Let's Do Coffee!

This was a project that I didn't even know I was looking for. Once again I was on our local yardsale Facebook group and saw this posting for a coffee table and two matching end tables. So why would I need these? I have tables already that are doing their job perfectly. My feet have a place to go when I'm watching T.V. and my drink has a place to rest when it's not being enjoyed. So what was it about these tables? Well for one, they're solid wood, not the cheapy stuff you tend to see out there. And two, they were just $40 for all THREE tables! Sold! 

These tables were screaming, "Make me pretty!", so that's exactly what I did. Upon first bringing them home I hid them in the garage under blankets. I didn't want to hear from my husband about bringing home another project (as most sit in the garage for a couple months before they make their way to a new location or home). He found them after about two days. With that being said I had to move this project to the top of the list. First job was to get them primed. 

For color I went with a nice taupe, very neutral and something that would go with our decor. I opted for spray paint for this job and do not regret that decision a bit. I purchased a high-gloss spray and bought 6 cans. I was pleasantly surpised that I only needed about 2.5 cans. It went on very well and does not have a stickyness to it like some sprays do. I was very pleased at how they turned out.

So Day 1: Primer, Day 2: Paint, Day 3: Bring inside! 

Curbside Mantel

I'm a teacher and leave pretty early in the morning to head to work. About a month ago as I was driving out of our neighborhood, I noticed two pallets on the curb with a "FREE" sign. Um, yes please. I called my husband and asked if he could rush down there and grab them (before any other crazy pallet lady saw them). As awesome as he is, he hopped in the car and drove down. To his surprise there were other curbside goodies to be had, a bundle of scrap wood tied neatly with twine. Weeks passed and then the creative lightbulb went on. I'm going to build a mantel! We have two fireplaces in our new home and zero mantels. Hanging stockings this year was pretty tricky.

I had pinned a great mantel idea from Pinterest that was my inspiration. Let's just say that one took way more engineering skills than ours. We totally winged it. With a handful of tools we went to work. That list included: tape measure, table saw, nail gun borrowed from my brother-in-law and sand paper. 

First step: Make the top and bottom. Easy peasy.

Step Two: Add the front. 

 Step Three: Watch your husband laugh at you and give you that "it's not going to work" look. Then miracles happened and we made a mantel.

There are a ton of discrepancies in this but we just call it 'character'. This is straight from the curb, not Restoration Hardware. Cost: $0

My Happy Hour Table

We have been so blessed with an incredible backyard with an amazing view and before we even closed escrow I was on the hunt for a project table and chairs. Our local Salvation Army here in San Clemente came through once again and I scored a bamboo table, with glass top and 4 chairs. Bonus....it was HALF PRICE DAY!!! The whole set was just $60. Yes, the chairs are ugly, I know this, that's why they ended up being resold and we had to look for chair alternatives.

So I bought these in August and it wasn't until November that I found the chairs that would ultimately be the ones we stuck with. These took some work but not nearly as enough work the ugly ones would of needed. These had 3 layers of fabric all stapled with about 1,000 staples. It was tedius but all layers came off...eventually.

Once the layers of fabric were removed it was time to paint! We purchased an outdoor paint, a great shade of turqouise and applied two coats. We think it turned out great!

Now to cover the chairs! I purchased outdoor fabric from Fabric.com and love, love, love it! After some measuring, cutting and staple-gunning I was done! CHEERS!

You're Making a Door into What????

Well another project was completed over my Spring Break! We recently moved into a new home and our guest room was lacking a headboard, so, after seeing two solid wood doors for sale on a Yardsale group I thought, "That could totally be a headboard." My husband did not see that vision. But for $25 for two doors, I couldn't pass up the chance. Not sure what the second door is going to be, but I had to have them. It was a project that took no more than a couple hours (that includes drying time of the paint), but it looks like I spent hours and hours on it. I love how it turned out!

Step One: Cut door in half

Step Two: Paint it! For color, I added a bit of primer into a dish, added some water and used a clean cloth to wipe onto the door.

Step Three: I added plates on the back and screwed on to secure.


Last Step: Hang it up! It looks awesome! Just what the guest room needed. 

Saved From the Landfill

So what do schools do with their furniture when they decide to gut the entire campus and remodernize? Well, lucky for me they get rid of stuff! 









Most of the furniture removed from the school is being stored in a warehouse, but some bookcases that were damaged came home with me (instead of going to the landfill). 

I popped off the backings, measured them, then headed to Lowes to get some new backing cut. With some wood glue to fix some wobbly shelves, some nails, funky fabric and fun paint, these bookcases will live another day. 

They were originally from 1967 when the school opened, so they're almost 50 years old. I love them! Now, to find them a good home. 

First Pallet Project

So a couple of years ago I jumped on the pallet bandwagon, and have yet to jump off. I LOVE PALLETS! My friend's husband worked in an industry that left him with the occastional pallet. I asked if I could have one and he said, "YES!" Another FREE project! I lugged it home, hammered it apart and got to work. I love how it turned out and it looks great in our courtyard.

A Major Oops at The Goodwill

For years I had been in search of a cabinet for my extensive collection of wine glasses, etc.Well, the day had finally come when I ventured out to the local Goodwill. I found the perfect cabinet. It appeared to be the upper part of a buffet/hutch. Nice, solid wood, and cheap! Just $20! I paid for it and the nice man dollied it out of the store for me. However, just as he was about to get to the front door he lost his balance and the hutch fell face down, shattering the glass doors. Because the Goodwill has a policy that nothing is 'free' they refunded me $15, so essentially costing me just $5. The man that broke it felt terrible and paid me back the $5, making my cabinet FREE! I found a great window/glass man who fixed the doors, and with some new paint, it was ready for our dining room. I love it, and I love telling the story of how it came to be. 

 

Best Find EVER!

Visiting my favorite consignment store ever, Re-Finds, in downtown San Clemente, I came across a large cabinet that was being used to display linens. I asked the owner if it was for sale, and she said, "Sure." The cost....just $135! The story was that it was a handmade artist's cabinet, for art supplies, etc. All one giant piece. I hurried home to get the bigger vehicle and rushed back. Upon arriving she mentioned to me that she couldn't find the upper doors, so I got it for just $125! Even better! After some sanding and painting, our new dining room hutch was ready to be filled. To this day, this is one of my best finds.