Thrifted Decoy Floral Makeover

I took an old wooden decoy I picked up at the thrift store and gave it a makeover with some paint and vinyl transfers.

From trash to treasure in no time and now I have a custom floral decor accessory for my home.

I've never been a big fan of birds. 

Oh, I love animals, but for some reason, birds just aren't my favorite.

When I was little I had a parakeet and he bit me all the time.

At the beach...let's just say that seagulls are notorious for dive bombing when they see lunch.

And that old movie, The Birds, was creepy, no matter what my kids say. 

So that could be the root cause. Well, that and you can't really hug a bird.

However. 

In an ironic twist, I have an insatiable weakness for birds in decor.

Some might even call it an obsession...because I collect them all. 

There's no discernment. I have statues and cookie jars.


I've made custom rooster wooden signs and I've stenciled pillows and bought prints for my kitchen. 

I even collect decoys. I have lots and lots of decoys.

So when I saw this lovely friend at the thrift store, back in 2022, for $5, I grabbed her.


Now, most decoys and wooden birds, I leave alone, no matter their condition, except for the swan planter my husband found in the trash, but this little one was just too far gone. 

She had no identifying markings, so I wasn't concerned about destroying her value.

Plus, I had a really fun idea to make her over...even if it did take me two years to come up with it.

I didn't realize how dirty and faded she was until I started by painting her entire body in a creamy white chalk paint. 

No sanding or priming necessary.

I just cleaned up her with some vinegar and water and gave her two coats with a brush.
Once she was completely dry, I painted her beak, using acrylic craft paint and a small detail brush.
Honestly, at this point, she was so beautiful and elegant, that I was almost tempted to leave her alone in her new simple state.

Almost.

Except I knew she could be even better so I pushed on.


And yes, I took some artistic license here, softening her formerly black swan beak with brown paint, so she'd better match my decor, but considering what was coming next, I figured it was ok.

You know, since I've never seen a floral swan either.

But that's what I wanted for my cottage style home.


I had a bunch of leftover floral transfers in my art cabinet. 

I cut out the ones I thought would look best. Then I applied them according to the directions.

You can peek at my tutorials for using chalk paint here and for applying vinyl transfers here.

At first I just added them to her back, but then I decided they might look pretty on her long, graceful, curved neck, as well.


To tie the entire motif together. 

When I was satisfied with my DIY design, I coated the entire wooden swan in a gloss sealer and set it aside to dry for a few hours.


What emerged was no longer a chipped and tattered thrift store decoy, but a lovely carving that looked like it walked (or flew) right out of a fairytale.

Ugly duckling to gorgeous swan. 

Restored and better than ever.


Truly, one of my favorite trash to treasure makeovers.

She has become one of my favorite featherless, feathered friends.

And certainly the only one I've ever hugged. 

🦢

Are you a bird lover?


Before you go, have you visited my shop lately? I've recently added a few new favorites. 

You can peek at them here.

Happy Crafting, Friends