A few weeks ago I was out garage-saling and found these two barrels for $1 each. Of course I snatched them up! The girl asked what I had planned for them? I told her I wasn't sure, but figured that I could use them out in my yard to hold plants, or turn them over to set plants on top... I then realized that they could work as little end tables in the house.
I started by sanding them.
I applied a coat of Pre-Stain.
I stained them with Minwax Provincial.
I'm very happy with the dark color.
I put this wire cloche and birds' nest on top of one of them and it's done. Not a bad table for $1. Now I have to find a place for the other one.
I've made many of these towels for myself and friends using other graphics, but was so excited when The Graphics Fairy posted these canning jars recently. (and in two colors!!) I love this graphic!
I started with Jolee's Image Transfer Paper (purchased at Michael's)
I printed off the graphics on my INKJET printer (laser copies will not work with the transfer paper) Be sure to ROTATE in Picnik to get the mirror image.
Cut around the graphic, but on this one don't cut too close. It's a big transfer and it's best to leave a little extra edge so it adheres correctly. Once it's washed a time or two, the edge will not show at all.
Heat up your iron on the cotton setting with NO steam. I used a board underneath it. I used Ikea towels.
Iron the towel where the graphic will be going, then set it on where you want it. I generally keep it on the bottom half of the towel and centered between the red stripes. It then will hang on my dishwasher handle and show up well. (just my preference) :)
Set the iron on each area for 20 seconds, making sure you get everything ironed really well. (set the iron on the spot, hold for 20 seconds, pick the iron up and move it to another spot--don't move the iron around during those 20 seconds) You can go over everything several times if you want.
Let it cool completely and carefully remove the paper backing. Make sure you don't launder the towels for at least 72 hours (per the directions on the transfer paper) so the image will adhere properly.
And you end up with these great towels. The iron on transfer will fade some when you wash them, which will make them even more vintage looking!
Even though it snowed quite a bit the other night, I thought I'd hit one garage sale the next morning that advertised that they'd be open regardless of the weather.
I wasn't really expecting to find anything, so was pleasantly surprised when I found a lot of stuff! The first thing I saw was this ladder. I was so excited, then even more so when I saw the price---$1. It's old, it's wooden, it's in great shape with great 'patina'. It even has a Montgomery Ward paper label under the tray. Let's see, $1 for all of this?? Yes, I was sold!
I found some big Atlas canning jars. I'm not sure what I'll use them for yet, but I think they're neat. And at 20 cents apiece, I had to get some. There was another lady buying most of what they had, so I was able to grab five jars and was happy with that.
You're probably wondering about the beautiful filthy chair... As I was walking out, I saw it. It was $2. I'm sure I can do something with it. My husband thinks I'm out of my mind, but structurally it's in great shape and with some paint and some new upholstery, it should look great! Now it's on to a search of blogs that have tutorials on reupholstering this type of chair. (And worst case scenario is that I can't redo it and I'm out $2) :)
I got two frames. One had a painting in it. I removed it and will take it to a charity, as it looks like someone local would enjoy it. I spent time this afternoon painting both and will make chalkboards out of them.
I like this sifter. I've cleaned it and put it above my kitchen cabinets.
So I ended up with the ladder, chair, canning jars, frames, pitcher, sifter and a scale weight and my grand total was $8.60! I am thrilled with my new treasures.
We love hanging out with friends in our game room.
Between air hockey, Wii and the dog running back and forth, it does get a little crazy! (ok, a lot crazy!)
My parents gave us this old Coke machine. My husband cleaned it up and I think it looks great!
We love this little popcorn maker. It's not old, but looks retro, which is fun.
Some old favorite foods on the menu...
The place to settle the tab at the end of the night. :)
How about a little game of Pachinko?
So come on over, grab a drink and some snacks and have a great time!
Thanks for your visit!
Pam
p.s. I am getting SO frustrated with Blogger! My posts usually don't show up for a few hours on the blogroll or dashboard! I have cleared my cache, refreshed, etc. and it continues to do this. If anyone has any suggestions, please leave a comment or email me. Thanks!
I'm sure everyone has seen the little pots of mums that are available in just about every grocery store and home improvement store in the summer and fall. They are usually about $2.50 here, but sometimes are on sale for 99 cents. I love to use them in my house for a pop of color, but they only last a couple of weeks before looking tired. Instead of throwing them out, I just plant them out in my yard. A few months later when everything else has died, they are looking great (and a whole lot bigger)!
I took these pictures last Saturday (late October) after my Cosmos and tomatoes bit the dust from a recent freeze.
(Please excuse the mesh--our dog loves to go back there and dig.)
So the next time you have those little mums that look tired inside, just find a spot out in your yard. You'll be enjoying the blooms for years to come.
