Dumpster Diving

 Well, Froggers. I have stooped to the bottom. Yup. Dumpster Diving. Well, I didn't actually go in the dumpster. I picked something up beside the dumpster. So, I think that doesn't qualify. Or does it?
You see, a good friend tipped me off briefly before church started 2 Sundays ago. He told me about a chest of drawers that looked like it was in good condition near his daughter's apartment.
And, yes. I did immediately look at my watch. Shucks. Church was starting in a few minutes. Could I just slip out without anyone seeing me?

I succumbed to internal pressure to stay. As my pastor was talking about God's love, I was thinking about Furniture Love. You know. The deal of the century. The piece that didn't get away? That great piece of furniture that you procured for FREE?

Would it still be there? Would it start raining and ruin what was left on the finish? Would someone else get there right before me and snatch it from my clutches?

As soon as church was over and I paid my requisite greetings to my Fellow Christians (although could they call me that after I hadn't paid attention all morning?). A streak was seen as I exited the building. Well... not quite. After all, I really can't run that fast.

HubbyDoc, Youngest, and I drove the Subaru to said location, and lo and behold, it was still there! Joy and Jubilation! We pulled out all of the trash items that were placed in front of it. We jiggled the drawers, rocked the base, and checked the joints. The only thing that was wrong with it was that the runner for the bottom drawer was broken. No problem. I'll just ask my dad to fashion the piece for me and I'll nail it in.

Now, here's the funny part. Since Youngest was in a hurry to go to lunch with a friend, and the Subaru would only hold the chest plus 2 people, I decided to wait for HubbyDoc to drive home, drop off Youngest, and then come back and pick me up. Keep in mind that we had just come from church.

Our church is very casual. However, this particular Sunday, I decided to wear my cute new sandals with heels. Once Hubbydoc went home, I was left, literally standing on a street corner waiting for him to return. In the rain. It was then that I discovered that perhaps I looked less like an innocent Furniture Stealer and more like a Hoochie Mama. As people drove by in my conservative, small town, I received looks like I've never received before.

So, just call me Hoochie Mama Dumpster Diver. 

Here's the chest in its nakedness.

I love wooden knobs. They're so versatile. 

And here's the transformation:

I painted it with a combination of Versailles chalk paint and Paris Grey. There are actually numbers on the chest, but there's not enough contrast for the camera to pick them up. I was a little disappointed that you can't see them well, but perhaps that's the charm of the look. Yeah. I'll pretend it was planned.

I love painting the knobs!

And, last but not least...I was a winner on Miss Mustard Seed's blog! I received a lovely pencil tin:

This is from Abodent, which has delightful little goodies.

AND, I received a $50 gift certificate. Deciding what to use it for was quite difficult, but here's what I finally ordered:

I received 8 of these adorable knobs after paying just a little bit more than $50 since they were shipped from the UK. I can't wait to find the perfect piece to put them on.
Well, that's it for now, Froggers. I hope you have a splediferous weekend! Fondly, Tami

Today, I'm linking to:
The Freckled Laundry
Just a Girl
My Romantic Home
The Shabby Nest
Coastal Charm 
Handy Man, Crafty Woman 
Night Owl Crafting 
Savvy Southern Style 
On Sutton Place
Thrifty Decor Chick
The Shabby Creek
Blue Cricket Design
Someday Crafts
Domestically Speaking
2805 
Beyond the Picket Fence
The 36th Avenue
Knick of Time Tuesday
Primitive and Proper
Miss Mustard Seed
Embracing Change 
Sisters of the Wild West 
Craftomaniac

The Truth about a Cricut

Hey, Froggers! I feel compelled to discuss something that is a little bit dicey.
Several of you have mentioned to me that you want a Cricut. But there is something that you may not know, and I feel compelled to inform you.

About 2 years ago, I bought a Cricut. It was a cold, Feb. day here in the northeast, and I was feeling a little bit cabin feverish. We were expecting The Big One in a few days, and since I'd be snowed in, I thought it would be a great time to buy a craft toy. I had been thinking about a Cricut for a few years, and since there was a great deal on Overstock, I bought one. It was the only "big" purchase that I had ever bought without discussing it with HubbyDoc first, and I didn't feel the least bit guilty (well, maybe a tad). HubbyDoc, in his wonderful, supportive way, was even HAPPY that I bought one. I so love him. ;)

Enter snowstorm. It took me a little while to catch on to the nuances of the machine, but before you know it, I was cutting paper whether I needed to or not. I was never big on die cuts, but I found all kinds of uses for this machine. However, I wasn't really pleased that I had to buy cartridges all the time. I mean, even on sale, they were at least $25 or so.

Enter third party design programs. I found out about SCAL (Sure Cuts a Lot). It was a computer program that I could use with my Cricut to make my own designs. "Hot dog," I exclaimed. Now the sky is the limit! So, I designed away. And discovered free files on line. And shared some of mine with others. And found incredible designers (like Penny Duncan, who makes beautiful stuff). I was having tons of fun.

Then, a dark cloud was seen in the distance (cue screechy violins). There was a rumor that the makers of Cricut were going after third party programs like Make the Cut and SCAL. I knew I was probably safe since SCAL was already downloaded on my computer and worked with my current Cricut. Sure enough, there were legal issues, and Make the Cut and SCAL had to stop selling their products for the Cricut. Now, in my situation, if my Cricut would die and I wanted to get another one, the newer machine would not work with the SCAL anymore. I would have to switch to another type of machine to use my program.

Now I know that I have incredibly creative Froggers. I know that a lot of you won't be satisfied being confined to others' designs. So, if you want to create your own stuff to cut, you're going to have to buy a different machine. There are a few out there that work with these third party programs (Penny Duncan has one of them and has some tutorials on her site).

I just felt compelled to let you know.
Fondly, Tami

My Key Coffee Table. I'm in Love Again.

Well, I hate to tell my hubby, but I'm having an affair...with my new coffee table. Yup. I love this more than life itself. Well...not really, but I'm pretty dang pleased with it.
Firstly, I purchased this table off of Craigslist for a very small price. Score.
It sat in my garage for about 2 weeks until I made the absolute FINAL decision of what to do with it. I was inspired by a table I saw on Sisters of the Wild West. I thought it was SO kewl (my teen daughters HATE when I write cool that way, so that's why I'm doing it).
One of the best things is that this table was totally unfinished. Yup. A furniture crafter's dream. The problem is that when you have a piece like that, the sky is the limit. I become paralyzed with decision making because I want it to be perfect!
One day, I took the plunge and just started. And now, I am in love with the finished product.

I don't have a complete pic of what it looked like in the beginning, but just imagine that it was a plain jane.

The other thing that absolutely tickles me about this project is that all of the keys are my original designs. Since I don't consider myself particularly creative, these designs were a boost to my craft ego.

I cut out the vinyl with my Cricut, placed it on the table, and painted away.

I decided to use some lock designs as well.

This is one of my favorite key designs and is the logo for my new business, which will be called Howsewears:

This is another favorite design. They're almost like my children.

And here is the final product.

The base is painted in Old White chalk paint. It's not distressed. The jury is still out on that.

The project stalled when I couldn't decide which stain to use on the top. I experimented on the underside with just wax, oak stain, cherry stain, and walnut stain. The final decision (with the help of my daughters) was to use a cherry and walnut stain mix. I was so pleased with the final outcome. I like the warmth but I don't like it too dark, so this worked well.

Here's a better view of the designs.

I do have to admit that I might have to enter a 12-step program. Hi. My name is Tami, and I'm an obsessive crafter. Nah. That means I'd have to be willing to change.
I hope you like it.
And, if you're interested in fancy-ing up a table you already have, message me through my Etsy shop here, and I can custom cut vinyl keys to fit your piece of furniture!
Fondly, Tami
Today, I'm linking to:
The Shabby Nest
Remodelaholic Friday
My Romantic Home
Feathered Nest Friday 
No Minimalist Here 
The Frugal Girls 
I Heart Naptime
Flamingo Toes
Sisters of the Wild West
The DIY Showoff
Under the Table and Dreaming
Tatertots and Jello
Between Naps on the Porch 
Dittle Dattle
http://creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/
Craftomaniac
The Graphics Fairy
The Tattered Tag
Singing Three Little Birds
Be Colorful
Homemaker on a Dime
Making the World Cuter
A Diamond in the Stuff
Coastal Charm
DIY by Design
The Tip Junkie
Primitive and Proper
Night Owl Crafting
Saavy Southern Style
Handy Man, Crafty Woman
Restore Interiors
Today's Creative Blog
Someday Crafts
Beyond the Picket Fence
Blue Cricket Design
French Country Cottage
Chic on a Shoestring Decorating
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Tip Junkie
The 36th Avenue
The Shady Porch
Gingersnap Crafts
Stuff and Nonsense 
The Trendy Treehouse 
The Southern Institute 
Polly Want a Crafter 
It's a Hodgepodge Life 
Embracing Change 
Miss Mustard Seed 
The Vintage Farmhouse 
Kampenlane 
Elizabeth and Co.
Ivy and Elephants
Kammy's Korner
The Vintage Farmhouse

Is it something? Does anyone know what this is???

Hey, Froggers (Friends who are Bloggers)!
I was so excited with my great purchases on Saturday! However, I bought an item that I had no idea what it was. It was so cool that I couldn't pass it up, especially since it was only $2.

It appears to be made of wood, and the scalloped parts are metal, which leads me to believe that it was used more for cutting or making impressions than printing. I'm hoping that it's a Medievil artifact that the Smithsonian has been wanting for their collection. You know. Kinda like "the missing link"? I'd love to be seen on Antiques Roadshow and find out that it's worth a million dollars, and that the market is hot for it right now, and that I'll pretend that I will NEVER sell it because it's so unique, knowing fully well that if it's gonna pay for my daughters' college educations, it's SO last week!

The back has some kind of handles with which to use it.

And here's another view. It's about a square foot or so.

So, what do you all think? I'd love some input.

And, here's my latest project. The image is from the Graphics Fairy. I imported it into my Sure Cuts A Lot and cut it out in vinyl. I placed the vinyl in the center after I painted over the wood in black. It was a little tedious, but I love the process. I painted over the vinyl with Old White Chalk Paint, then lifted up the vinyl. The key to a lovely finish is to sand well (distressing if you so desire) and apply wax. I used a mixture of mostly clear Briwax with a small amount of oak Briwax, which is my new fave.
I adore this finish, and I'm going to have a hard time getting rid of this one.

I think The Graphics Fairy is the bees' knees. She has such beautiful graphics for projects. She ranks up there in my book!

As always, thanks bunches for stopping by. I hope I've inspired some of you to craft on!
Fondly, Tami
And, I'm linking up to
No Minimalist Here
The Shabby Creek Cottage
Beyond the Picket Fence 
House of Hepworths 
Fireflies and Jellybeans

Pay Dirt!!!

Today was almost as awesome as you could get. I found the motherload at a community yard sale. I stole bought a solid wooden chair, sturdy oak table, 2 unstained wood panels, 2 small wooden shelves, an unusual, ornate printing block, 2 silver platters, 2 mirrors with beautiful ornate frames, a brand new lantern cord, and an oak chest of drawers, all for $41. Plus, I sold my French chest of drawers and a French sign. Plus, I picked up a dry sink in excellent condition right up the street for *FREE*. It only needs 2 nails, and of course, some chalk paint, so I was tickled pink, or Old White, or Paris Gray. I have my work cut out for me, and I'm SO looking forward to it. 

The dry sink:

The chest of drawers:

This needs a little sanding, minor hardware tightening, and waxing of the drawer runners. Then, I can go to town.

Half round table (which is currently mixed in with everything else):

Wooden shelf, which was expertly dovetailed by a cabinet maker, who told me that he lives right around the corner and has lots more where that came from, and that he'd cut me a deal if I was interested in more. Did I just just die and go to Craft Heaven???

Here is the latest project.

I am so into keys lately. I just love 'em. I've been feverishly designing and love using them in my furniture decorating. This is an original.

I painted the board white, then put the vinyl key on top and painted over it with Martha Stewart Geyser. I decided it needed something on the border, so I cut out words in French and applied the vinyl.

  

I can't stress enough how important it is to center your design. It would be a real bummer if you placed your vinyl on crooked or off center. Of course, I would never know about that. Once your vinyl is in place, you can't pull it up and re-position it unless God was looking down on you with even more Favor than he already does.

This is also extremely important. You must burnish all of your letters. This keeps the paint from seeping underneath, thus messing up your intricate design. Once you've burnished it, go over it again just in case.

Now you're ready for the fun part. Paint it. I tend to use a dryer brush because I don't want the paint to seep under the part that I forgot to burnish.
  

This is the second really fun part. Pull up your vinyl, taking extreme care not to let it fall back onto your letters. Also, remember that the paint may still be wet (I like to do this before the paint is totally dry so the paint is a little bit more forgiving). I like to "collect" my vinyl as I go by crumpling it up in one hand.

 

Then, carefully pull up the letter inerds. Remember that your paint may still be wet, so be careful.

 I just love how intricately you can make a design with vinyl. It gives it such a delicate look. 

And, here's the finished project, complete with some mahogany and oak Briwax. Do you like it?

Thanks again for stopping by. I'm thrilled that you all like my stuff! Fondly, Tami

Today, I'm linking to:

Dittle Dattle

Coastal Charm 

Handy Man, Crafty Woman 

Beyond the Picket Fence

Twin tables

My mom and I went thrifting yesterday. We went to a place that supports the local prison ministry. I am so happy when my money can go to a good cause. Mom and I had a great time. And, I landed these two adorable tables for $2.50 a piece. They are light but sturdy. I had them home for about 2 hrs. before I started working on them.
I'm starting to develop an inventory for when I sell all of these little goodies. I have my French painted chest of drawers for sale at the local scrapbook retreat house. I'm going to give a few signs to my friend who sells her hot sauce at a local farmer's market. And, these little gems are going to go to the local coop store when they accept my application and have an opening. The problem is that I want to keep everything. Ugh.
So, here they are after a light sanding:

I decided to use one of my original key designs, cut out with vinyl. I base coated the top with Paris Grey chalk paint, applied the vinyl key, and painted over it with Old White chalk paint. I removed the key, and voila! Then, I waxed the top with oak Briwax, sanded it, painted the legs with Old White, and here they are:

You can see that some of the grey came off and revealed the white sanded part underneath, but it gave it a more rustic look. I loved it!

I'm quite smitten with them. Let me know what you think! I love to get comments!
And...I'm hopefully going to finish the coffee table this weekend. I SO can't wait to post about it!
Fondly, Tami

I'm linking to Saved by Love Creations 
and Beyond the Picket Fence
French Country Cottage 
Common Ground 
No Minimalist Here 
At the Picket Fence
Remodelaholic
Spunkyjunky
Saavy Homemade Monday