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Mini Sled Makeover

November 27, 2024

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Oh, the weather outside is frightful...

Ok, well not really frightful, just cold.

Which is perfectly normal for this time of year in my neck of the woods, so it's not surprising.

Mini Sled Makeover

The chill in the air just took a lot longer to arrive this season.

But that's Murphy's Law...

Because, for the first time ever, this summer girl, was itching for cold. 

You see, when the temperature drops, my winter crafting brain heats up and I get to dive into my supplies and play. It's my consolation prize, once those lazy, hazy beach days disappear.

I mean you really can't whip a snowman in the middle of summer. It just doesn't feel right.

Of course, summer is the perfect time to shop for winter decor, especially at thrift stores.

Which is exactly where and when I found this decorative mini sled.

Small Green and Red Thrifted Mini Sled

Isn't it adorable?

As soon as I saw it, I had to have it and even though it was in brand new condition...came with the tags on it...I knew it was going to get an Exquisitely Unremarkable makeover.

I just love decorating second hand sleds. I've done it three times before:

But I didn't have a painted snowman sled.

So, I started by removing the store tags and the thrift sticker.

Then I wiped the entire sled down with warm water, a little vinegar and a paper towel to remove any dust or debris.

Next, I untied the rope hanger so it wouldn't get paint all over it.

Removing Sled Rope

Then I grabbed my chalk mineral paint and gave the entire wooden body of the sled two coats.

I used a bristle brush and I didn't prime the surface.

Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint on thrifted sled ready for a makeover

Three coats would've covered the green paint completely.

I wanted a rustic, worn appearance, I went with two.

Painted Mini Sled Makeover

While the paint dried, I started working on my napkins, since yes, I was going to decoupage.

I'm a huge fan of it and I've decoupaged A LOT of things for Christmas, like soup spoons, old tiles, cookie sheets, seashells and more.

Besides, I had this ridiculously darling snowman napkin my friend Susan gifted me.

Vintage Looking Snowman Napkin

It was so similar to the vintage style Santa napkin I used to make my dollar store burner cover wreath last year, I knew they'd be great friends.

Since this napkin opened up to reveal four separate snowmen, I had to cut one of them away.

Cutting A snowman napkin

Then I had to peel away all the extra layers of paper, as I would only need the very top, printed one.

Separating Two Ply Napkin For Decoupage

Getting that sneaky third layer isn't always easy, but I managed to gently pry it away without damaging the snowman's cute face.

Pulling apart all the layers of napkins for decoupage

At this point, I was ready for Mod Podge, but unfortunately my paint wasn't completely dry. So I used a hairdryer to speed up the process.

I have an extra that I use for crafts and it comes in very handy.

Using A Hairdryer To Dry Paint

Now, I decoupage things all the time and I've always used the tried and true sticky method, working with wet decoupage and lots of coats of it - both under and over my napkin or paper.

However, recently, I've been playing with the iron on method so I decided to give it a try on wood...and I have to tell you I was blown away by the results.

There was not a wrinkle or bump in the paper and my hands were clean all the way through. No gloves or smoothing necessary.

Here's how I did it.

How To Decoupage With An Iron On Wood


Step 1: Preheat your iron

Red Mini Craft Iron For Decoupage
MINI IRON FOR CRAFTS

I used this small craft iron. It's so tiny, but works amazingly well. There's no temperature setting, it's either on or off.

If you use a regular iron, start with it on low and no steam

Step 2: Add decoupage

Adding Mod Podge to a wooden sled

Using a brush, I gave my sled a very generous coating of Mod Podge and let it dry all the way. 

It seems counterintuitive, but that is the key to having no wrinkles. Step away from your project and let it dry.

Completely.

Step 3: Add your napkin

Using Parchment Paper To Decoupage

Next, I laid my snowman down on the sled in position.

Then I covered him with parchment paper.

Step 4: Iron

Using An Iron To Decoupage On Wood

I moved the iron around on top of the parchment paper, very slowly paying close attention to the edges of the snowman napkin.

I kept moving it, covering all areas until I was convinced the napkin was stuck to the painted wood.

Ironing Decoupage Method

I did peek a few times and if I noticed that an edge wasn't sticking well, I just replaced the paper and ironed that spot again.

Using Mini Iron To Decoupage over parchment paper

Step 5: Peel and seal

Lastly, I peeled the parchment paper away to reveal my snowman, who was seamlessly attached to the wood. It was crazy.

Sparkle Mod Podge
SPARKLE MOD PODGE

To keep him there, and to make sure he's always look that good, I applied one coat of sparkle Mod Podge, with a brush, because, well, snow glistens.

No wrinkles on a decoupaged napkin using an iron

The last steps in this mini sled makeover involved replacing the original sled rope with a plain white ribbon.

And adding a festive bow, that I made with my fingers. 

Making A Two Finger Bow

It took me a while to get this process down, but now it's become an obsession.

A little glue secured the bow to the sled.

Gluing A Bow Onto A Christmas Sled

And I was done.

I turned that basic thrift find into a charming vintage style holiday sled.

Thrift Flip Christmas Sled Makeover

And a super cute one at that

I mean look at that sweet smiling little guy.

Mini Snowman Sled DIY displayed on a wall shelf with Spode Christmas plates.

Who was created with a throwback napkin design, a teeny, tiny iron.

And no sticky fingers.

Now that's my way to play in the snow.

😉

Would you iron a napkin?

The Secret To Napkin Decoupage Without Wrinkles

Happy Crafting, Friends!

Kim Signature


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  1. Hello, using a hair dryer is a great idea, thank you. And I love that mini iron... thank you for sharing all your crafty secrets.
    And I love that snowman smiling.
    Carla

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    1. Hello Carla!! Isn’t that snowman cute? I just love looking at his sweet face…

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  2. So cute; I love this sled upcycle! I've yet to try this decoupage technique; I can't seem to find great napkins here that would be suitable.

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    1. I was shocked by the results, Sara, and my hands were clean and dry the entire time!! I hope you find some fun napkins to use soon. I know you could make some really lovely crafts!

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  3. This project is so cute. I love the ironing method, have used it many times with excellent results. I even have the exact iron that you used, gifted to me by my daughter last Christmas. Happy Holidays!

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    1. Thank you so much, Drue! I have to say this is only my 3rd time using the iron on method, but so far, I love it, too! It's so much easier and the results are amazing. I'm glad to hear you're happy with the iron. I've only had it about a month and it's worked very well. I'm glad to hear it has staying power! I really appreciate the comment and visit today and hope to see you here again soon!!

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  4. It's the cutest! The sled, the snowman and the bow - perfection! I like that crafting iron too!

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    1. Thanks so much, Mari! It's a cute craft with cute tools! I laughed when that iron showed up. I was like what? This is too small to do anything, but it actually works great...just really teeny!! Happy Thanksgiving!!

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  5. You are so right it does not get any cuter. Very cute and fun. I love that little iron you have. Happy Thanksgiving. Hugs. Kris

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    1. Thanks so much, Kris! Once I saw that napkin I knew exactly where I would put it. Now he’s a showstopper bringing cheer to my family room. Happy Thanksgiving!!

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  6. That is really darling,. I have debated on ordering one of those little irons but I think I need to do it. Celebrating Thanksgiving today with my family and then on to full Christmas preparations. Happy Thanksgiving~ xo Diana

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    1. Oh what fun! Happy Thanksgiving Diana!! We did an early Turkey Day two weeks ago with some family members and are gearing up for another one tomorrow with the rest of the brood. I hope you have a fabulous day!! Xo

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  7. I do like this, it's so cute and fun too! A winning combination.

    Happy Thanksgiving wishes.

    All the best Jan
    https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/

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  8. I love the iron method for decoupage and your snowman turned out adorable, Kim. I still don't have a craft iron...maybe I should write a letter to Santa??

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  9. That might be the cutest snowman ever! It turned out so charming! very cute!
    Deanna Rabe

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  10. Very cute project Kim. The snowman is adorable. I also liked it before.

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  11. Your version of this sled is WAY cuter than the original! Amazing! And I have never before seen a tiny craft iron! I had no idea it even existed! I am always learning something useful and new from you. I love the greens on this sled. You knocked it out of the park again!

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  12. Kim,
    You are on a roll with your creativity!! This is just too darn cute!! Love it!! Thanks again for sharing!!
    Hugs,
    Deb
    Debbie-Dabble Blog

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  13. Kim, I love your makeover of the sled. It looks so cute with the snowman.

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