Cookie Cutter Artwork

Jess, from A Smith of All Trades, tells about how some pre-holiday organizing piad off: “We were going through old cookie cutters last year to donate the ones we never use anymore, when my mom found a set that belonged to her mom. They never got used anymore, but she couldn’t part with them.”

Smart Jess took them and turned them into super cute art for her kitchen that she displays proudly at Christmas. It’s very cute, and even reminds me of some of my own mom’s cookie cutters!

You can see how Jess made this neat project at A Smith of All Trades.

November 30, 2012November 30, 2012

Hutch Makeover with Chalk Paint

Marty blogs at Marty’s Musings, where she explains that when she inherited her mother’s china collection, she also inherited the large hutch it was displayed in. Marty was less thrilled about the dated looking hutch than she was about the china, but thanks to her husband, she’s enjoying both heirlooms.

Marty’s husband surprised her by giving the hutch a makeover with chalk paint! The dowdy old hutch has a fresh new look. I like the combination of blue and white, along with the thoughtful distressing. I’d say both the hutch and the helpful husband are keepers!

Marty’s husband explains the painting process and has some great insights about working with chalk paint-along with a lot of humor-at Marty’s Musings.

By Kimm | Filed under Furniture, Hutches and Armoires | Tags: blue, chalk paint, china cabinet, china hutch, curbside find, curbside finds, dumpster dive, dumpster diving, hand me down, hutch makeover, recycled, refab, refabbed, repurpose, repurposed, revamp, roadside rescue, secondhand find, thrift store, trash to treasure, trash to treasures, upcycle, upcycled, white

November 29, 2012November 29, 2012

Mason Jar Lid Christmas Ornament

A few embellishments added with twine and ribbon turned those simple lids into pretty ornaments that look like miniature wreaths for Laurel’s Christmas tree. I love these! What a great way to get some extra use out of those old canning goods.

Check out the tutorial for these delightful wreath ornaments at Chipping with Charm.

November 29, 2012November 29, 2012

Bankers Chair Makeover

Over at Batchelors Way, Ronda snagged this bankers style chair at her local Salvation Army for just $5! The vinyl on the arms and seat were in pretty bad shape, but it was structurally sound. Ronda was determined to put in in her office.

Before it found a home in her office, though, the chair was in dire need of a makeover. Ronda transformed it with paint and a cheerful yellow print. It looks gorgeous, but what’s really amazing is that it was Ronda’s first try at reupholstery! Impressive results.

Ronda has plenty of information about how she transformed this bankers chair at Batchelors Way.

November 28, 2012November 26, 2012

DIY Holly Wreath

Tracie of Cleverly Inspired shows us how she crafted a gorgeous Christmas wreath using things she already had on hand: an old, empty picture frame and some pretty seasonal clippings from her yard.

The outcome is nothing short of fabulous! This seasonal decor was practically free for Tracie to make. Pretty impressive when similar wreaths retail for as much as $50! It’s a great way to recycle a picture frame and showcase winter greens.

Tracie provides a fantastic tutorial at Cleverly Inspired, so that you can make a wreath of your own.

November 28, 2012November 28, 2012

Chalkboard Makeover

Katy from A Shade of Teal found this sturdy wood piece at a yardsale. It wasn’t exactly clear what it was-empty picture frame? headboard?-but under the 80’s tole painting job it had great lines and detail. Katy thought it would make a terrific chalkboard.

She was right! Covered in a new coat of pretty coral paint with a chalkboard in the middle, this piece looks like it was meant to be. I especially love how much those pretty curved details on the frame pop out thanks to the contrast of the black chalkboard center paired with the coral frame. It’s stunning.

View more details on this amazing makeover at A Shade of Teal.

By Kimm | Filed under Wall Decor | Tags: chalkboard, chalkboard paint, coral, curbside find, curbside finds, dumpster dive, dumpster diving, hand me down, recycled, refab, refabbed, repurpose, repurposed, revamp, roadside rescue, secondhand find, thrift store, trash to treasure, trash to treasures, upcycle, upcycled

November 27, 2012November 26, 2012

Christmas Cheer Window

Over at A Creative Princess, Terri’s husband replaced windows in an old farmhouse one day. Knowing how much she loves old windows, he brought a few of the smaller ones home to Terri. Terri re-imagined this window into cheerful holiday decor.

With the movie Elf being a favorite at her house, Terri thought it would be fun to showcase a favorite quote from the movie inside the window panes. She kept the rustic look of the window, but added some fun embellishments and colorful paper to up the cheer factor. The quick makeover gave Terri and her family a fun and meaningful holiday decoration.

You can see Terri’s tutorial at A Creative Princess.

November 27, 2012November 26, 2012

Turquoise Desk Makeover

Debbie claims that if she showed us this entire desk in it’s before state at Refresh Restyle, “It might burn your retinas!” Apparently, it was in pretty bad shape. Debbie wasn’t sure how much she could do with it, but I think you’ll agree-it cleaned up nicely!

Using a number of painting, staining, and distressing techniques, Debbie completely transformed the worn out old desk. It’s now completely fresh, fun, and stylish, with it’s dark stained top and colorful body. I adore the combination of bright turquoise with orange drawer pulls. It looks completely amazing in Debbie’s room.

You can read more about how Debbie gave this little desk a makeover at Refresh Restyle.

By Kimm | Filed under Desks, Furniture | Tags: curbside find, curbside finds, desk, desk makeover, dumpster dive, dumpster diving, hand me down, recycled, refab, refabbed, repurpose, repurposed, revamp, roadside rescue, secondhand find, thrift store, trash to treasure, trash to treasures, turquoise, turquoise desk, upcycle, upcycled