Tuesday, April 2, 2013

thrifting, repurposing, reworking, and planting

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend!  We have been busy with Easter celebrations and getting back into the garden!  We actually hit the 50 degree mark for several days!  It's enough to make me sing!!


On the thrifting front, I found a couple of things at our local GoodWill last week. This battered mirror was a score because I've been looking for something narrow and long for the mantel.  I figure I can always use it in the garden if I can't get the finish the way I want it!





As for repurposing, I found this tequila box for a dollar.  It's a great size and is very sturdy for some garden extras I have lying around.

Here is the before...




And after....


 I lined the inside with pages from an old biology book I had in my library.  The outside of the box was primed, sprayed red, waxed with Annie Sloan dark wax, and sanded.  I finished it off with some chalkboard paint on the top of the box so that I can change what I want to keep inside.  My seeds have a happy new home!









Being an artist I feel as though I am surrounded by pieces that are unfinished or not quite right.  This is a painting I plan on reworking for the beans play area.  I like the composition but feel that it would read better with a lighter background on a textured surface.  I painted it on canvas but am considering using a wood board...thoughts???




We have not been able to plant much with the cold spring we are experiencing.  And with not many plants up yet (not even our tulips) my focus has been on transplanting several shrubs, getting our composting bin up and running, cutting perennials back, and planting peas.




Just a few bits from around here!  Linking up this week with.... An Oregon CottageThe Shabby Nest, Osie MoatsArtsy Chicks Rule & Young Heart

~Thanks for the feature....Artsy Chicks Rule & Dukes and Duchesses ~

78 comments:

  1. That tequila/seed box transformation is amazing! I love when people can see the beauty in used and battered things. But that MIRROR!! What a score.I love it -- even with its current finish.

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    1. Hey you! Thanks! I know...I keep going back and forth about the finish! HMM ..I'm waiting for inspiration to hit me on the head! Have a great week!

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  2. Oh, how I WISH I could say that we JUST hit 50 for a couple of days - ARGH! LOVE the way your brain works on your special finds - the box ROCKS (like someone could make a tequila box any better than it is - HA). The chalkboard on the lid is genius, girl! And, I IMAGINE that you will come up with the perfect, right plan for the painting that I think is already perfect, right...you always do. Here's hoping for a few more tulips for you and the beans this week...Happy Tuesday, Nicole - Tanya

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    1. Happy day to you too friend! I hope that your trip home was wonderful...can't wait to hear about it! You take care and thanks again for sending me that awesome site!!! Peace!

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  3. Your seed box turned out great. I have boxes all over the house storing things.

    When I first saw your mirror, my thought was that it would be so pretty in a garden. I think I need to find something like it. I hope you get it right for the house though.

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    1. Too funny that you thought the mirror should go in the garden! Ha! My thoughts too! And when I was working on the box last night the color made me think of you and all of your inspiring colors! Hope that your projects are rocking for you!

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  4. The mirror is stunning. I am hoping to find something long and skinny for my mantel but no such luck yet. The seed box is really cool too ~ where do you find the time? I love the chalkboard element because you can change it down the road if you need too.

    I need to plant my peas too. They were a huge hit with my kids last spring. Have a good day, friend!

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    1. You too lady! I always liked peas from the garden when I was a kid as well....now if it would only warm up so we could really get going! Have a great week you..post those before and afters!!!

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  5. I absolutely love your recycled box! Your painting is great too. I just painted a picture last night on a very thin piece of wood and am so pleased with the way it turned out...because I'm NOT a painter and usually don't like anything I try to paint. I can see it in my head but not translate it to paper, canvas, or wood LOL Wood just seems to give it texture or something. It was warm here for a couple of days too and now I hear it's supposed to get cold again later in the week - urgh! I just planted most of my seeds - I just can't wait when we start getting a little bit warm LOL Oh and let me know if you'd like some basil seeds - last year I saved every dried flower/seed and have about 40 little plastic baggies full LOLOLOL I would have to have a basil farm to use them all. I'd be glad to send you some.

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    1. I have seen your work...you so are a painter!!! And oh my I would love some basil seeds!!! How thoughtful of you!!!! We eat a lot of basil in the summer! I mean i throw it on everything!!! I would so love to see what you painted! In college I painted several pieces on large boards that I just gessoed over...take care and here is hoping the weather cooperates!

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  6. Love your creative mind..so jealous about the mirror Im redoing house with Chippendale accents..I am doing a box too with paper

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    1. OH!!! I would love to see your house! I hope the painting is going well for you too! Thanks for popping on by!

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  7. I love the mirror! And you did an AMAZING job on the box!!!! It is so cute! Great job! I also love the art work, I think it would look awesome on wood that is planked together....just an idea, but it also looks super cute the way it is!

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    1. Planked would be suuuuper cool! Thank you for the suggestion! I am imagining browns and yellows as the backdrop to complement some distressed wood! Very cool! And I will email you here in a bit about the post!

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  8. Love the mirror! Can't wait to see what you do with it. :) And the tequila box is cute too. For the painting/print...I think boards would look great with a lighter, more varied background. Maybe mix some colors (shades of blue and white)
    Anyway, it's cute as is too!
    Hope you have a great week Nicole!
    Nancy

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    1. I am thinking the same thing...Mindi suggested planked boards..and with that several colors would look awesome...it is just too flat right now and I needed some direction so thank you! I hope that you have a rocking week friend! So super happy for you that you are hosting such an awesome party! It is perfect for you!!! And it is huge...so many entries!!!

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  9. OH and thanks so much for linking it up to the Project Inspire{d} link party! :)

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  10. Now I know what to do with the little box I found at the thrift shop a few weeks ago! Awesome. I also really like that mirror you picked up - such a great shape to draw the eye, can't wait to see how it turns out!

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    1. Hi Jennifer! Thanks for that great link!!! That project is so cool...I am going to read up on it in a bit...I was thinking we could do it on our fence posts??? My kids would LOVE it though! You are an inspiring mama!

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  11. That mirror is great! Can't wait to see what what it looks like later. And I love the little seed box...you mean you're not supposed to leave seeds sitting on top of your breadbox for months on end? Who knew? ;)

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    1. Ha! Hey..mine have been in a brown envelope with all of my papers for months....I just thought they needed their own space...and this way I can see what I have! I can't wait to see more of your garden this summer! Have a lovely week!

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  12. Great find on the box! I have never tried waxing before, but it sure looks great! I like the trellis you have made for your peas. We have fields of Del Monte peas around us so I never plant them.(don't tell I raid the field) Just usually plant pea pods. Could you modge podge the painting onto wood? Thanks for stopping by my blog! :)

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    1. Hey Liz!! I would raid the fields too! How awesome is that! Your farm sounds like a dream! Please do keep me posted about the seminar you are attending this weekend...it just sounds so inspiring! I could modge it to wood but I am thinking I may just start over...oh we will see! You take care and have a great day tomorrow!!!

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  13. Love what you did with the box and I can't wit to see what you do with the mirror.

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    1. I need to figure this mirror out! Nor sure on color! Hope you are having a great week so far!!!

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  14. What great finds, Nicole! The mirror is really great, like a stained glass window! The box turned out beautiful! I didn't expect how it could look and I was so surprised at how great it turned out! I like that you used the pages of the book to line the lid and then the chalkboard paint on top. So creative. Your painting is so sweet. It would look beautiful any way you display it. I can't wait to watch your garden grow. Hope you have a nice week! Hugs, xoxo

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    1. Thanks Karen! Your Easter pics were so sweet! I love it when you talk about your family and all of the personal touches you put into your celebrations! Thanks for coming on by! XOXO

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  15. That box looks amazing! I'm so impressed how you can see the treasure in something and recreate it into a beautiful and useful piece. The biology book page were perfect for lining the box. Can't wait to see what your other pieces become!

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    1. Thanks Jessica! And thank you for visiting!! I hope that you and your kiddos have a great week!

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  16. it is still cold here too, I love your box transformation-very nifty. I must try some of the chalk board paint-that always looks like so much fun when I see it used-happy spring

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    1. The chalkboard paint is addicting! So much fun and versatility! Thanks for coming on by and I hope that we will be discussing out herbs soon and the warm weather!

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  17. Great finds. Love how you updated that old box... the red is a great color with the black label. (thanks for sharing at Project Inspire{d} this week!)

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    1. Thanks for hosting the great party and thanks for popping on by! Have a great week!

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  18. So fun! And I love the birdie picture just the way it is.
    We planted peas, radishes, and carrots last week and the radishes are already up!!! So exciting.
    You should link up at the Tuesday Garden Party at An Oregon Cottage. :o)
    Do you remember me saying that I had hinted to the Easter Bunny that a load of compost would be super fantastic? Wellllllll, he brought me an Easter basket with a bottle of wine and a gift certificate to the local compost yard. I'm so excited I could pee!!!!!

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    1. I linked up lady! Thanks for sending me over! What a great blog and party! That ROCKS!! Holy lucky lady! Ha I am just laughing about that making us happy! Most chicks want jewelry and stuff...us...compost! I am super jealous! It is going to be a while before I get a good first batch from the tumbler...post about it please!!!

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  19. Love that mirror! Totally cute transformation of the box you found at the thrift store. I like the plank idea for your wall art. The wood texture will work in concert with the other textures on the painting and the wood planks will go with the nature theme. :) Either way, looking forward to see what you do. :D

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    1. Hey thanks lady! I can't wait to see more of your space for your little man! You have a rocking Thursday!

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  20. Hi Nicole! It sure has been a strange Spring for the weather hasn't it? Yesterday was the first kind of warm day we've had in forever and that's just not like us. Maybe things are just going to be different this year.

    I love your seeds box! what a great idea! It sure looks 100 times better than the tequila box lol you did a great job and that gives me some ideas too! Love the red color you used too!

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    1. I know! This spring has been so different from last year...don't get me wrong I am so glad it is not 80 degrees here in April but now we have the exact opposite! All I can say is that I hope we all get a dash of green soon! Take care you!

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  21. That mirror looks great....can't wait to see what you do with it. Great job also with the tequila box makeover!

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    1. Thanks lady! I still can not get over that resort! It looked like heaven to me!

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  22. I love the idea of putting chalk board paint on the lid! So clever!

    Have a gorgeous week!
    Sarah xo

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    1. You have a gorgeous week too! I hope all is good at the farm this week!

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  23. Love your seed box! I have such a hard time trying to get my seeds organized. I love your idea - and it's so pretty!

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    1. Thanks Holley! Your boxwoods have inspired me! I can't wait to start planting! I know I have to hold myself back for a couple more weeks until we have more consistent temperatures around here! Enjoy your garden!

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  24. It's good you repainted the tequila box, otherwise you might have some very disappointed guests! Nice work!

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    1. HAAA! SO true so true Jason! Thanks so much for dropping by! I hope that your container tulips are showing signs of blooming!

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  25. Your seed box turned out gorgeous!!! I like the painting just the way it is, it's bright and happy. :)

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    1. Ah thanks Wendy! I hope that your weekend is a nice one...enjoy your kiddos!

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  26. I love the transformation of your box ... great shade of red and it has that nicely worn-in look. I don't know what colours you have in your room with your mantle, but I can see that mirror with a distressed finish in denim blue or even that same red as your box! And I love the suggestion others have made of your painting on boards, with tiny gaps along the planks ... it would have that rustic feel with the modern images you have created. It's such a cute painting! Have a great day Nicole.

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    1. Good point! I think you are on to something! The juxtaposition of modern and old...I like it!!! I will be showing your doll in the weeks to come here on my blog! I just LOVE it!

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  27. Oh, how I love that seedbox--bright, cheery colors and the chalkboard on top is perfect! Well done!

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    1. Hey you! Thank you so much! I hope that your play went well! I am not sure if has taken place yet but when it does I am sure you are going to do fantastic!

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  28. That mirror is amazing! I would snap that up too if I came across it. Love what you have done with the tequila box, such a cool idea. Have a great week lovely! xo

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    1. You have a great weekend too! Can't believe it is already Thursday!! The mirror cost me 7 dollars! Ha...not bad! Take care sweets!

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  29. Love all your finds-especially that box! Fresh peas....won't those be delicious? I saw our neighbor tilling his raised garden beds this morning all bundled up like it was freezing-because it was only 37 degrees. Not optimal garden planting weather! I haven't planted anything yet, but I hope to before Sunday. People have even begun mowing their lawns. I think we all have a HUGE case of spring fever! Hugs!

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    1. I think so too! We are all going a little nuts! I just am biting at the bit to work on my front bed...I would really like to see some of my plants coming up! Soon! Take care you!

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  30. Hey! Thanks so much! I am going to bop on over to check out your blog right now! Thanks for coming by!

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  31. I love your seed box! It's adorable! <3

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  32. Such a cute idea for a seed box, I love it! Don't you just absolutely love the Spring time?... I can not wait to start planting / gardening.

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  33. Love your repurposing! Great finds :)
    Susan

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  34. I love your seed box, Nichole. The chalkboard paint is so useful and looks great on the box. Like you, I have many projects half complete. Time is always a problem doing things I love.

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  35. What an awesome box! I love that you've given it a fresh start. I'm sure it would much rather hold seeds than cigars. :o)

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  36. Hi Nicole, the mirror and the Tequila box are really great finds! I love how you refinished the latter. Your seeds have a truly pretty home now. Wow, I am astonished that the tulips are not up in your neck of the woods, yet. What a delayed spring it is in most places. Hope the weather warms up for you soon, I am sure you are itching to plant more new things :-)!
    Christina

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  37. I found that I'd drop off a few things at Goodwill and then picked up a few too - such a treasure trove! Love your newest finds - they look great! Happy planting :)

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  38. Love the tequila seed box. You are so clever!

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  39. I so need a larger seed box just like yours. It's lovely. That mirror is something special too! I could definitely paint that white! haha

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  40. Love what you did with the seed box!

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  41. Nicole, I just wanted to let you know that your little repurposed seed box is one of my features tonight in the Project Inspire{d} link party. Thanks so much for linking up! :)
    Nancy

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  42. How totally cool Nicole! I love the repurposed tequila box but that mirror... wowza! We too are having a wicked cool spring with snow all over the place still not much can be done for the garden yet *sigh* So I just keep planning and rearranging in my head or on the several legal pads I have scattered in just about every room! I saw my first robin yesterday so I know warm weather isn't far away... I hope! :D
    Thanks for your sweet comments on my paintings!
    Hugs,
    Beth P

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  43. I love your little seed box ... the chalkboard top is so fun! I featured you tonight at the Project Inspire{d} link party: http://www.dukesandduchesses.com/2013/04/project-inspired-link-party-garden.html.

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  44. What an amazing seed box - it's so lovely I love the chalk board top. I think I would keep changing its use just so I could keep rubbing out and writing on the lid x

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  45. Wonderful seed box! I like your canvas -- I don't know if the colors I'm seeing on the computer are "true" -- but I think done on wood would be extremely charming, and perhaps a robin's egg blue for the background.

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  46. Love your seed box!!!! It is so cute and just the perfect size for keeping all the see packets together. I would never have thought of that.
    It's been cold here to - up until Saturday and now it's summer. Way too hot and very dry. They've been calling for some much needed rain since Sunday and we haven't had a drop. I've never seen such a dry April and I'm already watering everything I've planted. I have lots of little baby seedlings coming up in one of my raised beds. I go check on them every day. It's like watching my babies. They seem to be growing very slow. They just need a good drink from Mother Nature I think.
    Cindy

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  47. Love the mirror and can't wait to see what you do with it Nicole. I also really like the seed box. Red was a perfect choice.
    I like the imagine painting as it is, although I was thinking that it might have been cool if you had underpainted it with reddish-orange or lighter blue and let that show through here and there almost like an outline. Here is a link to a children's illustrator that I worked with years ago. He did a lot of underpainting which is subtle, but has a nice impact.http://www.davidwalkerstudios.com/

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  48. The seed box is great! Love the chalkboard... You can definitely change it up as you please. :)

    The mirror was also such a great steal!

    toddlindsey.com

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  49. I love the seed box! You did such a great revamp!
    xo

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