One of my favourite emails to receive are those from Birch Lane.  Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) they don’t ship to Canada, but that doesn’t stop me from pining over their perfectly styled photos of decor for your home.  It was one such photo that reminded me that I had these fishing weights tucked away, and how gorgeous they could look set out as some coastal decor on my patio.

Coastal decor, flea market find, fishing weights, antique fishing weights, coastal vibe

I actually LOVE the rusted patina, but it does cause rust stains on furniture, so I hadn’t brought them out yet this year.

I decided my flea market finds could stand to have a Birch Lane update, so I brought out my Krud Kutter rust remover to clean them up.

Coastal decor, flea market find, fishing weights, antique fishing weights, coastal vibe

It squirts on like a spray gun, but is actually a gel that sorta sticks to the surface – making it great for vertical (and round) surfaces.

Coastal decor, flea market find, fishing weights, antique fishing weights, coastal vibe

I let the Krud Kutter set for about 30 minutes and then washed it off in the sink.

Coastal decor, flea market find, fishing weights, antique fishing weights, coastal vibe

What?!

I had no idea these had been previously painted!  I thought all the patina was just rust!  Unbelievable transformation already!

I could have stopped here, but I had already purchased three shades of oil paint and was excited to see how they’d turn out.

Coastal decor, flea market find, fishing weights, antique fishing weights, coastal vibe

I’m not usually a fan of oil paint, but I wanted a high-gloss finish on a rough metal surface and I wanted my coastal decor to be able to stand up to the elements – so oil was my best bet.

Coastal decor, flea market find, fishing weights, antique fishing weights, coastal vibe

Three coats painted on – but the leveling properties of oil paint make them look sprayed.

I gently sanded over the embossed numbers to remove the paint and done!

Coastal decor, flea market find, fishing weights, antique fishing weights, coastal vibe

Because the bottoms of my fishing weights are painted as well, there shouldn’t be any staining coming through onto my new patio table.

Coastal decor, flea market find, fishing weights, antique fishing weights, coastal vibe

I didn’t bring in a coral colour because then I would have to paint them again if/when I change out my patio pillows.  Instead, I went with three neutrals that will compliment any colour scheme and give a hint of a coastal vibe.

Coastal decor, flea market find, fishing weights, antique fishing weights, coastal vibe

Coastal decor, flea market find, fishing weights, antique fishing weights, coastal vibe

They are small enough not to take over the table, but large enough (and in a grouping) to give an impact.  They are also surprisingly heavy (I don’t know what the numbers on the front mean, but it isn’t the actual weight of them) and are great for keeping napkins from flying off in a breeze, or keeping your page while you run in to refill your drink.  I absolutely LOVE how they turned out!

Birch Lane sells similar fishing weights for about $22 US per – but my flea market finds came in at about $10 for all three!

Coastal decor, flea market find, fishing weights, antique fishing weights, coastal vibe

Even adding in the cost of the Krud Kutter and oil paint, I’m still considerably lower than the BL ones.  These little guys

My fab flea market finds are back out on display and my touches of coastal decor make me smile when I see them.

Coastal decor, flea market find, fishing weights, antique fishing weights, coastal vibe

Go find your own whimsical tchotchkes, give them a coat of paint and bring them back to life in your decor!

Have a great one!

Too funny, LMAO

 

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