Upcycled Frame Tray & a Giveaway

Yesterday I posted about Edie's fabulous e-book, 31 Days to a Heart of Hospitality.  Well, sweet Edie has offered one of her e-books for a giveaway.  If you would like a chance to win a copy of her book, go on over to her blog and read through some of her posts.  Then come back here and leave a comment telling me your favorite post.  The contest will be open until Tuesday, January 29.  Don't blame me if you can't tear yourself away from her spectacular blog.  It will draw you in and keep you there.

Now onto my latest project.  While moving things from the basement to my new craft studio I found this frame that I purchased at Salvation Army a long time ago.

The price was right and I loved the shape.

I decided it was long overdue for a new life.  I started by peeling off the backing.

It was glued on pretty well but it came off without too much trouble.

Then I proceeded to remove the picture and cardboard backing.  I wanted to save the cardboard for what I was going to do.  I had to removed these staples carefully so as not to rip it to shreds.

It needed a good cleaning.  It sat in the basement for far too long and it was dirty.  I washed it down with TSP.  I removed the glass and gave that a good washing.

Once it was dry I gave it a couple of coats of paint and primer in one.  I used Behr in Swiss Coffee (I think that's the correct color).  I had it on hand from my hutch redo.

I watered the paint down a bit so it wouldn't give a full coverage.  I like the original color showing through in spots.

I had this burlap left over from my mailbox project.  I had purchased two yards originally because I loved it.

I cut a piece of the burlap to fit and wrapped it around the original cardboard insert.

I inserted it in the frame and pulled it tight. Then glued down the edges.

To cover up the messy back I cut a piece of brown craft paper to the size of the frame

and hot glued it all around.

Here it is all finished.  I am using it as a try.  I think I may add some handles to it.  Not sure.  What do you think?  Handles or no handles?

I think I will head to Hobby Lobby because they have so many gorgeous handles, and see if there is anything that catches my eye.

This transformation is perfect and I am loving it.

I added some hydrangeas and a candle to the tray

and it sits on my hope chest. This hope chest came from Portugal and belonged to my grandmother.  

I am thinking of painting it.  I am a bit torn about it but think it would look fabulous with a new color. 

Should I do it?  If so, what color?????

Help me figure this out!!!  I am a bit torn about painting an heirloom but not happy with the current finish.

Don't forget to spread the word about the giveaway above.

I'm linking to these great parties. Come on over and join us.

Snowmen and an Upcycled Frame

This week we had my nephews over for some fun time. 

The weather here has been very unseasonal.  Last year by this time we had over two feet of snow.  This year the temps have been staying near the 40 mark and we've had tons of rain.  I don't mind the higher temps but it is not good for my son's snowboarding classes.  They can hardly maintain snow.

But we'll make snowmen anyway.

We made these cute treats while my nephews were here.  They had fun.  I let them add whatever they wanted to their snowmen.

Pretty cute idea.  I saw it on Pinterest.  I haven't even started my own account yet but I can't help looking through all the fabulous ideas.

I upcycled a frame for my daughter.  We found this for $2 at a thrift store and I knew it would make a great jewelry holder.  She has a ton of jewelry.  I used some puff paint and added a design to the open space.

Then I dry brushed it with some black paint.

With E6000 glue I glued some fabric to plastic canvas.  

This fabric was a little remnant and although I wanted to center it, there wasn't enough of it.

Completed and stocked with jewelry.  I added some hooks on each side so she could hang her necklaces.

She loves it because now they are on display.

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Thrift Treasures

My daughter and I went to our local thrift store this week and it was our luckiest trip ever.  We were so thrilled with our finds.

My favorite find was this milk glass lamp.

 She was so neglected and dirty.  Full of cobwebs and dirt caked into all her lovely little features.  It needed some TLC.  With a good washing she looks like new and she works.  This now sits on my nightstand and I love this little treasure.  She was a real bargain at just $6.  

 Next I found this great little jacket.  I love the color.  Perfect for fall.

 It's from Talbots and I got it for almost nothing.  $8~can you believe it.  Looks like new.  These pictures do not do it justice.  It was cloudy and I was trying to wait for the sun to come out.  It didn't until I sat down to type this post.

 Cute little sweater.

 Cute top.

All of the above came out to a grand total of $26.  My daughter purchased a pair of UGG boots, in excellent condition for only $25.  She also found some Ralph Lauren sweatpants and a couple of tops.  

Usually we do not find great deals like these at this thrift store.  Their prices can be high and there aren't many things that catch my eye.  

Designer Garden

Out With the Old

I have had this snowman picture in the basement waiting for a new life. I liked the frame and the grapevine on it but not the rest.

  I decided to give it a new life with some spray paint and embellishments. At this stage I already love it.

 I used a small can of Krylon white spray paint and gave it a couple of coats.  I pulled off the yellow wooden star and the rusty snowflake.

 I added some scrapbook paper to the inside of the frame

 and used these scrapbook keys I picked up a while ago at Joann's.

 The final piece.

I am so happy with how it turned out.  Notice our two tone walls.  That is from the enlarged opening to the kitchen.  We are planning on repainting the living room. I am trying to choose the right color.  I picked up hundreds of color swatches at Home Depot.  I am looking forward to the completed room but not the painting.


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