Friday, February 1, 2013

Trash 2 Treasure Room Divider

I'm sure I am not the only one who draws inspiration from pictures in magazines and newspapers. However, my process to getting there may different than some. I am a self declared cheapskate. I think it began out of necessity, and has continued simply because I consider it a challenge.


So when I came upon a photo of a room divider in a catalog, I tore it out and set it aside. Now the average person may shop high and low until they find one, but I knew I would make it. Here is where the weird part comes in. I collected a pile of random things that I thought when compiled would come together into an even better version of my beloved screen...and for way less money.


I started with some Craigslist bi-fold doors...free, what I think was part of an old broken shoji screen...free, two old antique spoon collecting racks...free, and a collection of botanical images from 'the most fabulous place on earth', The Graphics Fairy....free! Are you keeping count? I've said here before that I can look at a pile of things and picture it finished. When I try to convey my ideas to my husband he gives me that "she is crazy" look, you know the one? They don't think like we do.


Anyway, from that pile I reconfigured the door hinges to zig-zag back and forth. I was able to make due with the existing hinges by just using two on each union instead of three. My husband helped me to rip the shoji on the table saw into four strips, one for each door. I hammered the sides off of the spoon racks and attached the curvy pieces to the top of each section. It served almost like a moulding, but cost me zero. I primed all the pieces and then painted the doors bright white and the shoji frames a pale gray. My brad nailer worked fabulous to attach the completed pieces together. I gave it all a good distressing and then it was time to make the magic happen.


I found twenty images of flowers, birds, and butterflies that I loved. I simply printed them out on parchment, covered their fronts with clear contact paper, and trimmed them to size. I chose to use spray adhesive and attach them to the centers of each framed opening. Originally I planned to use decorative tacks on all the corners, but I had a container of tiny binder clips that I decided to use instead. They gave it that finishing touch and added to the "specimen" botanical look.



Now I don't often "toot my own horn" so to speak, but I am pretty proud of the finished product. Most of all the fact that it only cost me about $3.00 for the binder clips....and of course the paper and ink. If I had a more feminine house, I'd be keeping this one for sure!








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10 comments:

Dee said...

What a great idea! I see these bi-fold closet doors all the time. They make a perfect privacy screen. Nice Job! Dee from My Painted Stuff.

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Your project turned out beautifully! You did a wonderful job!!

Lauren said...

This looks really good. Great job. I am hosting a link party and would love it if you would link up.

http://www.ifitsnotbaroquedesignblog.blogspot.com

Leslie Anne Tarabella said...

This looks great and like something I would really make and use! Unlike some other crafts for peanut holders or . . . well, you understand.

Cranberry Morning said...

Carrie, that is the most beautiful screen I have ever seen. What a joy to look at that across the room! And that gives me an idea of what to do with my vintage clothing catalog prints. Hmmmmm.

Donna Wilkes said...

Toot your horn and shout and jump up and down. This is a wonderfully clever creation. Love the look of the binder clips on the prints.

Unknown said...

This is fabulous! Wonderful idea, and the cost....unbelievable! I'm a new follower. Come over for a visit!

Anonymous said...

WOW! Toot away, because it is fabulous!!! I'm going to pin this one. thanks for sharing. Little Bit from www.DecorateWithaLittleBit.com

Kay San Nicolas @ Gallery Fifty Eight said...

You certainly provided great photos as you worked your way to a fabulous room divider. I found you at Frugal Friday.

Karen at Bargain-ista.com said...

Wow!!! This is beautiful! So pretty I thought it was the picture from the catalog :)