Transform Thrift Store Finds with DIY Paint and IOD Decor

Hey there, fellow dumpster-diving, thrift-store-loving DIYers! Have you ever walked past a box at Goodwill or spotted a sad little metal bucket in the trash and thought, “I could totally do something with that”? Well, I’m here to tell you—you totally can. You will be amazed at what’s possible with DIY Paint /JRV One Step Paints and Iron Orchid Designs (IOD) Decor enhancements. Let’s dive into a handful of thrift flips that’ll have you running for your nearest junk pile.

I have a fun video that is short and easy to follow along that goes into detail on how to use all the products here and how to upcycle your old stuff, I hope you will click the link and watch!

Project 1: The Goodwill Box Glow-Up

I started with this box I found at Goodwill—sad but potential! I used JRV One Step Paint in Azure, wow!! This turquoise is the color of all my boho beachy dreams. The paint glides on smooth like butter. If I had to do it again, I’d spray prime the area where it says “home”, that lettering just kept coming through!

Once dry, I used the gorgeous IOD Wild Blooms Transfer. I folded it over the edges, peeled off the backing, and carefully stuck it to my box by going over it with my hand on all surfaces. Using the burnishing stick, I burnished it (like applying a temporary tattoo). I finished it off with some Liquid Gold Patina on the inside because you can never have enough bling!

Side note: You can now find all these products locally at my new spot—Artisan Peacock in Brentwood, CA. Over 68 local artists. It’s a whole vibe. Go! Artisan Peacock is located in The Streets of Brentwood in Brentwood, Northern, CA.

If you would like to see more fun ways to use IOD Transfers, this is a popular post: How to Makeover an Old Desk 

Project 2: Metal Bucket Gets a Makeover

Next up—a metal bucket that was very “meh.” I spray-primed it, (to help the paint stick to the slick plastic coating) and used JRV Veranda,

Now, it’s time for IOD Air Dry clay fun! I used the IOD Blossoms Mold with air-dry clay (dust your mold with cornstarch to help the castings come out easier, also, turn your mould upside down and let gravity help you out). I pressed it in, smoothed it out with the micro rim (only IOD has this genius detail), and glued it to the bucket with Titebond Wood Glue. This glue holds fast—no sliding problems with this glue.

Once the air-dried clay fully dried, I painted it in layers of DIY Painterly Paints, an outstanding paint made for canvas and small details. I added a little bit of gold and dark wax, and now my project has gone from a sad metal bin to a boutique-worthy bloom bucket.

Project 3: The Sad Box with Posh Vibes

I had this old wooden box sitting around forever. I painted this old wood box with JRV One Step in Garden Sage using the Multitasker Brush (it holds so much paint and loves rough surfaces).

I used the new IOD Portofino Inlay—you want to lay this paint-side down with a generous coat of Clear Patina underneath. I made a really silly mistake (too many projects going at one time) and put one of the inlays down paint side up. You want to place the inlays paint side down with a wet medium. You can use wet paint, but I have found my best results come from DIY Paint Clear Patina. Don’t be like me—check your orientation first!

After it dried almost all the way, I misted the inlay with water and pulled it up. It was pure magic, like a paint fairy visited while I wasn’t looking. I was so happy that this box sold in less than an hour at Artisan Peacock.

Project 4: Honey Tray Drama

I found a $2.99 tray at a Goodwill in Berkeley while waiting for Thai food (shoutout to MM Thai!). I couldn’t decide between an IOD Grisaille Inlay or a stamp—so I painted it first with JRV Honey, stirring really well first!  (it has a topcoat built-in), and used the multitasker brush to get in all those basket-weave details.

I eventually went with Grisaille—it has this elegant French vibe. I lined up the pattern, misted the back, and pressed it into the Clear Patina. I could not be happier with the end result!

Project 5: That Forgotten Goodwill Table

Last project—this random side table I had buried under a garage avalanche or furniture (not exaggerating here). I painted the forgotten table in Plaster, and let me tell you, that color is creamy dreamy perfection. This color covered so well and went on so smooth. I love all the DIY paints in whites and creams, all DIY Paints are highly pigmented, which allows you to use less paint and finish your projects even faster.

If you would like to see other fun and easy table makeovers, check out this post: How to Paint and refinish two side tables. 

I used the Little Dipper Brush for the rounded legs—SO good for spindles and curvy spots. To make this table really stand out, I used  the IOD Shade & Song Stamp. Here’s a pro tip for using new IOD Stamps: scuff your new stamp with 220 grit so the ink sticks well. Then use the masking sheets (included!) to layer your scene without a muddy mess. Stamp, mask, stamp again—it’s reverse layering magic. Watch the video for the how to on this, it’s truly a game changer in making your projects so detailed and gorgeous.

I hope you enjoyed these five easy projects! Leave a comment and let me know what projects you have on your to do list and what your plans are for their makeovers! I can’t wait to hear all about it.