Repurposed Goodwill Art

Happy makeover day, friend!  This project started as $4.99 artwork from Goodwill.  The “art” was so poorly done, it looks like a pixelated photocopy and you can’t hardly even read the quote (especially the bottom portion).

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It’s perfect for a new Repurposed Goodwill Art makeover.  First I removed the price tag and had to deal with some sticky residue.  In this situation I dab a little Goo Gone on a paper towel and rub for a minute or two, and then all the residue is gone.  (Wipe the area with a little water afterward to remove any leftover Goo Gone – you want it completely clean before painting.) So easy!

I also removed the hanger hook on the back since I’m changing the orientation of the artwork, and I’ll reattach it to the wider side. (Here’s a mini screwdriver set just like mine – the pieces are all stored conveniently in a compartment inside.)

The front was painted over with Rustoleum Chalked Paint in Linen White using one of my favorite Purdy paint brushes.  At first I was going to paint the frame itself a different color, but I decided to make it all white and then just sand/distress the frame later.

I painted about 2.5 coats of white paint. 

While that was drying, I grabbed this wood-cut “Homemade” word that I bought from Etsy a long time ago (bought the same time as “Wash & Dry” for the DIY laundry sign I made).  I painted it black (Liquorice by Country Chic Paint).

Then I sanded the white painted areas with 320-grit sandpaper (I always cut the big sheet into fourths), distressing the frame edges to let the black peek through.

For a little contrast, I measured and drew lines with a Sharpie to mimic the look of wood planks or thin shiplap.  (I have added real wood planks as a background for upcycled art here.)

Finally, I glued the “Homemade” on by dabbing E6000 onto the back.  I set a little bit of weight on top overnight while it dried.

I still have to reattach the hanging hardware on the back, but here’s the final result of my repurposed Goodwill art:

Below you can see how well the original black frame color peeks out where it was distressed.

The Sharpie lines add a little contrast so there’s not so much white.  And you can’t tell it’s just marker unless you’re right close in front of it.

This sign would look perfect in a farmhouse-style kitchen or even a craft room, don’t you think?

Truth be told, I’ve had this “Homemade” wood cutout for so long, I thought I’d never find a thrifted frame to use for it!  PTL.

Friend, even $4.99 art from Goodwill can be turned into something custom and beautiful. I hope this idea inspires you!  Please feel free to share this project with a friend or Pin it to easily find it again later.