This year I was looking to do something a little different for the front porch for Christmas.
When I tripped over some skis at the thrift store on half price day, I knew I had my answer.
Chalk painted skis for my porch!
And when I say "tripped over", I mean I literally tripped over them. They were sitting on the bottom shelf and the tips hooked me on the ankle as I was walking past.
They were sort of ugly though.
Black with silver and a bunch of dings and dents. I'm pretty sure they were rental skis in the past.
They had seen better days and definitely were not festive or Christmas porch worthy.
I brought them home anyhow and painted them with some red chalk paint (American Paint Company's Fireworks Red*).
A bright red spray paint would work equally as well! Just tape off the binding area and paint away.
Since I had used a chalk paint, I then waxed them (Minwax Paste Finishing Wax), because all good skiers know you have to wax your skis.
Although I'm not sure this is the type of waxing the downhill racers are talking about.
Pretty darn cute for a pair of dirty, chippy skis that tried to trip me and about ½ hour of my time.
If you want to see the whole ski themed Christmas porch you can find it here - Holiday Front Porch For The Picnicking Ski Bums.
* American Paint Company chalk paint is hard to find anymore. I can't find any large nationwide retailer who still sells it, so I'm going to link to another brand below in a very similar color that is EASILY available on Amazon.
(This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. You can read my full disclosure policy here.)
NOTE: I made this project 5-6 years ago and the skis have held up remarkedly well. I normally only display the skis during the holiday season and always under a covered porch. If the skis were to be kept outside in the weather, I would definitely use a spray paint instead of a chalk paint. Chalk paint with paste wax is not meant for heavy duty weather conditions where it comes in contact with snow and rain on a normal basis.
Anita at Cedar Hill
What an absolutely adorable idea!!
20 North Ora
Well - they had to get your attention some way! They look great on your porch.
Judy
Robin Johnson
LOL! I'm pretty sure you've taught those cheeky ski's a lesson they won't soon forget!
They look amazing in all their newly painted red finish... They look so good against the backdrop of the house.
The Speckled Hen Cottage
So gosh darn cute! Loving the red. We don't get real snow here (just pretty little dustings) so we don't get snow skis...however, we do have lots of water and water skies...Hmmmm.
Heather - New House New Home
Love the colour!!
Kristen @ Pursuing Vintage
Very cute! I love using "real" winter toys as decor!
ThrifterSisters
I have my dads old snow skis out in my shop. Now I know what to do with them!
~Erica
TARYTERRE
What a transformation. Those ski's are awesome. Enjoy.
Charm Bracelet Diva {at Home}
Love this! I have used ice skates, old sleds and snowboards, but never skis! Great idea. Makes me mad, though, as I actually used to ski on skis just like that! No idea where on earth they went. I'll just have to keep my Goodwill eyes open!
xoKathleen
Paula@SweetPea
Love this idea! Now I'm wanting to find some old skis to paint!
Lottie
Pam, how cool are these beautiful red skis! I can't believe the difference and how great they look on your front porch! Great idea!
Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces
This is such an awesome idea...and it looks SO great!
Junkchiccottage
Pam,
They look perfect. Love them red. Great find.
Kris
Carlene @ Organized Clutter
Great idea!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
Oh how perfect!
awal.ny
Pam those skis are great. I have been on the look out for a pair too. Have a wonderful week. Alaina