Doors of Taos Pueblo, New Mexico

My husband and I were fortunate to take a trip to the beautiful state of New Mexico. They call it the land of enchantment and now I know why. The desert landscape dotted with yellow wildflowers and purple sage is set against the mountains and the sky is so blue.

On the first leg of our trip we went to Taos. While there we toured the Taos Pueblo, an Indian Reservation that has been inhabited for over 1000 years.
I don't feel good about the situation that the Native American Indians have in our country. But my blog is not the place to make commentary on the situation.

I think Adobe architecture is very interesting (so fitting for the landscape) and it's orange tint could be what makes the sky seem extra blue, though maybe the elevation (7000 ft.) has something to do with it too.

While walking around I was struck by the different doors of each residence and took pictures of them. Even though these are very humble adobe's, there is an artistic sense about them. 

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

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!

Eternally Modern Chartreuse

Today's post is random and quick. Eternally modern, chartreuse is one of my favorite colors and although not easy to find, it's out there. Let's take a look at a few of the offerings out there.

image via TheRawSupplyCo

image via WolfCityAnteeks

The chartreuse color of this file elevates it from functional to mod.

image via dress

Wish I had this purse and the necklace below to go with an outfit I'm wearing to a wedding this weekend. My blouse is magenta, black and white, would have been such a great combination!

image via Evolution Vintage

image via Colorado Homes and Lifestyles

Russell Wright dinnerware is very collectible, lurv that celery plate!