Small Wooden Sled Makeover DIY

Small unfinished wooden sleds can be transformed with a pretty napkin and some Mod Podge in a matter of minutes.

Check out the crafty DIY right here.



It's very small, it was constructed as decor.

And it certainly isn't vintage.

To be honest, I'm not sure where I picked it up.

I think it was at the thrift store.

Like so many other items around here, I saw it, thought that someday I could give it a little love and transform it into a pretty holiday accent for my home.

However, some days tend to elusive and it sat for a really long time in my craft closet.

But, after working on my Flexible Flyer last weekend, I decided maybe it was time to spend a bit of time with this one as well.

And trust me, when I say a bit of time, that's exactly what I mean.

Like my kitchen bench, this little hunk of wood went from drab to fab in about 15 minutes flat.

How To Decorate A Small Wooden Sled

At first, I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to do with this miniature sleigh.

I knew I wanted a simple piece, I'm not into fussy decor. I didn't want greenery or bows, since I just accented the big sled with a wreath.

I also wasn't going to use fabric like I did with my red toile sled makeover.

I didn't want to buy anything, because goodness knows I have enough craft supplies to open my own shop.

And I certainly didn't want a DIY that was going to take me too long to do.

Luckily, as I was contemplating my design, I ran across a few napkins that my sister gave me a few years ago.

I was at her house for Christmas Eve dinner and spotted them on her table. We had a good laugh, because I'd just purchased a pillow in the same exact pattern.

I guess it was one of those sister things. Nevertheless, it was such a funny coincidence, that she gave me several, so I could display them in my family room.

Of course, I didn't use all of them. In case.

Well, as soon as I saw them, I knew what I was going to do with my sled.

Update- I just used another on to decoupage a glass Christmas plate.

Step 1. Paint

I started by painting it with plain white craft paint. In true Exquisitely Unremarkable form, I did not sand or prime.

I just grabbed a brush and slapped two coats on.

2. Prepare The Napkin

While the paint was drying, I prepped my napkin.

First I cut out the one square I was going to use for my design. I also separated all the layers to ensure I was only going to be dealing with the one that had the pattern printed on top.

3. Mod Podge

Then, I put some Mod Podge on a foam brush and coated the top of the sled with it.

When it was well coated, I carefully placed my napkin down, making sure it was centered in the space.

4. Smooth The Napkin

Using the plastic wrap tip from my friend Ann at The Apple Street Cottage, I stuck my hand inside a gallon sized zippy bag and began to smooth out all the wrinkles in the napkin.

This trick makes all the difference. I use it all the time for perfect results on plates, storage boxes and more.

I also applied a gentle bit of pressure to make sure it was fully glued down.

I moved my hand slowly, so I didn't tear the delicate wet napkin and was super careful when I removed the plastic bag.

5. Top Coat

Then I added more Mod Podge on top of the napkin and repeated the zippy bag process.

Finally, I peeled the bag away again and gave the rest of the sled surfaces a quick coat of Mod Podge so it would have a uniform satin finish.

Of course, you could use gloss or matte decoupage gel if you prefer those looks. This kit gives you lots of choices. 


Once the sled was dry, it was ready to be displayed.

Simple. Elegant. Rustic.

And most importantly, done.

The napkin coordinates well with my pillow and the slight strawberry hue matches the new curtains in the kitchen.

Best of all, I have one less misfit craft in the closet waiting for its Christmas crafting someday.

Fabulous.

What's waiting in your craft closet?Happy Crafting, Friends!