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

Goodwill Hunting

Last night I made a quick trip to the Goodwill in my neighborhood. I always check out the pictures for art or frames. I was pleased to find a print that I really like. I'm going to have it reframed as the frame has some big chips in it and the print is not a standard size. I think a different color frame will set it off better too.

I just have it propped up here. The colors are more vibrant than the photo shows.

Since my last post was about galvanized metal I wanted to show a galvanized tray that I bought thrifting awhile back. I'm not sure what the original use for it was (probably changing oil), but I've got it on this chest for now. 

I bought this old milk can at a thrift sale last fall for $10. I like the worn patina of the metal. I wanted to use it for a plant stand, but the lid has a grip on it that I couldn't get off. So I put it on an asian plant stand and keep maps and prints in it. The wood statue and planter are past thrift finds, making everything but a print or two in the milk can secondhand finds.

Galvanized Metal

I don't know what it is about galvanized metal that I like so much (I like it, I love it, I want some more of it...:>). It can be industrial, functional, funky and also dressed up to look stunning. Though my tastes are more modern, galvanized metal is very versatile. It's a natural for country, but goes with almost any decor. 

image via farmhouse wares

The simplicity of this cake and galvanized cake stand have an understated elegance, it would be gorgeous for a summer gathering. 

image via FernHillRd

What a sweet combination and great pairing!

image via Event Trender

These galvanized vessels are dressed up with beautiful flowers. The miniature watering cans place cards are a nice touch.

image via SVPPLY

Galvanized metal just seems to lend itself to plants.

image via the vintage bricoleur

image via imainway

I have a double wash tub like the one above and use it for laundry sorting. I'd show you a picture of mine, but my laundry room is a mess not very photogenic. I bought it from a neighbor's garage sale for $20.00. It looks like I got a very good deal as this one on ebay is going for $210.00 or best offer. Are they really selling for that much?

image via Reminsce

image via RELIQUE

Galvanized boxes like the one above can add a lot of interest to a bookshelf or display and can also be used for storage.

image via Wendy Umanoff - RestoringStyle

image via TheEnglandFarmhouse

This vintage chicken coop light has a lot of style. I like it's rusted patina but I could also see it in a bright color.

image via ace of space

Here is "Christmas in July" (just hope I can remember it come December). This table top tree with galvanized metal stand is from Martha Stewart. I love this and the "snow" underneath with miniature deer! This idea has so many possibilities: choose your own color, use elves or a miniature town under the tree...

image via Heartfish

Simple, utilitarian boxes, but oh how they make my heart beat!

image via 14feet.

There are oodles of things you can store in these old milk crates - magazines, towels, supplies, you name it. 

image via Dirt Simple

I like Deborah Silvers idea to use these galvanized barrels as planters. A group of them in the right place would be downright sculptural. 

Best of all, galvanized metal is not hard to find at garage sales, thrift stores or estate sales. A good deal or great find makes the thrill of the hunt even sweeter!