THE ALTERED FLEA

Thanksgiving Table Decor and Hostess Gifts

2016-11-01T13:41:00.000-07:00

Now that Halloween has come and gone [but hopefully, the candy still lingers], let's think Thanksgiving. Here's a quick project you and the kids can create to use as a table place setting or even hostess gifts. Gather a small recycled or mason jar with a lid, a package of seasonal candy, and embellishments including twine, fringed fabric or ribbon, flowers, tags and labels. Fill the

2016-08-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

When I was 6 years old young, my Mom taught me how to sew. She bought me a small metal Singer sewing machine, the perfect model to create handmade doll clothes. Fast forward to my latest vintage sewing box makeover. To see the complete transformation, click over to my new blog at Altered Artworks @ Wordpress. I hope you'll start following me on my new

Jewelry Chest Gets a Nautical Makeover

2016-07-27T22:12:00.000-07:00

What do fish sticks and jewelry box makeovers have in common? Last month, while vacationing in Boston, we ferried over to the seaport town of Gloucester. Fast forward to this 50-cent wooden jewelry box. To see the makeover, and to find out the answer to how fish sticks played a part in this project, head over to my new blog on Wordpress. Click here: Altered Artworks on Wordpress

Kitchen Towel Rack Makeover

2016-07-07T20:59:00.001-07:00

This is one of my favorite home decor makeovers. Hard to believe it started like this. Click on over to my new blog at Wordpress to see all the photos plus info on finding the beautiful stencil I used for this project. Click here: Altered Artworks

Vintage Tiered Metal Cart Makeover

2016-07-01T07:13:00.002-07:00

Isn’t this a gem? Maybe not yet, but it does have great potential. Yes, I saw this cart’s future, and it was good. Except for the rust and dirt, the cart was in good shape and has two handles, one on each side–that’s a plus. Let’s see what a little scrubbing, painting and stenciling can do! Hop on over to my new blog to see the makeover. Old Rusty Tiered Cart

Upcycled Toy Chest into Ice Cooler

2016-05-31T10:34:00.000-07:00

Do you have an old toy chest that your kids have outgrown? Upcycle it into a very cool ice cooler. See the makeover for this box on my new blog, Altered Artworks on Wordpress. Upcycled Toy Chest to Ice Cooler

Kiss Me Goodnight

2016-05-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

This metal sign was stuck in the craft closet, wondering if it ever was going to see the light of day. Summer is still one month away, and even then, it doesn't quite fit our decor. It was time to get it out and give it a makeover. You'll never believe the transformation it received with a little paint and stencils. Hop on over to my new blog to see the complete tutorial and makeover

Vintage Sewing Box Makeover

2016-05-11T21:02:00.001-07:00

I have a sweet spot for sewing boxes. Not the modern fabric-covered cutesy ones, but the wooden type from our Mom’s and Grandmother’s generations. I found this one at a thrift store while in Ventura last month, and I knew it had great potential to turn into something scrumptious. See how I completely transformed it with a little paint and a beautiful stencil over on my new blog at

Repurposed Typewriter Table into Bar Cart

2016-05-07T08:11:00.001-07:00

Vintage typewriter tables can be found everywhere: thrift stores, garage sales, flea markets and online. They are the perfect size to repurpose into a bar cart. Check out the tutorial and see how I transformed it on my new blog, Altered Artworks.Wordpress. I'll meet you over there with a nice cold brew.

Have a Seat: Industrial Chair Makeover

2016-04-19T11:29:00.004-07:00

Can you believe I bought this industrial stool for just $5? It sat in the corner at a warehouse where tools and parts were for sale. The guy at the helm said I can take it for $5. [Little did he know that I was about to offer $10.] Anyway, this beauty also sat in the corner of my laundry room for a year until it received its much-deserved makeover. Here's a peak at the fabric I used to give

Vintage Tiered Planter Goes Tropical

2016-04-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

Even though spring has just sprung, this vintage planter has hit the summer tropics with bold colors. To see its complete transformation, visit my new blog at Altered Artworks on Wordpress. Hope you'll follow my new blog and continue to check in here for creative inspiration.

A Heatwave & Patio Chair Makeover

2016-02-29T22:33:00.000-08:00

The weather has a mind of its own. While the east coast is still in the throes of winter, SoCal is already experiencing a record-breaking heatwave. I know I shouldn't complain. However, when I'm on the tennis court trying to play a match on the hot concrete slab, it's a bit too warm for my liking. Plus, we're in a drought so we need rain! Looking at the bright side, though, it's warm

Vintage Desk Secretary Gets Promoted

2016-01-15T08:03:00.002-08:00

This beautiful flea market find didn't start out looking like this... See the final transformation and full tutorial on my new site, AlteredArtworks.wordpress.com

Create a Beach-themed Holiday Card Display

2015-12-10T19:07:00.000-08:00

Repurpose a large picture frame into a beautiful holiday card display. See the full tutorial at my new address, AlteredArtworks.wordpress.com

Hanukkah in a Jar

2015-11-13T12:26:00.001-08:00

Any which way you spell it, the Festival of Lights will be here before you know it. This year, Chanukah begins Sunday night, December 6. It's just three weeks away, but you have plenty of time to create unique Chanukah decor and gifts. One of the most popular projects on my blog is "Chanukah-in-a-Jar." So, I thought I would share it again. I used a clear plastic pail 6"

Thanksgiving Table Favor Decor & Hostess Gift

2015-11-10T12:10:00.003-08:00

Want an easy, quick and festive table favor or hostess gift for Thanksgiving? Gather together a small mason jar with lid, fall-colorful candy [I used peanut m&m's], and a few embellishments such as twine, fringe, ribbons, flowers, labels and a tag. The

Jewelry Holder for the Tennis Fan

2015-10-31T01:00:00.000-07:00

You gotta love a sport where each game starts with the word LOVE. Even though it means you haven't scored any points yet, it is a kinder way to say ZERO. When DecoArt asked me to create room decor for a sports fan, tennis immediately came to mind. As it turns out, I am a decent player on the doubles court. I started this project on a search for a vintage wooden

Fall Porch Planter Decor

2015-10-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

Another thrift store find gets a makeover! This is an easy transformation. It started with this old wooden planter. I added a coat of paint [used Americana Decor multi-purpose satin acrylic in Pumpkin Patch] and sprayed it with a clear matte sealer. Then I transferred this typography printable from The Graphics Fairy, using the freezer paper transfer method.

Halloween Treats in a Jar

2015-10-27T11:42:00.001-07:00

Here's a quick and easy DIY project: HALLOWEEN TREATS IN A JAR You will need: recycled jar with lid, a glass candlestick, E-6000 glue, acrylic paint [I used DecoArt Americana multi-surface satin in Cotton Ball (white), Pumpkin Patch & Lemon Zest], and foam brushes Use recycled jars that are thoroughly clean and dry. Paint the candlestick white.

DIY Candy Corn Treats

2015-10-19T10:23:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you mix m&ms with candy corn? Well, if you add them to a painted terra cotta pot, you get a special Halloween treat! Now I'm not one for much Halloween hoopla. However, I am a sucker for embellished terra cotta pots. So when I read Kim's creative idea at Maiden D'Shade, I decided to borrow her idea of candy

Game Night with Old Friends

2015-09-10T08:57:00.000-07:00