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April 30, 2014


For over 30 years printers' drawers have been immensely popular as
decorating accessories.  You'd be hard pressed to find a more versatile and
affordable medium in which to display your little collectibles and treasures.
 


 
Rachel Bradley created a charming montage in an antique printers drawer. 

What a charming way to display and organize your little treasures.   Source
 

 

 
Shabby Chic Inspired
A VERY rare find - an actual printer's drawer
desk full of trays.  I'm swooning.
 
 
Arizona artist Wendy Timm uses a drawer to display her handmade clay tiles.
 
 
 
 
Industrial drawers manufactured after the
1930s were made with metal frames:
 



Note Paper



What more delightful way to display sea
shells she found at the sea shore?!


This drawer was a filled with family
memorabilia.  Great gift idea!

Kristen Cohen


 
Another beautiful use of a drawer - to frame silhouette stitching:
 
Source



Consider using a drawer as a table top:



Source




Whether you choose to hang a printer's drawer vertically,
horizontally, or use it as a table top, your treasures will be
displayed in a most unique and charming way.

Note:  Thanks so much for your calls, emails and prayers as our extended family members struggle through the aftermath of this week's storms.

April 29, 2014

The destruction and loss of life due to tornados and storms over the entire South is humbling.  Writing about décor and possessions seems trivial when you consider the anguish and pain so many are going through. 

On a personal note, the parents of one of our daughters-in-law lost their home last night due to a tornado - everything gone in a matter of minutes.  Thankfully, they're okay.  While their loss is great, their neighbors suffered much more - the death of 2 family members.  Your prayers are appreciated for everyone's suffering.

April 28, 2014


Not only is today the last Monday in April but this
week also marks that 2014 is one-third over!

So, today I'm going to clean out my Repurposeful Ideas file
and share some miscellaneous upcycling photos with you.
 


I don't know if this is even possible
but it's a fascinating concept:
 
 
Use a paper towel stand to organize your ribbons:


Flea markets, thrift shops, and yard sales
are great sources for small, rusty patio tables:
They make unique and charming coffee tables.

Need an instant serving plate tower?
Use decorative plates and wine glasses:

Know what this is?  A rock glued to the top of an empty
vitamin bottle - to hide a spare house key in the garden! 
 
What a great craft project for little
ones to make for family members.
 
 
Vintage suitcases are so versatile:
If you travel with your pet, this idea for
a portable feeding station is brilliant.



 
What an adorable "vanity" -
 
 
 Here's another fun craft idea - paper
and button flower lapel pins:


Wire wrapping has become a very popular craft
and these bicycle button broaches are adorable:

 Yard sale picture frames were spray painted black
and used to make intriguing organic wall art.

 
Believe it or not, lots of people collect bricks.  These
make an unusual and intriguing display, don't they?
 
 
It's time to start looking for an old
iron bed headboard for the garden:

  What a precious way to display old photographs:


Beautiful flowering plants can look less than attractive when
set out in the plastic tubs in which they're grow.  If you're not going
to plant them consider displaying the plants in a distressed crate.
 
 
Parents struggle with how to store the papers and art work
their children create.  Martha Stewart offers the suggestion
of rolling them up and keeping them in mailing tubes:
So efficient! 
 


Decorare
A small lace tablecloth makes a lovely window screen.

 
Heart Beat Oz
It's difficult to find reasonably priced large, vintage
books but these make a beautiful side table.
 
 
 Note:  I've been struggling with Google Chrome since last Friday and am using a default browser today.  I apologize if some of the photos don't load.  Might have to bring in a professional - my neighbor's 9 year old son!


 

April 25, 2014


Oh, my gosh, it's been 2 weeks since fleaChic has featured
Before & After projects.  Better correct that right now!


Dark painted molding made this room look boxy and small:
Young House Love
Stunning!  What a difference.

Here's another amazing home office makeover:


 Bower Power
Wouldn't it be wonderful to work in such an elegant office?


Yikes!  This laundry room was in desperate need of a makeover
and Jenny Komenda of Little Green Notebook gave it one:
Before

After 

 Little Green Notebook
I love everything about this makeover.  Great job, Jenny!




A few cans of paint dramatically changed this kitchen:


Nicole Faby Photography
The kitchen looks so much happier now, doesn't it?



This is one of the best kitchen makeovers I've ever seen:

Design, Life, Kids
Opening up the back wall between the kitchen and the formal
dining room completely changed the dynamic of this space.


A foyer sets the tone of a house and this
makeover makes a welcoming statement:
Heather Cooper Designs
I appreciate the modern light fixture but I kind of like the old chandelier better.


What can you do with a tiny 12' x 7' bedroom?

Create an amazing desk and loft space:

Benjamin Marcus
What 'tween wouldn't love to have a room like this?


Aren't attic spaces intriguing?
Before

After
Country Living


Both rooms of the attic looked like the photo below.
Before

After
One room was decorated for the owners' granddaughters, left, and the other
room was decorated for the grandsons.  I guess there was no other way to
configure the twin beds but I wish they hadn't covered up the windows.



I adore cubby holes and little crannies especially if they have a window:

What a wonderful closet update.



Look what you can do with a thrift store dresser:
Thrifty and Chic
Great idea, isn't it?  Click here for the tutorial on
how to convert a dresser into a desk/work station.


Okay.  We all know that the basement is
the least respected room in the house.
Before

After
Electronic House
Golly, Wally!  What an incredible home theatre. There
really aren't enough superlatives to describe this basement.


I.  Love.  Organization.
Garage Tek
So, obviously, I'm crushing on this garage transformation!


Most of today's projects took more than a few days to complete
but this last transformation is "weekend do-able:"
Centsational Girl
What a perfect example of turning a flea market
bargain into a darling addition to your home.

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope these inspiring Before & After
project photos inspire you to undertake a makeover of your own.
Have a great weekend!