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”!!
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
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!!!
Hope you had a fantastic, happy dance weekend. I worked on another project for Jamil’s apartment. I had this old wine rack with a butler’s tray that’s been needing a bit of TLC. It was one of those “you never know purchases” from a yard sale ions ago. Can’t recall how much, but one thing for sure.. it wasn’t much.
I figured he could use it for his place….(better off there than in the garage collecting dust.. ) then I googled the cost of some them – wow.. I’m really saving him money..(but happy to do it)
Of course I used good ole spray paint to bring it back to life. I chose antique gold as the color of choice.. besides it’ll go better in his apartment.
Added a stencil on top…
I’m passing his great-grandmother’s vintage shot glasses on to him.
along with the gold-dipped glasses I made a few months ago
Of course I had to start him off with a bottle of wine for his first toast … chuckles..
All in all…. He liked it
I’m happy I was able to move one more item out the building :). Have a wonderful week my friends..
I’m running a bit behind on a few posts, but, remember a few weeks back I had the house powerwashed? I want to show you the before picture of my side porch.
I know.. YUCKKKKK!!! See the big discoloration and dirty gray???
This is after the powerwash… This is a big difference.. I still need to paint the steps… but that’s another project.. at least the porch looks cleaner and brighter.
I’m glad we had that done.. At least now I can continue to spruce up the side porch. Remember the vintage rattan chair I picked up for $10.00 last year..( I know..I waited longer than I wanted to change that hideous fabric), this chair was a steal! The average price of these suckers are about $199.99 (see here)I love the shape and look of it.
Since the porch is all clean, it’s time I update her look. The cushion was recovered with an inexpensive outdoor fabric ($6.00). A trip to Goodwill paid off because I snagged two pillows for $2.00 ea. Washed the dust off and this is the new corner area for my side porch.
The Franco Albini rattan ottoman (circa 1950 was gifted to me) is the perfect match for this chair.
After digging deep it the basket barrels at Goodwill, I couldn’t believe I found these – in perfect condition- and they match!
Scrap fabric from the cushions here was used to make the ties for the seat cover
The corner now has a modern, yet, vintage charm – and I love it 🙂
This week – I hope to choose the right color to paint the swing and this side porch will be completed. Yayyyyy!!!
