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.
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.
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.
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.
