When you come across at Christmas cottage with a FLYING SANTA AND SLEIGH, plus it is a music box, can you say no???
I almost did, because it was waaayyy too red for me.
And a decapitated Mr Claus isn't very festive. But I knew glue and paint could solve that.
White chalk paint and glitter can work magic.
Along with fake snow paint, mica flakes and some bottle brush trees. Oh, and an friendly angel.
Much better! I'm glad I didn't pass it up at the flea market. It was only a quarter and it took very little time to redo. The sleigh flies in circles to the tune when it is wound up, so the grand fairies love it, of course.
This was in the same quarter pile, and I liked it as is. But while I had the paints out…
It got a redo too.
The Santa is an old, red flocked guy, whose suit got a dose of silver glitter.
I then filled the sleigh with vintage toys and goodies, making sure I'd used plenty of glue.
I think I prefer silver glitter to red for his suit, it is very festive.
This sleigh got a major makeover. This is the after.
And here is how it started out at an estate sale. How could I say no to those reindeer??? All it needed was love, hope, and lots of glitter.
I pulled everything off, emptied the sleigh and started over, covering the base in white velvet instead of the green feathers. The sleigh is redone in bronze glitter, and the presents were replaced with various vintage pieces spiffed up with white paint, glitter, and mica flakes.
Before…
His suit was covered over in cream velvet taken from a vintage jacket I'd bought for myself at Goodwill and wasn't wearing any more. (No sewing here, I just cut up the jacket and pieced it onto him, then glued them down.)
His belt is brown velvet with a nice, old buckle. The beard was changed to fluffy, white wool roving.
The scroll on the side is from a broken chandelier. My studio is filled with odd bits and pieces like that, thinking I'll use them someday for something. And usually I do.
The best and final touch? I sat it on the dining table and surrounded it with good friends!!
PS- I'll be in Mexico(!!!!!!!!!!!!!) for a few days over Thanksgiving, but will have a limited number of extra Snowbird Song kits to sell when I get back, along with some other holiday foofies.
I would love a Songbird kit when available. Thank you Karla.
Edit: snowbird
Oh my, I have been enjoying your blog and all the lovely things you create. I came to see your kitchen and painted cabinets, loved so much else had keep reading and looking and looking!
I had originally wondered how well your cabinets held up, especially with the kitchen re-do? I am trying to decide if I should re-do and vintagey my cabinets. Also, have you ever tried the new primer for peeling paint? It worked on some of my peeling paint, but not sure how it compares to your gripper primer.
Sorry about putting this on a Christmasy post, I am hoping to get the cabinets done as my Christmas to me….
Ive not seen that primer, Ann. It must be a tight sealer, huh? If you use it, try it on something small first, not on your cabinets. Good luck!
Thanks, Teah, Ill put you on a list and let you know.
Karla, I have that exact same Santa sleigh music box. I found it a few years ago in perfect condition at a thrift shop. I think I might have paid $2 for it. I also have the same silver mini tree with the vintage shiny brites. I also think I have the same pink tree that you gave to Sugarwings (I got mine at Hobby Lobby 9 years ago). Its funny how 2 people would randomly choose so many of the same items from varied sources over many years. I am so sad that I couldn’t make it to Snowbird Song I will hopefully get back to the cottage for your next event. It looks like it was a wonderful time for everyone. Have a great holiday season.
Yep, that is about when I bought my pink tree at Hobby Lobby too. I wish they still had that soft color, now the ones are very bright. You were missed at Snowbird! I’m trying to get a little ornament class together for the holidays too.