10/13/2026
FROM SILVER TO SANTA — A CHRISTMAS DIY TRANSFORMATION!
Who knew an old silver-plated tray could become such a beautiful piece of Christmas décor?
I started with a thrifted silver-plated tray and gave it a whole new life with a little creativity, Dixie Belle Paint Company, and an absolutely gorgeous Saint Nicholas mould from IOD - Iron Orchid Designs! This is one of my favorite things about DIY — taking something ordinary, giving it a little love, and turning it into something unique that you’ll treasure for years to come.
HERE’S HOW I CREATED THE LOOK:
Step 1: Prep & Prime
I started by applying two coats of Dixie Belle Bonding BOSS to help prepare the tray for its transformation and create a good foundation for the paint.
Step 2: Build the Base Color: Fluff Chalk Mineral Paint
Next, I applied several coats of paint until I achieved the coverage and soft, creamy finish I wanted. Sometimes a beautiful finish takes a little patience and a few extra coats!
Step 3: Add Depth with a Paint Wash 50/50 water paint.
To bring out the details and give the tray that lovely aged, vintage character, I mixed Caviar Chalk Mineral Paint with water in a 50/50 ratio. The thin paint wash adds subtle shading and dimension while allowing the beautiful details of the tray to shine through.
Step 4: Create the Santa Embellishment
For the star of the show, I used the IOD mould Saint Nicholas and air-dry clay to create this incredible Santa face. The flowing beard, textured hair, and sweet little details bring so much character to the piece! Once ready, the embellishment can be attached securely to the tray.
Step 5: Seal & Protect
I finished the decorative mould and tray with clear wax to enhance the details and give it a lovely finished appearance.
The result? A one-of-a-kind Christmas statement piece with a soft, vintage feel and just the right amount of rustic charm! Imagine this displayed on a mantel, layered into a Christmas vignette, or styled with greenery and candlelight.
And the best part? You don’t have to be a professional artist to create something beautiful. With the right supplies, a little patience, and the willingness to try something new, you can transform thrifted treasures into décor that looks like it came from a charming little boutique.
Want to create something beautiful of your own?
Stop by Jane Nicole Designs at Grain & Gather Mercantile - The Market in Hayden, Idaho, to shop Dixie Belle Paint and IOD products and find inspiration for your next DIY project!
Because at Jane Nicole Designs, we believe beautiful things don’t always need to be bought new — sometimes they just need a little paint, a little imagination, and a whole lot of love.