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!

Thursday, August 23, 2012

A Quick & Easy Project

Aren't those the best kind?  You know, those little projects that you don't have to spend hour after hour on.  That give (almost) instant gratification?  I sure love 'em!
So today I thought I'd share with you one of my latest quick and easy re-dos!
A vintage wooden napkin holder with a neat "cafe" graphic!
Of course, she didn't start out looking that pretty!  Oh, no!  As soon as I spotted her at a church rummage sale, I just knew that a makeover was in order.  While I thought she was kind of attractive in her "before" state, she was looking a bit tired and dated!

So, a bit of sanding, followed by priming and my favorite creamy dreamy white, and viola!
She was given a new lease on life!
Don't you just love the "cafe" graphic?  I found it over at the Graphics Fairy, and have used it for quite a few projects.  All I did was print it out, cut around the details, and Mod Podge it to the front.  Easy, peasy!
Oh, I almost forgot to mention that I distressed around the edges a bit to give her that "aged over time" look!
I'm giving her to one of my friends for part of her birthday gift.  I love trying to think of little gifts that aren't only practical, but good looking as well!
So next time you spot something while out thrifting that's looking a bit worse for wear, remember that a little paint and decoupage can give it a new lease on life!

12 comments:

Bente said...

What a great transformation. Love how it became. I have to find something to use that Cafe on.

Hugs

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

How charming, Donna! I love the graphic and the "new" napkin holder!

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

Donna that looks fantastic. Black and white are so classic. Great graphic choice.

Blondie's Journal said...

The "before" definitely looked like a throw back to the 80's!! You have lovingly updated her! I love it!

XO,
Jane

NanaDiana said...

I would never know that was modge podged on -it looks hand painted! LOVE it! xo Diana

Musings from Kim K. said...

Pure GENIUS! Love it, Donna.

Cindy Adkins said...

WOW, Donna, this is perfection!!! You are the "Repurposing Queen!" It looks fabulous!
XO
Cindy

Susie said...

Donna, That is a cute napkin holder now. I love the blue/white napkins in it. Perfect. Smiles, Susie

john said...

Oh that looks great. It definitely looked dated before you used your magic on it !!! Love that graphic too ! Gail x

Sherry@Back2Vintage said...

You hit the mark on this one! She looks sooo much better than before. Your friend will love her!!!

Little Miss Maggie said...

This came out so cute. What a makeover!

Tete said...

Now that's cute! One of my favorite makeovers! Love the graphics you picked!