DIY Serving Tray
This has been on my to-do list since we moved it. Or maybe even before. But it became even more urgent when we bought the new couch with an ottoman. Now I have no room for a coffee table, but that means nowhere safe to put drinks and essentials. However, the previous owners left us lots of junk in the barns, so this one was a snap.
Gross old window uncovered in a heap in the barn:
Add some barn door hardware as handles:
The window was in surprisingly great shape once it was cleaned up, so I added a little paint and distressed the edges, added the hardware, and then used an Uppercase Living decal I had packed away on the glass. (I had minor trouble with the decal, so it may get a new one in the future. Talk about frustration!) And here you have our new serving tray:
Just finished this little guy and we already love it. We think it looks cute in that rustic way, but is also super handy!
Well, what do you think? We are happy with the way this quick and easy project came out! Have you ever tried anything like this?
Tid Bits and Projects
It seems like I havebeen so busy around here… but where is my progress? I have so my projects currently on my plate, and have been working on them, really! But, none are officially completed yet. So, I thought I would just fill you in on some of the tib bits going on around here and a few of the before shots of some current projects.
Some awesome flowers have sprouted up in the back yard. I forgot that I had planted them there in the spring! I love lillies, any kind, especially orange ones!
We are also still taking care of Gillian, the salamander. He is still in the rubber tote sitting on the table, grossing everyone out. But, we are searching for a small tank to keep him in. In this picture he is right next to the end of the leaf. Those two black dots are his eyes; he is burrowed in the dirt.
The dogs made a nice mess for me to clean up this morning. They decided that the five minutes they were left alone in the yard was just long enough to dig for moles. Here they are trying to look all innocent and quite muddy! Also check out Marley’s new collar. She thinks she’s tough!
Tony was the sweetest last night and had his amazing spaghetti pizza ready for me when I walked in the door! I even have some for lunch today.
And, here are just a few sneak peeks of the projects I am working away on…
Stay tuned…
Junking!
I had just the best weekend ever! Tony and I decided to go to the flea market that isn’t far from us. Not only is this always a fun trip for me, but on the way there Tony decided to take country back roads. What a great idea! We just happened upon the first antique and junk yard I have ever seen near us! My squealing had him pulling over immediately. And of course I didn’t have a camera!
Let me tell you all, this place was amazing! There were three barns filled to the brim with old wooden chairs! I mean stacked and tossed and piled all the way to the roof tops! It was just incredible. There was a huge field of every type of amazing junk you could think of. And, when we asked about a few things the lady was so sweet and her prices were perfect! Now I have a few more projects to work on.
Everything here cost me a few dollars! The old gas can is for we borrow Tony’s dad’s lawn mower. The little orange lantern will be painted and set on the front porch with a candle. Doesn’t that look just like the $80 one they have at Pier 1 (for $1!)!? And the elephant- he is my favorite- was an old lamp base! But, with a coat of white paint he will be a plant stand for the back yard.
These little guys were another awesome find. They are Acro window tacks from the 40’s. I have special plans for them and a nail head chair or bench with a bit of a number theme…
And, of course we couldn’t come home without a search for some dice! We found these at the flea market when we finally made it there.
Overall, an awesome day and a couple of dollars got us some awesome stuff! Next time I promise I am taking my camera! Oh, and stay tuned, because there are already many more projects in the works!
Bad Thrifter
It’s true, I’m just not a very good thrifter. I try, I really do. But I often come home empty handed and disappointed. First, a cute picture, and then the reasons I’m a bad thrifter- use them as reverse tips! 🙂
This was the only thing I was interested in after two thrift store stops yesterday. I am probably the only person who even thinks these are cute. But, I did think they would be a neat retro touch to a little girl’s room. I was actually so attracted to them I almost bought them just to save for the day when we might have a little girl’s room. But, that seemed waay too far away, so I left, once again, empty handed.
The reasons why I am a bad thrifter- things not to do:
1. I get disappointed and discouraged. I know very well that thrifting is about enjoying the hunt. I know very well that I need to relax and enjoy my time going through all of the junk on that dig for the perfect treasure. But, sometimes I am in a hurry to snatch something up and get upset when I don’t find anything that strikes me.
2. I am not open minded. I go into thrift store and flea markets with an idea of what I need and what exact items I am on the hunt for. Once I stop looking I know I will eventually find something like that, but until then I need to have an open mind and keep my eyes peeled for unexpected finds.
3. Sometimes I am just not creative. I see the items only exactly what they were meant for. I know that so many treasures can be repurposed, but often I forget to look at an item itself, and not its intended use. More interesting things can be noticed when thinking creatively.
4. I do not go often enough. I sometimes feel that on every trip to the store I have to leave with something. This should definitely not be the case. This hunt could take multiple trips. If you stop back often you will eventually happen upon the perfect find.
5. I forget that value is irrelevant. I find myself on a hunt for some treasure of great value. This is rare, and I know it. I need to remember that I am on a hunt for unique things that I love and want to surround myself with, not things with fancy brand names.
6. I need to remember to enjoy myself. I know perfectly well that this is a hobby. It probably won’t make me rich or famous, so I need to be doing my thrifting for me. If I forget about everyone else’s opinions I will enjoy my trips and eventually have unique and personal items.
Although these are things not to do, they are a good list of things to keep in mind when thrifting. Now, if only I could take my own advice. Can you think of any other thrifting tips?
Garage Sale Day Find
Garage sale day in our little town was Saturday! This day has to be one of my favorite spring days. Scouring someone else’s junk for that perfect treasure is a great way to kick off the season. I even got Tony in on the fun. We didn’t find much to bring home with us, but a few treasures makes the day worth it. We brought home a few vintage glass marbles and a couple large dice for the collection. But here is our bargain beauty:
This is an antique set of mailboxes from a post office in Champagne Illinois. I came back twice to check it out, and at the end of the day he said it was too heavy for him to carry back home, so he gave me a sweet deal! It took two men to load it into my truck and we took the drawers out to get it into the house, but since it is on wheels it is easily movable in the house. I love it right here in the kitchen. The drawers were the perfect addition to the “landing strip” area. Tony was thrilled to have his own drawer for his pocket junk. I love its mismatched drawers, and the vintage numbers and letters above the handles. I know, I know. Some of you probably think this guy is tacky (my mom didn’t like it!), but we think its great. And, the drawers are big enough to function in the house! Here it is in the landing strip area:
I’m not sure if the school desk should stay now or not. But, for now, this is what the area looks like. Suggestions?
Also- we did pick up one other thing at the garage sales, but that project will have to wait… 🙂
Make Mine Eclectic 
