Welcome to my blog!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Friday, May 7, 2010

Treasure Hunting

Happy Friday everyone!
One of my favorite things to do this time of year is go to yard sales, searching for treasures that I can transform!  Yesterday I hit the jackpot!  A nearby town was having city wide garage sales, and I went to what felt like a kajillion of them!  Many of the goodies I found were brand new, and I also found a bunch of things with "potential".  I love hunting for things that I can make over or repurpose, things that others might think of as plain or ugly!  I found this adorable antique wooden shelf for only $2!  I just love the scrolly design.  Of course, she didn't stay this color for long!  As soon as I spotted it, I just knew I could shabby her up!  Well, first thing I did when I got home and unpacked all of my loot was give her a bit of sanding, some primer, and 2 coats of Heirloom White.  But I am not done with her yet!  She's going to get distressed a bit, then get a good dose of Ralph Lauren antiquing glaze!  I'll be sure to show you her photo when her makeover is finished!


I got these 3 like new cork boards for only $3!  While they may not look too exciting now, I have great plans for them!  (Hint:  it involves the addition of my favorite wooden appliques!)











I found this sweet little bunny last week at a moving sale.  At only $1.50, I just couldn't pass him up!  He's just too cute! (and heavy, too!)



Lots of brand new scrapbooking supplies, and gorgeous ribbon, including chocolate brown velvet rickrack!  I love ribbon!   I was so excited to find a book of vintage sheet music!  I have seen some really neat things crafted from it here in blogland.  Also three glass votive candles from Pottery Barn that smell heavenly!  And check out this pretty brand new verdigris ivy candlestick.

Stickers, I love stickers!

This little wooden box doesn't look like much now, but I have plans for it!  Nothing that a little paint and maybe decoupage won't fix!

Ok, I don't have a before picture of these pedestal wooden bowls.  When I got home I was on such a spray painting frenzy that it didn't occur to me to snap their photo until after I had already primed them!  But I am not done with them yet!  They started out dark wood (they are both vintage), and I am sure most people wouldn't have given them a second look in their original state.  But I adore anything on a pedestal, and just knew they could be transformed!  Anyway, here they are after priming and two coats of heirloom white.  Just a bit of distressing and Ralph, and maybe a bit of decoupage on the square one, and they will be like new!

I will be sure to show you all of the transformations, once they are complete! 

I also bought a bunch more odds & ends, including a package of paper doilies.  I love using them when I bake special treats!  I am so glad that I went out yesterday, as today is cold and rainy, & more of the same tomorrow.  Good thing I got spray painting out of my system yesterday (well, it is never totally out of my system!).

Happy treasure hunting, and have a wonderful weekend!
I joining  Debbie Doos for her thrift store & garage sale linky party.

8 comments:

The Charm of Home said...

These are wonderful treasures. I haven't found anything good for awhile. I need to get out and go shopping.:)

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Donna,
I had to laugh at your spray painting frinzy! You are too cute! Wow, I love all your great finds. That little shelf is a cutie and the bunny basket would be so sweet in the garden.

Also, you mentioned in a comment to me that you framed some of the botanical prints. I would love to see them in one of your posts.

hugs
Sissie

KimMalk said...

Oh, oh, oh! You found some wonderful things - I'm jealous!

Debbiedoos said...

I am jealous too, my score was not nearly as wonderful as yours....perhaps next week. Thanks Frenchy!~

Debbiedoos said...

Sorry Donna I called you Frenchy I was looking at her picture as I was typing too funny! No I do not mind what so ever, link away, I think it is awesome!

Ann @ makethebestofthings said...

Okay, I need to go shopping with YOU! Such wonderful finds and I just know you will work some magic with them.

All That Glitters said...

The bunny is so cute!!! Great finds!!!

Jenn Miyamoto said...

Wow! You found some awesome things, and got some great deals!! I can't wait for this Saturday. Hopefully the weather stays nice!
Jenn