Clipboard Message Center

This message center has a chalkboard and a cork board, and is so quick and cute.  It is something you will want to try this weekend!

Start with a clipboard.  I'm using a vintage clipboard that I purchased from a flea market a few years ago.  This clipboard is a little longer than the standard size, but any clipboard will work.  I often see them at garage sales for less than a quarter.  Your clipboard doesn't need to be in perfect condition, this is a great project for recycling.

Next, tape off a section of the board, so you can apply chalkboard paint.  Any shape or size will do, just think about how much writing space you will need.

Allow the paint to dry and cure.  Before you remove the tape, use a piece of chalk to season the board so your writing will be erasable.

For the cork board section of the message center, I used a cork trivet.  These can be purchased at any craft store or dollar store.  You can leave the cork trivet a la natural, or cover it.  I searched my scrap pile for a fun fabric to use.  Simply trace the trivet onto the fabric.

Cut out the fabric and glue it onto the cork.  I used hot glue.  Then secure the fabric-covered cork circle to the clipboard.

Now you can keep your family informed and organized with this clipboard message center!

Trophy Talk

At an estate sale last weekend I picked up two small trophies.  This sale was a bit odd, and I was sure that I was going to leave empty handed.

A Whole New World: Globe Upcycle

Summer is the right time of year for hanging out by the pool and sipping a cocktail.  But I like to spend my days treasure hunting at garage and estate sales.  I attended a great little estate sale a few weeks ago.  A photo of a vintage globe in the online listing caught my eye.  Once I arrived, I made a beeline for the globe/stand I had seen in the photo.  However, it was in bad shape.  I bought it anyway because it was only $5, and I thought I might be able to fix it with a good cleaning and some touch-up paint.

Stool Upcycle: Refinishing Tips

I finally finished a small scale furniture refinishing project, and I am excited to share it with you.  I had been looking for a child sized chair or stool for awhile, and was excited when I spotted this one at a garage sale for $2.00.  The finish was in poor condition, but I knew I was going to change that anyway. While I have painted furniture in the past, this is my first try at distressing.  Here are a few things I learned along the way.

Flea Market Find- Horse Painting

I am excited to be participating in Today's Thrifty Treasure at Southern Hospitality.  I found this nice little horse painting at a flea market for $1.  It is probably an old paint by number, but something about it is so sweet.  Look at that little face...I'm such a sucker for anything with a face!  I also thought it had some really nice color.  It had a silver frame that I wasn't a fan of.  It was peeling and chipped.  A little spackle filled the chips, and newspaper and low tack tape prepped the painting for a little oil rubbed bronze spray paint.

Vintage Pendant Light

Well folks, I violated my own thrifting rule.  I found the perfect vintage porcelain sign at a flea market, not once but twice, and didn't buy it.  And it is all I can think about!  I had the perfect place to put it and nothing I find now will ever compare to it.  This is a decorating tragedy. :)

But I suppose I need to move on, and focus on the positive.  And in this case, the positive is the vintage light I did buy.  I found an old metal barn light shade for $5.

One for Me, One for You

Does this ever happen to you?  You buy something intended for someone else, and you end up keeping it for yourself.  Well that is what happened when I bought these two metal carriers at the flea market last month.  I thought I would upcycle them with a fresh coat of paint, and put them in my Etsy store.  Well they turned out so cute, that I had to keep one for myself.  They are so versatile and perfect for corralling  art supplies, candles, or silverware at your next dinner party (which is how I am using mine).

HouseVintage on Etsy

Got Milk Crate?

On a recent flea marketing excursion, I came across this little gem.  For only $6.00 (I talked the dealer down from $8.00) I brought it home.

Frame Half-Empty

Got a blank wall that needs a little love?  Here is a great idea for some DIY art to cover a large space for little money.  All you need is a collection of empty frames, and a can of spray paint.

via Marthastewart.com

S is for Spice Rack

I love these two great ideas for an inexpensive Ikea spice rack.  We are talking $3.99 each people!

via On the Banks of Squaw Creek

Upcycle: Mail Box

Before

Standard mailbox found at Goodwill

Upcycle- Paint Chips

If you are anything like me, you always have a slew of those little paint chip cards left over after you choose a new paint color.  I actually have a stack on my kitchen counter as I type this!  But before I put those little guys into the recycle bin, I wondered if there was a way I could repurpose them.  Good news...they actually are quite useful.  Here are a few of my favorite ideas...

Paper Crave

Flea Market Season

I had a great long weekend, and spent lots of time at various holiday flea markets.  So I thought I might share with you my top ten five (ten was too ambitious for the first day back after a long weekend)  flea market survival tips.

Upcycle: Cupcake Stand

Cupcakes are quite hot right now, so today I am sharing a super easy (and cheap!) project for making your very own cupcake stand.

You will need:

The Details

I shared with you how I upcycled a thrift store mid-century modern dresser here.  Well the dresser found its permanent home in my entry way.  I love the storage the piece offers, and it is a great place to drop your keys and the mail when you walk in the door.


Before

I finally added the finishing touches to the drawers by gluing some scrap booking labels on the front. (Just measured to find the middle and used hot glue.  Filled label holder with yellow paper).  It adds a nice pop of color, and could actually help me stay organized...which is always a good thing.





Upcycle: Magnet Board

I have been working on rearranging some decor in my house (as usual!), and finally getting some old family photos framed and up on the walls.  I wanted to incorporate a piece that would allow for a rotating gallery of sorts.  A place I could hang cards, magazine clippings, or anything else that was a current inspiration, but didn't need to be permanently framed.  I considered a cork board or fabric covered memo board, but I wanted to try to recycle something I already had.  Enter an old baking sheet.

Upcycle: Carved Shelf

Before

After

Upcycle: Thrift Store Frames

Before:

Upcycle: Dresser



Before