Upcycled Instruments: Elegant Violin Makeover Anyone Can Do

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If you’ve ever looked at a plain old object and thought, “This could be something magical,” then you’re going to love this project. Transforming a simple mini violin into a show-stopping piece of art is easier than you think—and a whole lot of fun. Whether you’re working with upcycled instruments, creating a unique gift, or just flexing those crafting muscles, this makeover is packed with techniques you can use on so many projects. You can watch the full video below to see the process in action, or follow along with the step-by-step instructions in this post. Get ready to turn something ordinary into an extraordinary piece of vintage flamenco-inspired art!

Supply List:

• Mini violin (14-inch by 5-inch size or similar—perfect for upcycled violin projects)

• Dixie Belle Boss primer

• Chalk paint (color of choice)

• Rice paper with designs (great for rice paper craft ideas)

• DIY Liquid Patina (Debbie’s Design Diary)

• Antique wax (dark and clear)

• Liquid gold paint

• Soft brushes

• Stickles glitter glue (Ranger Stickles)

• Hot glue gun and glue sticks

• Scissors or craft knife

• Heat tool (optional for quick drying)

• Sanding block or emery board

• Optional: Small rhinestones or embellishments for added bling

💡While we’ve listed the supplies used in this project, we always recommend getting creative and using what you have on hand! Crafting is all about making it your own, so feel free to substitute with similar materials or repurpose items you already own. The beauty of this project is its flexibility—there’s no right or wrong way to bring your unique vision to life. Let your creativity shine!

Step 1: Prepping Your Mini Violin

Let’s start with the basics of how to refinish a violin. Make sure the violin is clean—no dust or dirt sneaking in. Start with a coat of Dixie Belle Boss primer to block any stains or bleed-throughs. This is especially important when working with older or upcycled instruments that may have tricky areas to cover. Once the primer is dry, give the violin three coats of chalk paint. Let each coat dry completely before adding the next—patience is key here, even though we’re all itching to get to the fun stuff.

Step 2: Adding Your Rice Paper Design

Now for the magic! Pick out a rice paper design that fits your vision for a romantic decor style or vintage diy decor vibe. Lay the design on the violin and use DIY Liquid Patina to glue it down. Work in small sections—don’t be a hero! Smooth out any wrinkles as you go, either with your fingers or a piece of plastic wrap. Once the paper is set, trim off the extra using a sanding block or emery board for clean edges. This rice paper craft idea creates a seamless design that looks like it was painted right on.

Step 3: Bring It to Life with Antique Wax

Here comes the vintage style design moment! Take a soft brush and apply some dark antique wax around the edges and corners of the violin. This gives it that beautifully aged look we all love in vintage flamenco art. Soften any harsh areas with clear wax, blending it out for a soft, elegant finish. Don’t forget to use liquid gold paint to highlight key areas like the bridge and edges—this step brings out that wow factor, perfect for romantic decor ideas or valentines day decorations for home.

Step 4: Bling It Out!

Let’s add some sparkle! Use your hot glue gun to place rhinestones or embellishments along the edges or on key details of the violin. Stickles glitter glue works wonders for adding a shimmer to the floral details or creating the illusion of jewelry on a dancer’s dress. This is your chance to make it personal—whether you’re crafting diy gifts for music lovers or gifts for musicians, a little sparkle goes a long way.

Step 5: Don’t Forget the Inside

Speaking of the inside, don’t leave it bare! Upcycled violin projects often require a little extra creativity, especially if you’re dealing with problem areas like bleed-through. For mine, I painted the entire inside with liquid gold. Not only did it fix the issue, but it also created a glamorous surprise when you peek inside. It’s these small touches that make it perfect for romantic decor style or vintage diy decor.

Step 6: Seal It Up

Now let’s seal the deal! Apply a satin or gloss sealer to protect your masterpiece. Don’t worry—Stickles glitter glue can be sealed right over without losing its sparkle. This step ensures your creation will last, whether it’s a gift for a musician, a statement piece for your home, or valentines day decorations for home that you can pull out year after year.

Step 7: The Final Touches

Finally, replace the strings or adjust them so they lay perfectly over your design. Clean up any stray glue or paint spots, and step back to admire your one-of-a-kind creation. Whether you’re showcasing it as romantic decor or gifting it to a music lover, this upcycled violin is sure to turn heads.

Decoration Ideas & Who Would Love This:

This mini violin is versatile! Use it as a standout piece for vintage flamenco-themed decor, romantic decor ideas, or even as part of a Valentine's Day display. It’s also perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of vintage diy decor to their space. Think about gifting it to a musician, a music teacher, or anyone who appreciates the charm of upcycled instruments. It’s a showstopper for home studios, wedding decor, or even as a heartfelt diy gift for music lovers.

Your mini violin is now a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, blending vintage style design with timeless elegance.

See How Members Made This Project Their Own!

The beauty of this mini violin makeover is how versatile it can be, and nothing showcases that better than the creations from our amazing Check Savvy Sisterhood members! These talented creators have taken the basic tutorial and infused their own style, personality, and flair to craft one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

Take a look at these stunning designs:

Every violin tells a story, and each one is as unique as the crafter who made it. Whether you’re aiming for vintage flamenco elegance, whimsical charm, or romantic décor ideas, these examples are sure to spark your imagination.

Feeling inspired? We’d love to see your take on this project! When you join the Check Savvy Sisterhood, you’ll gain access to tutorials like this one, plus the chance to share your creations with our supportive community. Who knows? Your violin could be the next featured masterpiece!