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Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Rainy Day Collection


 
You never know when you might want/need a new piece to work on! You don't need to collect a pile like myself, but having a few extra pieces lying around just might come in handy on the next rainy day! And what can I say...  I like to have options. I keep my stock pile of junk as full as possible. I'm sure there are a lot of junk lovers out there like myself. You travel to all outlets to get your FREE and Cheap junk. My love of junk started when I was just a youngin and has prospered into my now business, UNUSUAL FIT. I have this ability to look at something and see beyond what sits in front of me to what it could be. People don't always realize the potential in a dusty, broken down, tarnished piece of furniture. They don't see how you can transform a piece of junk into a masterpiece. You need to learn how to look beyond the junk that’s sitting in front of you and try to envision the striking potential that lies within your reach. If it helps you write out a list of questions to ask yourself as you gaze at a specific piece. My list is in my head and yours will be too the longer you do this!

When Repurposing I think in terms of:

BONES: Was it built well? Does it only need a few minor adjustments? Will it be sturdy enough for use when your done? If so, it's worth working with and will be a fast rainy day fix.

- COLOR: I start here because in many cases all a piece really needs is a fresh coat of paint! If it helps have some paint samples or fabric swatches nearby to hold up to the piece. You can get both paint samples and fabric swatches FREE most of the time.

HARDWARE: Swapping out the hardware can not only lead to a functional piece but it also contributes to overall appearances and the certain style you are looking for. You can get cheap pieces at flea markets, tag sales, etc. Even if you go new, Home Depot has some pretty decent prices. I am always on the look out for hardware no matter where I go.You can transform what seems at first glance to be, junk... into unique, functional pieces! Here is a before and after of what new hardware did for this nightstand.

Try this out and see how it works for you. Try to consider these few tips and you can transform your junk pile into personalized treasures, or snag that piece you just drove by at a tag sale or sitting on the side of the road.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Flea Market Finds

 

 
 
When I saw these beauties my eyes widen with excitment! Older pieces have such enchanting detail! I have recently redesigned my bedroom and went for a vintage look with modern accents. These  would be the perfect final touch AND they didn't take much work at all! Just a little cleaning and spray painting! But the difference after a good 2 full coats of RUST-oleum's Seaside ...




These two pieces serve as proof how just a little bit of color can transform a look completely.

Friday, January 24, 2014

Easiest Accents Ever

How about a big money saving secret!! OK, Here ya go ...




Yup thats right, spray paint!


If you're at all like me and you enjoy redesigning the rooms in your home almost as often as the seasons change, then this is a great way to spruce things up pretty cheap. As I redesign a room I rummage through the little pile of trinkets that have added up from years of tag saling. Helpful Tip: Try going to a tag sale the very last day and the very last hour! There’s usually a box or even a pile of stuff the homeowner wants to just give away!

Anyway, where was I? ... Oh yes! As I was redesigning my bedroom I chose to go with my all time favorite color, Seaside. In a well ventilated area (outside is best) prepare a surface to do your spraying. Spray away and let dry. And well... that’s all you have to do! Great right!? It's a fast, easy, and cheap way to add character to any room! Here are a few I did...


 

 







Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Cottage Chic meets Romantic Modern

 
 
 
Hmmmm, where to start on this piece. This piece really was done on a whim. A friend was looking for a piece for her newborn baby’s room and this was the piece I pulled out of my junk pile! It has perfect little baskets that go with it for storing items such as diapers and wipes. Each basket fits perfectly into each solid colored cubby. I am sharing this because I think the scrapbook backing was such a great addition to this piece and is a great idea to add to any piece for character. (Inside Drawers, on top of tables, back of shelves!)
Anyway, to get started I needed to sand away what I am sure were years of dust and grime. I gave it a good wipe down and then primed it. While it dried I took out my tools and started to measure where I wanted the separate cubbies to go (making sure each basket fit into its place). I used 1x2 scrap wood left sitting around my workshop. Carefully measuring the heights of each shelf ... remember measure twice, cut once... using my jigsaw I made the quick cut. Then I added a little wood glue to the end of each piece and put it in place. You may need a rubber pallet to tap the wood into place. These pieces had to dry before going any further since I did not want to shift them.
  
 
After everything was completely dry I started painting the outside (black) and then inside (violet). All the cutting was hand painted, no tape was used. I feel as if taping takes more time for certain projects than just slowly cutting each edge. For the decorative cubbies I used scrapbook paper. This part was the most time consuming for this project. Again, carefully measuring the cubby and then cutting the paper to fit. I used mod podge on the back of the paper and an old credit card to slowly adhere the paper to the shelf, gently smoothing air bubbles. I added a little mod podge to the front of the paper as well and then again ran the credit card over the paper. It really smoothed it out and made the paper really bend into each crevice and bump on the bookshelf. Mod Podge dries clear so there’s no worries about discoloration.
 
 


After letting everything completely dry I then took a water based Polycrylic protective finish and brushed it over the entire bookshelf. I recommend this step not only on this piece but ANY piece that you expect a great deal of use to.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Table turned Bench

Who says you can't sit on tables! Ok folks it's time to break the rules! If you were one of those mischievous children constantly getting in trouble for something like myself, (hey I couldn't help it if I got adventurous) then it's time to be a little rebellious! This table turned bench was a perfect fit for my low to the floor windows. I like to spend warm nights reading ... HGTV magazine of course or watching summer thunderstorms pass through. The bench gave me comfort, room, and it didn't block my low windows. Oh and additionally I found out this is a perfect pet bed! My cat soon took it over and spent her days sprawled out sunbathing and then at night sticking her head out to reach the warm breeze.
This project was fairly easy and the best part … the table was FREE (from the side of the road... I Love trash day). There was however a crack down the center of the top. Nothing a little wood glue can't fix. I used painters tape underneath the table so when I poured the wood glue in the crack it wouldn't leak through and end up on the floor. After it was taped I had to use several applications of wood glue to completely fill the crack. After it dried overnight I took out the sander. I sanded just the sides and the legs since the top would be covered. After it was sanded I used BEHR paint and primer in one to paint the sides and legs. After the paint was all dry I was ready to officially transform this baby! I used 4" foam for the top. I liked the look the thicker foam gave the table, it made it look more bench like and not to mention... more comfort! I used some spray adhesive (on the table top) to attach the foam to the table so it wouldn't slide around. I sprawled the measured fabric on the ground, centered the foam on top of it and slowly lowered the top of the table down to foam(table will be upside down at this point). Then I took out my staple gun and stapled the fabric to the table. While it’s flipped over this would be a good time to check all the hardware. Tighten any screws and nuts as tight as you can (you DO NOT want any wobbly legs).  Then I flipped it back over and ...


 
As you can see here I couldn't make up my mind on the fabric. I switched it out twice before I decided Green it was! I'll find a few throw pillows and toss then on top for some accents (Iget picky here). I placed some big baskets under the bench for storage (not the ones shown in the top picture.. I went MUCH larger). If you have the space to work with... use it to it's max! I'm looking for a much smaller table now to put in my kitchen in hopes that people may use it to take their shoes off when entering my home. This would soley benefit myself... I feel like I spend forever cleaning the floors! Hope to see some of your tables turned benches!!

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Old Window Chalkboard

 
 

Happy New Year everyone! Another year has flown by and it's time once again to make those New year resolutions. Gosh... where to start!? So, as the new year rolls in we all have to pick and choose which new years resolutions are something worth sticking too.

Well, like many of you I made more than one (probaly becasue I'll only stick to one). So the organizing freak that I am decided that this window chalkboard would be a creative way to spruce up my office but also remind me (daily) that I have set goals for myslef and I must stick with them. And for those of you smart people who have choosen to NOT make resolutions.. smart But this is still a great project for you!

I found this old window for FREE on craigslist......
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When I got to the location I had found out there were STACKS of windows. So I did when any junk collector would have done.... FILLED my car! Yes, I literally stuffed it to the point of not being able to see out of any window other than... well, my windshield of course!

I believe it was Pinterst that had sparked my interest for this project and I can't wait to try each idea. I kept my first window pretty simple with just a little bit of chalkboard paint to see how it would work. I first had to sand, sand and sane some more! The picture shown above was actually the back of this project and the other side has layers of chipping paint and dirt. I then painted the white and then free handed the chalkboard paint (with several coats). The chain was a very cheap purchase from Home Depot. This was a quick and pretty simple project for those of you looking to dip into DIY!

 

The best part is that I still have a stack of windows to play with. I can alter colors and styles. There are ENDLESS possibities for customizing these windows. I added a few of my favorites (from Pinterest) that I will be sure to dabble in soon! Be sure to come back to check out the rest of them!
 
 
Window chalkboard
Repurposed Crafts | Repurposed Old Windows | Craft IdeasVintage decorating ideas
Perfect View

ORGANIZATION: Stackable Bins with a calkboard

BEFORE                                             AFTER
 
 
So these were a big score at a local tag sale one summer. I have this addiction to organization so knowing these would become great use at some point in the future I made the purchase (bargaining of course!). These stackable bins were once used as recycle bins but in my eyes, I saw nothing but organizing written all over them. They needed a good scrubbing and sanitizing (I'm a clean freak so this was a longer process than it sounds). After they were fully dried I started the spraying. I started with a base coat to help the spray paint adhere better to the plastic. Then I went to work with my favorite color Seaside by Rustoleum. These bins needed several coats and ample drying time so this was a time consuming step. But... in between coats I had time to run to the dollar store where I purchased (3) picture frames. I had several styles to choose from but considered the look I wanted. So these black and silver ones were the winners. Only needing the frame I took the picture frame apart and placed the glass and backing aside for a future project.
 
When the bins were completely covered and dried I used a protective coating on each since I expect quite wear and tear on these, especially on the insides. I do suggest some rubber mats (can be found at any home depot or even walmart) measured and placed at the bottoms of the inside for extra protection from rough storage such as toys.
 
BEFORE                                AFTER
 
 The next step was to make these frames into chalkboards to label each bin. I took out my scrap wood and using the paper inserts that came with the frames I measured the perfect size wood that would fit into the frame. After using my table jigsaw to cut each piece I primed each one (only painting the front). I then used several coats of black chalkboard paint on each. A little wood glue attached the wood and the frame together when fully dried and then my favorite, Gorilla Glue was used to attach the complete frame to the bins. The chalkboard was a great idea so you know exactly what was stored inside each bin but can be moved to different rooms and relabeled! Although I prefer these bins stacked vertically they can also be placed side by side horizontally to fit under furniture. ALTHOUGH ... If I had young kids I would use these to go under a bench in the hallway to the front door. Each would be labeled with a name and all their backpacks and/or shoes can be hidden! (always thinking ahead!!)
 
These bins are great for ANY room! For those of you who might like a few ideas: 
Kitchen- potatoes and onions, kids snacks
Kids /Baby's room- toys and coloring books, diapers
Bathroom- towels, blow dryer/curling iron
Craft Room- Endless uses!
 
 and the list can go on and on... So do you see why I am so obsessed with organization!?!