When things go out of style, it’s amazing how a few layers of paint can bring it back to life. I only wish my cats hadn’t knocked the second one off my craft table and broke it before I had a chance to paint it! I could have had a matching pair of these crisp, clean doves for my living room.
I’ve recently decided to switch my decor to a more coastal look and feel, so brightening this piece up made complete sense.
I found this bird, or rather a pair of birds, at a local thrift store. As I mentioned above, my cat knocked one of them off the table and broke it before I had a chance to do anything with them. There was no fixing it either, far too many pieces to try and put it back together.
Now the funny thing is that I tried to make this over once before, but my first attempt did not turn out the way that I had planned. So I had put the bird away in my stash cabinet and pulled it out a couple days ago to try again.
I’ve been pretty impressed with this multi-surface paint I’ve been using lately. It’s self leveling, so if your application wasn’t completely smooth, it levels itself out and looks nice.
I used a sponge applicator to apply a thin coat of Americana Multi Surface Satin in White Birch over the entire bird. I repeated that process three times and let it dry. One final coat with a brush and I think she looks lovely!
Doesn’t seem to matter where I put it, it looks good with the items around it.
So don’t overlook those ugly ceramic 70’s owls or elephants next time you are thrift shopping. A little paint can do wonders!
I am a DecoArt Core Blogger. I was compensated for this post, but have always loved DecoArt products! Therefore, all opinions expressed here are 100% my own.
- How to Make a Pom Pom - January 20, 2026
- Foam Cup Snowmen - January 16, 2026
- Great Big Button Tree Art - January 14, 2026
Suzanne B says
Love the transformation! Will see things with new eyes next time I’m thrifting! I also love those picture frames pictured with the bird in one shot. Did you make those as well? If so, do you have a previous tutorial on them? Very nice!
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Suzanne! I did make the frames, yes, but I don’t have the tutorial up yet. It will actually be available in a free e-book hopefully this month!
Suzanne B says
Yeah, can’t wait!
suzanne b says
Amanda,
Has the frames tutorial been posted yet, online or ebook? I keep looking periodically, but haven’t been able to find it.
thanks, Suzanne
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Suzanne :-( Unfortunately it still hasn’t. Apparently they didn’t anticipates some problems that they are having with their ebook process. I will add the link as soon as they post it!
Mary Jo says
Great Idea Amanda, looks good, don’t even look like the same piece, just another fabulous idea from my favorite crafter!
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Mary Jo! I know it’s not for everyone, but i really like the clean fresh look, especially with switching things to coastal :)
Judi Roland says
I love this, Amanda.
Now I have something
Else to add to my thrift
store/garage sale list!
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Judi! Just make sure anything you buy isn’t antique or worth something first. There’s definitely plenty of the 70’s style knick knacks at the thrift store! ;-)
Cathye says
I have an avocado green bird and you’ve just given me a way to love it again. Thank you so much for your creativity.
Amanda Formaro says
Awesome Cathye, thanks!