Its a Shutter Shelf

I am so excited to present to you...  a shelf made from old shutters! A little recycling can go a long way! This creation was a custom order for a shelf that was able to hold several binders. After searching through my entire stock of inventory I decided I was going to have to create a unique piece that was designed around my client. After receiving the requirements I started sketching out ideas since I was building from scratch. I'm also really thrilled to say that I have advanced from beginner to intermediate at using the table saw! YAY (Patting myself on the back)! I know to some experts out there this doesn't seem to be such a big accomplishment. BUT This is the only tool that really scared me! Between the extreme noise and the blade being in control I was hesitant to use this, especially since I am at my shop solo. The reasoning behind the shelf spacing is this... Since this shelf will be used to hold binders I wanted to make sure that after the binders were piled on you were still able to see the backdrop. That is the best part of the shelf after all! So I measured and added a few extra inches, now when it's full... you can still see the beautiful colors.

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.

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...

 

 



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!!

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!?!



RETRO STYLE TELEPHONE DESK

This antique telephone desk was given a good modern clean up! It now can serve many uses from a childs school desk to an entryway bench. This unique piece was my great aunts and was used quite often as she sat and talked on the phone in her kitchen. I love to see such a great piece be passed along with such history.

 

BEFORE / AFTER

PLANTER TABLE

 

This was once an old rusted plant stand. After a little TLC it became a perfect little bedside table. I had to sand down the rust spots and give it a few coats of RUST-OLEUM bright white. Since I pretty much collect all types of junk I had this glass top lying around from another piece that was given new life. It was the perfect "UNUSUAL FIT" .. haha! Now you can place items for display inside or on top!

THE BAG LADY

A Journey Begins...

 

As I begin this Blog journey I’d like to take this chance to let you know more about me and how ended up collecting “junk” and referring to it as a soon to be masterpiece. It’s no coincidence that I ended up right where I am actually. I was very creative as a child and although I spent a great deal of my time amusing others with my singing and dancing I had many other hobbies as well. Collecting junk was just one of them (not a favorite of my mother I must add). No matter where I went or what I did I was always finding things to keep. I always saw something in things no one else did. Not only did I collect things but I never wanted to get rid of them. I always felt that I would need that one item at some point! I would carry around bags that would soon be filled with fascinating but yet unusual things. And this is where my nickname came from… The Bag Lady. As an adult I guess I can say that name still fits. I can look at things and see way beyond its initial use. Although I have a passion for junk I am a VERY organized person so this is not to be confused with a hoarder! Cleaning and organizing are my top of the list “hobbies” as an adult. So as some hobbies had to change from childhood, some stuck with me and gave me an ordinary gift that I can use to recycle and give you all ART! With each post I hope to reveal a little bit more about myself and explain more about UNUSUAL FIT and how it came to be and how it's going GREEN! ENJOY and please feel free to comment as I always like some feedback.

SHABBY CHIC CANDLEBOX

SHABBY CHIC CANDLEBOX

My mind is constantly turning and trying to find new creations to make. This long candlebox was created from scratch. Pieces of wood that were being thrown out were given to me just for this purpose. Built with a worn vitage look, modern accents were added with the glass stones and long glass vases in which the candles are placed.

CHALKBOARD TABLE

CHALKBOARD TABLE

An ordinary table turned into the perfect learning tool for a childs room, game table for a dorm or just a perfect fit for that empty space in your room.

CREATIVE BENCH SET

 CREATIVE BENCH SET

           BEFORE                                                                                              AFTER

These benches have been completely refurbished from the outdoor material, to the cushions, to the polyurethaned, crackled paint finish. Great for Creating that certain summer look with these right colors to match! All 3 for set price, email with any questions!