Friday's Find: Vintage Jewelry!

Thank God it's thrifty Friday, Friends! Today's treasure is shiny and sparkly and makes me smile...Vintage jewelry! This elegant rhinestone necklace was tucked inside the display case of a little church affiliated thrift store I discovered over twenty years ago when I was new to the community. It is currently one of my weekly stops with its user friendly jewelry counter equipped with a mirror and helpful volunteer who pulls out requested pieces and waits patiently as they are tried and decisions are made.  Like many Vintage pieces, this necklace offers timeless style and not one stone is missing. It lays beautifully and is absolutely gorgeous on.  For the grand sum of $2.35, that's a lot of bling for my buck-- not to mention, the volunteers gingerly wrapped each piece in tissue as though they were handling diamonds! 

CONTINUE READING & DON'T MISS A THING!

Dorm Room Style: Poco Dinero

Greetings, Friends! It's that time of year when all of the commercials are pushing school supplies and new clothes-- aren't Target's the best?!  I remember those yearly tax-free weekend shopping trips and returning to the school year routine.  I also have fond memories of helping Youngest Daughter decorate her college dorm room when she was into turquoise, fuchsia and Orlando Bloom!  As soon as she received her scholarship letter, I started the hunt for the things she would need. Since dorm rooms are tiny and basically a blank canvas, the goal was saving space and adding color while of course being thrifty! 

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Put a Bird on It!

Hello Friends! Am I the only one who occasionally holds onto random items thinking, "I might use that for something..."?  I will confess that eventually some end up being donated or recycled elsewhere--especially if I happen to catch an episode of Hoarders! However, there are those rare times, when one of those keepers really does serve a purpose and therefore is no longer random. Ages ago, I picked up this Vintage hat stand at a yard sale. I was inexplicably drawn to the ornate free standing metal piece, though I absolutely did not have a use in mind. Enter random item number two; a round brass piece that was stuck in a box of frames a friend gave me. I think it was originally from a chandelier.  Though I started to throw it out more than once, it just looked like the finishing touch to something--again I didn't have a clue as to what...

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Friday's Find: Fire-King Primrose!

After making a long list of sales to attend, I started my morning in anticipation.  I attended an estate sale, six yard sales and a thrift store without any luck.  I was starting to think I might go home empty handed but still had a few more stores to try.  At my last stop I struck gold--or should I say primroses!  Fire-King Primrose was manufactured only from 1960-1962.  It is a pretty little floral pattern set against white milky glass.  About a year ago,  I bought two teacups with saucers and some baking dishes for a great price at an estate sale.  However, I never purchased any plates because the only time I have seen them, the price was too high.  Today I found two for 50% off-- perseverance is a virtue when thrifting!

CONTINUE READING & DON'T MISS A THING!

What Was I Thinking?! DIY Dresser Makeover

 Have you ever started a project with enthusiasm only to hit the "what was I thinking?!" stage like a brick wall? Whether it is running out of paint or another unforseen interruption, reality and creativity collide and can derail the best of intentions.  Chances are, you have or will meet similar obstacles along your path of projects. You know--the stage before the pretty "after" photos, when you want to cut your losses and run!  Since I just journeyed this rocky terrain myself, I wanted to share the process: flaws, frustration and all.

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Rings Around the Rosies: 3 Repurposed Garden Borders

Hi Friends! When I decided to add borders to some small rose bushes near my fence,  I wanted to use recycled materials and since I have several roses, decided to try a few different ideas. I often see sweet little china plates for next to nothing and as I've mentioned before, I am a pushover for pretty dishes.  I chose mostly floral patterns and I am really pleased with the results. In fact, this border turned out to be my favorite--it makes me think of an English cottage and having tea in the garden!

                                                      

New border 2013

                                            

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July Show and Tell

Happy Wednesday Friends!  Need a little mid-week inspiration?
I asked my resourceful blog members to share some of their recent finds and upcycled projects and I'm sharing the love...

When her daughter downsized for a move, Stacy salvaged this wine rack and gave its natural wood a makeover.   She mixed a chalk paint recipe from Pinterest using inexpensive flat paint and unsanded grout. She finished  by brushing on dark stain, wiping it off and then setting the finish with wax. The results speak for themselves--cheers to her charming barn red transformation!

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Chalkboard Paint to the Rescue!

Greetings Friends! Have you experimented with chalkboard paint yet? I've seen it used for projects big and small. From labeling herb pots, to painting a homework table or pantry door, it can provide a creative alternative and inexpensive solution for your next challenging project. Small bottles that can handle the average project can be purchased at craft shops while spray cans as well as larger cans for major tasks are available at home improvement stores. Expect to pay $5-$20 depending on the scale of your project. I thought I would share some of the ways I have used it in my home and garden. FYI, these all fall into the $5 bottle category.

CONTINUE READING & DON'T MISS A THING!