When Lisa of Salt Marsh Cottage saw Ballard Designs’ Messina Dining Table, she knew it was almost perfect. Besides the $900 price tag, the table was rectangular while Lisa needed an oval shape. She stalked Craigslist for an oval table that she could transform and, amazingly, bought one along with six chairs and an extra leaf for a total of $100! Talk about a steal! Lisa then developed a paint technique to mimic the zinc top and painted the legs and apron with homemade chalk paint. She couldn’t be happier with the way it came out–not to mention a savings of almost $800!

Love the look of zinc letters but not the cost? Check out this tutorial from The Krazy Coupon Lady on how to make your own in just a couple of simple steps. This is a project ANYONE can do with a foam brush and a couple of bottles of paint from the craft store.

Cheryl from Snaps of Ginger was shopping when she came across two adorable unfinished wooden birdies. She hadn’t a clue what she was going to do with them until inspiration struck while perusing the internet. With a simple coat of blue acrylic paint, Cheryl completed this super easy project to get ready for spring. Are you longing for spring more than ever this year like I am???

Krista of The Happy Housie turned ordinary clear varnished paddles from a sporting supply store into knock-off versions of the Oar Décor from Pottery Barn Kids as part of revamping her sons’ new shared bedroom space. I am sure it comes as no surprise that paint was all it took to make these paddles come to life. I totally love the bright pops of color against the crisp white planked wall.

Carmody of Paper & Fox was browsing Anthropologie for inspiration when she came across a beaded zipper pouch with colors and a simple design that she liked. However, Carmody wasn’t fond of the price of the little pouch, so she decided to apply the concept to make her own DIY painting. Sometimes it’s the simplest things that make the biggest impact!