FLEA MARKET CINDERELLA

Just like Cinderella was transformed into a beauty that turned the eyes of a prince, you can take a cast off item and make it into something that turns the eyes of those who enter your home. You don't need a fairy godmother to do it---all that's needed is YOU, some imagination and small purchases at a craft supply or hardware store. Here's one example of a project I've recently completed. Someone threw a few old windows away and I took one look and said, "Hmmm.....those could be something......" What I bought---$3.00 in material (actually cut the fabric from a tablecloth I had found in clearance....I do this often) and $10.00 total in sconces (got them on sale...), $6.00 in scented votives. I love the Yankee Candle scents---perfect for using in the sconces because I hung the re-vamped windows (I did 2) on each side of a door coming into my house---guests get a nice "whiff" of things to come!! Added note:  Material and candle scents/color could be changed to match any season. Unique, charming, easy, inexpensive and a happily ever after for something destined to join the landfill. And yes, these could be hung inside your home. I've done it and the results are fabulous. As always, be watchful of candles in any area! I used double sided tape to secure the glass globe inside it's holder.

Salvaged window before wave of 
creativity wand:

And after:

What they look like on the porch:

Found this leather lady in a box of old purses at a yard sale, each in need of some TLC. After cleaning this one, the ideas started to fly. What started out as a 50 cent purchase became something worth a lot more in appeal and charm. Here is a Black Beauty of the handbag kind.

A nice message to carry out into the world: 

 Supplies:  Fabric letters were purchased at a craft store. I used slow drying fabric glue so I would have time to move the letters if I needed to. Basically, I measured the purse front area and placed the letters evenly out from the center. You could have a lot of fun with the words you choose---a favorite quote or saying from someone else or something you come up with. Our handbags are with us constantly, why shouldn't they do more than hold our lipstick, wallet, phone, kitchen sink, etc? 
I hope the saying on the purse above will be one that you 
carry with you wherever you go. 

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From a plate to lookin' great:

I found these plain, white plates at a very nice price of 10 for $1.00. I buy plates like these for many uses---to decorate with or to pile a batch of homemade treats on to give away. These particular plates found a wonderful home in my dining room, where they watch over us with "Amore"--that's love in Italian. I chose that word in honor of my father-in-law, a full blood Northern Italian who held in his heart a strong pride and gratitude for all things "Italia"--the food, the music, la familia (the family), the stories of the "old country" and even the humor in the loud voices and various hand gestures. He was an incredible person in many ways and for the lessons he taught me about his heritage, I'm eternally grateful. So Giovanni, these plates hang for you, because of your love for Italy and for the "amore" you gave your family and friends. 

What I used: clean plate, stencils and ceramic paint. I centered the stencil and used a stencil brush to paint the letters. If you make a mistake, simply wipe clean and start over. You can use any number of words or names. These plates would make a thoughtful and unique wedding or housewarming gift by painting the letters of the recipient's last name on the plates. You could also use colored plates with white letters, etc. As always, get that imagination in high gear and oh, the places you'll go....

How they turned out:

May the word on this wall hang in your heart as well.

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On a jaunt to a flea market in New Hampshire late this Fall, I found this podium. It was a tad beat up and loose in places but I saw the potential in it. I like to see a hidden beauty in things and well, in people, too. After talking the seller down from $20 to $15---never, ever pay full price--this little gem was mine! I brought it home, did some minor repairs and painting and suddenly, I had a fabulous place I call Command Central--where I keep a big calender so everyone can see what's on the agenda. The podium is in my kitchen, always the center of the home, so everyone in the family passes by it and can get all the info they need as to what is going on. And yes, my children and certain friends who visit will occasionally stand at the podium and make an announcement that goes something like this, "Welcome, everyone...today we will be discussing....." All in all, I love this flea market find and am very happy with the outcome!