Thrifty Yellow Chalkboard

Several weeks ago, I shared with you the day I gathered all my spray painting projects & got them all done at once. 

Click here to see that post.

I didn't quite finish this project that day because I wanted to paint the inside with some chalkboard paint. Well, I've finished it at last & given it a place of honour in our front entry. 

The frame was from a trip to the thrifty earlier this spring. It started out being ugly brown faux wood. 

I think it's actually plastic. 

A few coats of yellow spray paint - Krylon Bright Idea - and painting glass with chalkboard paint & it has a new lease on life! 

I also tried my hand at a little chalkboard art/doodle. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out! 

What are some of the summer projects you're working on?

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Repurposing with Spray Paint

Earlier this spring, as soon as it was nice enough outside on a weekend, I gathered a bunch of my spray paint & thrifty items, as well as some things I had shopped from around my house.

Out I went & set up my driveway as Spray Painting Central!

Here's what happened that day...

Thrifty Makeovers {Earring Tray & Basket}

  In the last couple weeks, I've shared with you some of my recent thifty finds. Some were good as-is & some needed a bit of refreshing.

Remember what this tray used to look like? With a couple of coats of spray paint (Krylon - Global Blue), it's now a pretty display for my earrings.

And this basket was a bit worn out & dirty. With a bit of clean up & some spray paint (same colour as the tray), it now sits in my closet, holding my scarves & small purses.

Another successful thrifty challenge!

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Thrifty Thursday {More Vintage Finds}

  As of late, I have not been thifting regularly - just every once in a while. But after my last trip thrifting, I discovered that the western style shirt I had bought for my daughter's cowgirl costume for halloween was HUGE on her. There was nothing for it - I had to take it back. Most thrift stores only do exchanges (fine by me), so off I went to find a western shirt that would actually fit her. I found one that's perfect & figured while I was there, it would be efficient of me to check out the housewares section. *wink, wink*

  I walked out, not only with the properly sized western shirt, but also with two new treasures.

I have been looking for a medium sized globe for awhile now - and one that's reasonably priced as well. This vintage metal one is just perfect! I also really like the world landmarks on the colourful base. My husband was trying to figure out the age of the globe just by looking at some of the countries that no longer exist. We couldn't nail it down, but it's in the vintage range for sure. Anyone know any tips as to how to date a globe? I might have to google that one.

After purchasing the two turquoise vintage Pyrex bowls in the background last February, I've also been watching for some matching or co-ordinating ones. I found this white one with the turquoise motifs that fits in just right with the larger ones I already had.

Score!

Have you been thrifting lately? What have you scored?

Thanks for reading. If you like what you see here on Silver Boxes, I'd love it if you would become a follower, 

subscribe by email (sign up on the right sidebar), or follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. 

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Thrifty Finds

Happy Monday, friends! How was your weekend? I had a lovely time on Saturday out thrifting with my friend, Sarah.

Here are the treasures I brought home with me:

A nice, little grey suitcase. This makes me want to throw a bridal shower so I can use this to collect the cards. :)

Some wire baskets. I've been looking for some of these for almost a year. I finally found some!

I bought this tray for the mesh on the back. But I'm not sure. I may end up using the whole thing for my future project (stay tuned).

This was my squeal of a deal! I've been looking in the fabric stores here for a nice yellow & white cotton for a future project. No luck. I also looked on Etsy, but the ones I liked would have been a little pricey with shipping. I found this duvet cover in the perfect shade of yellow. And there will be lots of fabric left over for pillows & other projects! I'm so excited to get working on the project I have planned for this!

And... Some pretty doilies for gift wrapping (stay tuned for this as well).

Thanks for reading. If you like what you see here on Silver Boxes, I'd love it if you would become a follower, 

subscribe by email (sign up on the right sidebar), or follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. 

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Enjoy your day!

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An Old Friend Gets A Makeover

  

  Years ago, when my grandpa was moving into an assisted living home, he had an auction to sell off his & my granny's estate. We, as a family spent the day at the auction, helping out. My parent's told my brother & I to let them know if there was anything of our grandparent's that we really wanted. As a teenager, I didn't always speak up & let my thoughts be known. (In fact, I'm still learning to speak my mind.) Anyway, that whole day I had my eye on this mustard coloured stool. I loved the retro look. It reminded me of playing pool in my grandparent's basement because that's where it's home was. But... I didn't tell my parents. 

  Most of the day went by & finally this stool came up for bid. Because I hadn't said anything to my parents about my desire to have it, someone else bought it. I was kinda bummed & finally mentioned it to my parents that I really wished I could have had that stool. 

  My parents were so nice about it & didn't give me a hard time. They went to the people who had just bought it & explained that that stool was the one thing that this man's grand daughter really wanted. The people were very understanding & accepted what they had paid for it in return. 

  I got grandpa's stool after all! And learned a lesson in speaking up...

  After years of use & after our two kids came along, the stool had seen better days. But alas, the stool holds a lot of  sentimental value for me. I was not willing to let it go. (Which is saying a lot for me. I rarely have a hard time getting rid of things.)

 Finally, last month my mom (who happens to be an interior decorator - I know: Score! Love you mom!) & I took the stool & went in search of an upholstery shop. We found a great place that specializes in boat upholstery & therefore had a ton of vinyl to choose from. 

  I chose a dark grey with a bit of veining to make it look more like leather. I took the legs off before hand & spray painted them a glossy black.

  

My old friend looks new again & we are enjoying the new look so much!! I wish I could say I upholstered it myself, but since I've never upholstered in my life, I wasn't willing to practice on such a special piece. 

I left it to the professionals. 

I love it!!

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Spray Paint & the Frog

Do you remember this guy?

No? Then let me refresh your memory. :)

I purchased this ceramic golden toad on a thrifty adventure last fall. 

At first, my kids informed me that it was a poison dart frog, but after some more research, 

we discovered that an orange frog is actually called a golden toad. 

You needed to know that, right? ;)

I finally got around to giving this chap a few coats of black spray paint...

He now holds a place of honour in my kitchen with his pot scrubber at the ready. 

He sure adds a touch of whimsy to the kitchen. And a touch of nostalgia as well. 

I remember my mom having something similar next to the kitchen sink when I was a kid.

Good memories. :)

Another successful mini makeover!

Enjoy your day!

Check out these great parties I link up to!

Thanks for reading. If you like what you see here on Silver Boxes, feel free to become a follower, 

subscribe by email, or follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. 

And please leave a comment when you do so I know who my new friends are! :)

Flea Market Finds

  What an enjoyable weekend I had! I hope you did too. :) 

  A couple of friends joined me in a trek to the long awaited, bi-annual flea market on Saturday. We were able to find a few treasures among the throngs of people & tables of curiosities. Sadly, I wasn't able to find anything from my wish list, but here's what I came home with...

A vintage step stool - in yellow & chrome, no less! Score.

I've been wanting one of these for a long time. 

An old post card from my favourite place (even though I've never been there) - Paris! 

It's postmarked 1925 & has a beautiful patina.

The elephant statue intrigued me since I have never seen it in any photos of the Eiffel Tower before. From the little research I did, the statue is no longer there, but has been moved to the Musee d'Orsay. 

I'll be looking for a frame to put this little gem on display.

And last, but not least, I found two vintage turquoise Pyrex bowls. 

There was a lot of Pyrex at the flea market, but these were the only turquoise pieces I saw. 

I'm so glad I snapped them up.

Was there any thrifting, antiquing, or flea market shopping in your weekend? Yes? 

I would love to hear about it! Please leave me a comment & tell me about your treasures.

~~~

  On another note, you may have heard that Google Friend Connect (the way a lot of you follow this blog - on the right side bar) is going bu-bye for non-Blogger blogs as of the end of this month. Rumour has it that eventually it will stop for Blogger too. I'm just trying to be proactive & adding this new way to follow sooner, rather than later.

  So, if you follow Silver Boxes or would like to, you can now sign up to follow it under LinkyTools. Signing up is SUPER fast & easy. I promise - under 5 minutes. It's actually a really neat way to follow your favourite blogs - I've gotta say that it organizes them really well. You should check it out if you read multiple blogs. 

Have a wonderful Monday!

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Flea Market Wish List

  Here in Saskatoon, we have a semi annual flea market. Last fall was my first visit & I loved it! The next date is this Saturday & I'm definitely planing to go! In fact, I've compiled a little wish list of things to look for! Here are my ideas...

Some wire baskets to turn into cute storage

Via

Vintage rulers or yardsticks

Via

An old chandelier to paint up

Via

An old frame to make into a cute chalk board

Via

Some beautiful needlework

Via

And last, but not least...

Small tins for more cute storage

Via

  

That's what I have on my list right now, but I'll likely come up with a few more items before the happy day arrives. :)

Do you hunt at flea markets? What are the things you look for or collect?

Enjoy your day!

Thrifty Treasures

  On Friday, I was so blessed to be able to spend the day with my friend, Sarah. After hearing about my day thrifting this summer, she has been excited to go treasure hunting with me. I was her guide for the day. No pressure, right? :)

  We started off at the local thrift stores & we each scored some goodies. I almost bought this coffee table, but it was too long for our space. It would be so lovely all redone.

  Check out this FAB-U-LOUS glass set Sarah snagged: 

Yes, those are silver dots on the glasses. Perfection!

  Yup, she's a quick learner. 

  After getting our feet wet, we moved on to the antique stores. Here are some gems that we loved, but didn't buy. 

Large wooden spools

Vintage looking (but new!) table & chair sets

Row upon row of 3-footed tea cups

A well set from an old soda shoppe.

Most of the wells even had the original labels on them. 

My dear friend, Sarah, in a fabulous blue chair that we found.

Neat sewing chair...

The seat opened up for storage!

Look at this beauty!

Massive dictionary

  Days like these are a feast for the eyes. It's so much fun.

  Here's what I came home with:

1. Milk glass - 3 pieces total. Goblet, candy dish, & bowl.
2. Vintage shot glass that I'll use as a candle holder since I don't drink.
3. A bag of vintage Christmas decorations. Don't they look pretty in the milk glass bowl I bought too?
4. Vintage spools. I have plans to use these to make some Christmas ornaments. 
5. The poison dart froggy sponge holder. I've been looking for one of these for a long time. When my kids saw it they were kind of scared & had to inform me of it's proper name. I see some glossy spray paint in this chap's future.
6. Two maps. The major score of the day for me - and they were only .50 each! I've been looking for some maps to start a project that involves a lamp. 

Stay tuned for the above makeovers! (Hopefully) Coming Soon.

Enjoy your day!

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Sumo's Sweet Stuff

Crafty, Scrappy, Happy