How To Create Rustic Garden Decor Using Metal Flowers And Chippy Painted Wood
This rustic garden decor project came about because I had a piece of vintage metal art in my booth that I could not sell. It was in my booth for years. No exaggeration.
I bought the colorful metal flower wall art when we lived in Florida. It moved back to Tennessee with us and I hung it in the house for a while. Then I got tired of it and took it to the booth. The price was only $28 and sometimes it was even on sale. What’s wrong with it??
Well, I brought it home and it’s been in the workshop for a few weeks. I decided to put it on a piece of wood and maybe it would sell that way. I first laid it on a reclaimed white cabinet door. That didn’t do a thing for me. Too blah or too sterile looking.
That’s when I remembered this really old, rustic looking, (probably antique) wood cabinet door that has been in my stash forever. So it was probably meant to be. I had the metal flowers forever too.
The other side of the door was antique white and has hinges and a door latch still attached. You can see where the wood has dried and split in places.
The green paint was really chippy and I used a stiff bristle brush to scrub off the loose pieces then finished brushing it off with a large paint brush. Then I used a little Simple Green to clean the door.
The green painted side of the door was the prettiest and the flowers looked best against the green so that’s the side of the door I attached them to. The top of the metal flower art had a loop for hanging so I just used a drill and screw to secure the top in place.
On each side at the bottom I used the drill and screws to attach a leaf to the board. Two screws, two leaves.
The screws are hardly noticeable and it took me about 3 minutes to attach the flowers to the wood. Cleaning the antique wood and putting the garden decor “art” together took about 20 minutes. A SIY project doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming.
The two pieces look like they were meant for each other. A marriage made in Heaven. It’s funny that neither of the pieces were great by themselves but put them together and they really make a statement. It’s kind of like when I put those two metal hamburger and hot dog signs on a piece of painted wood, what a difference. You can see that piece here……DIY Kitchen Sign
This piece would look pretty hanging on a porch or in a sunroom. It would also look nice in a garden or maybe a spot on the lawn.
Or you could lean it against a tree like I did for this photo. I moved it all over the place to take a few photos for you guys.
This piece will be going to the booth to sell. Do you think it will sell now? The price is going to be a lot more and if it doesn’t sell this time I guess I’m meant to keep it.
That’s okay because I really love the new look. I’ve always liked the metal flower hanging but I replaced it with other decor in the house.
That’s all it took to make this unique rustic garden decor. What do you think? Should I keep it or sell it. Not sure where I would put it but those are my colors!
If you liked this project I promise you will love my recycled movie reels. Watch the video tutorial below….
Making Succulent Flower Displays
Leave a note if you have a few extra minutes. Have a great day, Kathy
Author: Kathy Owen
Kathy Owen is the founder of the home decor blog Petticoat Junktion where she shares tutorials on painting furniture and upcycling thrifty finds into unique home décor. Her DIY projects have been featured on the Home Depot Blog, Plaid Crafts, Behr Designer Series, and in numerous magazines. Kathy’s newest website is HappyHomeDIY.com
Why on earth this fantastic piece didn’t sell the moment it appeared mystifies me. I’d have bought instantly. However, it now looks even more beautiful so I would not part with it if it were mine, which, sadly it isn’t.
However it was just the inspiration I needed for my own garden decor so all is not lost …
Yeah, I’d be keepin’ that piece for myself, too!! Too cute to part with for sure…or at least enjoy it this Summer and maybe put it in your booth next year! If that happens, I’ll be watchin’!!
Oh my gosh, that’s so pretty!!
Tania
Perfection! I think it would be beautiful on your front porch, but wherever you decide to display it in your home , I know it will shine!
Yes, I am going to keep it! Thank you for the comment glad you love it too, lol.
The BEST marriage of two old “friends”!!! I luuuv it! You had me at the old green wood. I call it “Screen Door Green” because it’s the color of the screen door we had as kids, growing up, & it’s 1 of my most favorite colors ?
Hands down….KEEP IT!!!
That sounds like the perfect place for it!
Thanks Barb for commenting! And what a great comment too. Thank you for the high praise. Yes, I have to keep it just not sure where to put it. I don’t have a potting shed or green house but that won’t stop me. Thank you so much and yes those colors speak to me and make me do the happy dance!
Thank you, I’m keeping it!
Thank you, I’m keeping it!
Thanks Kathy
Thanks Karen. Yes, I have to keep it just trying to find the right spot!
Shoutout to Barb for commenting. Your opinion will always matter to us.
It’s a keeper~it’s got your name written all over it!
So cute and they compliment each other so much. I think it should hand in a flower shed/greenhouse in a garden or maybe on the back of a potting bench. Very cute. Buy up some more metal art. It looks grest.
I love it it’s a keeper
I would keep this. I love it!
Wow!!! Now I’m on the hunt for the materials to make this myself!!! LOVE IT
This is super cute and creative. If I would have seen that in a store I would have totally walked on by. But no more! I hope to find something at least similar. So fun. Thanks for the idea!
Your creativity is inspiring, Kathy.
That is a perfect marriage! Just garden magic!
Smiles, alice
Creativity at it’s best Sometimes we just wait until inspiration strikes. I love the piece.
This is so pretty. I love it.
Man, I would have bought it for $28. It’s beautiful, and even more beautiful now. Great idea.
Oh Kathy! First off let me confess that I have watched, followed and been on your email list for YEARS. Why I’ve never commented, I have absolutely no clue…….perhaps it has something to do with me not thinking my opinion or input would “make a difference or mattered.” How silly, hey?
Anyhow, I’ve just got to say that EVERYTHING that crosses your path, somehow you magically transform it into a piece of beauty. I’m always amazed to see the finished pieces after they’ve been fortunate enough to have crossed your highly trained and skilled eyes, as well as hands. Thanks for rescuing these pieces (from our landfills or just a plain and boring life) as well as inspiring us with ideas of our own.
As far as this piece goes……sounds like there’s a reason it’s hung around with you for so long. And then your just “happening” to have THE PERFECT PIECE of wood to put it on……?????……as well as those colors just make YOUR soul do a “happy dance??!” Top all THAT off with your gut intuition and I think you’ve already answered your own question. It’s a KEEPER!
I bought a similar piece a couple of years ago. I just happened by a sale where they were cleaning out an old house and it was on a back porch. My daughter put it on her wooden yard fence. Its on the outside by the garage so not only can passerbys see it coming down the street(its right in front on them) but she sees it every time she pulls into her garage.
I can’t get this to pin!!! Just goes to enlarged picture.
Love it! It would be hard for me to let go of!
The wood background is perfect! You have such a good eye for these things 🙂
I love it!
for your sake, i’m hoping it doesn’t sell – it’s gorgeous now!