So here goes....
I am working on my blog layout right now...(about as painful as a medical doctor, who has never cooked, baking a three tier cake... from scratch!). Please bear with me, as you may see a few things out of place here and there, until I figure it out. But I promise to make it user friendly and absolutely fun!
In the meantime..... come...let's put our creativity caps on and just IMAGINE!
My recent redesign adventures took me on a trip to my local library. They host a book sale about twice a year and I love a good sale! Even better when it is full of design possibilities. Take a look!
Quick side thought: I caved and bought a All-In-One "Print, copy, scan fax"- thingy! I wanted to show you how I get my inspiration, some of it anyway. The retail price on my HP Officejet J6480 is as much at $214 online, but I got mine for drum roll....... $79.99 Brand new! YUP! *Long story short...(you can go to the bottom of the post to read about it, I am sure you prefer to see pictures now).*
Back to my original thoughts...
There are so many design and redesign ideas out there that have been used time and time again. I recently went to a book sale, at my local library and got seven books for just $13.
Yes there are only five here in the picture, the other two are "TOP SECRET"!Here is one of the magazines.
I absolutely adore how old it is. Apparently in the 70's there was a need to decorate for less than $100 and BH&G had it covered. It has tons of pages of decorating ideas that can be "resurrected" to fit into today's modern designs.This lamp is one of my favorites.
If done correctly, paisley prints do not go out of style. They are the epitome of casual elegance, in my opinion. This lamp shows it done right. (design idea) I am going to try this with an old lamp I have... soon! Only in a lilac or silver! aaahhhh!Next is a simple one, I think it is really cool! A simple fish basket turned lamp.
I got mine brand new, for $8, at a garage sale. I love to go fishing so,I used mine till the thing almost fell apart. But, you can get them new a Walmart for around $15.Note: if it has been used, you may not want it illuminated and giving off the after smell of caught fish all over your house!
Next is a really cool work space idea and in the book it tells you how to build this space...How cool is that?
Anybody recognize the style of that chair, or seen it advertised recently as "modern"? It is more like resurrected, uh huh!Here is one I simply enjoy looking at. Dividers!
The one on the left costs about $90 to make and the one on the right was less than $80 to make. They are both adjustable! Hmmm? Idea anyone?
Next, are some furniture redo's: See, this has been done time and time again.
I recently found a rocker like this curbside (free!!!!). I am doing mine in black after I glue a few pieces back together...lol.
Side table cut down to fit into newer decor....It even gives instruction for applying the laminate top!
Ok, I know we all have seen decoupaged tables before, but leather lampshade! HELLO!?! I likey, Mucho, mucho!Check out this, (back then) modern living room.
In the mag, this picture was used for the purpose of showing off the roman shades, with the "scalloped border" bottoms and cornices to match. But I am scoping the chair and couch. I "like" the couch colors, and will not attempt to duplicate that pattern, as it is "busy" for my tastes. But that chair has me buzzin' here.
Here is a cool idea for all you door decorators.
They give instructions for the framing, painting and molding of this door.for about $25. I know I can do that from scrap wood!Here is a space that confirms, I am on the right track.
YUP! Fabric panels to update your cabinets! I recently used this idea in my Kitchen makeover.Now this idea is poo-pooed by folks concerned about smell, and grease, build up. Ruh roh... **ON THE SOAPBOX(go to the bottom of this post, if you want to read this quick "quam"...)
Of all the ideas in this book, (the cover stated there were over a thousand)This one takes the prize, for ideas I will be trying soon and incorporating into my decor. I am bringing it back!
Look closely! the "cornice" is a headboard, turned upside down! YES! It is all about trends y'all. Folks with TV shows who read my blog, here is a refreshed idea, make it work people!I hope these pictures and ideas will inspire you to make use of what you have at home. If so, I would love to hear about it.
GIVEAWAY Here is the challenge idea: At first glance, they look like cement tables, right? (You know the ones that got a lot of comments back in the day, like "that's interesting" or "wow". It got some laughs, and lots of college folks excited! I always thought it to be pretty creative, but a bit boring sometimes.)
But they aren't...The giveaway this month, will be based on this table and side table. The top of the main table is a repurposed desktop. Can you guess what the bottom is made of? Again, It is NOT cement blocks!What will the winner receive? An upcycled desk set, pictured here in my etsy store. How to enter? Each action will receive an entry for the drawing. Be sure to leave contact information, if you win.
Contest ends April 17th. The winner will be announced on April 18th. Good luck!
To win:
1. Leave a comment about the table, (your guess about what it is made from).
2. Sign up to follow my blog and leave a comment about it.
3. Join "I UPCYCLE" group on Facebook.
4. Tell me what your "Earth month" contribution will be.
5. Refer a friend,(have them mention your username in their comment)
*Printer story
I originally wanted the HPJ6480, but I couldn't find it lower than $129... There was a sale at a local office supply store for another model, with many of the same features. (Well here is why Staples is my preferred dealer for supplies.) They price match any other ads, and you get 10% cash back on your purchases! When I called, Staples confirmed that they would price match the other printer for the same price as their competitor, BUT when I arrived they didn't have it in stock. Now you might think, how dumb is that? Well initially I did and was HOT, but...they upgraded me to this one, without a second thought or hesitation!
It's called "My daddy's favor" y'all ...If you don't know about that, stick with me...You'll find out!
It is so very easy to use, my 12 year old and I put it together and started scanning immediately! We love it!*
Fabric in Kitchen
**Smells in the kitchen, seriously???? What do you cook in your kitchen? In my opinion, a little creativity can keep your house smelling and looking nice. I love to catch, clean, and eat fresh fish, cook garlicky foods, broccoli, onions, and some good southern collards. Now, do I do all that in my house? Not any more!
That is what a patios, backyards, and balconies are for. Electric appliances...they make those, and you can pick them up SUPER CHEAP at garage sales.
I choose to leave the smell outside! (Plus I could use the exercise). I have a very sensitive nose and I smell everything! I do not like to come home to smells in my house, whether it be pet, food, dirt, mold, whatever. It makes me nuts! Before I wised up, I did cook smelly foods inside my home and it drove my kids nuts to see me turn on air purifiers and having them close all the bedroom doors and open all the doors and windows. Lots of work, I know. Apartment life! Now if you live in a place and you can't do any of these alternatives, then continue with the way you have been doing things. Otherwise, just simply take it outside.
