I know my husband probably wishes he could banish the words, “What do you think about …?” from my vocabulary, and I think his brain automatically translates them into, “She needs my help.” Generally, it’s an accurate translation. You may recall, several years ago, I was bemoaning the fact that everyone seemed to have a beautiful mantel that they were decorating for Christmas, and I didn’t. When I came across an antique piano at a thrift store, and they were {Read More}
Repurposed Antique Headboard into Coat Rack
February 20, 2014 by 13 Comments
If only I had more space… You have no idea how often those words cross my mind, and they definitely were on my mind today, as I was photographing this headboard-turned-coat rack to list in my shop. The details and shape are just gorgeous. I used Blue Minerals Chalk Paint Powder to make chalky paint, and distressed it just enough to highlight the details. I added 3 ornate coat hooks, although there is room to add 2 more, if {Read More}
Barn Wood & Bread Tins Wall Bins
February 7, 2014 by 16 Comments
Being snowed in for the last several days has given me lots of time to be productive and I’ve brought home bunches of “stuff” from auctions & thrift stores recently, including a plank of antique barn wood and a bunch of antique bread pans. I love turning bread pans into wall bins, and the barn wood was the perfect backing to connect them to. PIN IT! It is classic barn red, and the wood is wonderfully aged. I love the {Read More}
Repurposed Book Page Canvas Hymn Art
February 6, 2014 by 18 Comments
Last week, a customer asked me to create a canvas art with book pages and an antique map, and since I had all the supplies out, I decided to add book pages to several other canvases at the same time. I wanted to do something different than a map on the other ones, and decided to try painting words over the book pages. “It Is Well With My Soul” is one of my favorite hymns, so I selected a font {Read More}
Antique Grain Sack Style Pillows
February 3, 2014 by 8 Comments
Several years ago, a customer inquired about having a large antique wingback chair I had for sale in my shop shipped to her. The shipping to her California address was very high on the chair, so I wasn’t able to sell it to her, but she place a large order of other items. She contacted me again and asked if I’d be interested in trading more of my products for an antique grain sack pillow that she designs and sells {Read More}
Antique Ceiling Tile Dried Flower Display
January 13, 2014 by 4 Comments
A friend of mine from church is a florist and I was in her shop one day and spotted a vase full of flowers that were past their prime that she had culled from her stock. I asked her what she does with them, and she replied that she throws them out. If you know me at all, you know I don’t like to throw things out – especially something as pretty as dried flowers. She let me take {Read More}
DIY Primitive Cabinet from a Repurposed Wooden Crate and Frame
January 6, 2014 by 31 Comments
I love it when you make something and it turns out exactly as you envisioned it. I’ve been wanting to make a primitive style wall cupboard for awhile. I wanted something that I could openly display things inside, and wanted to use metal mesh I already had on hand inside the door. I didn’t want to buy new wood to do it. I knew it would cost less to wait until I came across something old and cheap and would {Read More}
Repurposed Sewing Machine Table Creations, a Tip to “Age” Painted Wood, and New Year’s Resolutions
January 3, 2014 by 20 Comments
Last month I brought home an antique sewing machine on a stand from an auction. The stand was badly damaged and one of the drawers were missing, but I could see a lot of potential with the various parts, so I bid on it and won. My husband disassembled it all, and I started brainstorming projects I would make with the pieces. I haven’t come up with uses for all the parts, but I thought I’d share a few I’ve {Read More}
Repurposed Headboard Coat Rack & 4 Instant Art Prints – Nothing Goes to Waste
December 24, 2013 by 4 Comments
Today I thought I’d share how I get the most “mileage” out of some of the “junk” I bring home from auctions, yard sales and thrift stores. It’s taken awhile, but my husband has finally stopped asking me why I save every little piece of salvaged junk that I think I could possibly find a future use for. I’m really not a hoarder, because I truly use all my bits and pieces eventually, and if I don’t find a use {Read More}
World Travels – Repurposed Antique Suitcase & Map Pages Mixed Media Wall Art
December 21, 2013 by 15 Comments
During the summer, when my sister and her 4 kids came for a visit, I showed you the bounty of “junk” my nephew had found near his house and brought for me (here). One of the things he brought, was the tattered remains from a small antique suitcase. The only thing left was the wooden edges and metal corner brackets, and just a bit of the original cardboard. I loved it – especially the brackets and wanted to come up {Read More}
