Easy Thrift Store Snowman Makeover: Christmas Upcycle DIY

Hey friends, I love finding great quality but out-of-date Christmas decor at thrift stores. I grabbed these two thrifted snowmen for only $3.00 and decided to give them a high-end makeover using simple paint and glitter. These inexpensive finds were updated within minutes using a few simple DIY techniques. Let me show you just how I did it.

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Thrift Store Snowmen

Over the summer, I ran across these two large snowmen for only $3.00. They didn’t work with my Christmas decor, but I thought I could update them. I didn’t have a clear vision, but home with me, they came. After bringing them home, I completely forgot about them. So a few days ago, I was rummaging in my workshop and ran across the pair. I immediately saw a vision of what they could look like if I did a Christmas upcycle on them. I love creating a vintage holiday decor DIY project, so here goes.

I knew the first step was to cover the outdated colors, so I grabbed a can of spray paint and went to work. I used two coats of paint to get even coverage.

DIY Snowman Thrift Store Makeover

Once the spray paint has dried, you are ready for the thrift store makeover.

Step 1 – Paint Contrasting Color – Neutral Snowmen

I wanted to create neutral DIY Snowmen so I decided to paint the jackets with Teddy Bear Brown paint to contrast softly with the otherwise white snowmen. In addition, I used the same craft paint for the noses.

Step 2 – Add Rub N Buff

In order to add a little shine, I use Gold Leaf Rub N Buff for the gloves, eyes, and mouth. I used a small craft brush to reach into the tight spots around the snowmen’s hands. To add a small amount of gold to the eyes and mouth, I used a paper towel and gently blotted the raised areas.

Step 3 – Add Faux Snow To The Trim

To give the Christmas snowmen a snowy feel, I added Elmer’s glue to the coat trims and the hat trim. Then I sprinkled heavily with the faux snow over the glued area and shook off the excess onto the wax paper.

#4 – Glitter for A Vintage Holiday Decor DIY

Finally, to give the snowmen a vintage holiday decor vibe, I decided to use fine gold glitter to create polka dots on each scarf. I used the paintbrush hand to dot the scarves with glue, then sprinkled them with fine gold glitter. Once again, shake off excess, and you are done.

Final Enhancement – Bottle Brush Tree

One of the snowmen appears to be holding something; however, the something was missing when I purchased it. So, without knowing for sure that it was holding, I decided a small bottle brush tree would be appropriate. With just a little glue, I attached the tree and allowed it to dry.

Decorating With DIY Snowmen Ideas

The Christmas upcycle turned out better than I anticipated. I love the neutral colors, and they definitely have a high-end appeal.

I didn’t realize until I had finished the makeover that one of the snowmen appears to be praying. So sweet.

It makes me wonder what the other snowman was holding originally. Maybe a hymn book or a candle? What do you think?

I’ve decided to use the DIY snowmen on my kitchen countertop. To vary the heights, I used a wooden round riser and a short candlestick holder.

They are surrounded by vintage brass candlestick holders and the nut-and-acorn candlering I made earlier this fall.

Conclusion

This makeover was so simple and easy to complete. My only investment was the original $3.00 I paid at the thrift store. All the other materials I had on hand. The makeover took less than an hour once the original spray paint had dried. Well worth the time and effort.

I hope you enjoyed today’s makeover, and I look forward to sharing my next adventures with you!