stuff my parents keep

1.27.2013

Bye bye

I have since moved out and my free time has faded away. Please join me on my new site: purslane in the pavement.

See you there!

10.03.2011

project 3: old playing cards become new art

didn't end up documenting this very well but there just weren't too many steps!

step one: wipe clean found thick poster board and figure out desired layout (important to do before applying glue!)

step two: spray each card with adhesive and stick on poster board

step three: find a frame (either one you already have or purchase one). I ordered my frame from an ebay store http://stores.ebay.com/Custom-Framing-Factory-Outlet. This was much cheaper than custom framing with the same amount of variety in style and dimensions (the frame itself with glass and hook included was only $12.95 - although shipping brought the price up a bit)!

step four: cut poster board with box cutter to fit frame

step five: spray paint dented and drawn on back of poster and mark with stuff my parents keep signature!

step six: frame it up!

Find it on Etsy

10.02.2011

slowly.... but surely

Progress! Only a few more days of serious cleaning, storing, throwing out, and restoring and I think we will have ourselves a room again (and a seriously satisfied girl).

My most recent cleaning session consisted mostly of foraging through boxes of childhood books. Flipping through them produced a surprising waft of nostalgia. Heres a look at the books which made the cut:

I also happily utilized the Vietnam Veterans of America free pick-up service for donations. They take everything from clothing to small appliances, toys, and tools. It is undeniably convenient so there is really no excuse to only throw stuff away when tackling a cleaning project like this one!

Stay tuned..... images from my most recent restoration (actually, more like upcycling) to come!

9.03.2011

project #2 - crackle paint shelf!

It has been a busy month but my 2nd project is finally complete! Take a look....

Shelf as found

Materials: sea mist blue crackle paint, small roller, scrapper, sander, painter's tape, and white all purpose sealer

Step 1: sand'r down

(tape applied to protect metal strip)

Step 2: wipe off with wet paper towel

Step 3: remove sawtooth hangers

Step 4: prime with sealer and let dry

Step 5: begin applying crackle paint with scraper!

it took several days/coats to cover all the edges and curves completely

Step 6: sand edges to give distressed look

Step 7: fasten new hooks

Step 8: after 2 weeks of sanding and sanding again, a few more wipe downs, and polishing the metal, a final product!

Etsy ad to come.... feel free to contact me with any questions/comments!

8.07.2011

everyday surprises

while on my daily walk with this guy

I came across a little gem in the mud that I decided to take home with me...

I am not sure how old it is but I think that after a long soapy soak it would still make a really cute salad dressing dispenser with a swing cap!

Aren't little everyday surprises fun?

7.31.2011

day 1 of heavy cleaning

I spent a big portion of the day yesterday going through boxes of old clothes, picking out fabrics I want to reuse, putting aside objects with potential for renewal, and bagging up everything else for donation or recycling.

the room after day 1

I brought a carload full of these bagged and boxed up items to Chappaqua's wonderful recycling center. You can bring anything from old cellphones and books to empty propane canisters to this place and be sure that items you may have thrown out will find new hands or uses!

Stay tuned for my next project (hint: blue mist crackle paint will be involved)!

Also, for any Archie/Betty&Veronica/Jughead fans, check out my comic book collection ebay on . I am hoping to find a new (and more appreciative owner)!