Creating a Collage

It didn't take long to gather items for this collage and I loved every minute of it. Some items were gifts from a dear friend while others were found at resale or antique shops in the Rockford area.  I went for all antique and vintage frames since I like to reuse and refurbish. I paid .29 - .99 cents for the frames and I bought the gray and orange mats at Hobby Lobby at 50% off, costing a total of $40.00. I included pictures of the family since they are the loves of my life.

The mirrors ($2.25 for both) were painted out in charcoal gray.

Andy Warhol quote, using my limited graphic design skills.

Chalkboard from Poska in Rockford

"Mother" poem - I dig the colors!!!!

My abstract creation on burlap.

Dali's - The Face of Mae West. Love it!

Harrison

Daylie

Grae and Family

Tattered to Treasured!

It was more of the usual (i.e. stalking craigslist). As a scrolled along, I came across an ad for a "Cabinet - $10". The next ad, "9-Drawer Dresser - $10", listed from the same seller. With lightning speed I contact her saying I am interested in both! Her reply? That I can have the the pair for $10. That is right! BOGO! I call my dad and we are off the next morning for Oregon, IL.

Ok...definitely not love at first sight. Actually, I felt a little sick to my stomach, but then I can't buy myself lunch for $10! Therefore, into the Tahoe it goes!

Scratched and dirty, dull and warped, rusted and chipped - $5

Sanded and shiny, mended and useful, clean and stocked - $100

Usually I try to DIY, but this was way beyond my capability. I make a call and within minutes I deliver the pieces to Brian Rawson of Rawson Custom Woodworking here in Rockford, IL. He did an excellent job. So so happy!




For $105, I now have this awesome cabinet that is stocked with my silver-rimmed tumblers, ice bucket and fixings!

I am working on the overall space, so watch for more to come.  Dresser pics coming soon!

Resaling Pays Off!

Hitting resale shops can be one dirty job, but I LOVE IT! I just bring along a package of wet wipes and and open mind, and I have the best time.

Here are a few of my most recent finds...

One hot looking retro serving dish for .29 cents!

I love the burnt orange and the Aztec design detail in this enamel serving tray... .99 cents

!

I am a little nutty about wood grain these days. I heart this serving bowl! .79 cents

It is now my fruit bowl!

If you have a little MOXY, then try this!

Urban Dictionary defines MOXY: n. When someone has guts...they have moxy.
 
I have a darling and most lovely friend named Lindsay. She has a love and quite a collection of pretty things and is very creative (www.lindsayletters.com). When she, and her now hubby, got engaged, she asked if I would help pull her house together (i.e. decorate). I was a bit thrilled and mostly intimidated, but the finished project is definitely Lindsay and full of moxy.

Here is the kitchen...

Lindsay's hubby found this table (in very sad shape), so we painted it Blackberry, which went beautifully with the wall paint, Frolic.  Moxy needs to be neutralized (i.e. white cabinets in Greek Villa)...to give those darling eyes a rest.

With the accents of ice blue scattered about and red here and there, this kitchen is one of my favorites.

If your still wondering if you have moxy, begin on a smaller scale. Go ahead and paint that chair, bench or desk. It's OK to paint wood...it gives it a new, fresh life (I promise).

Here are some colors with moxy...Direct Green, Briny, Chartreuse, Forsynthia.

I would love to see before and afters!

Take a Risk and Be Pleasantly Surprised!

When I saw the ad for this chair on Craigslist (this will be a common disclaimer) I got all excited on the inside. I know some of you get that feeling, too. You know that feeling that you have to "pop" on something, but may not know why. This happens often. If I ignore it and don't go for it...the result is utter disappointment (e.g. I fret over it and go back to buy it only to find it GONE). I then have to trust that the item in question landed in a loving home.

Anyway, when these pair of chairs were up for sale, I had to jump on it. It was like I couldn't deal if these didn't land in my home immediately. Some people don't get it...they don't understand the wild color. But what can I say, when I placed them as the host chairs to my dining table...well it all just felt right.

Bright orange and a little tattered, but brillant nonetheless - $40 for the pair.

I'm blogging!

I love a good deal. I love things that have some architecture...you know that vibe that says that an item has some craftsmanship...not that look of being mass produced. Lately, I've been combing Craigslist. When I say "combing" what I mean is that I look to it at least 10 times a day. Here are some items I've found that I've incorporated into my living room.

1960's Black Vinyl Chair & Ottoman in excellent condition ($90)

Mid-Century Design - I love love love the swoop arm ($60)

My little conversation area with a white table from Target and decorative storage box from Pier One.

The art is my family along with the kids framed artwork. That's Honest Abe behind the black chair done by my son, Grae (7). The lamp is from TJMaxx. The coral pillow is from Pottery Barn and the bluish graphic pillow is from Marshalls. That small item on the floor...well that is a Tinkertoy. :o)