Are you a thrifter? Grab my free tips! Click Here!

Red Toile Christmas Sled Makeover

November 26, 2022

This post may contain affiliate links.

One of my all time favorite holiday past times is turning trash into to Christmas treasure. 

This week, I gave another old sled an unexpected makeover with fabric and it's just darling. 

Repairing A Decorative Sled

Christmas crafting is always a treat.

I get to sit down and take a break from cooking and cleaning to get my hands dirty and sink into my favorite hobby.

As a bonus, I end up with a beautiful home decor addition for my tiny cottage.

I've created ornaments out of clay and macaroni to decorate my tree.

I've made signs to decorate my mantel and kitchen hood.

Heck, I have over 35 crafts rounded up for my Christmas in July post alone. 

However, some of my all time favorite projects involve making over thrift store finds for Christmas.

Plain glass dishes, socks and sleds. Two of them actually.

One vintage Flexible Flyer and one small wooden tabletop model.

So honestly, I didn't need anymore sleds in this tiny cottage, but when I spotted this tattered red and white one at the curb, I couldn't resist.

Little Red And White Sled

I had no idea what I was going to do with it, but I knew it could be something special with a little bit of love.

So, I brought it home and stuck in the garage in the summer of 2020. And there is sat until last week.

I decided it was time to update it, perhaps with a stencil.

But. When it was propped up against the fireplace, I saw the red toile fabric I bought to make stockings modeled after the tiny one I have in my Christmas hallway and the lightbulb went on. 

I would cover the sled in red toile. 

And while I've made a ton of fabric crafts over the years, this one just might be my favorite.

I'll let you be the judge.

Using Fabric To Makeover A Christmas

This was such an easy and unique project, but one that really pops next to the tree.

It'll work with any sled you have, large or small, and with the fabric of your choice. It's a fun and creative way to makeover a Christmas sleigh.

Here's the how to: 


I started by wiping down the entire sled, since it was rather dusty from a few years in the garage.

Next up, I had to tackle the broken steering bar.

Broken  Christmas Sled

I contemplated sawing off the jagged edges and epoxying the parts together, but the sled was made out of particle board and that doesn't always cut well.

Sometimes it crumbles and since the sled was only for display, I decided to take another route.

I simply used a hot glue gun to reattach the broken pieces.

Gluing A Broken Sled

When the glue dried and the pieces were set, I grabbed some thin twine and wrapped it around the repaired areas to camouflage the damage.

Again, I used hot glue to secure the twine.

Wrapping Twine On A Christmas Sled

Then I moved onto the fabric part of the craft.

First, I mapped out what piece of the toile design I wanted to feature.

Adding Fabric To A Decorative Sled

Then I cut out a piece large enough to cover the front of the sled.

To cut the individual slats out, I turned the sled over and placed it on top of the fabric, with the patterned side down.

Trace The Shape Onto Fabric

Then I used a very sharp pencil to outline each individual slat.

To cut them out, I placed the toile on a board and used a rotary cutter to get very sharp lines. It's one of my favorite crafting tools.

Using A Rotary Cutter On Fabric

Adding the fabric strips to the sled was a quick and easy process.

Dixie Belle Clear Coat Satin

I just brushed on a generous amount of Dixie Belle Clear Coat, which I like much better than Mod Podge, and it works the same way.

It doesn't smell, at all, and it's not as sticky.

Decoupage Fabric Onto A Sled

I laid the fabric on the wet boards and used my fingers to smooth it down.

Smoothing decoupaged fabric with fingers

Then I added more sealer on the top and moved on to the next strip, repeating the process until all three were covered.

Adding Decoupage Over Fabric with a brush

Instead of a giant bow, I used a zip tie to embellish it with a small, faux evergreen wreath.

Christmas Sled with fabric against a fireplace

Turning my boring and bland curbside find into a charming vintage style Christmas sled.

Red Toile Christmas Sled DIY

Something special, like I knew it could be.

Making me so happy, I didn't leave it at the curb.

🎄

Are you a crafty curbside shopper?

Hey, don't go anywhere!

It's time for another Do It Over Designers Hop, hosted by my friend, Ann from The Apple Street Cottage.

Do It Over Designers Blog Hop Graphic

You won't want to miss all the festive fun, so make sure to visit them all!


Happy Hopping, Friends!
Kim Signature


Post a Comment | 60 Comments

Hey~ before you go, let me know what you think!

I love comments and respond to them all.

*Please refer to our privacy policy if you have questions regarding your profile and note that comments with links will not be published.



  1. I know all too well how hard it is to resist another sled makeover, so we're two peas in a pod! Your toile looks fabulous and it's so customized to your decor. That wreath is perfect to finish it off - just the right scale!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! I agree, those adorable sleds are impossible to resist, especially when they're sitting all alone at the curb. I'm glad I could give this one a home.

      Delete
  2. That turned out great! Love the idea of the fabric and the red toile is perfect. I have given three or four sleds over the years as gifts. I love the ones that have the solid middle piece. I usually hand paint them (sometimes stencil) with Merry Christmas or the family name and the year they got married--or something similar. I have one that has a fleur de lis in the center that I kept for myself. lol. Have a wonderful weekend, Kim. xo xo xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Diana! I just love these little sled makeovers. You really can get so creative with them and you're right, they make great gifts. I like the sound of the fleur de lis design. I'm keeping that one in my head...you know, in case I find another!! xxoo

      Delete
  3. I love the toile, but how you camouflaged the repair is genius, Kim! Your little sled is perfect nest to the fireplace. Santa will be impressed!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why thank you, Ann!! My husband wanted me to get wood and make a brand new steering bar, but I'm a lazy crafter. This was much easier and a little more decorative. Thanks for hosting!!

      Delete
  4. I never gave though to adhering fabric to a sled - great idea! Your choice of fabric was also perfect for this project. What a treasure!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Patti! The idea never occured to me either until I saw the fabric right next to it, but then I was hooked.

      Delete
  5. Kim this is a great makeover! I especially like how you used the fabric to take the sled to a new level. Very pretty!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Mary! I really, really like this one...it's different and that always makes me smile.

      Delete
  6. Oh my, Kim! Your finished sled is gorgeous! I love how the toile design stayed intact on the slats and the lovely embellishments you added! Great job!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Gail! I really like this one.

      Delete
  7. I'm so glad I'm not the only one who gets things to makeover and then they sit there for years!! haha! Your sled turned out so cute!! I love the toile!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha, Tania!! Yes!! I'm so glad to know I'm in good company with my garage stash! My husband isn't always a fan of my collection, but I just can't help myself when I see a treasure.

      Delete
  8. I've always loved toile print fabric, I had a dress made from it as a kid that my mum made for me that I felt so nice in! I think I need to treat myself to some now! This is a beautiful makeover, such a great way to make a unique decoration from something that nearly got thrown away.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much!! I’m a late bloomer when it comes to toile, I’ve only recently fallen in love with it…but now I can’t stop creating with it. Funny you mentioned a dress, because I was thinking of making myself a skirt for Christmas with this pattern. I could match my sled!! 😉😂

      Delete
    2. Do it! It would make a fabulous skirt!

      Delete
  9. Oh this is just stunning! I was picturing fabric like a tutu so had to do some googling to figure out where I’d gone wrong, ha! Love this update, so charming,

    Rachel - Tea and Forget-me-nots

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Rachel! Haha, yes, toile and tulle sound a lot alike. Maybe I'll have to try a tulle sled next year.

      Delete
  10. Well done!! This looks gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ooooh! I love it!
    How do you always find such good stuff on the curb? I've never seen anything like that.
    Your repair job is perfect and using that toile was genius.
    Good job!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a lucky neighborhood for trash, that's for sure! Haha! You should see the snowman I found. He's amazing and outside my house dressing it up for the holiday. And thanks!!

      Delete
  12. You are so creative! I would never think to add fabric & this beautiful toile is perfect! I never see items left on the curb around here…so interesting that so many people do! Your finishing touches make this perfect!
    xo
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Pat! There's tons of good trash around here just waiting to become treasure. Lucky me!!

      Delete
  13. Oh Kim, that toile sled is beautiful. I love how you added the toile fabric over the wood portion of the sled. Perfection!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Kim, another fabulous and adorable project. I love it so much. My sled has mittens with all the family names on it....but I'm loving the toile you did ..I might need to have two sleds. Thanks for sharing and especially sharing good instructions!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your sled sounds precious, Dena! I have a few sleds and a pair of antique wooden skis, too. They're just too cute to leave at the curb. I just need a bigger house to display them all! Glad you liked the project and thanks for sharing your own!

      Delete
  15. That is so cute! I love it Kim! I wish I could find things like that at the curb! Maybe one day...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Keep looking, Florence!! They tend to turn up when you're not looking for them.

      Delete
  16. That turned out very cute! I love that toile.

    Deanna Rabe

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Deanna! That toile is my new favorite pattern.

      Delete
  17. I wouldn't have been able to resist grabbing the sleigh either, Kim. I adore the "red" toile - nice save!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Marie! I just couldn't leave it there...especially since it was red. 😉

      Delete
  18. Love this makeover! It is absolutely darling and now I want to go out and find a sleigh for my own house. So glad you shared the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the sweet comment, Donna! I hope you find a sled and make it over, too.

      Delete
  19. Oh my goodness!!! I want your sled. I love what you did... another great idea. Pinning.
    Carla

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Carla. This one turned out way better than I expected!

      Delete
  20. I love your makeover, and especially with the red toile fabric that you used! I have my childhood sled in my bedroom with a small Christmas tree on it with two snowmen.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It sounds darling, Kitty!! I bought a bunch of red toile for stockings, but I just had to steal a small piece for the sled. It's my new {old} favorite pattern. Happy Holidays!

      Delete
  21. Hello Kim! I'm excited to tell you that your adorable sled will be featured on the Fabulous Friday Link Party tomorrow! Congrats!

    ReplyDelete
  22. This is soooo good Kim! We are thrilled to be featuring it at Fabulous Friday Link Party today!

    ReplyDelete
  23. This is SO pretty!! That toile fabric is stunning and the PERFECT addition to this red sled!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much!! It turned out better than I expected.

      Delete
  24. Just saw this at the link party and fell in love! It looks like a completely different piece now and I'm so excited you were able to give it fresh life! It's just beautiful! Hugs, CoCo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, CoCo and it was super sweet of you to stop by and let me know. You just made my day!

      Delete
  25. I confess to not being able to envision a sled covered in fabric, but it's so fabulous that I will go as far to say that this is one of my favorites of your crafts! I'm partial to red toile, as my favorite little powder room walls are covered in it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, Amy!! Thanks!! This one just popped into my brain at the last minute...and your powder room sounds AMAZING! And classic...love it!

      Delete
  26. Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Kristie! This one is a definite favorite.

      Delete
  27. What a lovely makeover of a simple sled, Kim! So glad to meet you through sharing at Tuesday Turn About! I'm delighted to be featuring you at the party this week! Pinned, and hope to see you each week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Julie! I'm honored and excited. I can't wait to pop by and peek at the party.

      Delete
  28. Your sled looks fabulous! I love the red toile.
    Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Elizabeth! Toile is my new passion.

      Delete
  29. Oh my goodness! I LOVE the toile. This is an amazing makeover, Kim. Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Wow, those light bulb moments of yours are something else. It looks like something you would find in a high end store. What a lovely makeover, Kim.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Kim,
    I am just getting caught up on visiting...Benn busy changing Christmas over to Winter and Valentine's..This sweet sled make over took my breath away!! OMG! I just love it! The fabric is stunning and looks so good on the sled!! Just beautiful!! Thanks for the inspiration!!! Wishing you a very Happy and Healthy New Year , my friend!!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Deb! This sled makeover is clearly a winner. Everyone seems to love it and that makes me smile. I hope it inspires a season full of fabric covered sleds next year. Happy New Year!!

      Delete