From "Udderly" Ugly to Fab and French!

You know how much I love to do what I refer to as "drab to fab" makeovers, right?

Well just check out my latest transformation, which I think qualifies for the drabbest, tackiest "before" ever!

Hello, the 1980's are calling, they want their "udderly" ugly tray back!!

This past week I came across this beauty in the thrift shop.  I was drawn to the neat shape, as well as the fact that it was solid wood and sturdy and substantial.

Of course I had to look beyond the cutsey country painting of the cow and  milk maid!

When I was standing in line to pay, the woman behind me said how cute it was.  

I'm sure she was secretly thinking 

"This poor woman needs help!"

I quickly told her that I was giving it a makeover, that I really didn't have awful taste!

I knew right away that I wanted to give the tray a French twist, so here is what I came up with..........

 Viola! Much better, don't you think??!

I began by sanding down all of the painted design.  I didn't want to take any chances that anything (udders included!) would show thru after I'd painted the piece!  Then I used some of my Deco Art chalky finish paint in a pretty cream color.  After multiple coats, the tray was feeling happier already!

 I then chose a French Patisserie stencil, also from Deco Art.

 I used acrylic paint in black for the stencil, and I'm so happy with how it turned out!

 I distressed it a bit here and there, then followed up with a clear sealer.

 I'll be putting this puppy in my Etsy shop.

So remember, if you come across anything on your treasure hunts that is beyond "udderly" awful, don't be too quick to pass it up! With a little imagination and tlc, you can take it from

drab to fab!!