Industrial carts and more...

I decided to share my Craig's list finds with you again, since I can't buy them (which is killing me).  No room until we build the new house.  We are storing so much stuff in my sister's basement, we could practically live there.

Check out this industrial cart which could be used as a coffee table - only $125!  Industrial cart tables at Restoration Hardware frun from $700 - $1700.  I love this look.

These 50s retro bar height dinette and two matching stools are only $40.  I love them.  How fun for a small apartment or a basement bar.

The post by the owner of this 1954 Yellow Mid Century Lane Cedar Dresser is hysterical.  She knows she has a great piece, and it's killing her that there is no interest...Worn down, she's willing to sell it for $1.  Worth the read.

Mirror, mirror on the wall...this gold mirror reminds me of Snow White, and is $85.  How perfect for a little girl's room.

This church pulpit chair could add a unique twist to an office or even a dining room for $75.

Just in time for the weekend.  Check them out, pick them up the weekend, bring them home, take a snapshot, and let me know how you like them.

Great finds!

I love perusing Craig's list.  It's like window shopping at a flea market.  Sometimes I am amazed by the finds.  And since we have no more room in this tiny little house until the new one is built, you all (at least in the area) are the beneficiaries of my finds this evening, ladies.

1920s vintage crystal chandelier - $65

Gorgeous Gold Framed Mirror $100

Leopard Chair - Perfect Condition - $65

Old School Desks - $10

50s Retro Kitchen Table and Chairs - $150


 It's so cathartic.  I feel like I went shopping even though I didn't spend a dime.  Tell me, have you scored any great Craig's List finds lately?

Dresser Distress (Part II)

This is going to be short, but not very sweet...why didn't any of you tell me how much work this reworking furniture thing is?!...you just show the before and after pictures like whoosh!  Here's the ugly, drab, disgusting piece of furniture that no one in their right mind would ever buy, and then (*successive harp strums*) ta dah! here's the most beautiful custom piece of furniture you've ever seen that you couldn't find in a store if you tried. 

But you never mentioned the hours of grueling, labor intensive, sweat, blood and tears that went into it!  Needless to say we've been working on the dresser this weekend.  After a couple of hours on Friday and a few hours on Sunday, two of us have almost finished sanding it down.  I feel like such a wimp; we even had two electric handheld sanding machines.  I still don't think it's going to be in good enough shape to stain it (there is some weird paint in some spots underneath that won't come off and taking off the hardware left holes in some places that will have to be filled in with putty), so I am in the process of picking out a good color.  Wish me luck!

Dresser Distress

Hello ladies! I need help!  Our bought-out-of-college dressers are falling apart after ten years and we need a new one.

What I really want to buy is this beautiful handcrafted St. James 11 drawer dresser from Restoration Hardware.

But, since I'm having trouble committing to a house style right now, I am not ready to commit to an expensive dresser.  So off to Craig's list I go.  I have been searching for several weeks now, and yesterday, I came across this solid wood, well-constructed dresser (for $80!):

I think it has big potential, but I've never done a furniture renovation before.  Luckily, my sister has all of the equipment I might need, like a sander.  I am open to any kind of style really, as this will have many possible locations in the new house - kid's room, guest room, living room... Do you think I can pull off getting that natural look of the RH dresser above? or should I go with a bold color? or a neutral so it can be more versatile? Can you help a sister out with some ideas and tips?

P.S.  By the way, I think I just realized my inspiration for this is Blueprint Bliss's new project.  She just bought this great campaign dresser, and I can't wait to see what she does with it!

Even if she goes neutral, I love how BOLD this green inspiration picture of hers is.  She got it from Little Green Notebook via Lonny:

P.S.S.  I also just realized that the only reason I am crazy enough to believe I transform something like this into something beautiful is because of Fresh Paint Fridays at Life in the Fun Lane. 

I will either thank you or blame you later!