Showing posts with label thrift store finds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thrift store finds. Show all posts

Monday, March 2, 2015

Swap It Like It's Hot



I enjoy shopping at thrift stores and finding a great bargain.  It's fun to repurpose the items that I find and create a whole new look. 

I was asked by Charlotte of Ciburbanity to participate in #SwapItLikeItsHot Threepeat.  The rules were pretty simple: Purchase something worthy of a makeover; under $15 at your local thrift store.  Mail package to another blogger, who will transform your thrift finds. 

I received a package from Colleen at 58 Water Street.  It's as if she knew me personally.  I have a tea towel collection in all different patterns and a love for brass in all forms.  

I couldn't wait to transform this matchstick holder.


I used Barkeepers Friend to remove the patina.
  
After a little scrubbing, the brass and copper shine like new.

Looks great, don't you think?!!

I replaced the worn striker with sandpaper.

It worked just fine!
  
Such a nice way to store loose matches.

The plaid tin Colleen sent was a pleasant surprise!

It was perfectly suited to store my favorite cookies.

Who doesn't love a cookie-filled tin?

More than enough to share!

When the day is done, or just to relax, I enjoy a cup of tea.  It's the perfect way to unwind.

This floral tea towel is too cute to wipe up spills, but perfect on the tabletop to complement a hot cup of tea.

I love all of my thrift store items.  I had a lot of fun repurposing them into something new.  It wasn't necessary to DIY or paint.  Just a little cleaning was enough!!

 Be sure to stop by Rachel's blog, Like a Saturday to see what she did with the items I sent her.

*Here’s the list of blogs participating in the hop!

Charlotte, thank you again for having me!

Day 1

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Monday, October 27, 2014

Fall Favorites

It's been quiet around here lately.  It's been weeks since my last post, but not so much if you follow along on Instagram.  I've been busy with family.  Nothing major has happened, just been busy spending more time with the people that I love.

Blogging is fun for me and I enjoy sharing.  But when life gets busy blogging definitely takes a backseat.

I need to get better at prepping my blog for posts.  Now that fall has officially arrived, I'm ready to tackle more projects around the house.

It's the simple things in life that can be most rewarding.  We live near the most beautiful park.  The leaves are changing.  It's so pretty this time of year.

I like to wonder about and gather pine cones and fallen leaves.

 This time of year the spiders seem to be everywhere!

There's nothing worse than walking into a spiderweb.

I take a break from coffee in the fall and sip on a cup of hot apple cider.  The smell of the cider simmering on the stove brings back feelings of warmth and comfort.

Another fall favorite is filling my home with mums

...and mini pumpkins.

Do you have a favorite room spray?  My current favorite is, Asian Spice, sold at Pier 1.  It's the perfect scent for fall.  It leaves your house smelling wonderful.

 Switching out your pillows for warmer colors is a great way to transition your home from summer to fall.


A chunky throw keeps us warm on those chilly evenings.

My husband uses the television to fall asleep.  At the end of the day I relax with a book.

  My favorite seasonal flea market opened again this fall.
  
I always find some neat little treasures there.

I've been thinking about simple Thanksgiving table settings.

I adore these plates from West Elm.

I received a new bag for fall.  This beautiful bag was a gift from Duluth Trading Co.

My everyday bag doubles as my camera bag.

The leather is soft.  It's a very stylish, yet rugged bag.  I'm not fashionable, but I feel very sophisticated carrying my portfolio brief.

 Now it's your turn.  Let me know some of your favorites for fall.

*Duluth Trading Co. provided me with this bag to review.  All opinions expressed in this post are my own!


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Friday, February 21, 2014

Super-Simple Project: Recovering a Flea Market Stool

A few months ago while browsing the flea market I came across a small, simple stool that was reasonably priced.


I looked past the scratched wood and dingy vinyl and saw true potential.  Updating it with new fabric would be an easy option.

I removed the seat cover and cleaned every inch of the stool with a disinfectant.

Since the vinyl was in good shape I didn't bother to remove it.  To recover, I simply placed the new fabric underneath the seat and went around it with my staple gun to secure the fabric in place.
  
After recovering the seat I decided not to paint the wood.  I love the look of the dark wood against the light walls.



As you can see I haven't jumped off the chevron train.  I love this upholstery-weight fabric.  It was a great find at Joann's for $20 a yard.  For this project I used half.


I "erased" the scratches in the wood by using a walnut.  Yes, that's right, a walnut!



My advice; don't overlook furniture at thrift stores or flea markets because of their current state.  Fabric and paint are an inexpensive way to update your find into something special!



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