A DIY Harvest: Painted Wheat Stalks & Touch Ups Transform a Pair of Chairs
Sometimes small, simple tweaks to already nice items help to give them a timeless transformation. Case in point: a pair of tall chairs picked up at Goodwill had lots going for them. The cane seats were in perfect condition, the cross-back design was inviting and the creamy color was delightful. Touching up of scrapes and chips then adding hand-painted wheat stalks raised them up to a timeless, elegant level. You can do it easily, too.
Here’s How:
Step 1: You’ll find your good at Goodwill for your home & holidays
With the holiday season truly just around the corner, now is the perfect time to prep your place for family, friends and guests. One thing it seems we can never have too much of is extra seating for those planned-for and unexpected visitors. Hit Goodwill to see what chairs, stools and benches they have to add to your space for your special someones. Seating options in pairs are always quick sellers at Goodwill, so if you see a two-some you like, take them home with you immediately!
This pair of cross-back, cane seated tall chairs were a pleasant surprise because they truly didn’t need much upcycling/DIY effort at all. Other than a chip of paint here and a scratch or two there, they were in excellent shape. While I scored with their warm color, too, you are encouraged to always look beyond a piece’s current tones because painting is an easy tweak.
Step 2: Spray over scratches
After you get your chairs back to your place, give them a good wipe down to remove any dust, dirt and fingerprints. Sometimes what you think might be scratches or dings in the finish are only dirt or stains which can be easily removed.
If you look closely at the photos of this pair, they are “destressed” by design. The previous owner had used sandpaper to lovingly remove paint layers to reveal the wood underneath in certain places, adding to the charm and visual interest. However, this pair’s wear and tear showed up with some of the cane seat paint being rubbed off. Also, the foot rail was a little beat up, too. A matching ivory white spray paint was all it took to touch up these places. In about 20 seconds, this handsome pair was as good as new!
Step 3: Harvest—and harness–your creativity with painted accents
These touched up, tall chairs were now as lovely as could be—or could they be even lovelier? Well, I felt they could and was inspired by recent wheat-themed items seen around town (and in featured on Finding Your Good) given this harvesting focus time of year. Wheat stalks/bundles/bouquets are a timeless symbol of abundance and sustenance. These images have been used in home decorations for centuries, so why not add them to make your pair super special?
Use very small detail paintbrushes and shades of gold paint to carefully add them to your chairs. Complimenting the cross-back design, two wheat stalks crisscross on the chair’s back. Single stalks were added to the front legs. Consider these simple steps to turn paint strokes into wonderful wheat accents:
A. Practice by sketching out your designs.
B. Use chalk to carefully draw them in place.
C. Wheat kernels on the stalk are basically three round circles stacked on top of each other. Repeat the three circles time and time again.
D. Brush on a straight and slightly curved line coming out of the bottom trio/lowest kernels to serve as the stem/stalk.
E. Add a pair of long, tapered lines for the leaves.
F. Brush in small lines coming out of the kernels to mimic the wheat’s “beard”
G. Do this all first with gold paint then add depth by touching it up with brown and bronze tones.
H. Apply a light layer of polyurethane to protect your hand-painted parts.
Step 4: Set out & serve your guests—or yourself!
Position this pair in the corner of your living/dining/entertaining space so they are ready to seat guests and those at home on a regular basis. Pull them out and set them next to your counter or by a tall table for an intimate sitting space. Of course, add other items found at Goodwill like wine and drinking glasses, plates and candle holders to complete the setting and offer functionality.
They will be a welcome addition to any space and, with their lovingly painted wheat images, will underscore your abundance, especially when you shop and save at Goodwill for all your everyday and holiday needs!
Similar Reads:
- DIY: How to Transform Real Leaves into Art
- DIY: How to Upcycle a Mirror Inspired by Mid-Century Modern
- How to Upcycle Thrifted Mirrors to Reflect the Spring
Tim Kime
Artist, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach
