DIY Vintage Letter Holder Upcycle: Transform Thrift Store Finds into Functional Decor
I scored this charming wooden letter holder at Goodwill for just $2! It’s the perfect find for anyone who loves old letter holders with a bit of history. I immediately knew I wanted to upcycle it just in time for Valentine’s Day, but the neutral tones make it perfect to use all year long.
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Materials Needed for Upcycling a Vintage Letter Holder:
- White Lighting Cleaner
- Dixie Belle Boss
- Dixie Belle Manatee Gray
- Family photos (or scrapbooking paper, vintage letters, etc.)
- Dixie Belle Clear Coat Satin
Step-by-Step Guide to Transforming Your Vintage Letter Holder
Step 1 – Clean it up
Before diving into any DIY home decor project, I always make sure to give my finds a good clean. For this wooden letter holder, I used White Lightning Cleaner to remove any grime. After cleaning, I rinsed it off with clean water to ensure it’s completely ready for the next steps.
While cleaning, I noticed some old stains coming off, which made me realize I’d need a product like Dixie Belle BOSS to prevent any of those stains from bleeding through once I started painting.
Step 2 – Block Stains with Dixie Belle BOSS
One of the biggest challenges with upcycling is dealing with old stains or odors. To prevent those from bleeding through my new paint, I applied Dixie Belle BOSS, a super-effective sealer. This product is a game-changer because it keeps old imperfections from ruining your fresh finish.
📌 Want to learn how to use BOSS? Check out my full tutorial here.
Step 3 – Paint It Pretty with Manatee Gray
Next, I used Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in Manatee Gray to give the letter holder a fresh coat of paint. This soft gray is a perfect neutral, and I love how it works for Valentine’s Day decor—and really, it’s perfect for any time of year!
🎨 Need tips on painting with Dixie Belle Paint? Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Step 4 – Add a Personal Touch with Family Photos
After the paint dried, I decided to add a personal touch to the piece by printing out some family photos from our trip to Paris. But this project is totally customizable—you could also use scrapbook paper, vintage postcards, or even old sheet music to create a unique look that suits your style.
Step 5 – Decoupage with Dixie Belle Clear Coat Satin
To secure the photos onto the surface, I used Dixie Belle Clear Coat Satin. Decoupaging is an easy technique where you simply:
- Brush a layer of Clear Coat onto the surface.
- Place the photo on top.
- Brush another layer of Clear Coat over the photo to seal it in place.
Allow it to dry fully before using your newly transformed letter holder.
🖼️ Want to know how to decoupage with Clear Coat?
Creative Ways to Use Your Upcycled Letter Holder
HHere’s the fun part—this upcycled letter holder is not just for Valentine’s Day. The neutral Manatee Gray color makes it perfect for all-year-round home organization. Here are some other creative ways to use it:
- Spring & Summer: Add fresh flowers or greenery for a seasonal touch
- Fall: Use it to display autumn leaves or gratitude notes
- Winter & Holidays: Store Christmas cards, New Year’s letters, or birthday cards
- Everyday Use: Keep your mail, to-do lists, or reminders organized
The possibilities are endless! Old letter holders can be repurposed in so many ways, and it’s a fun way to add functional decor to your space.
Watch the Transformation Live!
I love sharing these upcycling projects with you, and I even completed this one live! If you want to watch the whole process, just click the photo below to join me for the full tutorial.
The Finished Piece
Here it is—my beautiful upcycled vintage letter holder, it’s in our hallway next to our door! I love how it turned out, and it’s perfect for holding love notes, Valentine’s cards, and small treats throughout the season. Plus, because it’s painted in a versatile neutral tone, we can leave it out year-round and continue to use it in different ways for every season.
Bonus Tips & Ideas
Want to switch it up even more? Here are a few variations you could try:
- Vintage Map Decoupage: Use old maps for a rustic, wanderlust vibe
- Stencils or Hand Lettering: Paint some fun quotes or seasonal messages on the front
- Craft Room Organizer: Use it to hold pens, paintbrushes, or art supplies
- Desk Organizer: Add it to your home office to store important papers or a pen and pencil holder.
A: To upcycle a vintage letter holder, clean it thoroughly, apply a primer to prevent stains, paint with your chosen color, and add decorative elements like family photos or patterns using decoupage techniques.
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Very clever . thanks for sharing .
Thank you Lynn
Ohh I love this idea, I also have one of those letter holders and had to paint mine too cause it looked so awful! I host a link party every Friday Morning called Sweet Inspiration and would love to have you join us.
Thank you Mary and thank you very much for the invite to your link party. I’ll be sure to stop by
You certainly made that look better. Love the idea. Found you on Blogger’s Pit Stop link Party
Thank you so much Candy
That is a very cute idea. What a difference!
#trafficjamweekend
Thank you Barrie, and thanks for stopping by.
It turned out great, lovely idea 🙂 Thanks for sharing at The Weekend Blog Hop.
Thank you Claire
Una gran idea y un cambio fantástico !!
Thank you so very much 🙂
Chas, you are so talented! It turned out great. Thanks for sharing with us at #PartyinYourPJs. Pinned!
Thank you Teresa
wow, I think my parents have very close to this exact thing on the wall when I was growing up – I love the alteration you did! Thanks for sharing with Party in Your PJs!
Thank you Lynda
What an improvement – amazing. I would have just passed something like that by in a charity shop – not any more!
Thank you Julie