Pastel Dolly Pegs with a Country Twist

I just love a project that uses what’s already on hand, and this one ticked all the boxes — cute, budget-friendly, and totally on theme for our Country & Western Retreat this February.

I had a handful of leftover test paint pots from Bunnings sitting in my cupboard (you know the ones… too good to throw out, too small for a big project. Instead of letting them gather more dust, I decided they were perfect for a little creative play.

Painting the Dolly Pegs

I started with plain wooden dolly pegs which I purchased from Spotlight and gave them a coat of soft pastel paint using the test pots. Nothing fancy — just a simple brush and a bit of patience. These paints cover beautifully, and because the pegs are small, you really don’t need much paint at all.

Once the first coat was dry, I added a second coat where needed to get that lovely smooth pastel finish. I used a mix of gentle country-inspired colours — think soft pinks, blues, pinks, and teal.

Then I left them to dry completely

Adding Country Ribbons & Trims

This is where the magic really happens ✨

Once the pegs were dry, I dressed them up with country-style ribbons and trims — ginghams, lace, twine, and a few rustic textures to give them that relaxed country feel.

Each peg ended up a little different, which I love. Imperfect, handmade, and full of charm — just how crafting should be.

The Matching Wooden Tray

To keep everything together, I also painted a wooden tray using one of the same pastel colours from the pegs, so it all tied in nicely. When the paint was dry, I lined the tray with shabby country-style paper, adding another layer of texture and softness.

This tray will be used to hold all the decorated pegs, and honestly… it turned out so pretty it could sit on a craft table or shelf all on its own.

A Simple Project with Big Impact

This project is a great reminder that:

• You don’t need fancy supplies

• Leftover paint can be gold

• Small details can really lift a space

These pastel dolly pegs are not only practical but also add such a sweet decorative touch for our Country & Western Retreat. They’re cheerful, creative, and totally on theme — plus, it feels good to use up what was already in the cupboard.

If you’ve got leftover test pots hiding away, I highly recommend giving something like this a go. You might just surprise yourself with how cute they turn out 💛

Happy crafting,
Julie x