New use for found ladders

It's always fun to find objects that can be used for decorating. I love to think outside the box and if I find something I love, I'll buy it and brainstorm fun ways to use that object. I recently found these ladders.

I used this one in a guest room to hang towels.

This ladder was placed in a bathroom on top of existing shelves. Starfish were added to make it fun and "spa like". Leaning an old frame against the wall is a great way to add height, texture and interest to big space too.

Good Bye My Friend!!

It's a sad day. I heard through the Grapevine that my favorite magazine "Domino" is folding. I feel so deflated. I really looked forward to reading their magazine each month. Every article was SO inspiring and they had such fun, whimsical ideas on each page. I'm sure many of you loved this magazine too. There last issue will come out in March.

Goodbye Domino, thanks for being a good friend!

Fun with Nature

About a year ago I started collecting old pieces of driftwood. I figured that one day I'd display them in a large glass urn and it would make good art and good conversation. I found them on our camping trips during our walks & hikes,and some on several of our latest beach trips. Well, my collection is complete and I think it looks stunning. I added different layers of similar color sand and rocks to the bottom of this glass urn to add a "beachy" feel.

Any outdoor elements that are incorporated indoors is a refreshing way to add life to your home.

This mirror was found at a thrift store and my faux artist friend painted it for me in this awesome rustic patina.

Rug to Ottoman/Embroidery to Pillow

Rug to Ottoman

Thought you might enjoy seeing my latest finds. I found this rug at a garage sale about 6 months ago and loved the pattern. The man that sold it to me for $10 bucks said he bought it during his vacation travels to Pakistan and paid $150 for it. I've learned from experience that if you love something and have the cash in your pocket, buy it. So that's what I did, not knowing what I was going to do with it.

A couple weeks after purchasing the rug, I was in a thrift store and purchased the following for $5.00 YES.... can you believe it. It still had the price tag on it labeled $350. It's a base to what looks like use to be a glass coffee table. It had not top on it, just the base but I KNEW it had potential. The bamboo is sold and has what I think looks like an animal print on it. I love "all natural" things like this.

You know you love "thrifting" when your adrenalin starts to pump and you can hardly concentrate because you are scheming of ways to use the item. I immediately thought of combining the rug with this amazing find to make an ottoman.

My upholsterer loves when I come in his shop because he knows that he's going to get an interesting combination. He did look at me kinda weird this time though and said, I trust you. This is the outcome of the two thrifty" finds. It now rests in my bedroom in-between my two chairs.

EMBROIDERY TO PILLOW

My sister-in-law gave me this embroidery for my birthday. She handed it to me and said "you are either going to love this or hate it".

Well, I loved it! She got it from India and thought I would do something special with it. It's all hand embroidered and each flower is made of gorgeous beads. I'm crazy about it! I had it made into a pillow and I think it turned out fabulous. It is now on my guest bed and makes a grand statement.

Of course, I had to make it even more ecclectic by putting a fun pattern on the back.

Happy Thrifting!

Ruth

Laundry Room Cabinets Transformed

BEFORE

Thought you would like to see the latest project I tackled in my house. I hated my laundry room cabinets and wanted them to have more character. I know....it's just my laundry room but...hey, as a mom, I spend a LOT of time in there!! I took a hammer to them and my family all came in there wondering if I had totally lost my mind. My husband is very use to me doing crazy things but he said this topped them all. He is so good to me and just said "I trust you" move forward. I continued with my hammering to give the cabinets a great distressed look. I then stained them with a rag technique and I'm very happy with them. I wanted them to look rustic/western. I'm going to get some fun hardware for the doors and my laundry room will now be a fun place to be.

AFTER

HARDWARE

This transformation took me about an hour and brought me much pleasure. Remember, sometimes it's the small things you change that can make a HUGE difference. Little by little you can transform your home, it just takes a bit of hard work and creativity. I'll warn you, this job is one where you MUST wear gloves. However, the stain eats the rubber so change them often. I learned the hard way and now need a manicure desperately!