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...


Friday's Find #137 mythriftstoreaddiction.blogspot.com Repurpose vintage file drawers as 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...


Friday's Find #137 mythriftstoreaddiction.blogspot.com Repurpose vintage file drawers as garden storage! 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.


Friday's Find #137 mythriftstoreaddiction.blogspot.com Repurpose vintage file drawers as garden storage! BEFORE

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.


Friday's Find #137 mythriftstoreaddiction.blogspot.com Repurpose vintage file drawers as garden storage & use paint wax to refresh and protect outdoor painted surfaces

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? 


Friday's Find #137 mythriftstoreaddiction.blogspot.com Repurpose vintage file drawers as garden storage!




Thank you for pinning! mythriftstoreaddiction.blogspot.com


Friday's Find #137 mythriftstoreaddiction.blogspot.com Repurpose vintage file drawer as garden storage!

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





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Would you like to comment?

  1. It is fabulous!! I love that you left the paint color because it is perfect. I would love something like that for storage. Never thought to use it for the garden outside. No room in the house!

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  2. That is such a wonderful idea.

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  3. wow nice prize:) I would so do this! lovely job.

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  4. Great piece...great color!!

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  5. very cute----amazing what we get to do with what used to be throw-aways! Sandi

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  6. Hi Cecilia, What a great treasure. The perfect garden helper. Love that you left the color. Thanks for stopping by from the blog hop and your kind comment. I so enjoyed my visit here. Have a nice weekend. xo

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  7. It's nice to meet you, Cecilia! I just love the treasure that you found and look forward to scrolling through your posts.
    Thank you for your visit to my blog!

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  8. What a fantastic find! I would definitely taken it home too. My method of moving heavy things is similar to yours. I recently bought a furniture dolly ( when my daughter moved ) but I haven't had a reason to use it yet at my house but I'm ready now.

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  9. I never would have thought of using paste wax! Nice piece, reminds me of the old library card files before things were computerized.

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  10. Hi Cecilia, you need to get some Goo Gone, it takes off adhesive in a flash, much better than alcohol. Those drawers make for a very interesting display space for flowers and storage. Very creative!

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  11. Cecilia ... so happy that you got that piece. Love how you have used it. Looks really pretty.
    Hugs,
    Audrey

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  12. I would so buy this! Way to go getting in line like a junkin pro! Love what you used it for, just perfect! Have a great weekend. Xo kathleen

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  13. Such a great find and just perfect for your use! Have you ever tried Goo Gone to remove sticky stuff? I've also heard of using vegetable oil but I haven't tried it. I love your story of arriving early and then your quilt method of moving heavy items! I'm single too so I thoroughly understand makeshift methods ~ :) You are quite talented and I look forward to learning more about you! I'm a new follower and I so appreciate your visit via the blog hop!

    Pat

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  14. I was just at Canton on Thursday with my sister in law and found a wonderful vintage water pitcher!
    You scored big with this fabulous find!
    Jemma

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  15. Cecilia, I'm catching up on my mail this morning. Heck yes, I'd buy something like this! It looks fabulous with the geraniums peeking out of the drawers and the labels removed. I bet those were frustrating! What a great find. It's going to be the perfect storage piece!
    Hey, next time you're in Walmart, see if you can find Super Sliders. They work like magic to move heavy/awkward pieces.
    I think I'm going junking today. Lol.
    Hugs,
    Cecilia

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  17. What a wonderful upcycle for spring! Thanks for sharing at Talk of the Town - pinning it on the party board here - https://www.pinterest.com/knickoftime/talk-of-the-town-repurposed-upcycled-vintage-recip/

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  18. What a find and I absolutely LOVE what you did with it. Thank you for linking up with Talk of the Town. This is such an inspiration!

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