Thrift Store Wooden Swan Makeover

I'm a true animal lover, and over the years, from childhood to parenthood, I've been a mother to many.

Pets in all shapes and sizes from dogs and cats, hamsters, rabbits to hermit crabs, frogs, turtles, fish and one parakeet named Tweety.

Who's last on that list for a reason.

You see in real life, I'm not a fan of birds. Well, close up anyway. They just creep me out.

Maybe it's thanks to Alfred Hitchcock and my history with his terrifying movie. Or perhaps it's because they're not soft and cuddly like the others. Honestly though, I think it all goes back to Tweety.

The parakeet that used fly over my preteen head, tangling my hair in his sharp claws or locking his beak onto my finger with a very painful grip.

Yeah, that wasn't fun. 

However, when it comes to decor. I say bring 'em on. 

My house is filled with duck decoys, roosters, chickens, songbirds and swans. Some I've been gifted, some I've created, but most have been thrifted.

Here are just a few of my "birdy" DIYs:

• Stenciled Chicken Pillows
• Decoy Duck Makeover
• Swan Planter: Trash To Treasure
• Custom Farmhouse Placemats
• Upcycled Rooster Cutting Board

I just can't resist, especially if the price is right.

Like this country style, 1980's wooden swan, I picked up back in May of 2024 for $5. She was 50% off...a major score.

There was something about her shape and size that drew me in.

Although, her colors weren't really making the most of her glorious stature.

The wood was lovely, but dated, which is probably why she was on sale, but I knew that with a little creativity I could change all that.

Of course, it took me over a year to get to her with so many other thrift store finds to makeover.

I painted her early on, covering her body in white, giving me a blank palette to work on, but then the work stopped.


Originally, I thought I would cover her in fabric, like my old wooden sled.

Then a few months ago, I picked up some discount floral transfers and a new idea was born.

//See Transfers Here//

First, I used them to reimagine an old round wooden bathroom sign, but this time those flowers became feathers.

I applied them carefully, according to the directions.

I did need to do some patchwork, adding flowers to cover the hard edge, but overall it was a quick project.

If you'd like to see exactly how I put them on, you can peek at one of my many transfer posts:

• Wooden Magazine Rack Makeover
• Adding Transfers To Glass
• Creating Transfer Art For Fall
• Easter Bunny Transfer Plate
• Farmhouse Cabinet Door Makeover

Once her body was covered with the large blooms, I moved onto to the details, like giving her an eye.


For that I chose a small bud that resembled one with lashes.

And lastly I placed a thin vine leaf near her chest, as a design element to tie the whole composition together.


When I was done, I was absolutely thrilled with my newest thrift store trash to treasure piece.

One that looks fabulous in the living room, perched on the fireplace mantel.


Warming up the room with her majestic makeover.

Even better, she's large enough to be a dramatic focal point, no matter where she nests.


 Kitchen, family room, hallway, my five dollar find looks right at home in my cottage style home.

And best of all, she doesn't bite.

😉

Do you have a decor obsession?

Happy Crafting, Friends!