Monthly Archives: August 2014

Dining Room Reveal

Posted on by

8

Happy Friday Everyone !!    Here’s a quick math question –  What does $132.00 + 1 cool brother + a peach cobbler =?   The answer – One beautiful dining room  🙂     The week has ended and so has my dining room makeover… Yipppppeeeeee..    I’m so happy with the new look.   When I told my husband I wanted to do it.. he re-informed me.. we have a strict budget.. $100.00 was my budget, so I took on the challenge.  He didn’t think I could do it.  Well – guess what –  I DID!!!!  ( slightly over by $32.00 – but hey – that’s ok..I’ll forgo this week’s manicure & pedicure and d.i.m it – that’s do it myself)

Ok…. let’s look at the before….   I’ve had this set almost 25 years.. and it’s still in great condition.

I grew tired of the black and it needed a new look.  Although its not dreadfully ugly.. but the color was all wrong.  The wall color blended too much with the furniture and the floor.  I love the fabric of the window treatment and that was my inspiration.   So without much ado.. here’s the after..

Did you say “Wow” ???  or at least smile   ???    ( I hope so)

Paint and fabric is all it took.  The wall color is Pantone Illusion Blue and I painted the furniture with Krylon metallic brushed nickel.

The chairs look fantastic with its new make-over

The print on the chair fabric has that exact paint color

The antique music cabinet went from this:

To this by using Martha Stewart Metallic paint

Re-arranged  a few pieces and art.  It was re-placed in this corner

 

I gathered a few other items I already had to pull the look together

The vintage swan dish holds air plants.  I made the table runner about 15 years ago and it still looks great.  Instead of making another one for this table, I just neatly tucked the sides in for the appropriate length.

 

I was skeptical about the “Goodwill find” mirror (I purchased this a few weeks back for $15.75) but mixed with a few plants  it gives this corner a great look (my speaker dummies as a plant stand)

Pots purchased from Goodwill came in handy for a pop of color and an antique lamp base is used as a stand to give it height

For the tabletop – I had a mirror runner made for $20.00.  The ends were given to me by a co-worker who was going to throw them away but thought to give them to me instead (thanks Pat 🙂  )

The beautiful painted vase was a thrift store find for $8.00 (and of course the feathers I already had)

The wick dipper sits daintily close by as my candle jewelry.  These handmade beauties were created by LindaG who also created the Bohemian Butterfly.  I still have a few more for sale.  If you would like to order one, please contact me.  They are the perfect candle accessory – use the swirled end to dip the wick into the melted wax and lift it back up – there’s no smoke in the air,  just a lingering fragrance from your candle.

 

I had the bar cart for about 13 years.  It was one of the first items I bought when I moved south.  I truly lucked up because back then they weren’t so popular.   I paid $80.00 for it.. what a steal of a deal…

The vintage crystal ice bucket holds faux roses, while the white ice bucket was a Goodwill item for $1.00

The lady statue holds a favorite plant

 

A closer look at the window treatment fabric

 

A perfect blend

 

Since we couldn’t afford a new set – I created a new look…. which saved us a lot of money

The metallic paint has the perfect glossy sheen.

The hubby had to give me a high five.. because this is Mission Accomplished!

Here’s the tally – Wall paint  $43.00

Spray paint    $28.00

Fabric     $33.00

Vase      $8.00

Mirror runner  $20.00        Total spent  – $132.00

Cost to pay my brother for paintng the walls   –   1 Peach Cobbler  (he loves my cobbler)   🙂  He’s a real cool guy..  Thank You Anthony!!  You Rock!     I think I feel a dinner party in the making  :-).  I hope you enjoyed my makeover – if so – holla at me.  🙂

If you’d like to have a makeover styled by me, I’m up for the challenge.  Remember – fab doesn’t always have to cost a fortune.

I hope you all have a Super Cool – Fun-Filled weekend.

Smooches,

 

The design makeover is featured on www.Houzz.com

 

 

$2.00 Tuesday

Posted on by

4

Good afternoon everyone!  It’s your thrifty girl and it’s Tuesday.  I’m here to show you that I’ve struck again and lucked up with a $2.00 find.   Today’s lucky purchase was from The Lighthouse, a local thrift shop in our town that’s ran by volunteers.   I took a much needed break from my dining room makeover.  I must say it’s coming along quite nicely and I look forward to showing it to you soon.

Today’s $2.00 item was this lovely vintage Samsonite suitcase.

They had them tucked all the way in the back and my keen thrifty eyes spotted them.  The suitcase was $2.00!!  I couldn’t believe it.  On top of that.. I found the matching train case for $1.00.  Wow!!!  I love vintage suitcases.  The train cases are so sturdy and have plenty room for all our toiletries.   I opened up the suitcase and it was never used..OMG!! I couldn’t believe how clean and pristine it was.. and the best part – no smell!!!!

Do you see how clean this is… wow…

Even the little side pouch was in perfect condition.  Realizing how bad the airplane crew damages luggage, I began using vintage ones because if they’re damaged I wouldn’t loose too much money on expensive luggage.

The train case was slightly used.. but nothing that a little awesome can’t clean

I like the fact they have my first initial (too bad not the W but I’ll look for a sticker  to fix that.

If only I could luck up with a plane ticket then I’ll be good to go 🙂

Well that’s all I have to share for now.   If you thrifty eyes have found any items, and would like to share,  post them on Instagram using hashtag #urthriftygirlfinds  and I will feature them.  You can also follow me on my thrifting journey on Twitter or Instagram where I’m posting pictures of my other fab finds.  Remember as always “It’s VivaLaVintage”!!

Bon Jour Loveys.. Smooches..

not For the Birds Cage

Posted on by

5

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

Monday Makeover

Posted on by

6

Good morning all!  I hope you had a lovely weekend.  Today’s makeover is a DIY Tray Makeover..   I’ve had these trays for years, stored away and not being used.  After seeing all the lovely trays – I decided to pull them out and give them a makeover.    This project cost me Zero dollars because I already had the items around the house.  Time to put them to use with new looks.  I have four of them but this weekend I worked on two.

I had this wallpaper sample book stored away as well.  As an fyi.. no I didn’t sell wallpaper..chuckles.. but a friend gave it to me and naturally I took it..(they were such pretty samples) kinda figured they’d come in handy one day..

 

 

Spray paint to change the color…

 

Used modge podge to glue it down

Here’s the a new look for tray #1

 

 

This has definitely softened the look of the tray

Tray #2 has become a desk tray (of course I had to use the leopard print)

A quick spray of gold metallic paint to create the gold accessories

 

I’m pleased with the new looks and look forward to completing the other two!  BTW – If any of you care to make over a tray – let me know – I’ve got plenty of paper and would love to share it with you.   Just send me a message and I’ll send you pictures of selections.  All I ask is that you share your project with me 🙂

 

 

 

Make Me Over Flashbacks

Posted on by

4

My old school jam Flashlight to listen to for Flashbacks!  Me, music and projects are like the three musketeers…

It’s Throwback Thursday as they say in FB World, so I figure I’d do a quick flashback review of  my “Make Me Over” projects.   I didn’t tear down walls, rebuild, or create drastic changes (yet – smiles) but these were simple projects using  paint and fabric and a bit of creativity.

I’ll start with the most drastic transformation of the lovely slipper chair.  I know call me crazy, but when I spotted this on “bulk trash day” I was ecstatic about picking it up.  Of course, I was told I lost my mind, but that’s okay.. because it’s one of the best chairs in the house.

Shortly after that came the sofa.  Dragged in from the streets – I paid $35.00 for it and paid $150.00 to have it re-upholstered.

 

 

 

The rattan high back chair was purchased for $20.00 at a garage sale.  Transformed for $80.00 (it’ll be transformed again)

 

Up next is the freebie I did myself:  This cabinet had a good structure but could use TLC.  It was being thrown away, but now it’s home with me.   My first intention was to use it as a bath cabinet but it was a tad bit too big.  However, it’s perfect in the foyer under the mirror.  Just 2 cans of Rustoleum metallic silver spray paint and a simple mirror cut ($12.00) to place on top adds a special touch.  This piece costed me $20.00 to complete:

Two other freebies I created were the doggie beds for Ms. Koko.  Using the boxes from Costco, old pillows, paint and few embellishments these were too simple not to do:

The footstool was another freebie.  The store was going out of business and it didn’t have a price tag, so the guy said – take it… so … I took it.   I love the green/copper combination.

Dumpster dive freebie was this – I guess- bar stool bottom.  It’s been transformed into a plant stand for less than $5.00.  I used Valspar white spray paint and brushed the tips with Martha Stewart metallic gold.  The tile topper was caught on sale at Lowes.

The transformation of my office was really a blessing for me:  I needed my  own work space and without building or taking away a room, this proved to be an asset to the home.

Using an unused tray table, a picture frame and chalk paint – a new welcome station is used in the guest room:

The revamp of the Martha Stewart wastebasket was a winner:

Then there’s this corner table.   I used Valspar Ivory Bluff spray paint to freshen up the look.  I know some would cringe about  painting wood, but I really wanted a brighter look for it.

A simple, easy-peasy project was to create an earring holder from an antique mirror.  Just hot glued a piece of  screen, used Krylon nickel spray paint to freshen up the look.  Total cost $0.50 (lucked up & got the paint at a yard sale)

Outdoor projects like the diva chick was a blast.  In fact I won 1st place in a garden contest with it…. yipppeeee!

The herbal cart and bistro set were featured on Hometalk.. I was very happy about that:

Scrap fabric was used for the outdoor furniture cushions update:

Added a bit of whimsy to the garden with this firescreen purchased from Goodwill:

Be creative with objects and re-purpose them.  The rusted plant stand makes great use in the bathroom.

Or this rusted light fixture used as a plant holder – There are lots of things that could be multi-purposed….

Last but not least – paint and stencils gave the outdated wine rack a new look

 

and my sister did this chair for her daughter with just paint and fabric.  The power of paint, fabric and creativity goes a long way.  So, the next time you come across something, take a second look and use your imagination.  You’ll be surprised what you create.

Always remember to crank up the music to the get the project party started.  You might even find yourself doing a dance or two to keep the rhythm going.. it really makes it all the better!  I hope you enjoyed my Flashlight-Flashback!   Happy Thursday!!!