How To Refresh and Style Vintage Skis

Am I the only one who has a treasure trove of old junk in the garage?  I’m sure not (o.k., maybe I’ve got more than most)! This pair of old, wooden blue skis has been hanging around since my brother-in-law sent them my way, knowing I was a fan of anything with a history. I’ve hung them on the house as winter decor previous years, but had never realized their full potential until I attacked them with the sander. Let me show you How To Refresh and Style Vintage Skis!

How to Refresh and Style Vintage Skis

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Just for a little throwback first…that’s my husband in the 70’s enjoying the freshly painted blue skis!

As I explained in my post, “Decorating Status Quo Syndrome”, sometimes the items we’ve looked at the longest have the biggest potential, but we’ve unfortunately stopped even seeing them! These skis that had been kicked around the garage for years definitely fit into that category!

To Start the Vintage Refresh, Sand a Little

There’s nothing I like better than a bad paint job! And when a little bit of sanding reveals hidden treasure…even better! Yes, I’m weird, because I actually love sanding with my palm sander and some 100 grit sandpaper. (you can find mine for smaller hands HERE).

I was so excited when my sanding revealed an old, red label! Unfortunately I was a little too aggressive with my sanding before I lost one:( Even die-hard restorers make mistakes sometimes.

Next, Seal your Refreshed Skis

Once the vintage character was to my liking, I blew the sawdust off with the compressor and wiped down the skis with a damp cloth. To seal all the character in and bring out the vibrancy of the perfectly patinaed paint job, I brushed on a couple coats of my favorite poly (you can find it HERE). I use this stuff on everything; love it!

Style your Refreshed Vintage Skis

Luckily these old skis usually have a space hollowed out where the bindings or ropes were. To hang, simply weave some bark-covered wire (get it HERE) through the skis, wrapping each one to develop an “X”. Create a loop in the back. Stick some greens in the holes too. You could also tie a scarf around for some extra texture.

Add Other Wintertime Decor to your Refreshed Ski Vignette

Hang your skis on your wall indoors or out with other wintertime decor items. This year I hung them in our back entry. I love their pretty blue, chippy color! They coordinate perfectly with my favorite aqua and green color scheme.

For a wintry look, braid lengths of yarn, knotting each end. Create a clothesline for your mittens, clipping them with some “RIT Dyed Clothespins” in your favorite colors. I put a bow of braided yarn on the skis also.

I picked up the vintage deer mittens years ago while working at an antique mall (I think I spent more than I made on my booth, unfortunately). The cream child’s pair was lovingly knitted by my grandma for one of my kiddos when they were little.

To add some entryway personalization, hot glue some sticks from the yard to a cardboard cut-out of your initial. Easy and cheap!

To pull together the wintry collage, I added a Currier and Ives needlepoint frame I picked up somewhere. I love the yarny texture of needlepoint in the winter. I really should take the fabric out and wash it, and paint the frame white…details, details. It works as is, right?

Rescuing these vintage, wooden skis from the garage and elevating their worth was simple and fun! They’ve got family history and great character. They will definitely be more appreciated than they have been in a long time!

Shop to Create the Look: click on pics for more info

Do you have any items laying around you could refresh and enjoy more than you have been? Have you come across pairs of vintage skis in your treasure hunting? Maybe you sell vintage and these tips encouraged you to pop some in your winter-themed booth. I just hope I convinced you these vintage skis have enduring charm, and this How to Refresh and Style Vintage Skis tutorial helped you!

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Sharing at these lovely parties:

Vintage Charm

Farmhouse Friday

Friday Favorites

DIY Salvaged Junk Projects

Talk of the Town

To Grandma’s House We Go

Wow Us Wednesdays