Inexpensive Fix - Bar Cabinet

Here's a project I did last summer using thrift finds. I found a cabinet at a University Surplus Store. It's actually a metal bookcase that wood framed doors were added to. Wish I had before pictures, but that was before this blog. Anyway, the cabinet was all black, had stickers, scratches, a nameplate and was dirty. But I liked the lines of it and the super long hinges that show on the outside. I spray painted it gray inside and out,  except for the doors which I painted black.

I use the cabinet for storing glasses, ice bucket, coasters etc. 

Above the cabinet I hung this print my husband and I bought in the Napa Valley as a memento of our trip. The print has a border of wine labels and a map showing where different wines were made. 

The wood sculpture was a steal for $20.00 at annual thrift event for a local assisted living organization. 

On top of the cabinet I have a ceruse finish tray with different coasters and a decanter. 

I'll probably do more rearranging/adding, just not sure what to do yet. I like this cabinet, but it's not permanent. It was an inexpensive fix.  I'd like to put a nicer piece of furniture in it's place at some point. No rush, this cabinet is very functional until I find exactly the right thing when I can afford it.

Tree Stumps

What could be cheaper than free and rhymes? A tree - tree stump to be exact. While walking my dog Friday night I spotted a downed tree cut into big chunks. As soon as I got home I asked my husband to help me and we picked out two. I'm going to use them for plant stands on my deck.

cheaper than therapy

I want to place mine on our deck, like these. But I have two tree stumps and want to fill in with planters and flowers. I'll show pictures in a later post, still need to buy my plants.

eHow home

I've done this with a tree stump in my yard, planted daisies in it. Makes that tree stump you didn't remove look like it was intentional.

G's Friendly Tree Service

There many ideas online for tree stumps. And why not? A tree stump table can add a lot of interest to a room or a nice contrast to contemporary furniture. I've picked out some ideas that are more simple, no whittling or chain saws required. 

An obvious choice other than a plant stand, is to use a stump as a side table. I think I'll let mine dry outside for a season or two before using inside. Here are some nice examples.

home MADE

West Elm

DESIGN SQUISH

The painted bark on these tree stumps adds a bit of style.

Nickadoo

These tree trunk tables(or stools)look like they could walk away!

According to the site "No trees are cut to make these tables. They are created from trunks salvaged from lumbering activity or trees that have fallen naturally. Each piece is cleaned without chemicals, then kiln-dried for four or more weeks. After lengthy sanding and hand-polishing the log is coated with a non-toxic sealant and a locally produced bees wax to then receives its legs. Wrought-iron or chrome legs are specifically selected for each table."

BarStools&BarStools

Find a bargain on some stools on Craigslist and use this idea. Metal legs would add a nice contrast. Some sanding, stain (optional) and varnish would be in order. These would look nice around a pub height table.

Home Quotient

Ok, I guess I lied about no whittling, but aren't these vases charming? I especially like the succulent in one. I think this could be accomplished with a drill and the right kind (hole boring) of drill bit.

Add a clock kit to a tree slice and you've got a stylish clock! I like the way the white clock hands look, but a bright color would be nice too.

Nesting Place

For some upscale ideas and a tutorial, check out Nesting Place.

They have several nice ideas.

Do you have any ideas for tree stumps or slices? I'd love to see comments about your ideas!


This post is a part of Thrift Share Monday with Apron Thrift Girl
and Wicked Awesome Wednesday with Handy Man, Crafty Woman

Upcycling Ideas

Upcycling is a term most of us are familar with. As I look at different ideas, I realize that this concept has been around for a long time. But I am struck by how creative and inventive people can be. Some are downright artistic. Here are several ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Factory Direct Craft Blog

I like the way these wine crate shelves look and they are very functional. These could work in different places, an office, laundry room, kids room, bathroom, family room, etc.

Products & Tech News

Ideas for wood pallets abound, but I think this bench is very nice. It has many placement possibilities.

Dresser Before

The V Spot

Dresser After

I doubt I'd be up to the task of refinishing a dresser like this, but oh, what a wow factor. Even more amazing is the transformation from ugly duckling to swan.

Green Upgrader

We've all seen neat things people have made with bottle caps, but this artwork is incredibly cool.

Poetic Home

I really like this shoe form lamp, it would be great on a desk. How about a pair of them on a console table? I think I would try oversized clear light bulbs in them.

Stop Junk Mail

Can you believe that this great artwork came from junk mail?! It took the creative mind of artist Sandy Schimmel to figure this one out and she did so in a big way. Check out her website to see other gorgeous works of art made from junk mail. 

Do you have something you've upcycled that you would like to share? E-mail me @jcblogger4@gmail.com