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!

Monday, August 8, 2011

Glittered Parisian Wall Hangings

Today I'd like to share with you a recent project that I made from wooden plaques that I picked up at the thrift shop.  Glittered Parisian wall plaques. Oooh, la,la!  But, they didn't begin life looking this good!  
Oh, no. 
 This is what they used to look like!  As soon as I spotted them, I just knew that they deserved a new lease on life!  I'm sure that the checkout people at the thrift shops always secretly wonder about me!  I can just hear them thinking "that poor woman needs some serious help!"  So, buh-bye cutsie little girl saying, so long, funny little frog!
 Nothing that a couple of coats of Heirloom white, some vintage sheet music, and a bit of glitter can't cure!
 One of the things that first drew me to these plaques were their pretty antique toned metal hangers.  Love!
 After painting and distressing the plaques, I decoupaged some vintage sheet music to them, and added these gorgeous glittered vintage inspired French postcards.
 Much better, no?
Voila!   My two favorite Parisian monuments, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower.  Tres magnifique!

 So there you have it!  Just because something may look a bit tired, a bit sad or worn out, doesn't mean that it has to stay that way for long!  Now go out and find something to transform!!
I am linking to the following parties:
Faded Charm White Wednesday
French Country Cottage Feathered Nest Friday

20 comments:

Musings from Kim K. said...

It's always fun to sneak a peek at your latest transformations...even while on vacation. Shhhhh....don't tell my husband. Hugs to you, Donna!

Tete said...

They used to do these in the 60's as a craft project and used varnish. I loved to thrift when I was young and then do it again with the things we had at the time.
Love these- from the 70s and early 80s.
I have people laugh behind my back and snicker when I leave. They have no idea what I just picked up. I get the last laugh when it sells.
Now- go back out there and do it again.
Can't wait to see the next project.
Hugs- Tete

Trisha said...

LOVE!

~Trisha

Helen's Decor said...

This post brought back terrific memories of my long ago visit to Paris. I'd love to go there again. Beautiful post. Thanks for sharing it.

Helen of Helen's Decor

Christine said...

Nice job! You are so good at transforming things--they are really beautiful..

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Those look fabulous, Donna...a total transformation! Inspires me to look beyond what I see, to what can be done! Great job, as always!

Unknown said...

Oh, goodness. MUCH better!!!!
xo
lynn

Bente said...

Oh, they got so beautiful now. You are fantastic creative.

Hugs Bente

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Yes indeed! That is an absolutely fabulous makeover! Those plaques are absolutely beautiful now! We are heading to Paris the end of this month for 5 days. Looking forward to finally being able visit as hubby has already been several times on business. have a terrific day! Tammy

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Donna,
Now why didn't I think of that. What a great idea and a wonderful way to recyle those ugly placques.

Your french scenes are beautiful.

hugs
Sissie

ArtfullyJune said...

Another great makeover.

I sometimes think the clerks at Goodwill think I have horrible taste too. One asked when I had a lot of stuff if I was redecorating my house. I told her no, most would be repainted as I had too much gold stuff for one house!

Debbie said...

So glad to see the glitter queen is still making magic with old, worn pieces. These are so pretty, Donna.
Are you getting ready for the market?
Hugs,
Debbie
xxxooo

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh they look gorgeous, Donna!! And so chic!! Ohhh-la-la!! What a fun and beautiful project!!!
XO
Cindy

NanaDiana said...

I am so late visiting everyone, Donna. What's the matter? You don't love that poor cute frog? You know how nice he would look on your kitchen wall...and now you have gone and painted over him....poor thing!

Your plaques are gorgeous-as is everything you touch. I wish I had more time to play...but I am working until Saturday- UGH- xo Diana

NanaDiana said...

I am so late visiting everyone, Donna. What's the matter? You don't love that poor cute frog? You know how nice he would look on your kitchen wall...and now you have gone and painted over him....poor thing!

Your plaques are gorgeous-as is everything you touch. I wish I had more time to play...but I am working until Saturday- UGH- xo Diana

NanaDiana said...

I am so late visiting everyone, Donna. What's the matter? You don't love that poor cute frog? You know how nice he would look on your kitchen wall...and now you have gone and painted over him....poor thing!

Your plaques are gorgeous-as is everything you touch. I wish I had more time to play...but I am working until Saturday- UGH- xo Diana

Rebecca said...

What a transformation-those look neat!

Rebecca said...

What a transformation-those look neat!

Christine said...

I LOVE the desk organizer!! It's soooo pretty--wow!

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Super cute~ they came out darling. Thanks for sharing at Feathered Nest Friday! :)