Greetings from New Mexico...

We're on vacation, didn't have time to get a post done before we left. I'll be back in two weeks. Hope you enjoy the illustrations on this vintage postcard!

Upcycled Patio Deck Seating

Last summer I did a post when I found this L-Shape seating on Craigslist. I was pretty excited to find something like this for a pittance that had so much potential. The frame needed refinishing and the seats and seat backs needed replacing. As neither my husband nor I have the woodworking skills,I found a carpenter to do the seat and build a table to match. Although I was going to refinish the frame myself, he offered to do it for such a reasonable amount I couldn't say no.

Not bad as far as rust, but definitely needed a new coat of paint.

What a difference a day makes...

I also found the spaghetti chairs on Craigslist. The person selling them just wanted to get rid of them and I only paid $12 for 4!

The green planter and stand were thrifted. I lost a lot of flowers this summer due to the intense heat wave we had for two months. (As did much of the country) The long planters on the ledge are from my dad's house. I had to replant half of the flowers in them and they're just starting to fill out. Anyway, I'm very happy with the transformation of our seating!

Upcycling

I've had many posts about upcycling ideas. The creativity and ingenuity that people have is so interesting to me. For those of us who adore thrifting in all it's forms, upcycling can be part and parcel of that. How many times do you see something at a thrift store or sale and think it has possibilities? That's where upcycling ideas can be a great resource.

images via ARTREBELS

In the true spirit of upcycling, these plastic crates has been elevated.

image via RePlayGround

Vintage wood crate turned table - the graphics add a lot of appeal.

images above via The Harvest Moon

The Harvest Moon has several ideas for upcycling wood crates. Here's a good idea for a crate that is falling apart. I would use something like this for keys and probably put different knobs or hooks on it.

image via Out of the Birdcage

Pyrex bowls turned into light shades

image via Upcycle Us

This has to be the cutest idea I've seen for upcycling a cable reel.

image via duitang

I think this is a fun idea with some practical applications, but I sure wouldn't want to use a tennis ball that has been bounced around on the court!

image via all women stalk

I like both these ideas for vintage rulers, especially the mirror. All Women Stalk has 14 different ideas for upcycling rulers.

To view some of my past posts on upcycling, click here, here or here.

Painting a Purchased Pot

I purchased this pot on clearance at Michael's Craft Store. I liked it's shape and size. It cost me about $18.00, pretty good for a 18" tall pot. I forgot to take a before picture, but the color was similar, a light gray.

Since the finish was not shiny I could start right in painting. I painted it with Behr Ultra, a paint and primer in one. The color looks chartreuse (to see my post on chartreuse, click here.) and is called Leapfrog. I used two coats in an eggshell finish. The surface is quite pitted, so I didn't try to get in all the holes. I like the effect of the gray showing, gives it a little more dimension.

Here it is on my deck, looking a little more yellow outside. Being late in the summer the selection wasn't the best for flowers, but I don't mind the orange against the chartreuse and the darker green foliage looks nice. Next summer I'll use something different. Total cost was around $30.00 with plenty of paint left over to paint a lamp (next project). Next to it is my planter from last summer, to read that post, click here.

Creative Ideas for Patio Umbrellas

image via Sunset

Remember the plastic umbrella stands that you fill with water or sand? This diy idea for mounting a patio umbrella in a large pot  really puts that to shame. Wish I had the gorgeous backdrop in this photo - are those redwood trees? 

image via jadeflower

image via apartment therapy

image via Martha Stewart

I wouldn't have thought to drill a hole in a small table for an umbrella. I like the  plain stand, it just blends in.

image via Martha Stewart

These diy lights are a charming idea