Friday, January 1, 2010

Making Something New

In flipping through my copy of flea market style by Emily Chalmers, I started thinking about all of the material things I have in my life that, if given a chance, could become something special. It's easy to clean house and to discard those items that are bent, broken, worn out, or simply outdated. Often, I'd rather run off to Target to buy something new instead of taking stock of what I already have (or what could be found at my local flea market). With a little bit of work and some creativity, my home could become revitalized and new without having to spend a fortune.
A bit of spray paint breathes life into an old frame.


I really need to learn how to sew because the possibilities are endless with a bit of fun fabric.


Simple candelabras found at a flea market add an eclectic touch to this modern space.


This might be designed as a child's space, but I think it's the perfect place to pay bills.


Chalkboard paint is a wondrous thing and I love the idea of using it on an old hutch.

all images scanned via flea market style
I hope you've had a Happy New Year. I don't know about you, but I'm ready to repaint something and start fresh...

22 comments:

Callie Grayson said...

i agree! I try not to buy anything new.

I moved to chicago over 6 years ago and got rid of most of my belongings (easier to move across country) I didn't want to go and buy all new, so slowly over the years I have shopped antique stores, garage sales, found items and I have to say I love all my "stuff" because I picked them out and reworked them.

I also need to learn to sew!! That is on my list for this year!!

xx
callie

ps Happy New Year!

Jessica said...

This is such a wonderful reminder to take stock of what we already own and reinvent first! And I just love the candelabras in that space!

drollgirl said...

right on! i love all of these ideas!

and you can sew. hell, if i can do it, you can! in fact, i think i might bust out the machine and alter some drapes and sew some pillows. NEED TO DO THIS! manana!!! for real!

happy new year to YOU!

Fallon said...

I totally agree with you! I have so many things I could use but just don't. I have stocked up on little jars of Chalkboard paint but have yet to put it to use. Thanks for getting me to think of it. I WILL use it this year!

Gabbi said...

You're right... very creative and inspiring ideas, also the eco-friendliness of it all is appealing.

Chic Coles said...

Happy New Year to you! Great fun projects. We would all love to use chalk board paint some were in the house.

o said...

i just love all these ideas! thanks for sharing:) it does make me want to go through my home and repaint some old junk hehe:) happy new year!

TheOwlsCloset.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Love that chalkboard painted hutch! Repurpose things you already have, I totally agree and am looking forward to a year full of fun projects.

oh, hello friend. said...

lovely inspiration as always!

and such a good point. i need to be better about repurposing things around the house as well. we should keep eachother motivated + encouraged to do little house projects ;) xo. danni

ZinniaRose said...

Love these pictures! I especially am in love with chalkboard paint, I find myself wanting to paint everything in my house with chalkboard paint, (not a good idea). I'm thinking anything that doesn't look all that great (and beauty is in the eye of the beholder) should be painted with chalkboard paint. I have a feeling I could not make it look so original.:(

Happy New Year, Sweetie! Wishing you all the best for 2010!

xoxo

FROM THE RIGHT BANK said...

That's one of my favorite books! It's just full of creative ideas. Happy new year, Christina!

Helena - A Diary of Lovely said...

Great ideas! i was thinking of painting the coffee table with chalkboard paint! Thanks for sharing!
All the best for the New Year xoxo

Shorely Chic said...

love that book, and I totally agree with you about the sewing - I need to learn as well!

Jean Michelle Miernik said...

I love these ideas! Learning to sew is also one of my goals for 2010. Hmmm, looks like there are many hopeful seamstresses commenting on this post.

I have a friend who picks clothes out of the pages of Vogue and then makes them herself. So fab!

Janine / Being Brazen said...

Love all the pictures.

I also need to learn how to sew.

x

Laura Trevey said...

Happy New Year Christina!
... love the chalk idea ~~

xoxo

Marsi @ The Cottage Cheese said...

What fantastic projects! I'm so enamored with that blue frame. There are so many project pieces sitting in my garage waiting for me, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for some warm days this winter (most involve working outside).

Samantha said...

I'm totally with you on reusing what's out there.

p.s. If you can make jewelry and wet sand decoupage, sewing is well within your abilities.

[bancroft and ivy] said...

love the bedroom pic! great inspiration for 2010 decorating, thanks for posting!

meghan said...

I always love what I junk way more. I love grabbing stuff at Target or Ikea, but in the end I love what is 60 years old. Even if it's a bit more beat up or a little bit more tarnished. Everything was just made better and I love the thrill of the hunt.

Jenna @ Mi Vida Bonita said...

So ready to start fresh! Gathering a pile for a garage sale in a few weeks.....! :)

Kristin said...

I can sew a basic square pillow! :-) That counts for something, right?

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