Americana Decor - Relic & Primitive trunk makeover

I found this little trunk/chest at an auction...

You'd seriously kick me if I told you how much I paid for it!  Of course the day I walked in with it my husband gave me that look.

Oh I knew what his brain was saying...

Our conversation went something along these lines...
His mouth only allowed the words "oh this is....ummm...cute!?!" to come out.

Me:  Please... You do not think this is cute!  Because I definitely do not!!  Really do you really think I am leaving it this way!?!  :::insert major eye roll:::

Him: Well I don't know what you are thinking...

Me: Hmph..don't you know me better than this by now?

And, then it sat in my basement for a good year.  You know because I loved the way it looked...
....under the pile of other stuff I needed to move around to make it look like I was making progress!

Ok really...I forgot about it.

One day as I was looking for something else that was buried I stumbled on it (truth be known..a secret between us...I purchased 4 or 5 more and remembered I probably should rid of this one before he found it again, and asked me oh so gently what I would be doing with this "cute" chest/trunk thingy.)

It was a simpleton... Nothing spectacular about this sweet boy right here.

But, I changed that....

Painted him in Americana Decors Primitive.

And, gave him a nice outline in Americana Decors Relic.

And, I used a reverse stencil that I cut using my Silhouette Cameo on the top that I felt suited him well.  That stencil was a fun one to prepare for the reverse part of it... It was the longest part of the entire project!

I used liming wax to tone down the Relic and to create a nice steel grey color.

Gave him some wheels and he was ready to roll on over to Newburgh Vintage Emporium.

  He only lasted there for a very short time before he moved onto his new home.  I think he is going to be happy & well cared for!

Much love, peace & happiness
~Lynn

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Maison Blanche Wrought Iron Desk Makeover

One day I walked into Habitat ReStore and nothing was speaking to me.

I have those days sometimes.  It's strange really because it's like walking into the pound where all the doggies are wagging their tail & talking to you... begging you to take them home & give them a chance.  But, sometimes the constant bark is more nagging me than speaking to me.

And, this day I felt that way...  

Until I turned around and saw this...

It was the ugliest dog begging me to please just pet me because once you do you'll be in love...

...and I'll be going home with you!

And, so the story began!

Who knows how long this poor baby had been left out unattended...

....neglected!

But, those legs...oh those legs.  I loved them so!

I knew instantly I'd be painting her black...

The perfect color would be Maison Blanche Wrought Iron!

She still has many imperfections to tell her story of a previous life she lived, but to me she is sheer perfection!

I painted her in Wrought Iron, only 2 coats... and she got several days to cure.  I then sealed her with a quick poly wipe down.  I decoupaged the sides & the drawers.  New accessories to let her know she is loved by adding some pretty knobs.  

She now sits in my space at Newburgh Vintage Emporium!

Much love, peace & happiness!

~Lynn

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Thrifty Trip Tuesday #1

I often talk here about my finds that I transform.  I also talk a lot about auctions and attending many of them.  I love the hunt & walking away with something that I got for a bargain.  That is what this blog is all about :)

Often times it will either need to be repaired, patched, or used for scrap pieces.  I just love being able to see past all the flaws to get to the beauty, I mean isn't that what life is all about!?!

On Tuesdays I will be bringing to you a chance to take a ride with me on a Thrifty Trip to see what I have picked up.

I am going to go back in time and bring some of the oldies up throughout the journey.  There are some weekends that I either spend my free time with my family, come up empty handed or there just wasn't any places I found that was worthy to go thrifty treasure hunting.

I don't always disclose my picking places, and I won't always disclose my purchase price...sorry just the way this trip works out.

Without further ado today I am going to take you back to one of my favorite online auctions -

One of my first true thrifty finds was this beautiful French Armiore.  You can read here about this beauty.

Disclosure: When I purchased her I had just really started blogging so please pardon the content.  And, unfortunately the pictures in this post are all old & prior to knowing how to truly take good pictures & the importance of editing them.

You can get the idea of just how gigantic this girl is!  I bought this along with the next few pieces at this online auction & paid just $25 for her.

She sits in my basement & serves as my storage for my crafts and painting materials, such as brushes and stencils.  She will have a home there for a very long time for many reasons - one because I love her and two she's a monster to move (ask my husband...sorry honey)!!

The next piece is this very old armiore.

You can see in the above picture that it needed some love.  The rope trim was coming off, and it was dirty...really really dirty!!  But, look at that mirror!!

It sat in our living room for a while

 ....and then I moved it to our guest room.  

What you can't see is just how warped this armoire was.  Unfortunately the door would not stay shut and I to use a nail on the inside for the latch, but every time I needed to get into it I seemed to catch my arm on it :(

I didn't just get rid of it, and the warped sides were too much.  I upcycled it in a few ways.  That mirror is stunning and so it is re-purposed & will be heading into my booth space soon (well as soon as I decide I no longer want need it).

The top comes off of the drawer and so the drawer I have turned into a bench.  I will be showcasing it on the blog very soon so be on the lookout for it. I was waiting on some fabric and just got it!  The bench is lovely!
I recycled the top part (where the mirrored door is hanging) as craft storage in my work area.  I've added shelves and it holds my fabric and wall paper along with my Silhouette Cameo and supplies.

On this trip the last thing I picked up is these side tables that I transformed into beautiful shabby chic tables.

I had originally picked these up in hopes they'd work for my sister in law.  But, they were just a little too big for the space she intended for them.  I got them for such a great price for the pair that I was fine with making them over into these beauties...

I painted them a dark steel grey with a lighter grey underneath.  I lightly distressed them and added super cute knobs to match.

I hope you enjoyed this trip down a thrifty journey and you will come back each week to see what I've picked up & what I did with it.

Enjoy your week!!

With much love, peace, & happiness!
~Lynn

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Hands of Haven - a partnership with Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity has made its way into my heart on many levels.

I visit the ReStore multiple times a month, sometimes multiple times a week.  I just never know what I am going to find.  The fact that I am able to find furniture for great prices, re-love them into something beautiful to me is a pretty sweet deal.  Some days I find nothing but others I leave with a van full!

Source

Knowing that the money goes into building or remodeling a home in the community adds a nice icing to the layer!

My husband's uncle is a home builder (he built our amazing home), and worked with Habitat for some time.

It brings in revitalization into the community, brings a sense of accomplishment to those that volunteer, and offers a home to someone that needs it.

I recently attended a blogging conference in Atlanta, GA.  The Haven Conference.  It is a conference where DIY-ers, crafters, and the like all come together in one big bloggers arena!  We connect with bloggers from all over.

Haven has teamed up with Habitat for Humanity on July 26, 2014.  And, it's not just in Atlanta...  It is a very special, international wide, one-day event!!

There are many ways you can lend a helping hand.  You can volunteer at your local Habitat for Humanity, visit the ReStore and make a purchase.  You can also make donations whether it be furniture or household items.  Every little bit helps!  Please visit the Habitat website HERE to learn more!!

What can you do?

Do good…on a grand scale!

When:        

Hands of Haven Day

Saturday, July 26

What: 

On 7/26/14, volunteer with your local Habitat, or visit your local Restore, or just wear the t-shirt proudly!

How:                  

Purchase your Hands of Haven T-shirt by clicking this link. Share a picture in your tee on July 26th using #HandsofHaven.

The above was taken directly from the Haven Conference website - Hands of Haven

I'd love to see pictures of any of my followers/readers in your purchased tee.  Or if you volunteer/donate, or if you visit your ReStore to make a purchase.  You can take the picture and send it by twitter, instagram or Facebook.  I will do a blog post to show the world...  Let's blow their socks off!!

Instagram - @fernavenueblog

Twitter - @fernavenueblog

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fernavenueblog

With much love, peace & happiness

~Lynn

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Haven Conference - through the eyes of a Newbie!

I first need to say a BIG thank you to the Haven Team that put this conference together for all of us bloggers. I can only imagine the work that goes into making sure to create such an amazing event, hats off to you ladies.  The sponsors Home Depot, Ryobi Power Tools, Ballard Designs & all the fantastic vendors made this event so successful!

I can't even tell you how surreal it feels that I boarded a plane bound for Atlanta, GA for the Haven Conference '14.  Last year I wanted to attend, but missed getting a ticket.  I made it a goal of mine to attend this year & am so very happy I did!

I headed off to the Haven Conference on Thursday morning (really early) with goals in mind but not a clue to what my expectations were.

I made my way to the airport nerves in hand, but excited for the adventure that was to come.

We Mavens were spoiled immediately as we were greeted with a beautiful swag bag from Ballard Designs. And, disappoint they did not!

The bags were filled full of goodies from the many great sponsors attending.  I mean seriously take a look at that sponsor board..  Impressive group!!!

I was super nervous because I only knew 1 person my roommate Dagmar Bleasdale.  We had such an incredible journey at Haven together.  We spent hours chatting about the sessions, what we learned, and what we were taking away from the weekend. 

I am so happy I stepped out of my social comfort zone and out of my introvert box.  I met some amazing women (Cassie Karah Sarah Anna...to name just a few) that welcomed me right in, and we danced the night away at the parties each night...

Hanging with Cassie from Primitive and Proper

And, meeting Sarah - #thethriftress.  Funny story... I met Sarah on Thursday night at the welcome reception (her & Cassie are friends and I always see pictures of them together).  Cassie introduces her to me, we chat, and go on our merry way.  That night I see her on Cassie's facebook page, and see we have 3 mutual friends. Two of them are bloggy friends, and then I realize one is from my area and has nothing to do with blogs.  It was fun making that connection!!! 

I based my session choices on the specific goals when I signed up for the conference.  The 1st day I took Blogging Trade Secrets that some special ladies taught. 

I loved this session so much & could have spent the rest of my time just hanging, but I choose to maximize my time ;)  Great advice given by Dusty Rogers  Erin Spain  Jen Schmidt Laura Putnam

The next session I took was from Andy Marzka.  Andy truly gave such an amazing overview of Ad Optimization!  To the point where this blogger that isn't "there" yet got it!  Andy's wife Kelly blogs over at View Along the Way.  And, the two of them are absolutely adorable...and adorably in love! 

Allison from Refunk my Junk spoke about the Business of Blogging.  Another great session that I took away so much.  Plus she is such a sweetheart and super cute!  I don't think coming into the blog world I ever thought I'd be thinking about these things...talk about putting things into perspective! Allison was happy to sit and chat a while after her session.

I attended a few other sessions like Dan R. Morris's class.  Dan provided fantastic content, yet it went right over my head.  I don't think I am advanced enough to have been sitting in this class, but I stuck it out because by next year I will be able to look through my notes & a light bulb will go off!

A recap of some fun things from the weekend -

 Some of the sponsors booths -

What I had hoped to gain from attending is to really build my blog, to take it to the next level. I wanted to connect with others and build real relationships with other bloggers and sponsors.  To have that face to face interaction. 

The connections I made and the advice I was given coupled together with the material provided in the sessions left me walking away from my 1st Haven Conference as a Newbie motivated, energized and equipped with a whole new level of confidence about what this all means to me.

I'd say that would make this a successful weekend.  My "newbie" advice to those of you that want more, crave more & would like to connect, make that step and go for it.  I learned things I never imagine, and had a fantastic time...  Now I can no longer say I am a newbie :)  I call that a win win!

My hope is this gave a glimpse into just how wonderful the blogging community is!!!

And, me... well I am MOTIVATED..

With much love, peace & happiness!

~Lynn

7

Sliding Pantry Door - A before and after

I purchased this door from Philadelphia Salvage (if you are in the Philly area...I highly suggest this as a must visit on your list) -

Once I was given the go ahead that the doorway could be turned into an archway, I started seeking out a place to purchase the hardware to hang the door.  This door is really heavy so I needed good sturdy hardware.

I went to http://www.barndoorhardware.com/ and spoke with them directly to ensure I was ordering the right hardware. The one thing we ordered that I would never had thought of (per the rep that I spoke to) was a stay roller to keep the door from swinging.  The stay roller is fastened to the wall behind the door, the door sits between the wall and the roller.  The roller can be adjusted for width of the door.

Source http://www.barndoorhardware.com/accessories/guide-rollers/

We ordered a flat track system with the arrows.

Source http://www.barndoorhardware.com/flat-track-hardware/

Because the door is arched we had to make some adjustments to the length of the strap.  We had the guy that framed our home (Andy) cut and then weld a long piece in the middle to make the straps much longer. You would never be able to notice the adjustment he did such a great job!!

You can see here that the reason to make the strap longer was where the top of the door arched the original strap was too short for the long sides, and to have put it on the next panel would not have allowed for the door to hang right.

And then...

We hung the door to ensure everything was right with the hardware...

Oh snap....look how sweet she looks all hung up!

I began the work on the door...  This was a process in itself.

.....between layers of paint and the bottom of the door had wood rot.  

I started sanding...and sanding...more sanding.  And, then I filled in the wood rot with Rot Stop first and then wood filler.  I think I ended up sanding and filling with more wood filler 3 or 4 times.  Since this was to be an inside door, I was not in the least concerned about the wood rot.

Once I had a good smooth surface and the majority of the paint removed (I never got to the original door, but I didn't need to) I had to decide what color I was going to paint the door.  Now let me just tell you this... I love with all my heart old barns especially red ones.  This door reminds me of just that and I so wanted to paint it red in the very beginning.

BUT...

.....I was nervous as all get out.  

I have never stepped out of my comfort zone and gone BOLD.  Red is a statement to me.  But, then I remember reading a very long time ago that using red in decorating brings happiness.... love.  A red door means "welcome" and "protection".  

And...then I had to break the news to the man of the house.  Well you see how it turned out :)

I had to put about 3 coats on each side.  The color is Barn Door Red by Glidden.  

I then used a little ebony stain and wiped around to make it look really old and distressed.  I used baby oil to move the oil around and really concentrating on the crevices.  I let it dry and cure for a day.  I then waxed it with Maison Blanche antique dark wax. 

Once completed I added the kick plate on both sides, the mailbox slot and the handles.  

And...this is my final product -

That is my DIY before and after in creating a really beautiful piece that for me creates a focal point into our pantry.  May our home welcome you (our guest) to come in and join us, and may you feel loved and happiness as you sit with us at the dinner table or kitchen island as we chat, sip our beverage of choice and eat yummy food!

Have a fantastic day and weekend!!

~Lynn

18

I made a hall tree & painted it Mardi Gras....Care to see?

Update...  I had the wrong color name in the title.  The color is Mardi Gras...sorry about that!

Oh lookie...

I purchased this little dresser at an estate sale for $5, the door for $20 at Habitat and decided the two combined would make a lovely hall tree....

My husband cut the legs down to make it bench height.  And, now I can sit & put my shoes on :)

I changed out the handles on the dresser to knobs.  I just filled the holes that I was not using with wood filler.    I painted the door & dresser La Craie Mardi Gras & used dark wax.  I then attached the hooks on the sides.  I am in love & it really fills in the space nicely!

Not sure why there is a white glare - doesn't have it in person.

Here is a few pictures of the living area.

This is the picture next to the window. 

That chair will be getting a makeover, but I love it so much!

We are getting closer & closer to getting things done around here.  And, I know as soon as I think I am complete I will of course want to change it all up again!!

I hope everyone is having a lovely day!!
~Lynn

I am partying at these fine locations -
http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/
http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/
http://www.settingforfour.com/2013/04/project-inspired-linky-party-no-9welcome_8.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20blogspot/urLb%20(Setting%20for%20Four)
http://elizabethandco.blogspot.com/2013/04/be-inspired-features-and-link-party-64.html
http://www.thevintagefarmhouse.com/
http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.com/
http://foxhollowcottage.com/2013/04/power-of-pinterest-tuesdays-top-talent.html
http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2013/04/party-junk-182-hydrangeas.html
http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2013/04/home-sweet-home-114.html
http://www.lizmarieblog.com/2013/04/inspire-me-please-linky-party-6/
http://www.firefliesandjellybeans.com/2013/04/show-off-your-stuff-party-171.html
http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2013/04/feathered-nest-friday_11.html

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