Sometimes store bought furniture just doesn’t fit. My client needed a skinny table in her front entrance way that complemented her sofa. We designed a  table that was twelve inches deep and five feet long.

Before:

 

After:

 

 

 

This customized piece is the perfect addition to her home! The long and narrow table leaves a spacious walkway for guests to enter.

From Bridesmaid Dress to Baby Blanket

 

Reusing your wedding day materials is important to me. It’s one day that we spend so much time, effort, and money on and then…. It’s all over!

Have a bridesmaid dress your friend promised you would totally wear again?!

Try using this memento from the bride’s special occasion in a new time in the mama-to-be’s life.

 

 

After the most gorgeous wedding, I had no other use for a long black gown. Since I didn’t think the color or fabric was a good choice for an entire blanket, I decided to make my own monogram applique to give the blanket a special touch.

First, I printed and cut out a letter to make my own monogram.

Then, I cut out the letter using the bridesmaid dress as my fabric.

 

I stitched the letter on cotton fabric using my sewing machine. Then I created my blanket.

*Tip: Fold and iron the edges of the letter underneath to reduce the risk of the edges becoming frayed.

 

Baby Bella is more loved than she knows! 

 

 

 

 

Not a seamstress? No Problem! Buy an iron on adhesive and use it on the back of the letter. Use a premade cotton blanket and save time. Just as special with less work!

Nursery Book Shelves

These sweet nursery shelves are for a sweet little girl.

 

 

 

 

 

They measure 2 feet long but can be altered to 8 feet max.

My favorite part about the shelves are the lip at the edge to hold the books upright.

 

These shelves are also good for:

·         Gallery walls for your favorite pictures

·         Kids’ artwork

·         Framed artwork and inspirational quotes

Hot Glue Gun Stand

 

The last time I used my hot glue gun, this is what happened!

I love this project because:

·         You can use your old scrap wood

·         It takes only a few minutes to make

·         When you finally have one, you never knew how you lived without it!

 I used one leftover piece of 1 by 4 and 1 leftover piece of 1 by 2.

 

I made cuts from the 1 by 4 for the base and glue caddy.

The 1 by 2 piece was cut to hold the glue gun.

The piece with the red "X" was not used. I thought about using it to hold the glue gun in place but then the cord would have nowhere to go.

 

Then I used wood glue to assemble.

 

 

You may choose to finish it by staining or painting. I wanted to use mine immediately so I bypassed that step.

 

Easy DIY Engagement Gift

 

What you’ll need:

·         Picture frame

·         Picture

·         Clothespins

·         Glue

1.       Find a picture frame with design on the backing. My picture frame had a burlap surround, but if you can’t find a decorative backing, cover it with scrapbook paper or fabric.

 

2.       Take the glass out of the frame and set aside.

3.       Place the clothes pins where you would like them on the backing and glue. Let it dry for the required time.

 

4.       Add the photo.

 

 

5.       Optional: Put the glass back in the frame.

Since I used this gift as a part of the Bridal Shower I left the glass off.

 

Don’t know any recently engaged couples?

This easy DIY project is a perfect gift for:

1.       Birthdays (inexpensive and thoughtful present)

2.       Housewarming Gifts (help your friend decorate their new space)

3.       College Care Package (sentimental way to say “I miss you”)

What you Need to Know Before Buying Thrift Furniture

Buying thrift furniture mean a steal for you home furnishings. Follow these three easy tips before you buy.

1.       Look for labels.

 I apply this same principle when I thrift clothes shop. When you look for a label you are ensuring that it is a quality material. A name brand material may be built to a better standard and last longer. Some people part with furniture sets from well-known furniture stores. Looking for those labels in a thrift store can help you save big time. My college roommate bought a bedroom set at a deep discount because the seller had to move out of state. Just because the furniture was in last year’s collection, doesn’t mean it can’t add value to your home. People inherit antiques and get rid of them because they don’t care for the style. Sometimes that’s the best way to find quality wood designs.

2.       Look for structural flaws.
 

The drawers to this antique trunk are flimsy. The owner isn't willing to rebuild them and I wouldn't either. Instead of using them for storage, they are using the drawers for decorative purposes.

 You may have heard this same warning when buying a home. Don't buy it if it has structural issues. Take a look at the piece you are considering closely, because at first a structural flaw may not be apparent. Open the drawers, look at the bottom, the back, and the sides. Does a drawer stick out of the dresser because it doesn’t slide anymore? Is there a crack running through the bottom of your piece? Think about how much time you may want to invest on fixing this problem. Would you want to fix the foundation in a home? It takes time and money. If you are willing and able to fix some structural issues then go for it! But if you think this is past your area of expertise, let it go. At the end of the day, if a piece is unstable, it may not be safe to keep in your home.

3.       Look past the imperfections.

 

This white cushion was stained and ripped.



Recovered and as good as new!

 

My husband and I are currently house hunting and there sure are some interesting decorative choices. Purple carpets, yellow bathrooms, floral wallpaper, and stick on tiles to say the least. We look past those choices because they can be changed. Look past the imperfections on your thrift furniture. You almost have to expect that something has gone wrong with the piece. That’s why it found its way to a thrift store! Furniture can be sanded, painted, or recovered. Is the leg a little wobbly? Buy a new bolt! Don’t let the little things scare you. You will come up with a creative way to hide, enhance, or fix those imperfections.

See a floral couch makeover here.

And an imperfect desk restoration here.

Do you have a thrift piece waiting to beautify your home? See me for a consultation and we’ll come up with a design that suits your space.

Happy Thrift Shopping!

 

2 Ways to Repurpose your Coffee Table

 This former coffee table has become an ottoman or cushioned bench. Place it in your living room for more space for rest and relaxation, or in the hallway to take a moment to put on your accessories.

 

The piece is painted Soldier Blue by Old Fashioned Milk Paint.

To get more information on Old Fashioned Milk Paint click here.

Milk paint is known for its “chippy” look. The paint makes the piece look older than it is. With a cushion, new fabric, and braided trim, this piece is ready for its new home!

 

 

I live nearby a dump facility and week after week I notice furniture with minor flaws or no flaws at all going out to the trash. Nursery furniture, beds, bookcases, and more. Don’t let imperfections scare you! We’ll reuse you furniture in a creative way that suits the needs of your home and lifestyle.

Before

After

 

So whether you need an ottoman to style your living space or could use a bench in your mudroom, leave your old coffee table to me! Repurposing your furniture saves you money and the environment from more waste.

Status: For Sale $60