Skip to main content

FEATURED Blog Post

From Gilded to Grounded: A Standing Jewelry Armoire's Dark Moody Transformation

Sometimes, a "bright and airy" makeover just doesn’t fit the vibe. I found this standing jewelry armoire after it had already been given a white and gold facelift by someone else, but it felt a bit too "glam" for many people. I knew it had the potential to be something much more sophisticated, mysterious, and—of course— moody . In this tutorial, I’m taking you through the process of retaining some of the previous DIY and layering on a deep, velvety dark green finish. We’ll be leaning into those shadows, highlighting the unique curved silhouette. Whether you're looking to tone down a piece that's "too bright" or you're ready to embrace the dark academia aesthetic, here is how I turned a high-contrast piece into a seamless, moody masterpiece.
13 comments
Read more

Office Desk Tray Goes Green

 


From plain Jane to sweet succulent beauty this wooden desk tray has been reloved.


This solid wood desk tray is the perfect catchall for paper, mail, bills etc but looks drab. Lets give it new life. First step is to clean well. I like to mix Dixie Belle white lightning cleaner with water in a spray bottle. Spray wipe well and wipe again with clean damp cloth. This ensures the surface is very clean. Because it has a super smooth finish I used a Dixie Belle sanding sponge to lightly scuff sand all sides and rewipe with the clean damp cloth.


The color I chose was this gorgeous soft green called tide pool from the Dixie Belle silk paint line. To apply it I used one of my favorite DixieBelle synthetic brush; the 2" mini. I used this calming green color on these projects as well. Above is the first coat going on, after about 4 hours a second coat was applied. When dry the entire tray was lightly sanded with a Dixie Belle sanding sponge to make the paint buttery smooth and lightly distress the edges for a worn aged feel.


PRO TOP: wash your brush after applying a coat of paint to easily keep brush clean and use a dry brush to apply the next coat.


To create an even more unique one of a kind look I applied a sheet from the cacti and succulents Dixie Belle transfer tube. Remove the backing, set in desired location and using the included applicator rub in place.


Taadaa! The next day I applied 3 coats of Dixie Belle flat clear coat with the flat Dixie Belle scarlet brush to seal the transfer in place and provide a smooth surface.


This tray can be used in the entry way to corral keys, mail etc. or on the desk for paper and bill. It would be perfect in a bedroom to hold jewelry, watches and perfume. How about in the living room to store remotes? So many options for this beauty. You can find it on my Etsy Store.



Subscribe to these Blog Tutorials ~ Visit my Etsy Store
Follow me on Facebook ~ Follow me on Pinterest 
Follow me on Instagram ~ Follow me on Hometalk
Email me



video tour





Links to the Dixie Belle products are for your convenience. My affiliation with this company does not increase prices on your end, your purchases via my links do however provide a small subsidy which allows me to keep providing these free tutorials. Thank you!

Shared up at these fun parties








Comments

  1. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2022 9:00 AM

    Very pretty office tray upcycle!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sew Crafty CrochetFebruary 26, 2022 8:38 PM

    So pretty! I absolutely love that shade of green, and the flowers are gorgeous! Such a great makeover!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Creative MomentsFebruary 27, 2022 9:19 AM

      Thank you very much, I love this soft green so much :) and the flowers are so sweet too

      Delete
  3. My Hubbard HomeFebruary 27, 2022 5:18 PM

    Great upcycle! I love the color you chose and the rub on transfer. It makes a lovely tray for the office of front door for mail.
    Rachelle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Creative MomentsFebruary 28, 2022 9:06 AM

      Thank you Rachelle, I agree. It would be the perfect place to toss keys, mail lipstick etc :)

      Delete
  4. PamMarch 08, 2022 11:35 AM

    That is so pretty! The colors all go together so beautifully. I would never have thought to make over a tray like that, and it is such a great idea.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Creative MomentsMarch 08, 2022 3:46 PM

      Thank you Pam for such kind words, appreciated :)

      Delete
  5. ClearissaMarch 10, 2022 8:24 PM

    Love this upcycle. It is so pretty. And all about spring. Thanks for sharing at #omhgww. See you next week. Pinned and tweeted if buttons are available.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Creative MomentsMarch 11, 2022 8:04 AM

      Thank you for the kind words, and for hosting :)

      Delete

Post a Comment