Have you discovered the creative and transformative powers of paint pens? They are a great tool for upcycling everyday pieces into Pride-ful works of art. Here are two easy projects that were upcycled for Pride month using rainbow tones to let their true colors shine! 

Here’s how:

Step 1: Get over to Goodwill today to get great deals on unique items

Make your next Goodwill shopping excursion an adventure by taking along your partner, family member, or BFF.  Every nonprofit Goodwill retail store is a great place to have a fun time together as you look at all the cool and unique items for sale.  As a regular shopper there, I have learned to pick up items I like even if I am not sure how, where, or when I will use them.  Consider my advice: when you see an item you like, take it home with you right then and there, as it might not be around the next day.  

For this project, look for items with flat and smooth surfaces that can easily show off the Pride/rainbow colors. A mid-century modern clock was super sharp just as it was, and the lower-than-low price meant it went into my cart. A small cutout/decorative accent word art of “hope” was also a piece that could be used in many ways. 

Other items that would be really interesting to transform with paint pens include coasters, picture frames, square-shaped vases, and flowerpots. What unusual items have you seen at Goodwill that might be fun to give some Pride pizzaz?

Step 2: Mark on the magic

Most craft and art supply stores have paint pens to help you express your creativity.  However, before you buy them, consider joining us next week on June 25 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for our next Art Supply Swap event.  Come to see what great treasures are available to share and trade.  Maybe you might pick up some paint pens there; you are certainly likely to find interesting supplies and meet some wonderful people.

Starting with red, use your paint pen to add that color to your item, then work your way around all of the rainbow’s colors. For the clock, there were 12 accent pieces, so each got one color. For the hope piece, an arch of colors—forming the rainbow—was added. 

Allow your paint to try, then return a time or two to add additional layers to make things crisp and solid.

Step 3: Add an accent or border if needed

The clock’s parts and pieces were perfect with the pride colors, so nothing else was needed.  The hope art got a black outline, which made things pop out. 

Step 5: Put it up with Pride

The rainbow clock is a welcoming, inviting addition to any place in your home or office.  Place it with a lamp, vase, books, and other decorative items purchased at Goodwill, too.  The “hope” piece is small enough to perch anywhere, and its colors will attract attention to its positive message.  Heck, even the rock with rainbow colors will add cheer to your garden. 

You will beam with pride as you show off your DIY talents and budget-awareness when you follow these simple steps to create your own colorful creations!

Similar Reads:

avatar

Tim Kime

Artist, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach

Tim Kime is an artist, life coach, and connector. He is the President of Kime Leadership Associates, offering executive coaching, meeting facilitating, and motivational speaking. He is also the Chief Creative Force of Transformation Junkies which upcycles furniture and other household items into functional works of art. He combined his two passions—unleashing the potential in people and transforming items with the launch of the Art of Possibilities Workshops. These workshops are part upcycling, part dreaming, and part goal setting.