I’m realizing anew the value of creative outlets. They’re food for the soul, and fuel for this writer. With that in mind, I’m art journaling again. And I’m trolling for fresh ideas at My (Re)Purposed Life.
I like the idea of breathing new life into discarded objects…of shaping something new from something old. It’s earth-friendly, this recycling. Plus, you don’t have to be highly skilled–oftentimes, a tiny tweak makes for major impact. You can spend big bucks, or you can do it on a limited budget. It’s fun (for the most part), and the results are (almost always) gratifying. And if you don’t like the results, hey, you can always re-gift it!
‘Nuf said. Here are some of the projects I’m working on right now.
1. This vintage Red Flyer wagon, which I want to spruce up a bit for spring. Right now, it sits under the strawberry tree in the far reaches of my garden. It was filled with cheerful pansies a short season while ago, but now it’s overgrown with weeds. So sad and forlorn.
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Once I’ve brightened it up with flowers and such, I’ll post “After” pictures.
2. I love filling my garden with playful things…objects that invite me to linger and encourage me to smile. So I was very happy to find this "Time Out" chair in a thrift store. It cost me all of $4.00, and for that price, I won’t feel at all guilty when it gets watermarked and sunbleached.
It’s even more special for the crayon scribbles on the back. Something tells me this "Time Out" chair once served a useful purpose…
3. Oh drat! I keep meaning to post pictures of my de-cluttered, re-organized office! I snagged a rosewood desk on Craigslist for a song, plus an armoire and a couple of small tables. Simply gorgeous, and I was delighted to see the massive (hand-me-down) oak furniture go! Natch, I had to paint the walls before bringing them into the room. I chose a creamy vanilla color, which Behr calls "Baked Brie." The orange-ish "oak" (read: laminated. See also: ugh.) bookshelves got painted the same color. Begone, microblinds…hello, silky-sheer curtains and unobstructed views. Ahhhh, it’s so much more relaxing in here now. Cleaner. Brighter. More me, if you know what I mean.
4. I discovered a handcrafted footstool in the same thrift store. Three measly dollars, and it was mine. It’s rough-hewn rustic, which I like. Plus, it’s shaped like a musical instrument–a cello, I think, without the neck. I also found a cute wall shelf that might someday hold treasured objects. Add to this motley collection of what-nots: a vintage hymnal rack from an old church pew. I’m refinishing all of them in a light color (maybe white?), and perhaps adding a crackle finish or a glaze. I should have posted "Before" pictures, but oh well. Too late now! Here’s Stage One, in which I apply two coats of primer.
I’m guessing this picture will cause a bit of hand-writing on the part of people with OCD who prefer a more orderly work space. Am I right? Also, note to self: Use an old sheet next time, instead of laying things out on newsprint.
So…are any of you into re-purposing? And if so, what are you working on right now?
This is inspirational…I’ll see what I can do 🙂
Yay! You’re very creative…I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
I love, love, love the Time Out Chair in your garden!!
This year I plan on hitting garage sales and the dump(recycling center) for treasures. Marge the woman who comes in to do my legs is an old hippie like myself and found a perfectly good copper-bottomed Revere Ware fry pan at the dump, which I’m slowly bringing back to life with ketchup. I was all out of Bon Ami so I smeared the bottom of the pan with ketchup and set it aside for aabout 3 hours before washing it. The bottom was coated with a thick black crust, which is now almost entirely gone. I usually use ketchup to clean all of my copper pots and pans.
The chair’s adorable, isn’t it? I smile whenever I see it. 🙂
I remember polishing up those copper pots & pans. Ugh. I’m guessing it’s more fun when it’s not a “have-to” kind of thing. I think Revere Ware lost its lustre when people realized it cooked unevenly. But they’re beautifully designed. I hope you’re able to bring it back to “good as new.”
Can’t wait to see the new-to-you treasures you find!
LOVE! I can’t wait for spring to really take hold here!
Spring’s long overdue where you are. *sends sunshine-y thoughts your way*
You’re a role model for me, when it comes to repurposing, L. I love what you’ve done in your house. Are you working on any DIY projects right now?
I found a fabulous shelf at the thrift store for $2.00. I painted it a metallic spring green and it will hold three mini African Violets (each a different shade) that I found at the farmer’s market on saturday.
And I found a train table for my toddler (for free!)
A free train table? Get out!!! You must have been beside yourself about that. And oooh, that shelf sounds covet-worthy, especially with the African violets on top. (I’ve heard they’re difficult to grow. Is that your experience? I’d love to have some, but not if they’re too fragile…)
Can’t wait to see pictures of your new office. It sounds beautiful and so very you!
Any time Wednesday afternoon to chat? Like 1:30 on?
Susan, you’re the queen of re-finishing, repurposing, reimagining things…I’ve long admired your talents in this area. Are you all setled into your home now? It’d be fun to see some before/after shots.:)
This week’s out, unfortunately. I’ve got jury duty next week, but if you can handle a little uncertainty (we have to call in every day), we could schedule something then…? Let me know!
Let’s keep in touch next week and see what unfolds. 🙂
Melodye, I thought of this post when Jeannine and I left our “gentle yoga” class at the local library last night. It’s held in the basement, and when we came up the stairs we saw three small wooden chairs — each slightly different sizes — which appeared to be from either a nursery school or kindergarten classroom. They were all for sale at only five dollars apiece. I almost convinced Jeannine to buy the smallest (and cutest) of the three. She demurred, but said that if they’re still there the following week, she’ll reconsider. — PL
Shhhh, I think you should sneak back to the library and bring it home as a sweet surprise. A “happy,” as they say in the South.
One lesson I’ve learned the hard way: When something catches your eye/captures your heart, that’s the time to act. I wouldn’t want that tiny treasure to get snatched out from under me, no way. 🙂