I have had this little sleigh for about two years now, given to me by a friend cleaning out her crafty stuff. I have just let it sit, as I always have projects going. This year I wanted to get it done to use this season.
It is just plain, so what to do with it? I have several colors of red paint, so I turned it over and started experimenting with reds on the bottom. I needed to do some sanding and smoothing too.
The burgundy house paint didn’t have the depth of color on this as it does on the guest room walls.
So I tried several others until I got a color I liked. Four coats of red paint in all.
With the body of the sleigh painted red, the rails were painted with contrasting white with the crossbars gold.
The flat finish needed something more, so I took it outside to add some spray varnish.
I put on a light coat of varnish, and while it was wet, I added a sprinkle of diamond dust for sparkle.
Back inside after it dried, some touch up was needed to the white rails.
I gathered some elements to play with. My friend also gave me these little gold nests, so I had to find a way to use them.
I started by arranging some greenery in the sleigh, using hot glue to anchor it.
I needed some eggs for the baskets. I tried some pearls I had, but these pearlized shank buttons worked better.
I found this tiny cardinal at the craft store, and hot glued the elements onto the nest.
The nest with its occupants were added to the greenery with hot glue. I used some holly leaves to fill in the bare spots.
Five red berries were added to the greenery to finish it.
All done and ready to display.
Are you holiday crafting?