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.
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.
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.
I used a bristle brush and I didn't prime the surface.
I wanted a rustic, worn appearance, I went with two.
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.
Since this napkin opened up to reveal four separate snowmen, I had to cut one of them away.
I have an extra that I use for crafts and it comes in very handy.
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
MINI IRON FOR CRAFTS |
If you use a regular iron, start with it on low and no steam
Step 2: Add decoupage
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
Next, I laid my snowman down on the sled in position. Then I covered him with parchment paper.
Step 4: Iron
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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.
And I was done.
I turned that basic thrift find into a charming vintage style holiday sled.
And a super cute one at that
I mean look at that sweet smiling little guy.
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?
Happy Crafting, Friends!
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.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love that snowman smiling.
Carla
Hello Carla!! Isn’t that snowman cute? I just love looking at his sweet face…
DeleteSo 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
DeleteThis 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!
ReplyDeleteThank 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!!
DeleteIt's the cutest! The sled, the snowman and the bow - perfection! I like that crafting iron too!
ReplyDeleteThanks 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!!
DeleteYou are so right it does not get any cuter. Very cute and fun. I love that little iron you have. Happy Thanksgiving. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteThanks 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!!
DeleteThat 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
ReplyDeleteOh 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
DeleteI do like this, it's so cute and fun too! A winning combination.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving wishes.
All the best Jan
https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/
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??
ReplyDeleteThat might be the cutest snowman ever! It turned out so charming! very cute!
ReplyDeleteDeanna Rabe
Very cute project Kim. The snowman is adorable. I also liked it before.
ReplyDeleteYour 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!
ReplyDeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteYou are on a roll with your creativity!! This is just too darn cute!! Love it!! Thanks again for sharing!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Kim, I love your makeover of the sled. It looks so cute with the snowman.
ReplyDelete