The Vintage Bench

Single Lady

2012-02-03T06:02:00.000-08:00

Over at Kelly's Korner they are doing a show us your singles day. And I want to add my sister.

I thought it would be fun and interesting, not to mention my sister is the best!

She's mid 20s, single professional!

Fun, silly, considerate, hard working with a big heart.

Honestly, she's just tired of meeting the same type of guy, ones that can't hold up their end of a conversation. A man, with a plan of his own, that is wanting someone to tag along. A man, who can be respectful and fun that can enjoy hanging out or going out!

Emily with her nephew, Miles!

E-mail me if intersted morsak0106@att.net!!!

"LIKE" Me

2011-01-31T09:22:00.000-08:00

To kick off 2011, we are going to do a Giveaway.

I know, I know, they may not be as cool as others, but I was thinking getting my "craft" in someone's actual hands and being able to see how well things are made and the detail that goes in to these items that I list here or on my Etsy Shop, You will LOVE them!

So here is the deal, LIKE my page on Facebook and once we reach 100 fans, I will have a contest and pick the winner at random. The winner will get something that I have created!

If you want to see the prize, you got to play the game!

FACEBOOK:

ETSY:

Mirror Chalkboard

2011-01-21T06:10:00.000-08:00

I purchased a French Provencial dresser for our living room and I was the "bit seperating" deal on CL.

So I got stuck with a tri-fold mirror.

I knew what I was going to do with the center piece, I was going to make a chalkboard.

I have been dying for one this large, but refuse to spend the money on one that was already completed.

So here we go:

Tape it off.

Two coat of spray paint chalk.

Pulled the tape and then taped the board to paint the frame white.

Tadaaaaaa!

It's new home!

Table Make-Over

2011-01-13T07:26:00.000-08:00

My sweet mother-in-law, found this steal of a cute table at a garage sale for $5.

Gave it to me and wanted to see what I could do with it...

After:

I love how it came out.

So much so that I spent a week moving it around my house trying to find it a home.

So I think it might have to go on CL, and I can find it a new home.

I think I'm in Love...

2011-01-05T04:28:00.000-08:00

I drove out to an old shop, that a sweet man was having to close. He was really wanting to get rid of things instead of storing them. I was originally interested in a beautiful dresser for our master bedroom, which in fact did make it to my house.

But I was glancing around checking out other things that he was packing and he allowed me to take it off his hands. I grabbed up an urn, which matches others that we have in our home.

But admired this beauty...

I was not too happy with the brassy look, though. So I pulled out the trusty old spray paint can and got to work.

Here she is after one coat.

I am loving the potential, but something that I have learned from spray painting is to take your time. Do NOT rush. I was prepared to wait the entire day to make sure this lamp came out like I wanted it to.

It only took two coats....

I love it.

I took this lamp off of an old one in a closet, I think I like it.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T05:42:00.000-08:00

Time to Rest

2010-12-23T16:34:00.000-08:00

We are going to enjoy our Holiday Season.

We hope you do the same.

Wreaths Tips and Tricks

2010-12-20T05:40:00.000-08:00

I wanted to throw a few things out there in case you were wondering or needed a little nudge in profecting that holiday wreath.

ALWAYS buy more then you need. Yes, it may look like you have enough in your hand, but it's not going to stay in your hand, it seems to get smaller once you start decorating the wreath. I always just turned back before I leave the aisle in the store and grab one more.

Use plenty of wire. It's cheap and you can't even see it, if you use it right. I always do a shake test to make sure all more decorations have been secured onto the wreath.

Whether using a greenry base or a dried vine base, get a good one. Make sure it's a nice circle, I have seen so many that are funny shaped and that just will not make the best base for wreath making. I also tend to visit all my local craft shops just for this reason.

And when you think you are finished hang it up and take a step back.

And go ahead and add those few more decorations, even if you think you don't need it. You do.

Oh Christmas Wreath...

2010-12-14T05:24:00.000-08:00

I have been making my own wreaths for my home for years.

They have held up over time and each year seem to come out of the tote I store them in undamaged.

But the wreaths that I have been using I made when I was single and had my own place, and did not have much mone to spend.

I just kinda made it work.

But, now I am able to make fabulous wreaths I have always wanted on my front door.

So in replacing wreaths, or mostly ust re-vamping them. My husband has recruited me to provided wreaths for the new home buyers he has each month.

So I now in my spare time make wreaths for a welcome home package for new home owners.

What a delight?!

Ok, maybe not for you, but wouldn't have been awesome if you bought your home and as a welcome home, congratulations gift, you got a beautiful wreath.

I think so.

With the holiday season, here is one, I whipped together....

Merry Christmas!

Bathroom Make-Over

2010-12-06T07:31:00.000-08:00

Once again, we are getting the old house ready to go back on the market.

But I came to realize that the new owners may not want this yellow color in their bathroom.

So I ponder the thought, long and hard.

Do I really want to pay someone $500 or so to do this tiny room?

No, I could so use that money on something else. Right?!

It cost about $150 and three days of work, but I did it at my own pace with two children running around and I think I like it...

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Entry Re-Do

2010-11-21T07:31:00.000-08:00

If you have been reading my blog, you know that the entry "area" is the most challenging part of my home. It's not really a hall way, more like a little nook.

You walk in the front door and BAM! you're right in the living room. But, I wanted a piece that you could set your keys, or display pictures, etc.

So here is the change that this area has gone through.

I love the piece lightened up, but I was not liking the plates.

And I thought the lamps were to modern.

I like this better. Yes, both lamps work.

I did not even realized I only had one on until I uploaded the pictures.

I still like it!

Garage Sale STEAL!

2010-11-13T07:30:00.000-08:00

When I travel around the south and check out all the great stores and their antiques or sometimes even the thrift stores, it always crosses my mind.

"I can find a better deal then that."

Some of the time, I don't and later kick myself for not grabbing certain items up when I saw them for $10 cheaper somewhere else.

But that philospie has helped out this past weekend. We were on the way to grocery shop and passed by this gated community. In the six years we have driven by this place, I have never even seen a car go in, but today there was a Garage Sale sign out front. So we had to go.

And I am so glad that I did. I got everything for....

$5!!! Yes FIVE dollars!

Our Lil Man's Room

2010-11-05T05:43:00.000-07:00

So here's the deal, we have a two year old, who you guessed it, is rough on stuff.

All stuff.

So I wanted good quality furniture for his room that did not break the bank.

The bed was a deal and it has held up wonderfully.

But.... it's black.

And his room has drak walls. It's a little dreary in there for a little boy.

So I painted it.

Primed.

Nice coverage, with Primer, two coats of blue and a gloss.

The dresser however was another issue.

We bought a huge one, I mean one that was almost the size of his bed. There was no room in there for him, his toys, his bed, his toys, a chair, and his toys.

You get the picture. So I sold his enromous dresser and bought a smaller one that could still hold all of his cloths.

Here's the hardware.

Before drawers.

Forgive me, once I get the motivation to start a project there is no turning back, so after I start, I then remember the camera.

Drying.

Complete.

I like 'em!

Screen Door for the Inside

2010-10-28T05:27:00.000-07:00

With so many different things coming back into style for decorating again, I thought I would try an idea out. I might have seen this before in a magazine or on a blog, but forgive me I don't recall. Hanging a door yes, but a screen door, not really.

So when I bump into this peach for $2 at an estate sale, I took it.

As I was piling into my car between my two children, it dawned on me, it's kinda old and it might have a smell. Nevertheless, I knew I would not find one for this price again.

So I set it in the garage and waited.

Waited for inspiration.

And well for the cobwebs to disappear.

I touched up the paint and painted the screen to cover some rust.

By this time I had wondered if I had removed the character from the piece.

Once I removed the tape, the paint started to follow and I was a little sad.

Until I took a step back and realized what I had done.

Before After

Drop Cloth & Burlap Table Runner

2010-10-20T11:25:00.000-07:00

I have decided on a decorating theme for our home...

COTTAGE!

Oh, yes, the style that seems to in, however, mine is a little more challenging then going to the local furniture store and picking out something that looks antique or worn.

I am making it ALL myself.

Ok, when I say, all, I mean the things I can actually make.

Which leads me over to our dining room table. A table which is used.

Used a lot.

We eat all of our meals here, especially since I just sold our kitchen table. My toddle climbs up and eats his morning waffles, his hot dogs for lunch and whatever happens to make it on a plate for dinner. He will even climb up in his chair for his nightly ice cream.

But I am bored with it. I need something to make it more appealing and cottage like.

Table runner it is.

I gathered the drop cloth left overs from the entertainment skirt I made and it just so happened to be a perfect amount for this project.

Here it is, the drop cloth, a burlap roll and my ever so wonderful glue gun.

I folded about 5 inches of fabric over to make a nice hem. It was also the size I wanted it after I folded it over. So I just went down each side gluing away.

Here I am with my nice glued hem. So much easier for me, I just can't sew to safe my life.

Or any one's for that matter. Something I need to work on.

The burlap is kinda thick for this project, so I folded it in half making a crease and then cutting it in half.

No certain measurements, just whatever looks right.

Then glued one side down it the bottom of the hem. The side that will be face down on the table.

Then I came back through and glued the other end on top of the already glued side. Making a double edge.

Viola! By doubling it up on the edge it makes it poofy. So it is not completely flat on the table. Also, so there is not too much burlap. I just wanted it to be decorative not overwhelming.

If you can't tell by all the pictures, I sure do like it.

Now if I can only keep it clean.

Wreaths for Fall

2010-10-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy the fall/winter season. Though, here in Texas that just means it will dip into the low 60s, but yeah, it's better then the 100 degree heat.

With this change in weather, we all know the season is changing and nothing is more fitting for a season change then the coordinating wreath on your door.

I made one for EVERY season before my husband and I met. Just cute little ones, that I made with cheap things from the dollar store. They have lasted for over 7 years, so I must have done something right.

But now, I want something more fancy. More glamorous. More me.

So here is the first one. Yes, I said first one, I have a few more up my sleeve.

I really like how it all came together at the end. I did not want it too dark, or too orange. So I think I found a happy medium. I also, love the little weed things, forgive I do not know the proper name, but they sure are cute.

On the door it goes...

Drop Cloth Skirt...

2010-10-12T06:33:00.000-07:00

Before, I start I want to apologize for the quality of the pictures. It's hard holding a toddler out of the frame and taking the picture at the same time. Whenever I pull the camera out to take a picture of something besides him, he has to be in it.

Ok, a skirt. Well a skirt for my entertainment center.

I have been staring at this piece for weeks, thinking man, I just don't want to spend the money to get another one, when most likely we will be doing something different with this set-up once we move.

I sure don't want to get the paint out either. My hard labor does not come cheap these days.

I knew there must be something I can do, to make me happy and avoid spending a ton of money that will also give me a solution to the thing that has been plaguing me.

Drop cloth.

I purchased two large ones, last week for a chair I am working on. Post to come later.

And I remember seeing other fellow bloggers using "skirts" to hide storage under their desks or tables and I thought, well I can hide the darkness just as easy.

Here's the darkness.

I laid out the drop cloth and took measurements.

I added a few inches to the top so that I would be able to fold it. I cannot sew, so this is the easy fix for me.

Cut it by a chalk line that I made. I just used chalk I had lying around the house. You can barely see it and once I made the fold, you can't see it at all.

Then I tacked the two ends with furniture tacks, to hold them in place and let the center fabric hang loose so that I could place a crease in the middle.

I gathered the fabric in the center folding on each side and then joining them in the middle to make one nice fold.

Then placed a tack to hold in the center.

I did not completely place the tacks on the ends until I was sure that I liked the fold in the center. I also had my hubby there to help hold and to give more cloth in the center to adjust the fold to my desire.

I really like it and think that it fulfills my request to down play the darkness of the room.

Entry Make-Over

2010-10-04T06:40:00.000-07:00

I finally got the entry area the way I want it.

Well for now anyway.

So this is what I had. I grab this piece while I was out of town with the in-laws and loved it. However it drowned out on this huge wall I had it up against. So it had to go.

Into another room, not the trash.

My toddler is showing me what a great baragain I got it for and how well made it is.

Then, I went to this. I sold a piece. Then bought this piece.

The boldness of this sideboard, is wonderful for this spot. Except it has one flaw...

It's black.

And if you have been listening, I need light colors.

(Don't worry the star was only there long enough to take a picture and see what it looked like, I did not leave it there.)

So into the garage it went, with a coat of primer, two coats of my favorite blue/gray/off white paint I own.

Out with the lamps and anything remotely dark.

A few trips to IKEA, HL and some more paint.

And this is what is there now....

What do you think?

A lot better I think.

Before After

Picture This...

2010-09-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

With all the fab wall decals that are available in stores and online, there are a ton of options for new and inventive, even sentimental ways to "write" what you want on your wall.

And then move it around. With the adhesive that is used you can casually take it down and move it into another room or another spot if it's not exactly where you want it.

Which makes these things all the more appealing.

However, with a plans to move in the near future, I still want to use the decals, I just don't want to leave them. Nor do I want to defer prospective buyers from making an offer because they don't like it.

So I came up with, making a picture.

Yes, a picture.

There is a Garden Ridge less than five miles from my house and I bet if you went into 95% of the home within a twenty miles radius you would see some version of this picture.

I own four.

So I covered it up.

Then I slapped two coats of the green paint I had.

Inside, we went.

Way too hot outside.

Here is the decal. A little Halloween-ish but I think the green will liven it up.

If I change my mind the decal peels right off, too!

Cut it in half.

I measured. The tree is tilting, not my cutting.

PLace it on there, one side at a time.

Finished project!!!

Project Brighten Up: Family Room

2010-09-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

If you haven't notice, I am obsessed with brightening up my home.

First, we are having a ton of people over for my littlest one's 1st birthday and second, because I want out of this house and into a new one.

My goal is to make our home welcoming, where someone will want to call it their home one day.

So I have been focusing on the entertainment unit. It is the main part of the area, besides our enormous couch, which is a light latte color. Our entertainment center we made ourselves. We just bought a few shelves and a dresser from IKEA and put it together to make one. It sounds weird but it works and we like it.

But it's dark. Really dark.

I have been placing white, only white, things on the shelves but have run out of things. There are eight total shelves and I only have two left. I refuse to purchase something.

So I am using my brain power and coming up with something from around the house.

Intro to this project. Books.

I completely ripped the covers off, and then placed twine around them. They are still readable so no real damage was done. But I think they are super cute.

If you are paying attention you would have counted 5 books, three for the shelve and the other two for the end table with only a poor little lamp.

As I was dismantling the fifth book, it did not work, I could not get the cover off with out damaging the entire thing. So I came up with something else.

Burlap.

I hot glued the burlap to the back and then again along the edge to keep it tight and then again when I wrapped it around.

Easy.

Its not too much but just a little.

I like it.

The Vintage Pearl Giveaway!

2010-09-16T05:21:00.000-07:00

Click Here to leave a comment and you are entered to win a new necklace they just designed!!!

Green with Envy

2010-09-10T06:09:00.000-07:00

Well, I hope that's the way you feel after you see my latest transformation of furniture.

I wanted to add a little color, not to brighten it up but to change the simple colors, I always choose green.

But the hubby gives me a big, fat VETO, before I even get in the car to get the paint. But I had an idea, I would "tone down" the green before he saw it.

Wish me luck!

Here is my $20 Craigslist purchase.

Yes, $20 for the set.

I primed right on top, now roughing it up for me.

Remember, I have to surprise the hubby.

With fingers crossed, of course.

Second coat of green paint.

I think the green is on the relaxed side, but still kinda bright for my placement in our living room.

I slathered on a very generous layer of dark walnut stain.

Mostly, because I like it.

And, because I don't want to do it twice.

After about 10 minutes, I normally wait the longest possible, because again I only wanted to stain it once, but I use a large amount so I did not wait this time.

I wiped it off slightly, and still did not think the green was aged. It looked more covered up to me.

So, I rubbed some more.

And then a little more.

That is the best thing about the stain, you make it the color or aged look you want.

So I stopped rubbing.

This is what I got.

I like it.

And so does the hubby.

"Like" The Vintage Bench

2010-09-06T19:14:00.000-07:00

Now you can keep up with us via Facebook.

Just check our our page.

Hope you had a fabulous Lado Day!

Entry Piece Re-Do

2010-09-02T07:21:00.000-07:00

When you enter my home, you walk smack dab into the middle of it. No lie.

Our entry/living room/dining area is just one huge area. Though we like the openeness, it sure is hard to decorate. You can't tell where the living area begins and ends, or where the dining room ends and begins, as well as how the entry way is really the entry way, when you really have already entered into the home and there is no other way.

It's difficult. But I do know that a little lighting up won't hurt.

So here is my entry cabinet/side board/buffet piece. I sold a piece on Craigslist that I had re-finished and it sold for the exact amount this piece was listed for.

SCORE!

Now, don't get me wrong, I love the piece, we even prefer it in black. But the owners before us, used a gold paint pen to accent it. I mean accent everything and it was totally free hand. I just could not walk by this every day knowing this.

I am just trying out the green star, my hubby does not like it. So it most likely will not be there later. I was also testing a rubbing method of painting to see how it turned out, just FYI!

The primer coat. It covered very well, since the piece was black I was afraid I was going to have to put four coats on it. But it soaked it right up.

First coat of paint. Just on the side there, that's why it looks odd. I wanted to make sure it was covering well and that I would not change my mind about the color.

Clear coat, brushed on. I think it looks very "light."

Now, back inside near the ol' whatever- you -want- to -call- it!

I purchased some cute lamps from IKEA, they were having a huge sale, but I wanted a more adult look. So cute wasn't going to work. Though, these were more then I normally spend on lamps and expensive for IKEA, I think they were worth it and really tie everything together.

Detail of the knobs, I think the black really hide this. With the lighter color it really exposes it more.

BEFORE: AFTER:

More Balls Needed!

2010-08-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

Still basking in this brighting the house idea. I am totally enjoying this new table cloth I got. But with the new table cloth had to come this new center piece basket/bowel. Well, there was not really anything there before and I have been looking for awhile. With a $7 tag on it the basket was the way to go.

I placed the leftover decorative balls, is that what they are called? If you know the proper term tell me, or just let me keep calling them that, I don't care. But I think the basket is over powering the decorations and I am feeling empty with the lack of this centerpiece.

So I must get some more, right? Well then I had this overwhelming idea, there has to be something that I have read or seen that can help me with this dilemna, so I don't go out and spend money. Right?!

There is, in the dozens of blogs I read daily and gather ideas and thoughts from I knew there had to be some ideas about this. And there were.

There are tons, so please forgive me. I just don't have the time to tag or give credit here. As each one's idea is different and I kinda just made mine up as I went along.

But each one that I did read, used something different, did use hot glue or did not. Used burlap, instead of yarn, used jute instead of something else, you get the picture.

But if you would like me to tag you, give me the link and I will be glad to.

So here is where I begin, I scowered the house and toy boxes for balls, a few easter eggs and one lonely ball left over from our poor ball pit that never made it through the 1st week in our house.

Some hot glue, because I love it, I think it might be better than duct tape!

Two kinds of yarn and some jute.

The first one, I just started wrapping, nicely.

I mean straight lines, straight here, straight everywhere.

It was taking forever!

So I just started wrapping and wrapping. As if I was transferring one spool to another. That seemed to speed the process and I think give it a little charm.

Next ball, the dog's ball. Now don't worry for some reason he only plays with the big balls outside, so this one will not be missed!

LOL!

I used a thinner yarn. More string like, but with some puff. I liked out it turned out.

Then my last one, a textured kind of yarn that is two toned.

I heaaart this one, too.

They have moved into their new home nicely and I think livened the place up.

Another Bright Idea

2010-08-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

The hubby and I have searched and searched for ways and ideas to make the entrance, i.e. the front walk, more inviting. We want to replace the door, but of course the ones we like are several hundred dollars, and I don't want to spend that kinda of money on a house we are going to sell.

Then we thought about paint. But this door is an older door and I am not sure how it would handle paint. And if I did paint it, it would probably take a week to dry and then my children would wonder off.

So I went with the next best thing.

Wreaths.

I don't just love them inside the house. I love them outside, too.

I have handmade all of our wreaths.

So I started with the simple vine wreath, which was on sale at HL and cost a whopping $2.23!

Then, after spending the day in the yard I headed to Michael's because they were having a floral sale.

These white flowers were $1.99 with an additional 40% off.

I can handle that. I also wanted to make this wreath simple and eye catching. I was driving by a neighbor's house that lives a few blocks over and she has a wreath similar on her door. It caught my eye and a broke my neck checking it out. Maybe it will do the same on our house.

I totally just inter twined the stems into the vines and tucked and pulled and tucked some more until I liked it!

I do.

I like it!

Project Kitchen Lighten Up!

2010-08-08T07:46:00.000-07:00

I have gotten so much done today.

THREE projects, Three! Well unless you can't planting flowers as one, but I didn't take any pictures of them. Oh, well.

So I have moved into the kitchen, which is my favorite place. Since I spend a large amount of time in there. So I want it to not only be a place of great food, but also a place to sit round and eat to drink. Or both.

I have this fabulous bench, which inspired my blog name. But I am just running out of room so I put it in the kitchen, though this will most likely not be it's permanent place, I haven't found any chairs to go with the table nor do I feel like looking, I kinda want to stumble upon them.

As you can tell the wall is bare. Remember we are getting ready to put this house on the market, soon. And I need something warm and inviting.

Sorry about the mess, we went swimming and are planning a big FIRST birthday, so our house is a little messy.

You can't see it, and I just now realized that when I am typing this, but there is an end table to the right of the bench that is a shade of green and I wanted to draw that out and brighten it up some.

The plates are different textures and sheen's.

I do have two more that will be going in the middle, but I am short a few hangers.

I am not too sure about the pillows, I had them standing up the day before, I want the bench to say, "come sit on me!"

I need a Favor...

2010-07-30T13:16:00.000-07:00

I normally would never ask my blog friends to help me out, but I think I have a chance at winning.

So here is the deal:

There is a local lady here in Texas, that distresses furniture and though I am in the same business, I do my work for fun and family.

And for you to read about,, of course.

But this lady is talented and I do love her stuff.

The favor:

Just go to her website, leave a comment telling her I (Melissa Orsak) sent you.

That's it, it's painless.

And I promise, when your cutie pootie is in a contest I will click their picture until my finger falls off and then I will switch hands until my other finger falls off.

I promise, to vote for your furniture remodel and/or project, just as long as you provide me with the link.

Help a girl out. I would very much appericate it!

Have a fab weekend!

Brighten It with Green.

2010-07-30T09:22:00.000-07:00

We have been gearing up to put our house on the market.

With packing up most everything we own and the personal things, our house it mostly bare.

But also boring.

I have been trying to work on making it more inviting more homey.

Warm even. A place you want to visit and stay.

Even buy!

The majority of our furniture is neutral. And boring.

We have lots of black and some brown. Which makes it dark and dreary in our home.

We are nothing close to that. So I making some changes here and there and a change I want to incorporate is color. I have taken down most of the black decor and either painted it or packed it.

I took the mantle from being the mantle of a funeral palor to one at a beach house. Now, it's time for the rest of the living area. I am adding green. Lots of green.

I picked a shade of paint that I love and will be incorporating as much as I can.

Here is my first step in working with the furniture.

Before:

Here it is after the $6 pillow shams. That also happen to match the table cloth I also bought for $7 at Home Goods.

It's not a huge change but I am liking where it is going.

Lantern Overhaul!

2010-07-22T12:13:00.000-07:00

The other day I headed over to IKEA to find some cute, cheap decor. Something to summerize our home and brighten it some.

I have been reading The Nester's tips and really like her ideas.

Of course I love ALL of her ideas, but this one I had to try.

Ok, I try most of them, anyway.

This lantern was the cutest and it was on sale for $5.

I had to have it. Though it only came in red, navy blue and forest green, there was no way it would work with my brighting plan.

So I walked away only to find the dang cart I was pushing, pull me back over and pick one up.

I COULD PAINT IT!

So here it is right out of the box.

Green and all.

Out to the garage we went and I used my best, most favorite white gloss spray paint money can buy.

No, just what HL had in stock.

Assembley was required.

Thank goodness it came with directions! HA!

So I thought, on the mantle it will go, but the thing was too big and I knew a little two year old would throw a ball in that direction and glass would go everywhere.

So no go with the mantle.

Then, came another fabo idea, I could place it over the TV with one of the cutest globe lights that IKEA has ever made.

Then I placed it inside.

I think I like it!

What I am Working On.

2010-07-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

This is my new project.

Thank you so much to the hubster and my lil' terds to taking the hour long drive one way to pick it up.

I found this piece on, yes, you guessed it Craigslist. And originally was not too thrilled with the price. I contacted the lady and was under the impression she would not budge from her asking price.

So I gave up.

A week later she contacted me desperated to give it a new home as they were running out of room and had to let it go.

She dropped the price $20.

SOLD!

Oh, the stories this desk could tell. I am charmed by it's luster.

Or lack of.

And can honestly say that I have never been intimidated by a piece of furniture before.

Before this one.

I believe I am just going to give it a good polishing and let the originality of the piece shine though!

Let the polishing begin!

Lamps Once More

2010-07-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

My original post about these fab-o lamps.

This picture is after I painted them black, but still had a small problem with the border ribbon on top. It was brown and beige striped.

And it stayed that way for weeks.

Shhhhhhh!

But then I grew tired, oh so tired.

Every time I walked by the lamps said to me, "oh please do something about this up-matchingness!"

Yes that's a word.

So I did.

I am loving this detail!

Before: After:

A Little Canvas Art

2010-07-10T07:48:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to try this form some time and since I am smack dab in the middle of brightening up the ole living room I thought what a better time then now.

I went to my local HL and bought to canvas that were the closet to the size of the doormat I already own.

I picked the cheapest kind plus 30% off sale I got these for less then $10.

I used a semi-gloss paint in a gray that I already had as well.

Just rolled it on and it took no time at all.

Sorry I did not get a pick with the mat on the canvas.

I spray painted over with white, but the 1st time, yes the first time, I sprayed too heavy and it leaked out and made a mess. So I had to start over.

The second time I took my time and did two light coats and it worked out well .

The President's Completion!

2010-07-06T07:29:00.000-07:00

So I have been updating a ton on this piece and have really enjoyed flipping it.

Really because it has so much character.

I really think by taking down completely to the base and then starting over has really helped this piece and showed it's true colors.

But I'll let you be the judge.

I also Mod Podge the drawers with some scrapbook paper and really liked how they turned out as well.

So here we are:

I used a spray paint color I just loved but purchased it in a can of semi- gloss because I don't think I am good enough to spray paint an entire piece maybe another time.

Original Hardware!

Walnut stain on the top.

I really like the contrast!

The drawers lined wtih paper!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Oh, Lamps!

2010-07-02T01:32:00.000-07:00

I really like lamps.

Vintage Lamps.

Fat Lamps.

Gold Lamps.

Lamps with Tassels.

I also agree with The Nester's philosphy on lamps in the house.

But I grew up with the same idea. Or my mother pounding in our heads to turn off the overhead lighting, it's TOO bright and it warms the house.

I agree with that now that I am a mom and I see that electric bill come in the mail. But living in Texas it's hard to keep a house cool and the last thing you want is to have unflattering light aging you and making the ole electric company richier.

Right?!

So when my hubby and I moved in together so did my 20+ lamps. He did not understand all the fuss, but now I catch him enjoying the ambiance just as much as I do.

As well as the electric bill.

The entry buffet/sideboard/cabinet finally bit the dust. I was so tired of seeing a broken drawer and for the space the piece was weak.

So I found another baragain on Craiglist to take it's spot.

You'll have to wait for a later post to see the new recruit.

But I moved some old lamps from the storage closet onto the, we'll call it a sideboard. But that weren't cutting it either. I think they were too short and just not able to compete with the magnitude of the new piece.

I had eyed some lamps at HL that were 66%, but at the prices they started at I was still spending more than I wanted to. So I thought about the lamps that I love and already own.

Where did I get those?

KIRKLAND'S!

So I headed on over and picked up two tall lamps for a 1/4 of the price for one at HL.

Of course they were going to have to blend with the decor.

So project on.

You can't really tell, but they are chocolate brown with golden accents.

So I taped off the globe.

And, the prongs.

Are those called prongs?

You know the bars the shade screws on to.

A little black satin spray paint and they are like new.

Well new with some new paint!

Except for the shade and that's for another day!

Update: On the President's Desk Part 2

2010-06-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

I really like this desk and think that I have come up with a great solution on how to breathe in life into it.

But this journey is going to take awhile.

A LONG while.

I bought it a week ago and am now ready to prime. There was one layer of latex white paint and then two to four layers of varnish.

The top of the desk had four layers, I so did not like that.

Striped.

Sanded.

Striped.

Sanded.

Throw in a little steel wool and this is what I got.

I woukl have loved to keep it this brown, natural oak, but the residue and staining from the layers and layers had really sunk into the piece.

So I nursed it back to health with a little primer. It's drying now and I should be able to add the bottom color later today!

Jewerly/Lingerie Chest Complete!!

2010-06-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

My original post about this piece, I love it.

It has that classy, sophisticated feel, with a touch of uniqueness.

Here it is before the transformation:

Then priming.

The finished product.

I chose a neutral blueish gray color that was not too overwhelming and went well with the black hardware.

I even mod podge the inside with some craft paper I found at Hobby Lobby!

I just love it!!!!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

China Cabinet Complete!

2010-06-20T07:19:00.000-07:00

My original post about this cabinet was way back in April and here it is May.

The process with the cabinet went smoothly.

The dismantling and the sanding and the priming all were a breeze and I was glad my first piece was going so well.

Until.

Until, I could not find hardware, ANYWHERE!

I know what you are thinking, use the original hardware. And oh, did I want to.

I wanted to bad, but the previous owner had damaged them and I, nor my hubby could make them work.

So I spent hours online searching and then on the phone. And finally found some.

Loaded up the ole sleigh with the kiddos and headed straight there.

Now, I love it. But I am thinking about roughing it up a little, I am going let this look wear on me a little and see what I think.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Update: On the President's Desk

2010-06-16T08:23:00.000-07:00

Alright, so maybe it is not the President's desk, but that's what I am calling it.

This poor thing, has some brown varnish under the white paint and then under that, it looks oakish.

Stay tuned to see what happens to this piece.

I am excited to see how it looks when I am fininshed.

Update: Jewerly/Lingerie Chest

2010-06-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

Primed.

I chose a grayish blue color, you can't really tell here, but I think it will look great. I had use this same color on some other things around the house and really liked it.

Another Desk

2010-06-08T08:38:00.000-07:00

Yes, another desk!

I think I will stick with the two for now.

I just couldn't pass this $10 Craigslist purchase!

Another Sneak Peak!

2010-06-04T04:08:00.000-07:00

Trash Bag Wreath, The Details

2010-05-30T08:54:00.000-07:00

Stephanie at Under the Table and Dreaming, had this fabulous idea, to make a wreath out of trash bags. What a wonderful idea to recycle some things from your home and make something decorative.

Though, the name of the wreath is not quite attractive, I had to check it out.

Here is her's, and I love it.

I think, though, once you read my blog, that I "re-invent" the ideas of my fellow bloggers and throw my little twist into the mix. Normally, because I do not have exactly what they used, nor do I want to load up the car with the kiddos and head to the local craft mall and get two things.

So here is my twist:

I started with the styrofoam 12 in wreath

hot glue

screw driver/ knife

trashbags, clear & white

We do not have a ton of extra trash bags lying around, so I bought some from the store. The cheap ones, this total project cost about $5!

I folded the bags three times, due to the length and the fact that I wanted a full wreath!

Hot glued the ends together and then clothes pinned them, I hate sitting around waiting for the glue to cool!

This worked better and made it go faster. I did about 15-20 bags, but needed more, so total bags ran about 30-45, but remember I want FLUFFY!

I started with the screw driver to make the holes, but wanted to make sure the bags were in there good, so I used a steak knife to dig out the hole and filled it with glue and pressed the glued end of the bag instead, making sure I had all the edges inside, so they would not fall out later.

This is what I got! I rotated two white bags per one clear bag.

The clear bags were longer and wider.

I cut the folded end with scissors and began fluffying them out, see the one I already fluffed, to make sure that I liked it. Since, the clear bags were longer I cut off about 2 inches so that they were in uniform with the other bags!

Viola!

This is what I got.

I love the fullness and the price!

Here it is over the entry table, that I will re-do later. It kinda brightens it up some!

(I did not have the flash on though)

Love it! Love it!

Linking to:

Little Blue Chair Update!

2010-05-26T06:22:00.000-07:00

My original post about my little blue chair.

$3 garage sale STEAL, I knew it had to come home with me.

Here it is before:

And after....

Spray paint all the way!

After sanding and sanding and stripping and sanding.

And when I thought I was done with sanding I would take a once over and realize one more sanding would do.

I slapped Cappuccino on top with a clear glass and

VIOLA!

Linking to:

A Day at the Lake

2010-05-22T02:33:00.000-07:00

I used this paint for our Master bedroom and love the deep brown it gives out.

There was a 40% discount at the fabric store on all fabrics and trim, so this tassel trimming was a steal. Plus, it would go great with the brown. Right?!

The difference with this tassel is the bird house is round, first of all.

Which to me seems different so I wanted something different. So I fluffed the bottom and wrapped a piece of burlap around it, like a skirt.

Then I threw in the frilly things. The house is simple, not too much.

I just did not see a lot of frill with this one.

More Simple.

Beach Bird House Tassel

2010-05-18T02:31:00.000-07:00

I love this one!!!

If I was a bird I would so call this house for reservations every weekend and camp out there.

I thought the house kinda look like a church and then maybe a house in the Hamptons. Like I know what those look like.

I'm guessing here.

So I gave it that antique white color of paint.

Let the fluffing begin. With some accessorizing.

Viola!

By far one of my favorites and I made 4 of these today, The more I did the better I got.

And, the little blur through out the pictures, is Woody from Toy Story, he goes with us everywhere and just needed his picture taken with the tassel.

Another Tassel

2010-05-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Just Because I Can.

Wreath with Your Coffee

2010-05-14T02:13:00.000-07:00

So, let me start by saying I love wreaths.

I am one of those people, that changes it for every season on our front door and I even made every one of those. When we first moved into our home as newlyweds I put a store bought one on EVERY door.

However I have grown tired of the store bought look and have fallen in love with the handmade wreaths I have been falling upon in the blog world.

If the wreath makes me swoon, I will make it.

As did this wreath over at The Little Brown House.

I love her ideas and just HAD TO HAVE THIS WREATH!

I did throw my little twist into the mix though. She used safety pins and with two lil' ones in the house, I did not feel safe doing that. So I hot glued my hiney off.

I also liked the flower idea and wanted something shiney in the middle.

So I grab an old pair of earrings I NEVER wear and glued it in the center too.

In case you were wondering this entire project cost $5!

Linking Up to:

Sneak Peak!!!!!

2010-05-12T12:05:00.000-07:00

I just could not pass up the uniqueness in this piece.

Though it may not be the greatess looking, right now.

But it will be.

Tassel Me...

2010-05-10T19:50:00.000-07:00

Just in case there is another Tassel Party over at The Nester, I will be ready.

Plus, the creative juices were flowing and once they start I just can't stop.

I was not really buying this candle stick holder for a topper, I thought it was cute and maybe I could put it in my china cabinet or something.

But the brass had to go.

I got this new spray paint and wanted to try out the color and what better way then to paint something that I did not like the color of.

Two coats and I think it covered it nicely.

Will I have been out ~~stalking~~ reading about all these tassel makers, I thought I could do that. I was also very attracted to the idea of using burlap.

I just like it.

So here we go.

Started with the painted holder. Don't you love the work station, my dining room table with a blanket so I can watch the kiddos while I work.

Multi-tasking!

I knew that with a topped like this, I would need something fluffy, so I whipped out the ole tulle.

Then cut some burlap and fastened the ends together to form loops.

However I was not to thrilled about the outcome.

So I cut the loops.

Then, added some ribbon.

I gathered another thickness of ribbon, as well as a color I liked and hot glued it into the holder, to form the hanger.

I was going for country cottage meets wedding on a Sunday.

I think I got it!

I'm also participating in

Paper Wreath

2010-05-10T07:55:00.000-07:00

Here is another new thing, taking the blogging world by storm.

The Book Page Wreath.

This photo was stolen from Lindsey over at Living with Lindsey.

I really liked her idea. And did not believe that I could do, but I have seen others take their chance at making one and they always say it cost them nothing, except for the glue gun purchase or the wreath.

I REALLY made mine for nothing.

As in ZERO dollars.

I grabbed this wreath out of my wreath bin in the garage, you know where I keep all my wreaths, color coded, because I am a little organized.

This wreath was orginally met to add some spice to the existing Easter wreath that I am already using. But it fell flat and I was sad.

So away the wreath went until another day. Maybe for anther calling.

And, that day came. So I stripped the colorful egg looking things off that was tied down with some twine. Really?

I think I paid $9.99 for this in March. I might have gotten screwed.

So this is what I am left with.

I protected the vines with wrapping paper sacks around the entire wreath.

Which is also kinda said, it took me forever to accumulate these paper bags, because no ones uses paper anymore. But they went to a good use and will enjoy their new home immensely.

Then starts the paper. I have seen some whole punch their paper or even use an entire page. I however wanted to jazz it up a bit. So I toar the pages in half and then in three's. Mashed the paper around the end of a sponge brush, because that's all I had and hot glued my butt off.

Almost done.

Complete. In total it took about 3 hours, and about 6 glue sticks and a 75 page book.

I love how it turned out. I have not decided on if to add ribbon or not, I'll think about it.

Trash Bag Wreath

2010-05-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

Over at Under the Table & Dreaming, they are having a Sunday Showcase Party, so I thought I would join.

Check out her post on How to Make this Wreath

2010-05-09T06:30:00.000-07:00

New Piece....

2010-05-08T17:16:00.000-07:00

A new piece I picked up while out shopping in Llano, Texas.

Stay tuned.

Round Table Completion

2010-05-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Round Table Update:

2010-05-03T10:36:00.000-07:00

Totally different tranformation, this table has taken.

I think I love it.

It is a little shiny, that's because it is penetrating the wood. I will whip it off later. I don't know if I want to go this dark or not. We'll see.

This piece will be available to take home, when completed.

PB Inspiration

2010-05-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

I have a feeling that will be the title to many of my posts. I can flip through their magazines over and over and over and never get tired.

I always see something I missed before, or catch an idea I never thought of and can do with the items I already have lying around the house, I just never thought of it the way they do.

Oh, those PB people have fantabulous jobs.

So here is my project.

I got this cute table from Craigslist. For a very good deal.

But again I am bored with it.

Oh, so bored.

So with PB's inspiration I am going to breathe some flair back into this piece.

I started by sanding the crap out of it.

Literally if you look close there is crap all over my garage, where my car use to be parked.

First coat of primer goingon. Yes I know I am only doing the pedastal.

I promise it will make sense later.

I hope.

Before:

After:

My Lil Blue Chair

2010-04-30T06:25:00.000-07:00

So, I am not a HUGE fan of garage sales, maybe junk sales are what I don't like. When it looks as though they have taken their trash and dumped it in their driveway, yeah, that's it, I don't like that kind.

But I was cruising through this FAB neighborhood where the houses are bigger then the white one in Washington and POOF, there was an "Estate Sale." And there from the road I saw the cutest and loneliest chair.

Mr. Blue.

Or, Ms. Whatever you prefer.

Now, I do love the blue, however I wanted to place this chair near the entrance of my home and there was no way it was going to go there this color.

Or anywhere else in my home for that matter.

So I started stripping.

Ok, I just re-read that sentence and realized I need to clarify.

Started using the paint stripper.

Here it is going to work.

After scraping and sanding and scraping and sanding and about a weeks worth of days, I finally got to put on the primer.

Only after one coat, too. It sure is showing potential. I can't wait to see the finished look.

Update on the Stool Brothers

2010-04-28T06:20:00.000-07:00

My Craiglist purchase, that were suppose to go in my remodeled kitchen with my new remodeled breakfast bar, that just did not happen.

Now they are available to join your home.

Here they are before:

Same brown color that every other person has in the house at their bar.

Here they are after:

I really liked how they turned out. I know I say that about almost everything, but if I did not like them I would start all over.

I painted them Slate Gray and then sealed them with a clear gloss for longtime use!

Tassels....

2010-04-28T06:18:00.000-07:00

Another great trend in the blog world, tassel making!

Think about, everytime you look at a cute tassel that is hanging on a lamp, or door knob, even a ceiling fan. How do you make those?

How much does it cost?

Do they come in the colors I WANT?

All these questions are reasons as to why I do my own.

And well because I can!

Here are my very first two. I like how they turned out. I was going for bold and a little trendy.

If you like them so much visit my estsy shop, The Vintage Bench.

A Tale of 2 Stools

2010-04-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

Another Craigslist purchase.

I may have spent too much on getting these, but they are in great shape, except for a loose bar, which I am fixing with the bungey chords.

They are the perfect height and design for what we want to use them for.

Except for the fact that our kitchen is now under construction and we will no longer be needing them.

But I will continue on with the project and re-list them.

Sanded!

Primed!

Stay Tuned!

Cabinet from China?

2010-04-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

No, not quite.

I purchased this cabinet off of Craigslist. And, boy, did I get a great deal.

I completely stripped it down, removed all the hardware.

Sanded it.

Primed it.

Placed two coats of London Fog all over.

I wanted black but not too black.

Then I covered the backing with fabric. To lighten it up without going crazy.

I love how it turned out. I just can't seem to find any hardware that I think will work well.

Once I have this baby is going back on Craigslist. Hopefully to a new home, that will love it and fill it full of dishes!

Nightstand Upgrade

2010-04-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

If you are in the Houston area, you have probably heard of The Dump.

It is more of a discontinued, surplus store. The hubby and I went and bought all of our furniture there before we moved into our new home as newlyweds.

We saved a bundle and got some great deals are some good quality furniture. Though, I do love the things that we accumulated from there, they bore me.

Here is our natural oak night stand, that has a twin and a tall boy 5 drawer dresser that comes with it.

So I suggested that I maybe, jazz up the ole bedroom.

So I went to Lowes, and picked out my favorite red sample and came home with red velvet.

Though after three coats it's still looked like a dark pink to me.

So I slapped a little walnut stain on it, let it bake for 10 minutes or so.

Wiped it away and this is what I got.

I also just could not find hardware that I liked, so I spray painted the original hardware a brassy brown color.

I am not sure if I LUV it, but I do like it.