Recent finds

I have been busy coming up with some fun and frugal ideas for the home by reading many a blog lately. I get much inspiration from so many crafty women. I am always on the lookout for a bargain so here are some of my finds.

I found this star plaque for 4$ and the chalkboard for $5 at the goodwill. Neither would work as is, but with a little spray paint and tlc, they are a great addition to the girls' room.

after... both a pretty shade of ballet pink.
I would really love to paint the girls' room, but I have a hard time justifying the expense since we live in a rental house. Of course paint is not very expensive...


This is a cupboard I found for free outside of an antique shop. Yes, it was in a pile of trash. I asked the owner if I could take it and she said go for it. It only had one door, was very dirty, and came complete with a wasp nest. I took off the door, cleaned it up, and sanded it down. It still needs to be painted, probably a pretty blue, but for now, the ultra shabby look is going to remain. Jaron said it was a piece of junk and ridiculed me for bringing it home, but I told him he could not complain because it was free.
It has character. I think it is great.

These are two of my absolute favorites. I got the antique breakfront a few months ago and adore it. It houses my beautiful books and every time I see it I love it more. I got in on Craigslist and though it was not free, I think it was a fantastic find.
I also found the chair on craigslist for $25 about a year ago. It came with a slipcover, but it is not my taste and I have resorted to covering it with a sheet. My goal is to make a new slipcover for it this summer. I need at least 5 yards of fabric if I just recover the cushions. I probably need 8-10 yards if I take on the whole thing. I will probably stick with just the cushions as the outer part of the chair is a beautiful cream. I now just need to find a shabby print that I love...oh and that also does not cost an arm and a leg.

I found this console table and mirror not too long after we moved in this place almost 3 years ago. I think I paid $35 for both. Great deal. Anyways - I always thought I would paint them but they sat for so long just yearning to be brought back to life. I finally painted the table last week with a cream colored paint that was given to us. I cannot decide if I should paint the mirror the same cream or a different color. For now, it hangs unfinished calling out to me each time I pass it.

I am in the market for a king headboard and a dresser for our room. I am going to try and find both for free if I can, knowing that paint can work wonders. Have one you want to give me? I love the dresser below and the two headboards. Hopefully something similar will find me soon.

This next week I will be working on an idea for the wall behind our dining room table. I bought my supplies, it cost me a whopping 8$ and hopefully it will turn out as I envision it. Pics to come when it is complete. :)