in progress: volume 3

Three things I've learned since my last blog post:

• Swapping out one item in a room really does make a big difference. For example, an inexpensive new rug (check out the picture below, top left - I found it at HomeSense last week, on clearance!). 

• Slipcovers are deceptive. Not what I expected. Maybe my couch is awkward. Not sure if I'll be keeping the one I bought... Based on my recent slipcover attempt, I should have saved the money and tossed a bed sheet over our couch. (Any tips? Has anyone else wrestled with a slipcover before?!) 

• I was pleasantly surprised that my five dollar palm sander actually works. I found it at the infamous Caledonia Townwide Garage Sale and was willing to gamble a few bucks... I'm planning to use it to refinish a side table, a dining chair rescued from Value Village (also seen here), and the rocking chair for starters.  

Rug swaps, a side table for the palm sander, rocking chair diaries,

 ampersand paint problems, & slipcover issues.

rocking chair diaries: part 1

Weird yet true confession: I love garbage day. Let me explain: I love the night before garbage day, when random treasures can occasionally be found alongside the recycling bins and garbage cans. Most of the time, the random treasures are not actually treasures, but true garbage - worn out, ripped couches, broken bookshelves, dressers that have seen better days - and are beyond salvaging.

But sometimes, people can't be bothered to put an unwanted item on Kijiji, Craigslist or even Freecycle and on Garbage Day's Eve, these items are fair game (and free!) to curbside scavengers like myself.

Exhibit A: this perfectly good, perfectly free (thank you, anonymous neighbour!), full-of-potential rocking chair.

I plan to go over it with my palm sander, but am unsure what to do after that - stain it darker or paint it a bright white? What about painting it bright yellow or red?

Thoughts? Ideas? Please send 'em my way!

in progress: volume 2

My partially finished projects are slowly taking over our spare room. Which may or may not result in an organization-themed post in the future...

Here is another little taste of what is in the works:

Yet another YHL-inspired project, the power of (spray) paint, no sew blankets,

initials, that chair with the potential, candle-abras, & thrifty trays. 

in progress: volume 1

I do not necessarily do things in the right order. For example, I was a bride and a month later was a bridesmaid for the first time. I don't mind eating dessert before the real meal (especially when the dessert has an especially high chocolate quotient).

And so I have been project hopping: I've gotten started on a few different things but have yet to finish one. Here's a taste of what is currently in progress...

A chair with potential, storage DIYs, decluttering, 

clothes swap parties & another flower pot mini makeover.

up ahead...

A sneak peek, project-wise... 

involving rescued frames, four dollar mirrors, spray paint shenanigans 

and bidding adieu to butterfly decals.

See you soon?