As promised, I have another post all about Christmas for you! Today’s project is a DIY thrift store Christmas sleigh makeover!
This is honestly the earliest I have ever started decorating for Christmas, and I have to say, I am loving it, haha!
It’s my absolute favorite holiday and favorite time of the year so I’m all for getting to enjoy it as long as possible!
I found this adorable little wooden sleigh a few months back for $6 at a local thrift store (you can always find the best deals on holiday decor at thrift shops in the out of season months!) and I knew I had to have it!
It was a bit outdated, so I got to work on a quick and easy holiday makeover!
Keep reading so you can find out exactly how I transformed it into a brand new piece that looks like something straight from your favorite decor shop!
Sleigh
Here’s a list of the supplies I used for the sleigh makeover, in case you want to create a similar look for your own holiday project!
Supplies:
- Kilz Chalk Paint (White)
- Behr Decorative Finish Wax (Clear)
- FolkArt Antique Wax
- Natural bristle paintbrush
- Lint free cloth
How to:
Paint
I didn’t care for its current paint job, so the first step was giving the sleigh a few coats of white chalk paint!
I used Kilz chalk paint in white.
Covering up a brighter color like this is definitely a bit more challenging!
It took about 3 coats to really do the job well, but now you can’t even tell that there’s red hiding under there!
Clear wax (1st coat)
After letting it sit overnight I waxed the entire sleigh using Behr clear wax in order to protect the paint from getting scratched.
Be sure to use a lint free cloth when applying clear wax, and after you let it sit go back over it with another lint free cloth to not only wipe off any excess wax but also to buff and shine the wax until it feels smooth to the touch.
Sometimes this part takes a bit of elbow grease, but it’s worth it to know that your paint job is protected!
Antique wax
The following day I used FolkArt antique wax along the edges of the sleigh as well as a few places on the sides to create a more defined and distressed look.
I took a clean lint free cloth and used it to wipe a very small amount of wax onto all the edges of the sleigh.
Then I rubbed a small amount of wax onto a few different areas on the sides and bottom of the sleigh as well.
If you are trying to create a similar look yourself I would definitely emphasize using a SMALL amount of wax, a little really goes a long way!
I was careful to make sure that none of the areas looked too even or uniform. You definitely want things to seem imperfect and a bit messy whenever you are creating an aged and distressed look!
I let it all sit for several minutes, then I took another clean lint free cloth and began to wipe off the excess wax until I was happy with the way it looked.
You can actually do this step BEFORE you use the clear wax instead of after, but if you use the antique wax before the clear wax you will get a much darker and more distinct look wherever you put it.
Using the clear wax first helps ensure that only a light layer of the antique wax goes on your piece!
The end result after applying the antique wax is subtle but it definitely makes the entire piece look more defined!
Clear wax (2nd coat)
After the antique wax had some time to sit, the final step was to once again use the clear wax on the entire sleigh just like I had done the first time.
This way the antique wax as well as the paint is protected from any scratches or damage!
Presents
So now that my sleigh makeover was finished I knew that I wanted to fill it with something cute!
And these faux Christmas presents were super quick and easy to make, which is always a bonus!
Supplies:
- Empty boxes
- Kraft paper
- Baker’s twine (red & white)
- Clear tape
- Scissors
How to:
Faux presents are perfect for so many different uses in holiday decor!
I made these to fit inside my sleigh, but you can use the same steps to make many different sizes!
Make some for tiered trays, baskets, wooden boxes, mantle decor, or anywhere else you need to add a little something extra to your Christmas decor!
All you need are empty boxes in the sizes your looking for!
I used a cell phone box and cell phone screen protector box for my presents!
To make them I simply wrapped both empty boxes like you would a normal gift, using the kraft paper and clear tape.
Then I wrapped baker’s twine around each box, and tied a bow in front!
And now we have the finished product all put together…
Pretty cute, right?? And to think that sleigh only cost me $6!
You would never be able to guess that now, it really looks high end!
Classy Christmas decor doesn’t have to cost you a fortune, all you have to do is get creative with it!
Here’s another close up shot showing a bit more of the antique wax details:
It can be hard to tell in photos, but the antique wax really adds definition and character!
I couldn’t be happier with how it all turned out in the end!
I hope this DIY thrift store Christmas sleigh makeover inspires you to try some decor DIYs of your own this season!
And if you’re looking for more Christmas, check out last week’s post on How to Stay Organized During the Holidays!
Have you ever found a great holiday piece at a thrift store for a bargain?
Let me know what it was in the comments below!
