9 simple projects to create with leftover paint

You can use different tones of the same paint (just add white or black and mix well) or paint a series of old frames the same colour as your wall for a monochromatic, sculptural effect.

This lid rack turned mail sorter works equally well as a magazine holder. (Finally, a place to store all those back issues of Cottage Life you’ve been meaning to read). If you’re feeling really creative, paint the dowels different colours.

Highlight whatever you’ve already painted with some matching art. Simply take a brush, sponge on some paint dabs, and connect them with thin lines. Or go more abstract and fling your leftover paint at the canvas. Be creative!

This project is especially effective if you’re using pastel paint, but any colour will work. Using a plastic syringe, squirt paint into the inside of a pretty bottle or Mason jar, and swirl to coat. You may need to do four or five applications to cover the inside of the jar completely.

Paint a branch that has some sculptural interest a single colour and use it to hang necklaces.

Paint pretty stripes on plain wooden utensils for a whimsical and inexpensive shower gift. Seal with shellac to make sure the paint doesn’t chip off.

This is a bit more of an ambitious project, but the effect is well worth it. You can see full instructions here.

Whether you’ve already got a plain piece of furniture or decided to pick one up from a thrift shop, a little leftover paint in a contrasting colour can really dress it up.

Dip pinecones into white, red, green, gold, or silver paint for easy Christmas decorations. If you’re feeling ambitious, add some glitter, too.