One DIY Blog Crush and Some Pretty Epic Tee Makeovers

If you've been on my blog for more than 3 seconds, you already know that I am a DIY fanatic.  Like I need DIY Anonymous fanatic.  It is a condition however, that I hope to never, ever find a cure for. :)

So, as all crafters like to do, we are always scouting our next project.  Mine just happened to be a small heap of cast-a-way t.shirts that my hubby no longer wants.  Ahem, well, I did help him a little to reach that conclusion but hey, tomayto, tomahto...:)

Anyway, there I was on the web enjoying all the dIY inspiration for my new project when, boom!  I landed on a blog that made me do a double take. I mean this lady is like my DIY twin.  We have similar taste, style and creativity.  How do I know this, well I was still there 2 hours later on a busy day like today.  I heart her blog to the 10th...   Her site, Trash to Couture, was created in 2010 to inspire a less wasteful approach to the mass-produced fashion mainstream through DIY sewing tutorials and repurposed fashions. So smart, so fab! 

                                        This tee was made with a doily.....can't wait to try this!

One of the things I like most about her projects are the fact that the finished product always look so polished, tasteful and chic. Like they were meant to become what they are. I love that! "I want to make everything on her site.

 I.  Am.  So.  Not.  Kidding. :)

 But, before I skip on down the bunny trail, let us start with that heap of shirts I mentioned.  These are the inspiration for my tee makeovers, and they are all from Trash to Couture.  What do you think?

Cherio!

Decorating On A Dime with Salvage & Garage Sale Finds

If you ever heard the saying "One man's trash is another man's treasure" and you go to Flea Markets and Garage sales, you know that this is so true.  I am always amazed by what people either throw away or sell for nickels and dimes. From chandeliers to old barn doors, mirrors, antiques and anything else you can think of, I have seen it all at a garage sale. Better still, the prices on these items are ridiculously low or even free in some cases.

I remember the very first "treasure" piece that I acquired.  It was a sad looking French wrought iron garden table.  The tarnished white paint was flaking and it had a little rust going on in some places, but to me it was gorgeous!  Luckily, my neighbor who owned it saw me admiring her table and gave it to me as a gift. Or maybe she just wanted it out of her yard, whatever the reason, I am the proud owner of that table today. Well, that was years ago but that simple experience opened my eyes to a whole new dimension in decorating.  Flea market and garage sales here I come!

Before I go any further, I must warn you that decorating with salvage pieces/garage sale finds is very addictive.  I personally know a lady who has both her house and yard full of "treasures".  Very careful selection is key here.  If you find yourself collecting toilets to plant flowers in, you my friend have gone too far.  Yes, I know it sounds funny, but people actually do this.  Perhaps the same people who coined the phrase "dumpster diving"..........  In any event, you do not want to go that far with this.  Consider yourself forewarned. Only select pieces that you already have a home or a plan for.

Here are a few ideas to inspire you and get you started. Happy collecting, and I cant wait to hear about your finds!

This shabby chic vintage sign is perfect as a wall hanging or as part of a vignette.

 Architectural wood elements are great to add rustic charm and a personalized touch.

If you see something like this and can afford it, buy it.  You cannot go wrong with this purchase.

I love this look.  So beautiful and out of the box, a great way to repurpose an old ornate frame.

This room has so much personality, and most of the pieces are "treasure" finds.

The headboard is simply divine

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Assorted candle sticks and one amazing vintage mirror....exquisite.

Wrought iron pieces are a great find.  They are textural, alluring and visual interesting.

An old window/door adds so much character to a space.  Try it, you wont be disappointed.

Pictures courtesy of 

EAB Designs

nskwood

frenchlarkspur

For more information on the subject check out:

raisedincotton

thegrowersdaughter

You can also find

SALVAGE ITEMS ON EBAY

And salvage inspired items (Shabby Chic) on Amazon.