Do you remember those little ensembles hanging in your grandma’s bathroom? This one came with two butterflies and a little oval mirror. I found it at a thrift store just dying for a new home. I still have plans for the mirror, but for now I’ll show you the butterfly metamorphosis. ;) It really is amazing what a little spray paint can accomplish!
My teen daughter’s room is purple with white trim. Her accent pieces are black. You might remember this circle tree modern art canvas piece I did for her room a little while back. We have been slowly working on adding bits and pieces here and there and these butterflies were a perfect addition.
When I originally picked these up I had planned to paint them blue and give them to my husband’s aunt. I figured she would like them based off of other things I have seen in her home, and all her accent pieces were blue. Since we ended up not visiting them over Thanksgiving I still had them sitting in my stash. I fully expected my daughter to reject the idea, but when I presented it to her she was all for it.
It was a pretty easy transformation. All I used was some Krylon primer and spray paint.
So here they are in their original state. Lovely right? Sooooo reminiscent of my house when I was growing up. I think my mother probably had some of these!
First I applied a coat of primer. I allowed each side to dry for about half an hour before applying a second coat.
After the second coat they probably dried over an hour. I was busy doing other things so didn’t really clock it. :-/
Next I simply applied a coat of Krylon Satin Black. I did allow these to dry for an hour in between coats and did two coats on both sides.
That was it! Easy peasy and a lovely addition to Kristen’s room! I can’t wait to show you what I have planned for her wall, but that’s a much bigger project. :)
70's Butterfly Wall Hanging Redo
Supplies
- butterflies
- primer
- Krylon Satin Black paint
Instructions
- First I applied a coat of primer. I allowed each side to dry for about half an hour before applying a second coat.
- After the second coat they probably dried over an hour.
- Next I simply applied a coat of Krylon Satin Black. I did allow these to dry for an hour in between coats and did two coats on both sides.
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Veronica says
By the way, my bedroom is purple with white trim too! Well, lavender escape is the technical color…except I'm 31, not quite a teenager anymore! I have white, black, espresso and silver accents…too many I know.
Veronica
Veronica says
Hi! I just discovered your blog via http://cardmkrleslie.blogspot.com/ Love the Valentine magnet idea. And I love the spray painted butterflies too! I so remember my friend's mom having some like that in one of their bathrooms!! Oh, memories…
Veronica in CA
Diane says
Haha. I have those same butterflies. I didn't know there was a mirror to go with them though. I also have some larger white ones that have orange felt behind them. I was just looking at them yesterday wondering if I should finally donate them. But I held onto them. Those do look so cute!! :) Thanks for sharing!
from blank pages…
Kim @ Second Time Furniture says
Very cute! I have two gold butterflies just like yours that I planned to do the same thing with!
marla says
Oh Amanda, you are so creative – these came out so pretty!
Rezlana Mushadiq says
They are gorgeous….:)
Krafty Kat says
Those little butterflies do bring back some memories! They look great in your daughter's room!
Kate says
My grandma didn't have those but she did have butterflies all over her tiny bathroom. I loved them and the powder puff. I used to love taking a bath at her place and then dusting with scented baby powder with the big fluffy puff. Good memories.
The Autocrat: Haley says
Great idea!!
creativejewishmom/sara says
Great makeover! Thanks so much for sharing on Craft Schooling Sunday, wonderful to connect again!
OurForeverHouse says
So funny! I recently found some similar 70s butterflys. We painted ours watermelon pink to match my daughters new room. I skipped the primer step and have totally regretted it. They would have covered in half the paint had I ran out to get some primer. Lesson learned.
Jill @ Craft in a Northern Town says
I want to put butterflies in my daughter's room as well. I saw some at Target for $30 and couldn't bring myself to buy them. I need to see if I can find some at a thrift store and do what you did.
Thanks for the great idea!
Joani says
These butterflies were a product of Home Interior out of Dallas, TX. The company is now bankrupt. The company that follows them is Celebrating Home. Lovely color.
Mod Podge Amy says
Amanda, I love this! So much! Sometimes it's hard to see beauty in old stuff. You always manage it. When can I come over for some creamsicle cupcakes??? :D
Melissa says
I have these exact butterflies! I found three of them at my local goodwill and painted them light pink for my daughter's room:) And yeah…my grandma totally had stuff like that in her house! Ha!
Jennifer says
We definitely had those in our house when I was growing up. I remember them vividly. I think they also have some wall sconces that match.
ificould says
Super cute! What a cute idea – love how they turned out!
missy
Karen says
Very cute! I love spraying stuff a different color! It changes the whole look. Great job!
Mommyblogger says
Those are just adorable. I remember my mom having those butterflies in her house when I was growing up!