PROJECT: Junk Sideboard Makeover

They really don't get much uglier than this, but I can't resist a bargain, so I nabbed this at Mary's Barn, my favorite junque store for $10.
	Before

I believe it was a initially supposed to be a sideboard.At least that's the purpose that I had in mind for it. I gave this a very similar treatment to the one in Chest of Drawers Redo except I didn't use the crackling technique. This piece was simply painted with two coats of white latex paint. Then the top and the moulding on the doors were painted in pale pink for a subtle accent. Next I sanded to distress the sideboard, and reveal a tiny bit of the original wood. Finally, I replaced the existing hardware; The original knobs were replaced with vintage knobs of pink glass, and the drawer handles were replaced with new ones from a bargain chain.
Initially, I used this piece in the dining room as a sideboard, so I thought a mirror on top would be nice. I found this one at a yard sale a few years ago, and it has moved around my house quite a bit. I think it has finally found its home atop the sideboard, though.
Recently, I decided to move it to the kitchen, where I needed extra storage and counter space. It has worked out quite well! The photos below show it a couple of years after the photos above, now in its kitchen setting. Isn't it amazing how a change of accessories can give a piece of furniture a whole new look?

Until next time,

Project: Easy Planters from Flea Market Finds

This is the time of year that most nurseries put their annuals on sale. Sometimes you can pick up some incredible bargains, but by now, most of your flower pots and planters may already be in use. Here are a couple of fun, easy, and inexpensive ideas for transforming some of your flea market finds into clever planters.

I found this pretty old silverplate chafing dish for $1.00 at a local flea market. While it would certainly serve its original purpose, I decided that it would be more fun and practical to repurpose it.

Silver Chafing Dish Planter

To begin the project, remove the bowl and turn it upside down on a towel. Using a large nail and a hammer, punch holes in the bottom of the bowl. You could also use a drill with a bit for metal to make the holes.

Once the holes are in place, return the bowl to its normal place above the water reservoir. This will serve as a "saucer" to hold water that drains from the plant.

Now for the fun part! Fill with potting soil and the flowers or plants of your choice.

And now for the lid! Just add a plate hanger. The lid will be a clever and unusual accent to any wall, indoors or out!
And here's another idea. This one's even easier. Just fill an old colander with potting soil and plants. The colander makes a great planter because it already has plenty of drainage holes! You'll want to place it in another container to catch excess water. I used yet another flea market find, and old enamelware bowl.

Once you get started, you'll see lots of potential planters all around. Just about anything that will hold soil and accomodate drainage holes will work. I'd love to see what you're doing. If you'd like to email some pictures (see my profile for email address), they just might wind up featured in a future blog entry. Happy creating!

Until next time,

Time for a Change

Well, the Style de Boheme store will be coming, but not as soon as I'd planned. I've decided to do some things around home before I launch the store. In fact, I think I may wait until fall to launch, as my very dear friend, Barbara will be coming to visit and I want to keep my time free. I also want to have the house looking spiffy when she gets here!

I've been putting ideas together for my decorating schemes, and came across a magazine that I LOVE! Flea Market Style is probably the best magazine I've come across in some time. I saw a mood board on page 40 of the current publication, and that was enough to get me moving. While I've seen a number of beautiful mood or inspiration boards, this is the first one I've seen in black and white. It is truly stunning! So...it was off to the Goodwill Store to buy a bulletin board that I could transform. This is my version. I painted the entire bulletin board white, and then to add a bit of dimension, I rubbed some gold paint into the recesses. Then the fun began! I displayed some of my favorite magazine clippings, a few old photos, some vintage lace, and a cherub head on the board. I think my favorite addition to the mood board was some jeweled push pins that I made.

I'd recently picked up a bargain desk and my favorite junque store, and the mood board was the perfect accessory to top it. This is where I'm planning to do most of my painting and paper projects. I can just look up for some great inspiration! As you can see, I've used various pieces of glassware and pottery in white and gold to hold many of my art supplies.

You can see in the photo below, that I've also found the perfect place for my decoupaged chair. It's another of my flea market redo's. I've covered it with vintage sheet music, old French love letters, and wallpaper scraps from the 1930's and 40's; with a few photos and magazine clippings added for good measure.

I have so many projects in my head right now I can hardly wait to move.  But for now, it's time for bed....

Until next time,