You know those random projects that just happen because you finally decide to use something you’ve been holding onto forever? This is one of those—and honestly, I’m really glad I did it.
I found an old pallet and decided it was time to tear it apart and make something new. I cut three pieces of wood to size and nailed them together into a simple but solid sign.
Then I painted the whole thing white as a base. Clean, fresh, and ready for something pretty.
Now here’s where it gets fun: years ago, I had this beautiful floral print with birds in it. I’d taken it out of a frame I needed for something else, but I never threw it away because I liked it and saw potential. Well, this was its moment.
The sign was made of three long boards, so I just cut the print into three parts and mod podged each section onto the wood.
It fit perfectly. The print already looked lovely, but I wanted it to match my current decor a bit more—more blues and pinks, less yellow. So, I grabbed my paints and got to work.
I painted over the yellow birds, turning them into soft blues that blended beautifully with the white and floral background.
I also deepened the green in the leaves for a more natural, rich look. Then I went full-on cherry blossom mode. I added pink blossoms all over, and honestly, it made the whole piece come alive.
One of my favorite parts? There was this one corner where the paper wrinkled from the mod podge, but instead of trying to hide it, I just leaned in and painted branches right along the wrinkles. You’d never know they were there—it looks totally intentional.
To finish it off, I dipped a regular colored pencil in water and used it to sketch in extra branches and accents, just to bring more depth and movement to the piece.
Now, does this make the original print “better”? I don’t know. But I do know it matches my vibe a lot more, and I’m happy with how it turned out. It’s personal, it’s handmade, and it tells a little story. That’s a win in my book.
What do you think—did I improve it or not? You decide.
—-Your Dandy Chandee
Dandychandee 