goes perfectly with your green lamp project. I am in love!
Thanks so much Sandy! It is a favorite of mine as well. So glad I was able to incorporate such a beautiful piece in our home!
What an awesome find! I’m so glad that you rescued this and will give it a good home. I really like the way you painted the frame and will have to try your technique on my own thrifty find.
Thanks do much, Paula! Hard to believe such a treasure was discarded! It’s a definite keeper!
I love this, Christy! What a fantastic find. I too am amazed when I see such beautifully detailed pieces. I would keep it right there too! XO
Thanks do much, Christy! So pleased I was able to give it new life!