HANDCRAFTED HOME – BLOG HOP

When I posted the Antler Tray, blogger/friend Ginene at Fox & Finch antiques made a comment about working with gold leaf.  She had never used it before and had been wanting to give it a try.  I suggested we should have some … Continue reading

Make Me Over Flashbacks

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!!!

 

 

 

I Copied!

I saw a post from Home for Now featuring Gold Dipped Wine Glasses.  So your “girl gone crazy with paint” decided to give it a try.  Guess what?? I did it and liked it.. I used some $0.50 cents  glasses – just in case I goofed – I would’t feel so bad..  But I actually scored because they turned out great…They actually match the ice bucket I’ve had for years …..

It was quite simple.. I taped them.. sprayed two coats of metallic gold paint..(let dry between coats) and sprayed with a clear polyurethane.. let dry and hand washed them..

            

Here are my pair gold dipped glasses

I decided to use a 3rd one to create a glitter glass candle holder    

This was my first time working with glitter spray .. I think I started something.. because I like it  🙂

                        

They all look pretty elegant – so much so, that I think it’s time to open the bar and show you my family heirloom – a vintage “Creme de la creme” wine cabinet.   This wine cabinet is a rare find.  I have to pay homage to my dear sweet grandmother, we lovingly referred to her as “Mother Dear”.   Mother Dear had this cabinet covered with a tablecloth for years.  I never knew what was underneath because she had plants sitting on top.  After she passed, we cleared her belongings, I removed the cloth and found the hidden jewel she had been hiding for many years.  I asked my father if I could have it.. and he said “yes – of course”.. I was so happy to have gotten something of hers.  I brought it home, had it professionally refinished (it had some type of paint on it) to restore it to its natural beauty and it’s been a cherished item ever since.

See the beautiful wood grain

I’ll show you what makes this unique… It’s how it opens and closes..  The top lifts up and the inside moves up and the top lays flat

To create a serving area

The top stores the glasses

The bottom stores the liqueur

The gold-dipped stemware and the glitter-glass candle holder looks fab here

Mother Dear picked a beautiful time piece.. because this baby will never go out of style.. (In fact, I bet there will be a replica made of this someday)..

So I thank  you Mother Dear – Every time I look at this – I smile and reflect on the fond memories of her and how much I love her.