Friday's Find #137

Thank God it's thrifty Friday, Friends! You're probably thinking I found this week's fab find during my recent trip to Canton and you'd be almost right--same day different place! Come see how I scored these vintage file drawers plus my process for taking them from junk to junk-tastic garden storage...

So...I told you that I left for Canton last Thursday morning. Well it just so happens that Thursday was also Finds' 50% off anniversary sale, which means that once I spied the file drawers, I planned to be there when they opened.  {I could just picture geraniums blooming and the oh-so-handy storage and couldn't wait to get my hands on the prize!} I actually arrived almost an hour early, because if you can believe that's how early people get in line. I was fourth in line, got as comfy as one can be sitting on the cement and passed the time reading until the doors opened. At which time, I practically jogged to the opposite side of the store where they were waiting for me.  Happy dance! Within 10 minutes, I had paid and they were loaded in my car.  These babies were heavy, but once I got them home, fortunately I was able to back up about 10 feet from where I wanted them. Then began my no-heavy-lifting quilt maneuver which goes something like this:  first, an old quilt that I use for just such occasions is thrown on my driveway just under my hatchback door. Next, the heavy find is gingerly lowered onto the quilt. What follows is a series of pushing, twisting and turning my treasure on the quilt without any heavy lifting or scratching the surface underneath, until I get it in place.  Whew! How's that for determination? I'm sure it is pretty comical to watch but I've been single a long time and have learned how to improvise when help isn't always available.  Here's how they looked before...

It looks like there wouldn't be much work involved, but looks can be deceiving and this was no 15 minute fix! Though I didn't repaint, because I really wanted to keep the original finish, the label maker stickers seemed to possess an other worldly adhesive and despite my usual tactics like rubbing alcohol and white eraser sponges, it was quite a chore to remove them. Did I mention there are 19 drawers? 19! Great for storage but time consuming to remove pesky adhesive. I got the best results by using a putty knife and buffing with a sanding pad. I also sanded several rusty spots.  Here's a little history on my latest find; it was manufactured by Hobart Cabinet Company, in Troy, Ohio. I found similar images dated from the 30s. It still has the original label too.

Once the adhesive and all of the labels were removed, I rinsed everything off and cleaned the inside of the drawers. It looked better already and I really loved the rustic industrial look for garden storage.  Next I had a secret weapon that I often use on outdoor metal finishes.  I hate the smell so I will only use it outside, but with our scorching summers, I find it really extends the life of the paint.  I just rubbed it on with a cotton rag.  I've never bought paste wax at the store because I see it all the time at yard sales.

Last I added geraniums, and labeled the drawers' contents. I have still have lots of room left too. What do you think--would you grab something like this for storage? 

Canton finds next week--I promise! Until next time, happy hunting!