Tag: vintage

Old Ladder

Decorating



When we bought our lot there was an awesome old ladder leaning against the cherry tree.  I’ll admit it was my favorite thing about the land at the time, that and the size of the lot in general.   After the construction and some landscaping was done the ladder was somehow moved and broken into two pieces, then broken some more.  I rescued it from the trash pile but haven’t done anything with it until now.


I wanted to hang things on it, but the wood was so splintered and brittle I feared things might be damaged if I did.  I decided to paint it, but chose a flat gray that preserved the old wood feeling.


On one piece I added “s” hooks and hung my watering cans.  This (hopefully) will prevent my kids from kicking them around the yard.  I leaned it against the exterior of the house behind my serving/potting table.


When I’m serving food I can move the watering cans and hang a dishtowel, serving tongs, etc. in their place.


I’m pleased with how it looks and thrilled that I’m finally using my old ladders.  Watch next week for what I did with the other half.  It’s crazy cute!

Have a great day, Jennifer

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Yard Sale Finds

Happy Finds



While in Denver for Memorial Day weekend, we couldn’t resist hitting some yard sales on Saturday morning.  We drove into town around 2:30 a.m. but my eyes popped open at 7:30 and I was wide awake, ready for the fun.

It was fun to see which of my children were interested in joining us.  These two brought plenty of humor to our morning.


I scored two awesome deals that morning.  The first was these four vintage chairs for…. $15.00!


This kind of chair was the only thing on my wish list.  I was hoping for two, but would happily have settled for just one, and I expected to pay a decent amount for them because they’re rather popular right now.

I would happily have paid that price for just one, but a set of four for only $15?!?  Rather than let my chin hit the floor when they told me the price, I put the cash in their hands fast so they couldn’t change their minds.  They’re in great condition and the caning is still perfect.  Wow, talk about a deal!  I am so excited to refinish them.


The other amazing find was this vintage dresser, still wearing its original paint.   It was a steal at $15.00.


It’s so beautiful.  (To me, that is.  My husband, who came with me for the first time EVER, was NOT impressed with the “junk” I was hauling away.  It was kind of a funny moment, and perhaps I should have yielded,  but I knew I’d never see another piece like this.)


I love the oval detail on the front of the piece, and the hardware is amazing.  It’s missing one piece, and the bottom drawer is damaged, but I’m still in love with it.  I also love the detail on the bottom and the legs are beautiful.


Our van isn’t built for the kind of maneuvering and hauling that yard sales require, so it was kind of a pain to be driving it.  We also kept the back seat in, which meant we had no room for the dresser (another reason for my husband’s disgust with my purchase).  Gratefully, my sister and her husband graciously packed it in their truck for a crazy, windy drive with a big load to their home in Logan.  Now it’s waiting for me there, and I just have to find time to go and get it.

Can you believe it:  five awesome pieces for $30 total.  Fun, fun, fun!  Welcome summer!

Hopeful Homemaker

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Updated Vintage Desk

Decorating

I’ve mentioned before that I’m working on being a better, faster finisher.


This project earns no points in speed, but it’s done.


I’ve been living without a bedside table for over a year and it wasn’t working.  Taking a cue from this piece on my husband’s side of the bed, I went to work.


I love the layers of distressed paint on this dresser, as well as the legs and the detail at the bottom.  The drawer runners are in sad condition, which was how I paid only $5 for it at a yard sale last year.  My husband stores very little in it, so it serves it purpose in function as well as adding a pop of color and character to the room.

A few years ago I picked up this vintage desk for $7.00.  It didn’t fit in the spot I originally intended to use it, so it’s been sitting in the basement until I found a use for it.


The paint job was quite frightening and took a LOT of sanding to prep for a fresh coat of paint.


What I loved about it were the legs and the old wooden wheels.


My original intent was to paint the desk, then rough it up and distress it.   When I was done painting, I really liked it as it was.  I skipped the distressing and hauled it upstairs.


Since the desk sits on the side of the bed near the windows, it gets a lot of light, which further emphasizes the fact that the desk is brighter in color than the dresser.  I was nervous about it, but I actually like it.  The two sides are balanced without being exactly alike.

Finishing the desk meant hanging two vintage oval mirrors I’ve had sitting forever.  Over the desk I hung a more feminine, wider, gold mirror.  I picked it up for $5 at a yard sale last year in Colorado.  Over the dresser I hung a mirror purchased at a thrift store.  I thought it was dirty but when I cleaned it I discovered that someone had created this gold and white finish with paint.  While my original plan was to paint one of the mirrors, I liked both finishes and opted to leave them alone, letting the oval shape tie them together without matching finishes.




And so, two projects are now done.  The mirrors are hung as I pictured and the desk is now in use as a bedside table.  The painting spot in my basement is available for a new project (of which I have an abundance waiting).  I’ve loved having a place for my lamp, alarm clock, and current reading.  I also love the way this vintage wire basket looks atop the desk.


One last look.  Before:


After:


Quite an improvement, wouldn’t you agree?


Hopeful Homemaker project shared here and here

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