Long Grumpy Weekend

Well, I only had time (and companionship) to scour two thrift stores this weekend, and I found nothing of interest. However, I discovered something about my moodiness while I laid about scowling this weekend.
I need, yes need, constant projects going to keep me happy. I need something to focus on, spend my energy on. I get such immense joy of creating something from nothing, or a re do.
Maybe that makes me an artist. I'd like to think so. It makes me happy.
I spent the entire weekend bored moping and grumpier than a bear fresh from hibernation. Until 9pm Sunday night when I started a new project!!

I can't wait to show it off, so in the mean time I will share one of my other most fave completed projects, my craigslist china cabinet.

I paid 100$ for this pink pickled monstrosity. I love how simple it is.
Whew, look at those outside hinges!! Lucky for me I married a handy man and he knew he would be replacing them. I'm thinking the owners bought this at an unfinished wood shop and pickled it themselves back when that was popular? (The early 90's maybe?)
Still though, you can see the potential here. I did.
I went through a lot with this piece, I had to sand it completely down at my in laws. In laws who were constantly watching over my shoulder, thinking their 20something daughter in law had no idea what she was doing refinishing furniture.
In truth, it was the first piece of furniture I've refinished. I had it my head I could do it, and I jumped in full force with my beloved hand sander.
I don't they sell the mega mouse anymore, or it's called the cyclone now, but this is the best hand sander!! It's so easy to use, the sandpaper is only 1.72$ for 5 sheets!! The is one the best gifts the husband has bought me, in fact I'm considering one as a wedding gift for a friend. ;)

Anyway, for two weeks, I sanded whenever I saw the in laws leave the house, hahaha. I love this stripper, it's not cheap but it works well, Minwax's Antique furniture re finisher.It's about 11$ a can at Home Depot, but it's worth it, It makes stripping a breeze. (no pole required)

Next came stain. I mixed up my own color in an attempt to match my dining room table. It came out pretty close. I prefer to use Minwax products, they always come out great.
It killed me to take so long on a project but it taught me some patience. I've since forgotten the lesson however.
It was worth it, sanding, stripping, and staining completed. New hinges, new hardware courtesy of the husband. Project complete.



I love it still. Amazing.
Ahem, now I believe Kim owes us some finished projects. Magazine rack re do, bedroom wall art....

Thrifty Finds on 7/3/07

Here are a few finds from last weeks search at the local thrifty stores. I was feeling patriotic and got this cute little wooden decoration. Something cute to look at on the 4th. Of course there was a sticker on the back that stated
"Made in China." lol.

I used to have birds when I was a kid and lately I have been interested in having birds again. I found this great little cage at the Goodwill. It will do good two little finches.

And finally, I was so stoked to find this magazine rack at the salvation army t.s., I have been wanting one for a while, but my gosh! I can't believe how much retail wants for these. I am going to paint it white and put it in the bathroom.

Hope you like my thrifty finds and thanks for stopping by. Hopefully I will find some more treasure this weekend. ~K

Spray Paint is your Friend!

I've said it once and I'll say it again, paint is your friend, don't be afraid to paint!
I am so thrilled how this cabinet came out, it was 99$ at salvation army thrift store, on sale for 70$.

Instantly, though it looked like below, I saw the potential.

How could you not see the potential in this piece! The second I saw it, I knew it was mine.(cue seagulls....mine! Mine!) Look at the trim, isn't it adorable!

The next day I was off in search of supplies, breathing mask, sandpaper, spray paint and primer.
Luckily I loved the hardware on it already, so it wouldn't need replaced, only painted.

Oh yes people, I painted the hardware.

First it needed lightly sanded. Doors removed, sanding begun:
Rough it up a little with sandpaper and sanding cube.
The spray primer in white.
I sprayed it lightly and as evenly as I could with primer.

The the fun part! Color!!
Now I intended this to be black or white maybe, but when Hubby and I got to the store he insisted on color! I was nervous, but agreed to Krylons Ocean Blue.

With the first coat on, I knew I was in love. Potential found!!
I did the hardware glossy white, with clear sealer on top to protect it.


Finally it was finished, and reassembly could occur.
Amazing. Don't be afraid of risk, I am so happy with how this turned out that I have completely changed my kitchen remodel plans to center around this piece of furniture!

Please join everyone over at Southern Hospitality for the rummage party today!


Check out my etsy shop for my free shipping event! Happy 4th!!

Great Finds

Here are some awesome finds from thrifting this past weekend. A few weeks ago I saw a horseshoe bitters bottle and became very interested in what I could find at the stores. After some research I found this bottle at the local t.s. for Hubbard House. I bought it for 4 dollars and I will most likely make more than 75 dollars for it on ebay.

This is a fishes bitter bottle circa 1898.

The following are two used frames from some garage sales (total $3). I am going paint the frames black and hang them as wall art. Check back for the completed project.

Best of luck to you and your thrifting!