Tag Archives: african american blogger

Make Me Over Flashbacks

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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!!!

 

 

 

Summer Breeze

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Hey there!  Today was an extremely “stay off my feet day” and do little as possible. The 49-mile two day yard sale we had was a great success and everyone looks forward to next year.   My twin sister, sister-n-law, and aunt came down for the for event and we had a wonderful time.. busy, but wonderful.  I’ll post pictures of some of the items we had for sell.   After everyone left,  as I sat back, kicked my feet up to relax in my “Rest Haven” I conjured up the desire to share my down time with you.  It was a beautiful day, the weather was perfect and made me think of the Isley Brothers -Summer Breeze when the sweet smell of jasmine passed through my senses as the wind blew gentle breezes to break the heat.  I thought back how my pallet project was well worth the sweat that day.  The summer chill-out spot went through a slight re-do.   Last year’s rainy weather made me realize I need to lift my set off the ground.  I searched for inspiration pictures and found this:

Of course having this type of flooring requires professional installation.. so I used the thrifty way to accomplish my look..  Pallets!! Free Pallets!! at that.   I laid them to fit the space, purchased a few luan boards and nailed them down to create a flat surface.

Got the boards hammered down and began to re-decorate the area.  It’s time to take a tour of my “She Rest Haven” … sit back , relax and enjoy it with me, while imagining the sweet smell of jasmine in your mind.

I found decorative  hanging tealight holders at Ross for $6.99 and they add a special bohemian touch to the space.

I painted the Rest Haven sign because I realized it just wasn’t feminine enough for me –  see it here.

Did a bit of re-arranging of the furniture

The palm tree plant gives it a more tropical feel.  The glass hurricane was a Goodwill find for $6.50 and the rose balls, I had for years, added the right pink palette touch to the table.

 

I used the last bit of seashells from the yard sale find to create my seashell “K”

Using scrap fabric to make accent pillows kept last year’s re-do very cost effective

I love mixing animal print with flowers

The bar cart is getting ready for drinks

The candle holder – a forgotten item packed away-was going to be sold at the yard sale.   I’m so glad I decided to keep it..  I wanted $8.00.. The person offered me $5.00 – I said for $5.00 I’ll keep it.. – so .. I kept it.. found my animal print candles for it and voila … love it..

 

A warm sunlight glow is always perfect

 

 

Ahhhhhh…….. do you feel the relaxation here????

The $0.50 painted wine glasses will be used to serve drinks outdoors

The raised floor really makes the space feel more like an outdoor room.  Just a few more touches to the surrounding area and this baby will be finished and ready for the Chillaxing to begin!

Thank you for tuning in to join me with my summer breeze – I hope you enjoyed it and look forward to your summer breeze moments..  See you soon   🙂

Peace…  Love… and Bright Moments …

Make Me Over Monday -Part 4

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Hello there!! I hope all is well with everyone…I’ve had a productive week and got quite a bit accomplished.  I’m in the midst of preparing for our town’s big 49-mile yard sale.. I hope the weather holds up because it’s going to be a lot to shop for.   So, if you’re interested.. by all means come pay us a visit.   Well, I have a fantastic makeover to show you today..I really like how it turned out..   I’ve had this bistro set for about 14 years.  I was going to sell it at the yard sale but decided not to – glad I didn’t.   Here is the table.. before

The chairs are equally bad.   The bad weather mixed with birds took its toll on them. The set is vintage wrought iron.  I adore scrolled wrought iron.. that’s what attracted me to the set.

bistro5

I decide to paint the set and give it a whole new look.  I could’t make up my mind as to what color to paint so..I chose a two-tone color.

I was going to attempt to do the cushions myself, but I realize my short comings  and a seamstress – I am not- so I recruited my dear friend Sylvia, of  S&A Alterations, who happens to be the local seamstress.   She saw the fabric I chose and was excited about my selection.  She got right to working on them and by the end of the week she was calling to say she was finished.  She delivered them (talk about fantastic service ) and we both were excited how they came out.  All though she refused to take a picture.. I talked her into it.. Thank you Sylvia!!!   🙂    You’re the best!!

Got the cushions all screwed in and here is the finished new look!!  Get ready to get excited…    🙂   I think you’e going to like it..  as for me… I LOVE IT!!!

 

So you see why I chose two-tone paint for the chairs…

 

I’m sooooooo glad I chose to keep it..

So… what’cha think????    Holla at your Thrifty Gal – If you like it, let me know it – clap your hands !!!  “CLAP, CLAP”

 

 

$2.00 Tuesday #10

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Yes! I’m happy to be able to post another $2.00 Tuesday.  It’s good knowing there are still items floating around worth $2.00 to decorate your home with.   I have to give credit on this find to my twin – Amina.   She found this chair on the curbside.. sitting lonely –  helplessly waiting to be saved from the dumpster (poor ole chair just looking for a home).   She held onto it for a while until she realized her daughter needed a small chair for a corner area in her bedroom where she practices her guitar.   She pulled the chair from the attic and decided it was ready for a makeover.  Here is the lonely little chair:   I know, pretty drab right???

 

She already had the paint for another project but changed her mind. However, it was the perfect color to brighten up the chair to give it a funky  new look that really pleases my niece.   So the chair was free, but the fabric is what cost $2.00.  She found it on the remnant table.   The chair has a new home, a new look and a new attitude…    So … “How you like me now!?”

Kudos to Amina!! For contributing to the $2.00 Tuesday.  If you find an item and would like to share, please let me know – I’d love to feature it.  Have a wonderful week!

 

 

A Lovely Day

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Hello everyone!   I hope your weekend weather was as beautiful as it was here in South Carolina.  This weekend was just simply BEEE-UUU-TI-FUL! It forced you to go outside, love mother nature and simply be happy to be alive.   That’s the feeling your thrifty girl had both days.   I had to take advantage of the perfect weather and began weeding the flower beds…I really should have prepped my back for this.. I’m soooo like out of shape for this kid of work.. Over the winter you actually forget how much labor is involved in yard work.   Headed out to Lowes on a mission to get deck stain, brush etc.. because it was time to stain the deck and passed 5 – yes- 5 yard sales.. I couldn’t stop on the way, because I needed to get to Lowes and get back.  Well on the way home I HAD to stop.. the temptation got the best of me.  I stopped at two of them and spent $11.00.  I bought another chandelier for my brother’s house  – never used for- for $10.00 and this pair of wrought iron candle holders for $1.00.  (I’ll show you the chandelier on my Friday Finds post)

I started with this part of yard.  A few months ago we had the pile of lumber removed and it left this portion of the yard drab (and the soil rich)

I wanted to extend the flower bed down the fence, so I rocked the path.. and began there.  This table needed to be freshened up a bit- okay.. A LOT OF BIT.. chuckles..

I pulled this fire screen out of of storage.. (another Goodwill bargain for $6.00) since I was painting.  

I decided to use it in the garden.  It adds a bit whimsy to the space.  I think I like it.   How about you?

 

The bed is coming along nicely.  Once I add the remaining plants and mulch, it will look a lot better.

Time to take a break and on the way inside, I happened to notice my pointer finger.. rule #1  use rubber gloves to spray paint, I had a perfectly painted gold  finger nail.  Lucky polish remover worked.

I was very glad I made a pitcher of flavored water (strawberries and lemons) .. It was quite refreshing after being in the sun a few hours

I’ve made some progress but still have quite a bit to do.  Little by little I’ll be finished and back to relaxing  in my “Chill-Out” Rest Haven

Sooo.. how was your weekend?