"ok, we are in a tough state... get over it and figure out what are we gonna do other than simply talk about it, PLEASE?!
(maybe I'm listening to a bit too much NPR lately?)
Anyway, recession or not, everyone is always looking for ways to save money, right?
I've spent the last week trying to get set-up in my new place and I'm exhausted!
I literally started from scratch and I've done my best to buy as little NEW things as possible. I was determined to prove that you don't have to A. spend a lot of money and B. buy NEW things to have a fully functioning home. It's not only easy on the wallet but on the environment... plus I look for any excuse to get creative :)
Here are a few of the fun projects I've been working on...
First of all, stuff like this has been found all around my place. I take measurements, write them on wood and then misplace the piece. There are already so many scraps of wood around this place it's CRAZY.
My new favorite vase. I found this jar at an antique store for $2!
My favorite store (Anthropologie) has been my inspiration for a lot of the stuff happening around here. I was in the other day and saw this awesome blue flamenco-like shower curtain. The only problem was it cost $118 ! I couldn't fathom spending that on a shower curtain number one and number two it wouldn't match my bathroom.....so I just decided to make it myself. My brother said it looked like he was looking up someone's skirt... haha
This would be the BIGGEST project thus far... I scored this couch for free off Craigslist with the intent to reupholster and started ripping the fabric off...
I didn't quite know the enormity of the project but alas I did it. I'm pretty proud of this sucka. I wanted a crazy purple suede couch and thats what I got. I already have a client wanting to use it in a photoshoot but I need to finish the piping at the bottom. I ran out so that's why it looks a little unfinished on the bottom :)
This hanging wardrobe was also listed for FREE on Craigslist. I decided to convert it into a dresser so I took out the clothes bar and built in a few shelves. Then I added some fun knobs and have a great piece to hold my clothes :)
So I was shopping for curtain rods since I have five 5ftx6ft windows to cover and was again inspired.... why spend $50.00 a pop when I can make them myself?! SOOOO... I went to Home Depot bought some plain dowels and unfinished fence post toppers. I drilled holes in the dowels and screwed in the "finials" Now all I need to do is stain them and VOILA!
This last project isn't finished yet either but basically I found this little treasure in a friend's cousin's junk pile that he has collected over the years. It was just collecting dust so he let me have it for FREE! I went to Home Depot (again) and bought some wood and then cut it down to size. The next step is screw it on and stain the top for a great little side table.
For everything you've seen here....
Couch............................$FREE
Fabric for Couch............$70.00 (found for 40% off)
Paint for Couch wood....$FREE from the contractors next door
Wardrobe Closet............$FREE
Wood for shelves...........$12.00
Knobs............................$3.95/ea (2)
Shower Curtain Fabric...$25.00
Vase..............................$2.00
Curtain Rod Dowels.......$3.95/ea (5)
Fence Post toppers........$3.00/ea (10)
table base.....................$FREE
Wood top......................$6.00
________________________________________
GRAND TOTAL: $172.65
Now it's back to work...
28 comments:
holy moly Shyla that curtain is identical to the anthro one. You are super crafty and creative. I love it all. The purple couch is saaaawwweeet!
I laughed so hard when I saw your shower curtain... my boss BOUGHT that.... *rolls eyes* for the bathroom in the office with a shower that we NEVER use... Good for you; making one yourself! Your little place looks SO freakin cool... so much character and your decor looks super good! Love you!
Wow. . .that all I can say. . .Wow. You are so creative. I wish I was that crafty! What great finds!
You pretty much rock my world....now I'm inspired. And I want my picture taken on that couch! ;)
SHYLA!! You are so awesome. I am seriously impressed at your craftiness!!! I love it and cant wait to come see all the wonderful stuff you are doing!
I consider myself a pretty crafty person and have undertaken some projects but you blow me out of the water! I will buy that curtain from you and seriously how on earth did you reupolster a couch?!?
Shyla, thanks for this post! I just moved into a new house and have been all consumed with similar stuff. I LOVE your shower curtain...how in the world did you do that? Is there a pattern or some such thing you found?
Wow....everything you did looks great!! That purple couch is my favorite though!
You are definitely making yourself a home...so much fun! I love the couch, you do great work!
Awesome, Shy! I couldn't do most of the things you did! That shower curtain is amazing! You need to set up an Etsy shop and start selling those puppies!!
holy crap... can you come work your magic at my apartment as well??? awesome!! i wish i were that crafty!
Wow, you did an awesome job with the couch and decorating finds!
Woo hoo!! It looks awesome, Shyla!! Love it all but my favorite (and I'm sure Emmie's although she is in bed) are the purple knobs for the dresser!!
girl, you always impress me! WOW!
Hi! I read your blog pretty religiously and I just wanted to say that I am loving these home improvement posts!! That couch is the same shape as the amelie couch they sell in anthropologie! It turned out beautiful!!
Niiiiiiice job :-) Buying new/retail is so overrated! Everything looks fantastic - way to go!
Shyla,
My name is Stacy Z you met me in Denver (do not know if you remember but we sat cross legged in the hallway for quite some time chatting) I gotta tell you lady you REALLY should send this in to Design*Sponge. They totally feature furniture makeovers and yours rock!
What an awesome start on a fabulous home!
stacyZ
You might have another calling in life! Excellent work! My husband and I are doing the same now and it's worth every drop of blood, sweat and tears to make it truly yours!
you are a better person than I. I too am obsessed with anthropologie, the only difference between you and I, is that I'll pay a load for something that costs $25 to make, and you actually make it!! you're so awesome! i'm commissioning you to do my next project!
Shyla, your place looks awesome! I love the north shore! Your creativity blows my mind! My mom has a couch like that which I believe is called a "settee" at least that's what she calls it. NO idea what the difference is between a real couch hehe. Nice work my friend!
you amaze me!! i need you to come to my new place and help me put it together!
what an AWESOME couch!!!!!!!
I am MUCHO impressed....especially the couch - it looks great!
How in the world do you find the time to do all these amazing projects?! I've been trying to stain the bookcase in my office for a year! Have you heard of the DIY home makeover magazine? It's amazing, you might find it helpful and it has a ton of easy ideas in it. I lOVE LOVE LOVE the table in the last photo! Please call me if you ever need a second shooter this summer, I'm on the Vineyard and would LOVE to shoot with you!
man, you are good! that all looks so amazing! congrats on the all the craigslist finds.
OMG! I love this! Your finds are wonderful!
My favorite is the old Singer sewing base!! You may need to go on "Antique Roadshow" ! ;-)
Holy cow, great job!! I *love* that couch, you're amazing!
WOW!! You may have been inspired by Anthropologies, but *I* and inspired by *YOU*!!!! Amazing transformations and amazing photos. Just wow....
Post a Comment