Time for Lessons

I hope your new year has been going great.  I pondered doing something and finally decided to take heed to some advice that my dear friend Joyce gave me years ago when we first opened Pieces of Time.  She always said.. “Honey, the only way to make money in this business is to learn to do it yourself”.  It was procrastination at it’s best.  Well the procrastination has ended and the lessons will begin.  My upholsterer who did Clarissa – has graciously said yes to teaching me.  When I asked her about it.. her reply was not what I expected..she said “Sure, I would love to teach you… because someone taught me and I’d love to pass it on”  Wow!  Honestly speaking, I thought she would say “No” for obvious reasons and I’m very grateful about that. This is going to be a long process and I’ll share what I’m going through along the way.  I hope you’ll follow along.    This is the chair we are working on for the first lesson.

It has a small tear in the fabric and needs to be re-done.  The simple lines along with a sleek look is perfect for a starter lesson.  The style is mid-century modern Eames chair  and reminds me of something you’d see in Mad Men – doesn’t it?

http://www.rrherman.com/mid-century-modern-chairs/mid-century-modern-chairs-color-green/#page

VIA

Very similar huh??

VIA

blue chair

It’s a very popular style and I can’t wait to see the finished product.  I picked a sleek fabric and will refinish the wood.  I think I’ll call this piece Don – Looks sleek and casa-nova-ish.. like DonJuan.

So everyone.. wish me luck, on this new venture I’m taking.  I just hope my hands hold up for the journey.

not For the Birds Cage

Hello Everyone –  Here’s hoping all is well with you.. Your thrifty girl has been piddling along with this dining room make-over project.    I really opened Pandora’s box with this one.  My first decision was to simply paint the set – which I did.. I grew tired of the black legs and wanted to change them up a bit.   Here’s a sneak peek at the progress.. I really love the new color.. (I have to admit – I was verrrrrry nervous).. chuckles.. The color used is by Krylon called Metallic nickel.  The paint has a smooth glittery finish and really makes the set look richer.

 

Well???  What’s your thoughts..

Up next – Fabric.. I will keep you posted.  I had to break away from this mind boggling project, so, I updated another tray.    Remember these.. well this is the third one.  I decided to use it in the family room.

Here is the new look:

It really adds color to the coffee table and blends much better than the cranberry red

Okay –  let’s move on to the birdcage.   If you can remember a few weeks back – I picked up this vintage birdcage for $13.00 at a thrift store/yardsale.

When I spotted it I knew exactly what I was going to use it for.  You know I like to change things up a bit and have multi-functional pieces.   First up.. a new look.   I used Rustoleum Glossy White and Metallic Gold spray paints to freshen it up. .. I’m so happy with it.

Can you say ahhhhhhh!!! with me… 🙂

The wall paper samples… well —- they came in handy again.  I used a gorgeous piece that had tree branches and a few birds (for nostalgia purposes) to line the bottom tray.

Guess what I’m using it for..

Yup… towel storage..  if you can remember I once used a planter for this bath,

I’ve been a  naughty girl by buying more plants so it went back to being a plant stand.  You know something,  I think the bird cage looks even better as my towel holder.

 

This bird did not fly over the coo-coo’s nest..  🙂  ..  no sireee..  this bird’s thoughts can’t be caged in …

 

 

Do you think I’ve gone Coo-coo… ???

If not – welcome to my world of un-caged thoughts.  Have you used a piece for unconventional purposes lately?  If so, do share.

I’m off to fabric hunting –  Wish me Luck!   Have a great day

A Freebie Update

Two weeks ago, I came across my favorite antique mall going out of business.  “Oh nooooooo!!”  That wasn’t good to hear.  A business for over 30 years – gone-  Ole Town Antiques- a major go-to place for the antiquer’s dream to shop.  Through the rubble of complete disarray – I found a step stool – pretty beat up.  I asked a gentleman walking by “how much is it” -he looked around at all the “stuff” and said “take it – it won’t be missed in all this mess”.. Ok cool..   I could use one for my office space.  I like to prop my feet up while I’m typing – helps with circulation.

Here is the freebie stepstool:

        r

You see why he gave it away….

Here’s the after:

I really like the green/copper look…

               stool4              

How refreshing it looks… and it’s perfect for me to rest my feet on.    Another quick and simple update by your Thrifty Vintage Girl..  and my best advice is …. Always take advantage of a freebie  🙂

See you again real soon

Table Update

I’m taking a break from my Breaking Bad marathon (yes – your Vintage Girl is hooked – thanks to Amir & Amina) to begin making a few changes in my Dining Room..  This room has been needing a few updates.. the color scheme is a bit off).  I started with this corner table just to see if I’m headed in headed in the right direction.

This table seems to blend into the wall.  I decided it’s time for a change.  I love the wall color and didn’t want to change it so, I’ll start with the furniture.   I know you’re probably saying “Oh no.. it’s wood – don’t”  I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, aimed and began to spray. The table is being painted a creamy almond color.   So here’s the before:

Here’s the after:

Time to get it back in place:

I think it’s starting to look better already…The corner looks brighter.. and the table isn’t  hidden in the wall.

I have to admit I was a bit scared about it, but I’m happy I did it.

$2.00 Tuesday #8

Hey all!!!   If you’re just joining me.. I scored this week’s $2.00 item last week during my Goodwill Hunting.   It was the Martha Stewart wastebasket.  Yes, it had some bruises on it – but that’s ok.. it’s been transformed.. and I’m pleased with the finished product.  Remember it’s going in my office – so I wasn’t too meticulous about it.

Here’s the wastebasket before:           I know…  pretty bland.. right..(Martha Stewart huh???)

              

Well here’s your Vintage Girl’s version

Much better right!!!!   ( Please say yes, please say yes…    🙂    )

The teeny-tiny little bubbles occurred when I removed the tape..but again – it’s ok…  (besides they add texture )

Here it is inside my office…   It’s the perfect size…  and price   $2.00

               

It’s not Vintage – but it’s definitely Thrifty  –

I think even Martha would be pleased…  –

And as for the rest of the goodwill items.. here are some around the house..

Batteries added to the candles..  not bad for $2.50;  Pillows are washed and fluffed back up…$4.00

     

This pair of frames looks perfect with the print scarf draped across the wine cabinet

And my lovely ballerina niece looks adorable in this frame

Like I said.. it was a very good Goodwill Hunting  –  Well I’m off .. see you again real soon….