Tackling the Elephant in the Room

Howdy one and all!  I know I've been MIA for a few weeks now!  Well, I'm feeling more like me and have begun to tackle my greatest task . . . the "Elephant in the Room", my china hutch! LOL!  The reason I call it the "elephant in the room" is because I live in a one bedroom apt without a patio for a painting area.  Plus the cabinet is much too large for me to use my usual outside space, my parking space. *_*    Thus, I have to paint it in place in my livingroom; inconvenient mess, especially since the piece is so large.  Here is its present paint colors plus a peek at some of my blue/white collection. : -)

It's been this color since about 2002!  I'll show the first original paint job when I do the complete reveal!  This hutch is the first piece of furniture I ever attempted to paint!  Please ignore the mess in the picture below; one of the challenges of diy in an apt - moving furniture and everything else around when you're painting. lol

 I had a challenge on this back area.  You can see where the top of the hutch sat; the last time I painted with the top in place.  Can you see the old turquoise color?

Here's a sneak peek of where I'm taking it now!  The first step of painting it two-toned!  This color is a bit misleading as I've since remixed the diy chalk paint.  But not by much . . . -_^  What do you think the second color will be?

So that's it for now!  I'm hoping to finish this by this weekend .. . energy willing.  Hope your week is going well.  Stay tuned . . .

~Barbe~

Window Shopping!

I was feeling a little bored the earlier tonight so I decided to do a little window shopping but . . . . on Craigslist!!!  I was amazed what was available locally.  If only I had more space . . . . lol  *WARNING*  This post is HEAVY WITH PHOTOS!  So get your coffee or tea and whatever goodies to go with it! : )

First we'll start with the free stuff.  This is what was available as of today.  If only I wasn't going out of town, today I'd so be trying to pick these up. . .




I know your drooling right now . . . huh!  Just pull up and take it all for free!  There is also a king size mattress set; must take all or take none.
Next were these barraster(sp) cases below.

  Isn't this gorgeous!  There are two of them and totally for free, just pick up!

How's this for inspiration while potty training and only $25!  My youngest grandson just got potty trained. lol


Below I found another crafter with a Facebook page, Revolving Door Decor, selling these wings!  Such a simple yet pretty project.  She also has some awesome furniture pieces!


I might have to buy these:  bookshelf, table, and small painted chest all for $40!  I've been looking for a tall narrow bookshelf; other pieces a bonus. : )


Love the shape of these nightstands.  Notice the glass tops that come with them.


I'd love to see this made over, too much gold!!! *_*


Tissue holder, mirror, toilet shelf and magazine rack - all for $100.


They have 2 at $100 for both!


I recently saw one of these on someone's blog, $25.


Begging to go home with someone for a makeover, $5.


Beautiful but expensive, $400!


If only I had the strength to manage a business!  Only $50!


This one has glass shelves and the lighting for $40.


Awesome storage for a craft room.  Look at those shelves and the deep drawers plus a lock and key, $150
  

Now this takes me back to my first apartment!   Wonderful memories . . . -_^  I think they're making a comeback also!  Only $40.


I love this table and it extends to 60" oval with the leaf extension that sinks in the middle!  I so need a kitchen table set though this doesn't come with chairs.  But it is solid oak and can keep it round for everyday use.
  

I need to make arrangements for this bedframe before I leave this evening!  Just what I've looked for!  Just $100 or best offer!


Okay, so you see this could go on forever! LOL!!!  The interesting thing is I usually don't find much of anything locally, especially in furniture.  Hope you enjoyed window shopping with me and have a blessed rest of the week.  If you haven't already, don't forget the Frugal Treasures Tuesday party is going on through Sunday evening!
~Barbe~

Frugal Treasure Tuesday #2 Is Here!

Update:  Yippee!!!  Frugal Treasures is up and running!  Whew!  That took longer than I thought.  Thanks for your patience and support!

Barbe 3/7/2012

 Do you ever just have one of those days  . . . 

sure you have; we all do.   Well, this is definitely one of mine!  I ask for your patience as I explain.  Yes, . . . you read it right, the party will be delayed. *_*   There were some glitches on my blog with comments and links.  Then I didn't realize my subscription was expiring for Linky Tool! *blush*   Sheeeesh*  But the good news is all will be fixed by tomorrow so be sure to come back on Wednesday and we'll be able to party to our hearts content!
Unfortunately, things continued to go wrong . . .  I thought I'd be sharing the completion of this little table I showed as my next project at the end of the 'Rainy Day' post.  But after sanding and priming the top dried and left me with this you see in the bottom photo:

 You'll notice a slight raised areas and bubbling.  This was the beginning of the problems.

Are You Living in the Meantime or Making it Homey?

 You may be surprised how many times I've been told, "Why are you doing all that extra work on someone elses property?  Its not like you own the place; what if they decide to sell?"  My answer is always, "Because I refuse to live in a temporary state as if in a nice hotel room; nice but none of my personality!"  I believe the personal touches are what make it homey and gives it your personality!  Funny how those same people are the ones who walk in my home and say, "Your home is so 'homey' and comfortable."  LOL!!!  Well, in my daily blog hopping I have found many of you who feel as I do; renters and homeowners.  This week I'm featuring one of them.
I'm am so happy to introduce to you a couple of decorating divas, identical twins, Milla and Kahli,  from  Design Par Deux!  First of all, I'd like you to know that they are renters!  But their home doesn't look temporary in the least.  With there many talents, creativity, and tenacity, they tackle their projects in an inspiring way.  At only 25yrs young, these ladies don't let challenges daunt their efforts and move forward with a great sense of humor and a lovely cat, Breeze, to keep them motivated! LOL!  I love how they show details and tutorials with their projects.  Their taste, I think would be considered a bit shabby chic, contemporary, with a vintage flair!  One of my favorites is these curtains that they stenciled!  Yes, you heard me . . . they stenciled these curtains themselves.

 You can see the entire project here.