Sunday, July 11, 2010

A couple garage sale goodies....redone!

I picked up a few garage sale finds this weekend and had some fun cleaning them up and dressing them up, so, I thought I would share them with you.

First sale, we nearly drove by, the sign was facing the opposite direction but we turned around and went back.  She had a wonderful 1920's sofa with the carved wood trim for $50, that need the springs redone and a new cover but, alas, I do not have room for such a sofa.

But, for a dollar I found this small wood box.  I call them cutlery boxes, not sure of the original purpose.

front 062Not a super quality piece, it is put together with nails, not dovetails, very grungy but nice lines and could have several uses.

When I got home, I washed it down with just plain old water and a scrubber to remove the loose dirt.  Let it dry overnight.

Looked like it could have been painted at one time but it was so worn and dirty, I couldn't tell for sure.  The primitive cutlery boxes, that I've seen, have not been painted so I decided I would leave the natural wood finish. 

I've used Howard's Restor-A-Finish many times and pulled some pretty badly scared and battered wood finishes back from the brink.  Besides removing years of collected dirt, grease and grime, it is great for getting rid of white heat rings and water marks on stained, not painted, furniture.

I went to work on the box with the Howard's product and a piece of steel wool. I wiped it down with paper towels to remove the grime, as I went.  Polished it with a clean cloth and let it dry.

Then with the aid of an alphabet stamp set and some "StazOn" ink, I stamped "tools" on the side and let the ink dry.

TA * DA........................

DYI 001I set on a shelf on the patio and I like it there!

DYI 007  

DYI 005

An inexpensive holder for some vintage garden tools but it could be used for serving drinks, holding napkins and silverware or condiments on the picnic table.  Inside, I was thinking I could use it in my craft room to hold colored pencils and pens or on a desk for tape dispenser and stapler. 

My other find was small set of twin buckets attached with a handle, on the underside it reads 1-800-FLOWERS.  I'm guessing someone loved the flowers but the buckets.....not so much, take a look.......

front 060Again........useful storage!  So, I lightly sanded and painted with black chalkboard paint, like this.......

DYI 004I decided they would make the perfect container for the Grandkids crayons, scissors, glue and other art supplies........so I painted the handle bright red and

cline famil 003drew on the bucket with chalk.  I'll encourage the kids to improve upon the art by adding their own touches and when they are finished drawing or coloring, they can put their stuff back in the bucket...

cline famil 002and they can even write inside, if they want.  Between visits from the little ones, it will look cute sitting on a shelf holding their art supplies.

cline famil 004  That's how I spent my buck and a quarter this weekend....how about you?  

I'm off to visit some blog parties, please join me at Make It Yours at My Backyard Eden, Making the World Cuter Monday, Metamorphosis Monday , Tabletop Tuesday.

You'll have a great time visiting all the other great bloggers and we all LOVE comments. I, also, love followers and hope you will come back again.

21 comments:

Coryanne Ettiene | Kitchen Living with Coryanne said...

great finds and even better transformations, popping over from Met Monday, wishing you a great week ahead.

The Decorating Diaries said...

Great finds. I love the tool box and I will try that finish restorer.

Janet

Unknown said...

Jan, I love your re-do on those buckets! They ARE the perfect art supply oontainers... Wonderful transformation! Glad I popped by to see them...
Happy Creating...
Deb~

Phyllis @Around the House said...

Your garage sale redos are just wonderful, I really like the one for the tools, great job, love your sight...

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

You got some unique finds...and made such cute projects!!! Have a great week!!!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

This is SO creative! Not only are these great finds, but you did such a good job re-purposing them.

I'm glad to know about that refinisher taking up white rings. That can absolutely ruin a piece of furniture. This is great to know!

I love your box and how you used it as a tool box for your gardening supplies.

And I love your cute buckets with chalkboard paint. So cute and clever!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Quiltemarerittet said...

I have the same taste as you,wonderful thing´s!I will blog my finds soon. I have been on a Quiltexhibition this weekend and I have a quilt there you can vote on!

Staci said...

What fun! I am now inspired to go transform something myself.

Ms Bingles Vintage Christmas said...

Oh my goodness, I love it! Thank you for sharing! Please come by my blog at:
www.msbinglesvintagechristmas.com
Have a good afternoon!
Leticia

Laura said...

I really love the tool box!

Tracy said...

Hi Jan - I love both of your re-dos! How do you come up with ideas? I am so not creative when it comes to things like that. Maybe I need to put more thought into our 'trash', huh? :) The double buckets for your grandkids' supplies are just adorable. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today. I love visitors!

One Shabby Old House said...

Your garage sale goodies turned out AWESOME! I love the new tool box. Great idea and thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

G'ee Jan ~ I love the carrier, it cleaned up beautifully. My G'pa had one like this for his tools that he carried with him.

Have a lovely week. I am following you.
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

Rachel said...

I love chalkboard paint- it makes everything fun, especially your art bucket! You have inspired me to visit Home Depot today! TFS!

Sue said...

Oh what really fun finds! I love, love the little box carrier. I need to check out this Howard's product. Over from Marty's party.
:-) Sue

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Your found the neatest things. Love the tool box. I use to have one, wonder what ever happened to it. Yours is fantastic. The two tins are wonderful. I havn't ever seen them like that with a handle. The chalk paint is perfect. Great finds. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

Sandra said...

I will have to try the Howard product. I love the old tray and the bucket is super cute!

Ormolulu said...

Love the tool box, Jan! Thanks for your comments regarding my Portland Expo post. It's important to change with the times if you want to stay alive in this business. I agree with everything you said. Thanks for staying in touch and see ya in October!

Debi

Gerry's Soap N Stuff said...

Hi Jan, I LOVE your wooden tray....Gerry, new follower.

Jean said...

Wonderful treasures and I love what you've done with them! Jean

Unknown said...

Hi Jan! Great finds and wonderful redo's
Hope you're having a good weekend!