While out thrifting you can find so many hidden treasures, and a birdcage is no exception. Instead of letting it gather dust, why not start your creative journey and upcycle it into a stunning decorative piece? In this tutorial, I’ll guide you through the steps to upcycling a thrifted birdcage using a printable, breathing new life into it and adding a touch of vintage charm to your home decor.
Upcycling a Thrifted Birdcage Using Printables
Reimagining the Possibilities:
What can be done with a reused birdcage? The possibilities are endless! By incorporating clever design and materials, you can turn an old birdcage into a piece that complements your taste. Whether you’re aiming for a shabby chic look, a vintage vibe, or something entirely unique, this upcycling project is certainly going to get the creative juices flowing.
Embracing thrifting:
Can you use a thrifted birdcage? Absolutely! Second-hand birdcages can be wonderful starting points for DIY projects. Just make sure the structure is sturdy and free from major damage. A bit of rust or wear can actually add to the charm of the finished piece. Thrift stores, garage sales, or even your own storage space might hold the perfect birdcage for this project.
Click on the links below in BOLD & UNDERLINED to see the products I used.
Supplies Needed:
- Thrifted birdcage
- TSP Cleaner
- Raggedy Bits Vintage Sewing Printable – Printed out to the size that you need.
- Raggedy Bits – Vintage Rose Garden Decoupage Paper
- Dixie Belle – Caviar
- Dixie Belle – Drop Cloth
- IOD Mould Dainty Flourish
- Fusion Wax – Black and Espresso
- Embellishments – Ribbon & pearls
- Mod Podge
- Wood glue
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Cleaning and Preparing:
Start by giving the birdcage a thorough cleaning with TSP to remove any dirt and grime. If needed, lightly sand away any rough spots. This is also a good time to decide whether you want to keep the original colour or give it a fresh coat of paint.
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Painting: If you have decided to paint your birdcage, choose a colour that complements your decor. I recommend using Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint. Apply the paint evenly and let it dry completely.
- Vintage Charm with Printables: Using the Vintage Sewing Printable and Vintage Rose Garden Decoupage Paper. Print the sewing-themed design onto plain paper using your inkjet printer to fit on the back of your birdcage. Adhere the decoupage paper around the edges of the back of the birdcage where the printable doesn’t cover using mod podge.
- Then gently tear around the printable and carefully adhere using mod podge. Seal with clear wax so to create a barrier when it comes to painting the moulds.
Time to make some moulds
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Adding Decorative Elements: Here’s where the fun begins! Using Dainty Flourishes Mould and Air Dry Clay create elegant embellishments and glue in place. These delicate touches will add dimension and visual interest to the birdcage.
- Paint: Using a small brush paint the moulds in Caviar. If any paint gets on your printable or decoupage paper simply remove with a baby wipe. Let dry.
- Taking the Drop Cloth create a wash using water and paint over the top of the entire moulds. Before completely dry take a baby wipe and wipe back the moulds to show some of the Caviar coming through. Once your happy completely seal with clear wax.
- Layer the Black and Espresso wax over the wire parts of the bird cage to give a beautiful aged look.
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8. Embellish – Add some ribbon to the top of your birdcage and glue some pearls around where the moulds are to add some bling. I added a vintage music sheet to the bottom of the birdcage to complete
With a dash of creativity and a few choice materials, you’ve successfully transformed a thrifted birdcage into a beautiful decor piece that tells a story. Have fun upcycling and enjoy the satisfaction of turning the old into something uniquely beautiful.
Happy Painting,
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