deb flips the bird... ?!

that post title doesn't mean what you might think!

some people 'flip' furniture. (actually, i've done that, too).

now i 'flip' home decor elements each season...

sometimes more than once IN a season!

and my favorite tool for changing how things look is paint.

i never let the color of an item found at a thrift store or yard sale

or even in my own storage bins limit me - 

because it's SO EASY to repaint things to make them fit my current decor style.

so when i discovered this little ceramic bird on a bottom shelf at Dollar Tree,
the very last one they had in the store,

i didn't hesitate a moment before dropping her into my shopping basket:

the pink color isn't BAD, it just doesn't fit my decor.

but with a few ideas and some paint, i gave her FOUR NEW LOOKS

and i created spring wreaths / wall decor for three of those!

continue reading to see how all four turned out...

.

first up, i went with yellow. (of course i did!)

a quick spray of glossy yellow gave Miss B a whole new vibe:

personally, i love her on the mantel. this little bird has places to GO, tho!

since i wanted to create a spring wreath to share with you,

i grabbed a round galvanized metal tray,

one of my grass nests, some yarn, some faux flowers, and did this:

duct tape holds the tulip stems in place onto the rim of the tray,

while a drop of hot glue holds a tiny ceramic bowl in the same location - 

which becomes the 'bottom' of the 'wreath' when it's hung up.

the nest sits on that little bowl and is filled with green mossy 'eyelash' yarn,

and i spiraled a tiny bit of yellow gingham ribbon through the nest.

the pretty yellow bird nestles into the yarn in the wreath - 

and i'd suggest using hot glue to secure her if you will hang this on an actual door.

a floppy yellow gingham bow attached to the top rope handle of the tray,

which would slip over a wreath hanger on a door or nail on a wall.

the second version of Miss Birdie is also yellow...

she got a bit of embellishment with several colors of yellow acrylic paint,

simply daubed on with a brush in an abstract way for an artful look
(a bit like the 'painterly' pumpkins i made a few years back, inspired by palettes):

i used the same wreath but added another element:

i tucked a small plastic plate that i've used as a paint palette just behind the nest - 

it's covered in splotches of yellow, so it coordinates perfectly with the bird.

i made a version for those who embrace a neutral palette (i did for years),

where a quick spray of white gloss paint and a tiny touch of metallic gold on her beak

transforms her into a piece that would fit into ANY style + color decor:

i love how it looks like she's sheltering under a tulip leaf!

the wreath got a few changes to fit this style + palette:

the ribbon on top changed to a piece of vintage seam binding in green

and the flowers were switched to white faux tulips.

three tiny snowball blooms tuck into the nest, as well.

this neutral rendition really embodies 'farmhouse style' to me -

 switch out the galvanized tray for a tray or wreath made from reeds or bamboo,

and you'd have a very contemporary boho vibe!

this is why i reuse stuff. 

paint can completely change the look and mood of decor elements,

making it possible to stretch your budget AND your storage areas.

plus, it enables you to create a home that reflects YOUR style - not a store.

...and at last, sweet Birdie became 'the bluebird of happiness'

and now lives in my Mom's blue and white bedroom ;) 

(not a sponsored post - link to Dollar Tree is for your convenience.)

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related content:

sweet simple nests

painterly pumpkins

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creatively beth | team creative crafts linky party #146

funky junk interiors | new upcycled ideas #678

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