Garage Sales Finds!

Some see junk, I see message boards, a wire chandelier, flower vases, and so much more. I can't wait to get started! Hope your weekend finds were as fun as mine. Have a beautiful weekend.

A Little Thrifty Find Redo

It is not much but, I love these old scales. I found this one at a garage sale this morning and decided it needed to be rescued. Although it is missing it's glass front, it is still exceptionally accurate. A little light sanding and some paint is all it took to achieve this lovely rustic appearance.

DIY Bulletin Board

Do you remember the ear ring holder that I recently made for my daughter? Well, this is a variation of that idea. The materials needed for this project are basically the same however, you need chicken wire instead of wire mesh and I use wooden clothes pins to attach my papers, notes, and etc. I usually make these bullentin boards out of old windows but, I had this frame that was the perfect size to hang above my desk. So, I just painted the frame, attached a scrap peice of chicken wire, a scrap piece of fabric and added a few clothes pins and I had a custom bullentin board that reminds me of something that I might find in Ballard's Designs for a fourth of the price.

Fun and Functional Craft Storage

Photo Courtesy of Country Living Magazine

Photo of Courtesy of Country Living Magazine

Photo Courtesy of Country Living Magazine

The best thing about all of this craft storage is that is can be found at thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales. Some of it, is just simply items that have been recycled into something else. For instance, the vintage lunch box is now stationery storage, the jelly jars are for storing paper clips and other miscellaneous items, and the old ball jars are filled with vintage buttons. One of my favorites is the 1950's kitchen canisters that I use in my craft room. The are terrific for storing ribbons, trim, and other embellishments all the while looking fabulous sitting of the shelf. Hopefully, you have seen something here that either inspires you or that you can implement in your craft area.

A Simple and Fun Way To Display/Organize Your Earrings

This project could not be more simple. All that is needed is a cute picture frame, wire mesh, fabric, and a staple gun. It took me 10 minutes to put it all together and I could not be happier with the end result. It's a wonderful way to display your earrings and other accessories while keeping it all organized. I made this particular one for my younger daughter however, you could do this on a much larger scale and make it as simple or fancy as you want. I think it is pretty thrifty chic!

Vintage Metal Trays Become Functional Bulletin Boards

You can find these fairly inexpensive metal trays at estate sales, thrift stores, and antique shops and a great way to re purpose them is to turn them into bulletin boards/inspirational boards. They not only help keep you organized but, they add a little vintage whimsy to your room. To give the project further whimsy you could create one of a kind magnets. The button magnets displayed above were created by my dear friend Stephanie of My Piper Dog.

You can find some of her other fun creations at http://www.etsy.com/

No Cost Simple Lantern Project

Photo courtesy of Country Living

A simple and fun way to add some whimsy to your table scape. All that is needed for this project is a few empty cans from the pantry, some paint, and some 18 gauge wire. These lantern are not only fun and colorful, but they also cast a beautiful glow for those outdoor gatherings. I especially like this project because you can get the kids involved.

Vintage Meets Anthropologie

I love the look of this old glider paired with these fun and funky pillows. It takes something ordinary looking and makes it look extraordinary. Although, you could certainly make these pillows yourself, you could also find something quite similar at one of my favorite stores http://www.anthropologie.com/.

Bargins Galore

I stopped by one of my favorite craft stores, Michael's and I am so glad I did. I found these adorable birds on sale for half off. The larger birds were only $2.50 each and the smaller birds were just a $1.00. I recently purchased the bird cage cloche and I think they look adorable placed inside. The cute signs that read peace, family, and dream were only a $1.00 as well. I hope you have a Michael's near you and have the time to swing by and pick up one of these sweet little accents for yourself.

DIY Office Organization

Photos Courtesy of Country Home Magazine

How easy is this. You could place a calendar behind the window and use the window as a dry erase board. The blue ball jar project is an excellent organizational tool and the blue ball jars add a fun color to the room. All that is necessary for this project is a piece of floor molding and the medal rings to affix the jars. Once, you attach the molding to the wall and you are ready to fill the jars with pens, pencils, markers, paint brushes and much more.

Happy Fourth of July

Photo courtesy of Country Living Magazine


Photo Courtesy of Martha Stewart Magazine

Photo Courtesy of Country Living Magazine

Just of few simple decorating ideas for the fourth. Hope you enjoy them and I hope you have an amazing holiday weekend!

A Few of My Thrifty Finds For the Day

Of course, the picture frames are future bulletin boards and/or chalk boards, the little drawer in going into the office, and I've already put the 7up crate to use. It is perfect for carrying drinks and other miscelleanous items from the house to the deck. Not to mention, the colors are perfect for our fourth of July gathering. I absolutely love it!

Decorating With The Unexpected

Photo Courtesy of Country Living Magazine

Who know that something so ordinary could be so beautiful and yet, so functional. Vintage suit cases are great to use in a vintage decor setting, as end tables and/or storage. I think for added charm, I would attach a darling hand made vintage tag from the handle to indicate what is being stored inside.

Bird House Planter

Look what I got today. I love it. I can't wait to plant the top and hang a cute little sign on the peg. Still deciding whether or not I should paint it? What do you think?

Tea Cup Bird Feeder

I found this box of dishes at a garage sale over the weekend for just $4.00. I was so excited because beautiful dishes is just one of my many obsessions. The gal selling the dishes was kind enough to display the chipped dishes on the top of the heap. At first, I thought I would break the chipped dishes up for a Mosaic bird bath that has been in progress for about a year. Then it came to me, I should make a bird feeder for the garden. I had a left over porch spindles from a deck project so, I just used water proof epoxy and applied the dishes to the top of the spindle. Then, I drilled a hole in the bottom of the wooden spindle to inserted a broken garden stake which allowed me to stick the feeder directly into the grown .

I filled the tea cup with seed.

and
Then, I place the feeder in the ground.
and
Here's how it looks! My first guest was a Chickadee.

A Bulletin Board Craft

This image is from the Jeanne d Arch whole sale catalog. Unfortunately, there is thousand dollar minimum order to purchase this item. It is such a clever piece, I thought it would be fairly easy and fun to make. All that is needed, is a frame or an old window, decorative paper, and some wire cable. Add a few clothes pins and you have your very own custom made bulletin board. I can wait to get started and when I do, I will be sure to post it. Hope this inspires you to attempt one of your own.

Repurposed Glass Door Knob Projects

Courtesy of BHG

Whether you use glass knobs in a collection or as functional art, they are fun to repurpose. If you look closely, they come in many shapes, colors, and designs. Above is just a few examples of how I used them in my decor. Enjoy!