Inspiring upcycle: glass bottle diy projects

Have you ever looked at your recycle bin full of glass bottles (don't judge) and thought: "What a waste!". I had this revelation the other day as I passed all the neighborhood bins on my morning walk... "We can do better", I thought to myself. So I grabbed a couple bottles when no one was looking, and I committed to figuring out a new way to upcycle this amazing resource. Here's what I learned, and some tips if want to give this a try ;D

Making a cottage style woven reed footstool

I love the french country look, and I know I'm not the only one... Pick up any decorator magazine and you can find those rustic natural elements accenting even the sleekest of modern designer rooms. So today I'm going to show you how I created one of the most versatile pieces of furniture; the cottage footstool.

How to restore a vintage child's chair

If you look at this chair and think "where's the dumpster", then we really need to talk! Restoring little treasures like this is my passion, and in this post I'll show you how easy it can be... From start to finish, in 2 short days, we'll turn this into an heirloom that can be handed down for 100 (more) years ;D

Magazine rack makeover

It's no secret I love the look of vintage woven rush furniture... so it should be no surprise that my latest transformation went from shabby and dated, to farmhouse chic in a hurry! This makeover is so complete, I almost didn't even recognize it... So check out one of my favorite makeovers to date, and let me know what you think!

Shupp's Grove opening weekend 2017

April marks the start of flea market season where I live, and this year it couldn't come soon enough! As the winter fades away, it's time to get outside and shop... Starting with Shupp's Grove outdoor flea market in Adamstown PA. If you've never been, you're in for a treat; this is my favorite outdoor market for everything you'd ever want to upcycle!

DIY project: wooden crate upcycle

This story starts like so many of my stories, someone was getting rid of this adorable little wooden box! Sure it's missing pieces, had paint spilled on it, and has a hole in the bottom... but that's not what I see. I see a bedside table with storage, a simple upholstered top in clean canvas with top stitched details, and nail head trim. Let's make that happen ;D

DIY project: pouf ottoman

Maybe it's the cold weather, but I find myself drawn to sewing projects lately. I also happen to have a stack of upholstery fabric (left overs from other projects, or flea market finds) that's just been begging to be put to good use! So this week I'm working on a simple, functional, and stylish project that can be completed in a day: my classic pouf ottoman.

Finding new passions: something old is new again

It's that time again... time to resolve to do all the fantastic things that we just couldn't get to last year! This year I've challenged myself to learn new things. For me, this could mean trying something completely new, but it can also mean building on the things I already know... or even re-learning something I haven't done in a really long time. From woodworking to needlework, get ready for a preview my 2017 project plan!

London calling! Footstool makeover part 1

I do love to mix things up! Contemporary with vintage, soft with sleek, handmade with industrial. I think the dichotomy just accentuates the best of both worlds. So, do I think of punk rock when I think of foot stools... Well, maybe not right away. But when I saw this strange, plastic covered thing in the thrift shop I just had a vision! A monochrome Union Jack, in needlepoint... it just had to be ;D

Thanskgiving at the grown up table: vintage folding chair upcycle

It wouldn't be a holiday if I wasn't working up to the last minute on some kind of project... this year it's a little extra seating, vintage style. I picked up these adorable little wooden folding chairs over the summer, at the request of my Mom (actual quote): "I wish I had some extra chairs for family dinner night". Well that's all I needed to hear... So the plan is to show up with these 3 upcycled seats to share with the family!

DIY crafts: 3 Halloween decorations to make today!

Halloween is such a fun time! Costumes, candy, and of course the festive decor... Halloween decorations can be found all over these days, but why pay when you can make them yourself with items you probably already have on hand? I'll share 3 different decorating ideas you can make no matter your crafting skill level, in no time flat, for under $10!

DIY sewing: handmade pouf ottoman from one yard of vintage fabric

What do you do when you come across a single yard of vintage linen velvet at the flea market? Buy It! There are a million projects you can do with one yard of great fabric, not to mention all the things you can do by pairing it up with other materials... Today we'll take a look at what I did with my amazing flea market find; and how I turned it into this little gem of home decor!

DIY project: tufted high back chair

Upholstery projects are some of my favorite these days... they're lots of work, but reward you with a one of a kind custom piece of furniture for a fraction of the cost of buying retail! (What's better than that?) This time I'm updating a thrift shop find that's perfect for the *tricks or treats* season: A high back chair with a bit of a Gothic vibe! I'll take you through the whole process, including the key steps to create this professional and timeless look... But fair warning to you all; this is the piece that got me totally hooked on tufting... so proceed at your own risk ;D

DIY fashion: Custom tailored schoolboy blazer, for her!

Picture it: You're out at the thrift shop and you spot this beautiful hounds tooth jacket! Only to find it's a men's size 40... If you know what I'm talking about, this project is for you! With a little work (and some sewing skills) you can tailor your very own custom look! Don't believe it? Well grab that jacket, because I'm about to show you how I transformed this thrift shop find into my go-to fall style!

Unique and unexpected flea market gifts for friends and coworkers!

Remember when part of going back to school meant bringing a gift for your new teacher? And how picking the right gift was so important... It was almost as if that gift was some sort of guarantee that the year would go well (**cough, cough, bribe**) Anyway, I'm not sure if this is still a thing... but I used to love the challenge of finding that unique thing that I knew would surprise and delight; and I still do! But now that everything is accessible to everyone online, finding unique and unexpected items is really tough! That's why I turn to flea markets. I'll show you some of the best and easiest to find "off the shelf" flea market items, as well as some awesome flea market transformation ideas that will have everyone asking "where did you find that!"

DIY chalkboard sign with vintage style

Chalk board art is some of the most creative and prominent on pinterest these days... and I can totally see why; it's so much fun! Maybe it's because it's so forgiving; just erase any mistakes,  and start over. Well this week I have fun not only creating chalkboard artwork, but chalk boards themselves. As usual, I'm reaching into my big stack of flea market finds to create a one of a kind DIY project with a vintage twist ;D

Kitsch to chic: vintage dog themed decor

Dogs have been man's best friend for... ever? As far back as ancient times (and maybe even farther) people have been sharing their homes and hearts with canine companions; So it should be no surprise to see their likeness incorporated into art, textiles, and home decor throughout the ages. To this day, dog themed decor can be found in homes around the world, including mine! From bookends to door stops, we'll take a look at how to pull off this classic look on any budget ;D

DIY project: homemade dog treats

There are so many different treat options out there for our furry friends... but which ones are worth the cost? Which are really good for them? And which are good for the budget? Forget all these questions, because the answer is: homemade! You can create nutritious, delicious, and inexpensive dog treats at home with items you probably already have in your pantry. Not only are the great for your dogs... but they make awesome gifts too! In this post, we'll check out a few of my favorite recipes ;D

DIY project: modern styled dog bed on a budget!

 OK we've all been there, at the pet supply or local big box chain... staring at the mountain of pet beds thinking: "which will go better with my living room decor; pink bones or black and red paw print?" The answer is neither, they are both ridiculous... Now I'm not saying you can't find some really nice options out there, but have you seen those prices?!? Equally ridiculous if you ask me! If you want to create a special spot all for your pup, that doesn't hurt to look at AND doesn't break your budget... you've come to the right place. I'll share multiple options, at various skill levels, using things you already have (or can purchase for no more than $20)!

A little flea market called Jake's

In my area, there's no shortage of flea markets, farmer's markets, and antique fairs... and Jake's is the perfect stop for someone looking for them all rolled into one! This week I visited Jake's flea market for the first time, and found deals you wouldn't believe; on everything from veggies to vacuums, Star Wars glasses to screwdrivers, antique silver platters to dog bowls! You get the idea, this place has it all! Now I'm not saying I didn't have to put in the work to hunt down the treasures I found in this expansive outdoor marketplace, but we all know that's at least half the fun ;D