The Little Green Wagon That Could...

I found this cute red wagon at Goodwill recently.


It was only $5.99. Do you see the yarn handle? Yeah, I wasn't digging that too much but when I flipped the wagon over, there was the original black handle taped to the bottom!!!

I brought it home, knowing it would be the perfect size to hold pumpkins on my front step or small gifts under the Christmas tree or any number of other cute things.



I struggled a bit with not only what color it should become but also what I should paint on the side.  I really wanted to add some harvest words like 'Pumpkins, Apples, Cider' or something like that. And I was thinking creamy white.  The longer I mulled it over however, I knew I wanted this little wagon to be multi-purpose....I didn't want to have to tuck it away in the attic after Thanksgiving.

I finally decided to go green with a french graphic. You can't go wrong with french graphics!!  I took off the wheels and gave it two coats of a custom green mix.  Its a nice, soft green that will look great in all seasons. Once dry it was lightly sanded.

I found my FREE graphics at one of my favorite sites for great typography and vintage images, The Graphics Fairy.  I decided I wanted a french label of some kind. I found one that has a french florist theme and one with a wreath and bee that I love and have wanted to use.  Here are the links:
french florist label
wreath with bee

My method of transfer is probably the old classic....no fancy tools required...just lots of patience.  Once  my images were printed off, I rubbed the back with a pencil.


You want to make sure that the entire graphic is covered well.  I decided where I wanted it and used Frog Tape to tape down the edges.


Then I just drew over everything with my pencil, making sure to be as detailed as possible.


This is what the image looked like when I removed the paper.  Now the real "fun" began.  I used a fine tip permanent black marker and went over it again, keeping the original close by to refer to.  It takes patience and a steady hand!  When I was done with this graphic, I moved on to the wreath and bee one. Once my graphics were dry, I gave the wagon a coat of dark Minwax Furniture Paste. I love the depth it brings out of a piece. It also seals and protects the paint from spills.

Isn't it an improvement?  I added the black handle back on and distressed the edges of the wheels.  I think it's SO cute!


Do you think this little 'Welcome Wagon' is a lot more welcoming now?  How would you use it?


bringing beauty to the ordinary,




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