Vintage Ski Upcycle For A Winter Wonderland Decoration
I’m getting in the holiday spirit with some diy ideas including this vintage ski upcycle for a winter wonderland decoration for my mantel. I was at the right place at the right time and got these free from my Buy Nothing Group. I knew they would be the perfect choice for my home decor in a winter theme this year.
Christmas Themes Past and Present
Last year, as you see in my Christmas home tour, I did a pink theme in my living space downstairs and a farmhouse themed Christmas tree upstairs. This year I am decorating my living room mantel (or is it spelled mantle, I never know!) as a focal point in a winter holidays motif with my gifted King of Christmas four piece collection with a wreath, garland and artificial trees with white lights and the upcycled skis, themed ornaments and simple ideas you can recreate with diy winter decor projects. These upcycled skis would be great party decor for all of your winter wonderland party ideas, a decoration for your front porch, or next to your winter wonderland Christmas tree.
Start The Vintage Ski Upcycle By Removing Binding Hardware
I started by removing all of the hardware off the skis. I had no idea how to do this! But this YouTube video was a great way to find out and helped quite a bit to show me the order in which to remove the pieces in an easy way.
Using Spray Paint on Upcycled Skis
I then used gold spray paint to cover one side of the skis. I did this to cover the words on the skis so they would not show through the transfer. However, this was a bad idea! The transfer would not stick to the spray painted surfaces. I suggest only cleaning the skis with a green scrubby pad and Pristine Clean.
SUPPLIES FOR VINTAGE SKI UPCYCLE
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Makeover Skis For Winter Wonderland Decoration With Transfers
The Steps To A Vintage Ski Upcycle For A Winter Wonderland Decoration
Herringbone Transfer
After the skis dried I brought them in to cover with the herringbone transfer from Dixie Belle Paint Company. I thought the neutral palettes of the transfer would be perfect for the color scheme of my winter wonderland theme this holiday season.
Measuring
Next step to the upcycled skis project is to measure the width and length of the skis. This will help you cut the transfer into strips to fit your skis.
Cut The Strips Of Transfer
Transfer those measurements to the back of your transfer onto the backing paper. Cut these strips out. Like I said before the transfer would not stick to the spray paint. I flipped the skis over and to apply the transfer to the back unpainted side. Worked like a charm.
Apply The Transfer
Using the stick included with the transfer, apply the transfer. Start by peeling the backing away and laying on the skis. I rubbed hard (arm workout done!) and some of the transfer did not stick. But I felt this chippy look gave a warmer look, a coziness that was a great addition to the winter wonderland theme I was creating.
Sand The Transfers
Sand the skis on the edges and the seams where the strips of transfer meet. If your pieces’ patterns do not match up exactly this helps disguise this a little bit!
Upcycled Skis With A New Look For A Winter Wonderland
Remember what the vintage skis looked like? Now they are “wood”, chippy and rustic for the winter wonderland decor on my Christmas mantle.
Get the answer to decorating tall furniture with this simple method!
Finish The Vintage Ski Upcycle For Winter Wonderland Decorations
Cross your skis in an X and hot glue them together. You can also drill holes in the skis and connect them with a nut and bolt.
Another great option to decorate your skis is this simple idea to create an arrangement where the skis cross. Place an arrangement of battery operated fairy Christmas lights, white ribbon, silver ornaments, neutral Christmas ornaments, these beautiful snowflakes, pine cones, and sprigs of greenery with faux snow on the branches to place where the skis meet in the X. This will hide any connections you placed in the upcycled skis to connect them.
A Winter Wonderland Mantle
I used my gifted King of Christmas’ Queen Flock® Collection 4-Piece Set with Warm White LED Lights to decorate my mantel along with the skis. I love this set and the quality is amazing. It was an absolutely gorgeous addition to my home.
I love this collection
Queen Flock® Collection 4-Piece Set
Pre-strung with warm white LED lights that are battery operated with an automatic timer the Queen Flock Collection includes: two 3’ flocked Christmas trees, one flocked wreath, and one flocked garland. This is the perfect package to deck the halls, fireplace, entryway, or anywhere else!
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The 24 inch wreath of the collection is hung on a backdrop of Christmas music sheets. These were attached to my brick fireplace with poster putty This adhesive makes them easy to remove with no damage.
White poinsettias and snowflakes were nestled into the lighted garland in the set. Metal funnel Christmas trees were used on the mantle for a simple decoration. Ice skates were hung under the mantle.
The two lighted trees in the collection were placed on the hearth. One of the three foot tall trees was placed in an ice cream bucket and the other was placed in a footed silver bowl. I used copper and cream ornaments to decorate the trees.
From Twigs & Fluff – Favorite DIY Advent Calendar
Be prepared with these fuss free DIY advent calendars. Just print, cut out and enjoy. Countdown with Random Acts of Kindness each day, celebrate advent with quiet family time with verses that share the true meaning of Christmas or a classic countdown with bright colors and graphics that you can attach to small gifts or books each day.
Ideas For Displaying Your Vintage Ski Upcycle In A Winter Wonderland Theme
And this is how you upcycle skis for a magical winter wonderland theme! More places to use these upcycled skis this winter season is to use them for outdoor Christmas decorations by the front door to greet your guests with holiday cheer, decorate the dining room for your own winter wonderland on a dining table as a table runner, or on a console table either laying on the table or hanging above for holiday decor.
Before You Fly Away To Upcycle Vintage Skis For Your Winter Wonderland
Pin any of the images to Pinterest so you can makeover a pair of skis for your winter decor – hover over any picture to save the pin to your Pinterest account. So easy!
Kristin this is the cutest idea I just pinned your DIY. I’d love for you to come share over at my weekly Wednesday link party for a chance to be featured! https://www.ourtinynest.com/2022/11/30/weekly-wednesday-link-party-324/
There you go again making beautiful décor using sheet music. I am kicking myself for not keeping my music books all those years ago when I played the flute! I could be using them in my decor now. Oh well, we live and learn.
I love how you up cycled these skis! They look so good now!
I love how you repurposed these skis! Such a cute and creative project! 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration, Kristin!
I love that you shared how things weren’t working and then your recovery method. My favorite kind of misadventure! I’m also amazed that you were able to stick them together with hot glue! I think I’m going to have to check out that glue gun…
Oh Becky you need the ryobi glue gun!! Its amazing!!
So beautiful! I like how you put both trees off to the side and staggered the heights. Brilliant!
So beautiful! I like how you put both trees off to the side and staggered the heights. Brilliant!