Love thrifting, but not sure what to do with the items you find? Not to worry because I’ve joined with 30 other bloggers to give you thrift store decor upcycle inspiration! And this month, I’m going to show you how I upcycled an old handmade dark wood rosary into a new and modern Colorful Wood Painted Rosary.
The Rules:
- Upcycle an item(s) from a thrift store, resale store, or garage sale into a new piece of decor.
- There’s no monthly theme.
- There’s no budget to stick to.
Make sure you follow our board on Pinterest for more upcycled decor inspiration!
Colorful Wood Painted Rosary
I found this dark wood rosary while I was shopping for last month’s Thrift Store Upcycle Challenge when I made a Wood Pineapple Chalkboard. I really lucked out during this thrifting trip because I was just about to withdraw from the challenge when I found an awesome wood pineapple AND this beautiful handmade rosary.
I wasn’t really sure what I was going to do with the rosary, but I was sure I was going to take it apart. But as the time drew closer to get the project done and the more I looked at the handmade craftsmanship, I just couldn’t bring myself to take it apart. Eek, now what?! I racked my brain and finally decided my best option was to paint the rosary and give it a new modern look.
Colorful Wood Painted Rosary Supplies:
- wood rosary
- floral paper (I used Recollections Floral Blanco)
- Mod Podge
- small paint brushes
- paint to coordinate with the floral paper (I used DecoArt Coral Blush and Saffron Yellow mixed with Testors Craft White Blanc and Craft Smart Pacific Coast)
- paper flowers (I used Recollections 24pc. Flores de Papel boxed set)
- scissors
- pencil
- glue
- clear matte acrylic coat
Colorful Wood Painted Rosary How-to:
- Not shown – wash the rosary, wipe clean, and dry.
- Apply white paint over the entire piece. Don’t worry about brush strokes showing, it will add to the textured look and look like a white wash. Let dry. Give a second coat if needed.
- Take a small brush and paint the smaller beads to coordinate with the floral paper. Let dry. Apply a second coat.
- Optional – Paint the sides of the cross a color that coordinates with the floral paper.
- Optional – Use a dotting tool or the end of your paint brush handle to apply polka dots to the six “Our Father” beads.
- Trace the cross on the back of the floral paper. Cut out. Repeat this process for the other side.
- Apply Mod Podge to the cross and apply one cut out. Seal with a coat of Mod Podge. Repeat with the other side. Let dry.
- Apply paper flowers to the center of the cross on one side. Let dry.
- Spray the entire piece with a matte acrylic spray to seal it and prevent the paint from scratching.
What was your latest thrift store find & upcycle?
And now for more thrifty goodness from the Thrift Store Decor Hosts!
Check out what my fellow upcyclers created below!
This is absolutely beautiful Erlene. The rosary is gorgeous. Pinning to my faith board.
I have never seen rosary beads look so pretty Erlene
This is really gorgeous! I love upcycles! So fun to take something old and make it beautiful again.
My grandmother would LOVE this painted rosary!
Thanks so much for the DIY inspiration!
Such a pretty update, and perfect for Easter!!
Erlene, this is so lovely now. I know the Lord is smiling over the lovely update you gave to something that is so special to so many. It’s a lovely and fresh reminder of the hope that we have in Him as Easter approaches ❤❤
I would snagged that rosary too! Cool find and I love the flower paper on the cross. Beautiful job my friend!
Kim
You did a beautiful job! The rosary turned out gorgeously. I love that instead of overlooking it, you chose to give it new life.
I love the update!
Wow I would have never though of updating a Rosary! I love the bright colors and floral paper you chose.
You are so creative Erlene! These are so beautiful now!
Thanks Michelle. The paint definitely brightens it up.
Thanks for sharing and love your printable, too!! 🙂 Happy weekend!
Thanks for commenting. Which printable did you like?
You did a beautiful job updating this.
Thank you. I love the new lighter look.
I love the idea of painting the beads. They look so pretty and bright now. And the cross is really nice too. Great job!
Thank you. Painting the beads definitely helped brighten it up.
Your rosary beads turned out so pretty and I love the pattern on the cross. It’s perfect for Spring. Love it.
Thanks Sue. I love the pattern on the paper and it matches the paper mache bunny I made too.
It is so pretty and creative. I never would have thought to make over a rosary. It looks like really good craftsmanship. I love the colors you used. These Thrift Upcycle challenges are my favorite thing.
Thanks. I figured since I didn’t want to take it apart, the best option was to paint it and give it
a mini update.