(Re)Purposing with a purpose
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?