Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Something Old, Something New

I don't know how many times this shelf has tipped over and hit me in the toe...more times than I can count! You see, years ago when we were newly married with absolutely no decorating budget my husband crafted it with his own hands. That was a pretty big accomplishment since we were barely 20-something, at least I thought so. Flash forward 20 plus years and although it doesn't fit my "style" any longer, I just couldn't part with it because I didn't want to hurt his feelings. I have literally had it leaning against the wall in my closet for years.


I finally did get the courage to ask him about recycling it into something new for the shop the other day during one of my "clean out the clutter" binges. He gave me permission to morph it into something new. When I thought about what I could do with it I remembered I also had some old wicker wall hangings I'd been hanging onto. What if I cut them apart, glued it to the shelf and then painted it? Why not? Primer and a coat of latex right over the top, it worked like a charm. 


The only problem I needed to remedy was the fish cutout in the center from its previous life( I made the hubby pose with his handiwork ) Hmmm...what could I do about that? I had some old frames laying around, what if I transferred an image to a piece of drop cloth, framed it and then nailed the frame to the shelf right over the fish? Done! To finish off the edges of the wicker I glued some ecru colored trim around it as well as around the canvas image.


I had picked up some little crystal knobs at the craft store...have you been to Michael's lately? They have some adorable knobs in the dollar bins. I have collected quite a stash for future projects. They stood out a little too much on their own so I grabbed some jewels I had in a similar color and added them to the transfer, better. 


I'm looking at things around the house with a new eye now. What do you have laying around your house that you could transform? Some glue, some nails and some paint can turn a whole lotta' pieces of nothing; into something. Maybe even something someone will want.


Linking up with these lovely ladies:

                                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                                     
                                                                   
vif187


13 comments:

Art From The heart said...

Oh my what a lovely result...I'm sure hubby is pleased.

Debbi said...

Holy crap Carrie, that is gorgeous! Hey I had lunch with Oral last week, we need to try to get together in Silverton soon. A new shop opened in Stayton called the Vintage Emporium. I am going to sell a few things on consignment, not quite ready to commit (and frankly don't have the time) to renting a space.

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Oh I love it, I have never dealt with a fish cut out, it seems it is always the heart cut out I am trying to conceal!

Carol

STARDUST said...

Carrie hi! Just stopping by to let you know that I'm now your first official follower in bloglovin'! We'll stay in touch!
Love, Olga

Unknown said...

That's really pretty!

Unknown said...

Olá, estava olhando seu blog e estou encantada com sua arte! Parabéns você faz um trabalho inspirador!
Abraços.

Debbiedoos said...

Thanks for sharing Carrie with the newbie party. You are one creative lady!

Laurie @ Laurie's Little Bits of Creativity, etc. said...

Your shelf turned out great! I'm visiting you via Debbiedoo's Newbie party and am now following you.

http://www.laurieslittlebitsofcreativity.com/

Cynthia said...

What a wonderful shelf it came out beautifully great change.

Cynthia said...

What a wonderful shelf it came out beautifully great change.

Jen Lossing, Artistic Abode Designs said...

Great job. That looks wonderful. Found you at Debbiedoos Newbie Party.

Kammy's Korner said...

Just love the way you think. Fish cutout? No problem! :) Great job!

Unknown said...

Nice job! It looks great! Thanks for sharing at the Rock 'N Share!