Hey friends – BJ here from Junk’d Up, and today’s post is a two-for-one special! I tackled two thrifted pieces using some of my favorite products from DIY Paint and and a transfer and stamp from the NEW Iron Orchid Designs Summer Collection — and let me tell you, the birds were singing (literally) while I worked on these!
Whether you're brand new to transfers and stamps or you've been hoarding thrifted goodies in your garage for “just the right moment,” I’ve got step-by-step inspo, a few lessons learned, and of course — all the product details you’ll want to snag for your own stash.
Let’s get into it.
✨ Project One: A Little Table with a Lotta Birds
This sweet little table came from the Goodwill and I fell in love with its alligator-style finish. I knew I didn’t want to paint over that gorgeous character, so I sealed it in with Salvation Solution in Clear from DIY Paint — which is perfect when you’re not quite sure what that old finish is. (Been there? Same.) The Salvation Solution provides THE perfect surface and the transfers glide on like butter.
Next came the star of the show: the IOD Menagerie Transfer, full of birdcages, flowers, and enough delicate details to make your heart flutter. The cool thing? You can cut it up however you like, which is exactly what I did to make it work with this quirky little table.
Pieces of the Menagerie Transfer from IOD Summer 2025 Collection
✅ Pro Tip: After applying the transfer, be sure to burnish it with the matte side of the plastic sheet to reduce the halo effect and ensure long-term stick.
Then, I gave the whole thing a light distress with sandpaper and finished it off with three coats of Minwax Crystal Clear Topcoat in Clear Ultra Flat for durability. Don’t skip this part — trust me on that one.
🗣 Bonus Tip: Someone on Instagram asked why I didn’t refinish the tabletop because she didn’t like the water rings. WHAT?! I love that lived-in look. This piece has history, and I wanted it to show.
Just look at the original patina under the transfer! Can you see why I didn’t want to paint the table?
🐦 Side Note from the Garden…
We just moved into a new house, and it basically feels like I live in a zoo. Birds, nests, bunnies — oh my. If you’ve got humane ideas for deterring bunnies from treating my garden like a salad bar, drop them in the comments. I’m all ears.
Thrifted tray waiting for the glow-up
🪵 Project Two: From Basic Tray to Rustic Beauty
Next up: a thrifted wooden tray makeover using Saltwash, DIY Paint, and the IOD Folk Story Stamp.
I mixed Saltwash (a powdered paint additive that adds texture) with White Swan paint and applied it with a natural bristle brush to create a faux barnwood plank look. So much dimension, so little effort.
📦 First time using your brand new just came out of the package stamp? You’ll want to condition it first with a bit of sandpaper so your ink or paint has something to grip onto.
I did a little dry fit, then stamped like a pro using IOD Ink in the color Stone Grey. Press down firmly (especially if your surface is textured like mine), tickle the stamp to make sure it makes contact with your surface and don't sweat a little mess — you can always paint over it or sand it out later.
Folk Story Stamp from the IOD Summer 2025 Collection
🌟 Finishing Touches
After stamping, I smoothed out the tray with 220-grit sandpaper and reached for my waxes.
Originally, I thought I’d just add dark wax in the corners. But once I started, I loved the aged look it gave all over — so I just went with it!
🚨 Important: Always clear wax first before using dark wax, especially on light colors. Otherwise, you’re staining your paint and there’s no going back.
And for that polished look, I like to sandwich dark wax between two layers of clear wax — it helps pull back any excess and leaves just enough drama in all the right places.
LOVE using DIY Paint Dark Wax for an aged and rustic finish
🎨 Ready to Try It Yourself?
Everything I used in these two projects is available at junkeduphome.com:
In full transparency, I am currently sold out of the Menagerie Transfer. Be sure to get on my mailing list so I can let you know when it comes back in stock.
Supporting my small business means the world to me — so thank you for reading, shopping, commenting, subscribing, and just being part of this junk-loving tribe.
🖼 Want More?
Check out my recent tutorials featuring more from the IOD Summer 2025 Collection: the Leonidas Mold and the Floriography Paint Inlay. Trust me, they’re worth a peek.
Until next time — keep junkin’ and keep creating. 💥
XO,
BJ