Guest Post & Giveaway from Full Circle Creations

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

While I’m away having fun at Blissdom12, I have a friend I want you to meet. Holly blogs over at Full Circle Creations. She makes lots of fun things, including benches and signs. I think you’ll really like her blog! I’m happy to introduce you to Holly!

Hi Everyone! I have two things to celebrate. My birthday is Friday the 24th and the one year blog anniversary for Full Circle Creations is Saturday the 25th. Gail has graciously agreed to help me celebrate by hosting a giveaway. Thanks Gail! I am giving away a box filled with goodies to one lucky reader. The winner will receive.....

One of my name signs (with your name and choice of color).

One of these little boxes that I made and a vintage milk bottle just because it's cute.

And a gift card to one of my favorite stores, Home Depot for $25.00.

Here's how to enter to win:

1. Be a follower of Full Circle Creations

2. Like Full Circle Creations on Facebook.

3. Stop by Full Circle Creations on Etsy and report back with your favorite item.

4. Post or Tweet about this on Facebook or Twitter and report back.

5. Be a follower of My Repurposed Life.

That's five chances to win! Please leave a separate comment below for each entry.

The giveaway starts today and will be open until 12:00 PM EST on Thursday March 1st. One winner will be chosen via random.org. The winner will be announced on Friday March 2nd on My Repurposed Life and Full Circle Creations. 18 or older, US Residents only

Good luck to everyone! A big thank you to Gail for hosting this giveaway. And thanks for stopping by.

Now, hop on over to check out Full Circle Creations!

gail

My Repurposed Life On KSBI All About You

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

I’ve gone to Nashville to attend Blissdom! But, I’m still here--

Hold on to your seats folks! You know that little word, YES? It’s definitely getting me places I never thought I’d go!

Just so you know, the way they did this interview, I could not see the hosts, nor any pictures they were showing of my projects. The only thing I could see on my computer was their station logo and myself, yikes!

For your viewing pleasure:

By the time most of you read this, I’ll be hanging out with Rose and having lunch with some great new friends! See ya next week.

I’ll be doing some updates on Facebook and Twitter.

gail

ps A surprise giveaway tomorrow!

Decorative Finials from Bed Parts

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Do you remember the bench I put together from bits and pieces of 3 beds 2 cribs and a chair?

I cut the pointy piece off and used the larger piece for the front leg.

I had to cut the bottom of this bed off in order to raise up the footboard.

I took the end piece (pointy one).

Plus the leg piece I cut off to make these:

The tall pieces on the left and the right are the end result of those other pieces.

The smaller pieces are from some porch spindles I cut off.

You’ll have to use your imagination of how pretty these would look on a mantel or in a pretty vignette with some other décor. That’s not what this blog is. But you already knew that, right? No pretty pictures and fancy décor shots from me. I’ve been busy with other things and haven’t had time to stage my pieces.

To get the color, I painted them black and then did a wash with the turquoise I used on the bench.

I love how my workbench is going to become a collage of my latest projects!

gail

There's a New Addiction, Clipix!

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Have you heard of Clipix? It's a great new way to "bookmark" your favorite sites. For years I have saved bookmarks or "favorites" on my computer. I have a list a mile long, and it's just that, a LIST.

With clipix I can still bookmark my favorites, but I have a picture with the link to refer to when I'm looking for that "special" inspiration I found. Clipix makes it really easy to save those bookmarks by adding a "clip" button right to my toolbar. I can name my clip boards anything I want, plus I can even have private clipboards. I LOVE that feature. I can share with "everyone" or just with "friends".

You can share your clips on facebook, or twitter. You can reclip clips that have already been clipped. It really doesn't get any easier to share with friends, or simply save a site for yourself. Ohhh, how I wish clipix had been around back in the old days when I filled my "favorites" folder with all of those sites. That folder is on an old laptop, I believe I'll have to boot it up, and resave all those sites to my clipix boards, with pictures!!!

That should help you to figure it all out. I think it's very entertaining, don't you?

You really need to check it out. Be sure to look at my clipboards.

See the locks? Unlocked is public, and locked is private. This is the compact view. You can see I've created my own clipboards and renamed them for my on personal preference.

There is even an iphone app! Take your boards with you. I can't wait to see what YOU clip!

gail

Promoted Post

Ramsign Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Have you seen this site? Ramsign Classic Enamel Signs

They make wonderful enamel signs.

Great colors!

Bold fonts!

Beautiful detail!

Custom signs!

Fun shapes!

I have had the pleasure of winning one of these signs. The company was very nice to work with, and I love the quality of the sign.
I gave it to Jamie & Andy as a wedding gift.

One winner can choose any house number sign or name sign of any size and design. Best news ever? Ramsign ships worldwide! Giveaway starts today and ends Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 9:00 PM EST. Winner chosen using random.org.
How to enter:

Visit Ramsign.com, look around and leave me a comment below with what you’d love to have.
For a bonus entry, like Ramsign on Facebook, leave a comment below.

Good Luck!
gail

Knockoff Pedestal

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

When I saw this pedestal stand, I was shocked at the price. I had parts laying around to make something nearly identical. (for FREE)

Source

I dug out this old bed piece.

I cut it down with my compound miter saw.

I cut some 2x10’s into squares.

I routed the edges.

I applied some stain, a combination of Jacobean and Mahogany, then drilled a hole in the middle.

To get a good tight hold I used Gorilla Wood Glue.

I attached the pieces with drywall screws.

I used the combination of Jacobean and Mahogany to get the top and bottom pieces to match the original bed part.

I LOVE putting bits and pieces together. I did it with my Photo Display Stands, Candlesticks and More, and my Small Red Porch Post. As I’ve said before—I don’t think I got to play with blocks as a child!

What would you use this little baby to display?

gail

Pin It

Do You Live In Oklahoma?

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Do you watch KSBI52?

All About You is a refreshing new talk show about you and for you on OK52 and You. The show is hosted by KSBI 52’s own, Kealey McIntire, who will address topics considered important to women in the Oklahoma City Area.
Family, health, finances, relationships, psychology, environment and entertainment are all topics you can expect to see on All About You.

Guess who will be skyping with Kealey today? Your favorite blogger! :) I’m scheduled to call in this morning. The show will air tonight at 10:00 PM CT. The episode should be up on their site sometime next week. I’ll link to it and remind you to watch. I’ve done some interviews before, just did a phone interview for a magazine a few weeks ago (more details later). This will be my first Skype interview. I’m excited, and a little nervous! That LITTLE word is making me come out of my comfort zone.

Wish me luck! :)

gail

Catch as Catch Can 62

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Great links last week! Y’all rock!

The V Spot-fun paint technique

It’s Just Me

Full Circle Creations

Karla @ Elizabeth & Co.

Ramblings From The Sunshine State

The Creative Collage

At Home In The Northwest

In The Old Road

Shaken Together

Fresh Cut Flours

You Are Talking Too Much

Diy Kinda Girl

A Glimpse Inside

At Home In the Northwest

YOUR Favorite:

Design Dreams By Anne

If you were caught, grab a button! Or click this to tweet!

If you are linking up this week, you must include a link back in your post. You can grab the button, or do this text link: My Repurposed Life-Catch as Catch Can LinkyTools will not accept your link if you do not have the link back in your post with the correct URL. This party takes a lot of time, I’m happy to send new friends to visit you, and I appreciate you returning the favor.

There won’t be a party next week, cause I’ll be in Nashville for Blissdom. The links from this week will be “caught” the following week.
Note: If you have word verification, I won’t be leaving a comment on your blog. I spent a lot of time this week typing in those silly words/letters/symbols. Try turning it off for a week or so and see how much spam you get. I get a LOT, but still refuse to inconvenience my readers by using it.
Let’s see what you’ve got!
gail

Blissdom countdown is on—7 days!

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:30:00 +0000

Am I ready? NO

Do I know what I’m wearing? NO

I picked up some new jeans, cause I thought the 4/$1 thrift store jeans with paint on them wouldn’t really be appropriate.

Girls night in is comfy clothes – ie yoga pants. Do I look like I own a pair of yoga pants?

Girls night out is dressy—but you know how those things are these days. Some ladies dress up to the max, then others wear standard black pants. yep, that would be me, except I don’t really have a pair that fits right now. There will also be karaoke and dancing involved, but NOPE, not me! One of the things I read is to not do anything you don’t want your mom to see. (think YouTube) but in my case it is don’t do anything you don’t want your daughter to see!

Check out some of the details:

We’re going to be a busy group of bloggers! I look forward to learning anything and everything I can so that I can come back and tell you all that I learned.

bonus: I get to see jamie and andy, and I get to meet Rose from Confessions of a Curbshopaholic and Lucy! (the grand dog)

I pick Rose up a the airport Thursday morning, and we start socializing right away at lunch with some other bloggers BEFORE Blissdom even starts!

Oh, and one more thing. I bit the bullet and bought my ticket to Haven Conference in Atlanta in June. Very excited about it!

I have to say thanks again to Gorilla Glue for this wonderful opportunity. I know that I talk about Gorilla Glue a lot, but seriously, it has never let me down. I use it all the time!

gail

ps if you’re reading this via email, I apologize for so many posts landing at one time. I don’t have a lot of control of when “paid posts” publish.

Dollar General Home Sale Event

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:01:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Dollar General for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you have a Dollar General near you? I have two that are really close, but I heard that one will be built about a block away from me! Talk about convenient! Even if you don't have one that close to you, it might be worth your while to visit one this week. Dollar General is having a home sale event until February 19, 2012.

Have you been to YOUR Dollar General lately? My Dollar General stores are clean, and bright and the staff is very friendly and helpful. I love that I can pick up health and beauty items as well as Home Decor, Housewares and Kitchen Tools. Another great perk, is it's easy in and out, with parking right at the door!

During this event, your $$$ goes even further! Here's a 50% off coupon to make you smile! I love a good deal, and a 50% off coupon is even better.

I really love having a small slow cooker for those long days when I'm in the shop. I can put something in there, and voila! when I'm too tired to cook at the end of the day, my meal is ready for me. With a 50% off coupon, you can't beat the great deals on these household appliances.

If you haven't stopped in your local Dollar General Store lately, this is the perfect time to check out all they have to offer these days.

Let me know what you end up getting, k?

gail

The Rusted Chain winner!

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:05:00 +0000

Ohh, I’m so happy to announce the winner of the fabulous giveaway! Thanks so much to the Rusted Chain for offering $50 credit to their store!

Congrats Debbie! I’ll be in touch, I’m guessing you’re going to be REALLY happy!

gail

Update on Jenny Lind Bench

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

If you’ve stopped by this week, you know I took all of these bits and pieces and made this bench:

I proceeded to use more bits and pieces in order to add arm rests.

I used paint and primer in one and painted it black. The plan was to paint it black to get all the bits and pieces to be the same color, then paint it turquoise and distress it to reveal some black.

I started on the seat, but decided to do a dry brush technique instead.

I got a little too much turquoise on it . . .

. . . . so I went back over it with some more black.

I did not sand this, it is all dry brushing. Then I talk to a good friend Stephanie, and she encourages me to do a Damask stencil on the seat. She convinces me that I should do that.

When I got my stencil out, I decided that I should do it on the seat “as is” to see if I like it. Hey! It’s only paint, right? I can always paint over it if I don’t like it.

I did a very light coat because I wanted it to be sort of “barely there”.

I ended up liking it.

I will not be keeping this bench. It will be for sale, which makes it difficult to decided. Because, I am so indecisive, I post a picture on Facebook. It was a very popular post and I got lots of advice from all of my wonderful friends.

The tally was this

Wouldn’t change a thing/Love it 18
Paint the seat black with stencil (ranging from white to cream to turquoise) 13
Paint bench teal and distress 2
Black stencil 3
Whitewash with Blue over Black 1
Use a Greek Key Stencil instead of the Damask 1
Black and White with accents on the spindles 1

So, I left it alone, covered it with a sheet and started on another bench made from two old chairs.

I’ll update you if/when I change it. If you would like to see the tutorial of the bench, check out my post Jenny Lind Bed Bench, if you want to see how I added the arms, check out my post Jenny Lind Bed Bench Pt 2

gail

Jenny Lind Bed Bench pt 2

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Yesterday I showed you how I used parts from several beds to raise up this foot board to make a bench.You can see that post here: Jenny Lind Bed Bench Since I only had the foot board, I didn’t have anything to use as sides to make armrests.

When I gathered my parts for this bench, I started looking for a way to mimic the bed so that I could make armrests.

I dismantled some crib parts.

I also looked for something to use for the front legs.

Here we have the finished bench. It looks okay, but I think it would look better with armrests.

I cut the crib parts to the the actual armrest, and found some random chair spindles to help support the armrest.

During this “dry fit” I use a clamp to hold the armrest in place.

The armrest needed a couple of holes drilled into it to hold the chair spindles.

Still dry fitting them to see if it’s all going to line up and work. Do ya see my new level? I won’t be stepping on this one and breaking it.

This is the cut off end of the chair spindle. I drilled a hole for that small dowel.

Because my dowel doesn’t fit quite snug enough, I used Gorilla Glue to secure it. This glue expands and will fill that hole nicely.

I drilled three holes in the seat, two for the chair spindles and one for the armrest. I used Gorilla Wood Glue for this step.

In order to get all the dowels in place I drilled this hole all the way through the back of the bed. (In this picture I’m testing the dowel to make sure it’s snug)

To clear things up:

I glued the chair spindles (top) into the armrests.
I glued the dowels into the seat.
On the far right there is a third dowel connecting the armrest to the seat.
After I got all of that glued and situated I inserted (from the back) a dowel into the top of the armrest.
I used an extra dowel to hammer it in so that it was in place in the armrest. I used the Gorilla Wood Glue on all of these joints.

This bench is made up of 3 beds, 2 cribs and a chair.

Hopefully, tomorrow I’ll be able to show you the finished bench (painted).

gail

Jenny Lind Bed Bench

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Do you know why it’s a Jenny Lind bed?

From Apartment Therapy-Jenny Lind-Cottage-style spindled furniture bore her name after she reportedly slept in a bed with turned spindle posts. The name stuck and so has this style of furniture.

This is a VERY long and picture heavy post. If you don’t need the tutorial, skip reading the long tutorial, and just look at the pictures.

It’s funny how you remember exactly where you got certain things. In the Spring of 2010 I went to a yard sale and bought several items.

I picked up these antique armoire doors that I made into a headboard.

I also got this foot board. I paid $5.00 for it. I put it in the shed, and there it waited patiently. After I designated part of the basement as my workshop in the fall, I gathered several items on a warm day and carried them to the basement. If we had cold weather and/or snow I wanted to make sure there was sufficient inventory in the basement to work on.

These crib parts have also been waiting around since the Spring of 2010.

Because this bench will be made from a foot board and not a headboard, it needs a little re-design. If I left it as it was, it would only sit high enough for a child’s bench.

To make it taller, I needed to cut the legs off.

Hint: when cutting something large or cumbersome move your compound miter saw to the floor. Tweet This

I decide that if I’m going to piece it together, I need to shave a little more off.

I take it all the way down to the “square” post of the bed.

I found this random part of a bed in the garage. Its post is the same size as the post on the original bed. Because it is/was a bed post, the ball is rounded.

I cut just enough off the bottom so that it will sit flat on the floor.

At one time or another I cut the headboard or foot board from these posts with my sawzall.

To remove the bits that are extending beyond the post you can use a rasp.

However, I pulled out the “big guns”. To get a great flush cut use your Dremel Multi-Max. Tweet This

The Dremel Multi-Max shaved those pieces right off!

I test the “new” legs to see if they will be the right height.

I use the Kreg Jig Jr to make some pocket holes in the “new” legs.

I set my jig for 1 inch.

I make pocket holes on the back side and front side of the “new” legs. I used Gorilla Wood Glue for extra strong hold.

Now I need some front legs. I hunted for something that had the same diameter post. I’m trying to figure out where I want to make my cuts.

I want the “squared” post to be in the right place for the front “skirt”. I don’t want to attach the skirt to the rounded part of the post. I marked and made my cuts (not shown).

I used a 1x6 for the front and sides. I set my jig back to 3/4 inch for the thickness of the 1x6.

To attach the front to the “middle” of the legs, I laid the 1x6 down on some scrap pieces of lumber. They held the 1x6 off the floor and allowed me to screw into the pocket holes and attach the front skirt into the middle of the post.

I drilled pocket holes to line up with the front and back posts. (note the left side-the holes are higher because there is a huge slat near the bottom that would allow me a place to put my screws)

I clamp the sides so that I can line them up and make them level.

I love using my combination square to make sure everything is equidistant. The front matches . . .

. . . the back.

I check to make sure the side board is plumb.

I insert all the screws. Then I clumsily step on my ancient (small) level and break it! Yep, on my next trip to the Home Depot I had to pick up a new one. I bought one that is steel and magnetic. I have two large unbreakable levels, but this was my only small one.

Here you can see all the different bed parts! But, it’s starting to really come together. I love the look that I get with the front and side by using the Kreg Jig pocket holes. So much better than the old days when I would have to set the legs on the inside of a “box” that became the seat.

Are you still with me? Or have you just skimmed this post to look at the pictures?

Because I plan to run the seat lengthwise, I need to add some supports for the 1x6’s. I rummaged in the garage and found a scrap piece of something I curbed. I used the Kreg Jig again to do the pocket holes. I get absolutely nothing to spread the word about this jig. If you have an extra $40-50 I highly recommend you buy one for yourself. You really get a tight connections with the pocket holes/screws.

I notched out the board with the Dremel Mult-max with the 3” Wood and Drywall Saw Blade (shown below)

I used my brad nail gun to attach the seat.

This bench came together in just a couple of hours. I was amazed how easy it was.

I’ve been dreading it and putting it off because I knew I had to raise the foot board.

It’s amazing how sturdy it is after using the pocket holes in the front AND the back of the back leg.

I seriously love how nice that front board looks using the pocket holes to attach it to the front legs.

If you follow me on facebook, you’ve already seen a sneak peek of the finished bed. IF you don’t do facebook, you can still keep up with what’s going on over there in my sidebar by checking out the widget.

Check out Jenny Lind Bench pt 2 for details on how I added more charm to this bench. There is an update on this bench.

gail

linking to:

My 25 things

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:33:00 +0000

In no particular order:

1) I love chocolate

2) I still have a Christmas wreath hanging on my mantel. (hey, I’ve been busy)

3) My birthday is 3/3

4) I love to watch old movies on TCM. (mostly on the weekends)

5) I’ll be 55 in just a few weeks.

6) I once did a 40 things list, and I could only think of a few things. One was to lose 10 pounds (nope) Stick to a budget (check) See the Rocky Mountains (check)

7) I’ve lived in the same house for the last 36 years, except for 7 months 7 years ago.

8) My cell phone did an update last week that almost sent me over the edge. All of my information was still there, but all the pages and screens were changed. I had to clear out all the pages and start over from scratch, adding all of my frequent contacts and apps back in.

9) My most frequent contacts? No surprise-Jamie, Rose, my sister Jo, Cousin Terry, friend Regina, niece Missy, nephew Bubba

10) Spring is my favorite time of year!

11) because I love daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths—they are a true sign of Spring.

12) My beverage of choice? Coca Cola

13) I do not like to dance in public, but you can see me shake my bootie in the kitchen as I listen to

14) my favorite music. Country legends. I have always love country music, and these days I seem addicted to the classics of old!

15) I graduated high school, but I never went to college. It’s something I never wanted to do and have never regretted it . . . .

16) however, ever since jamie was a small child, we always said “when jamie goes to college” never IF

17) Jamie can tell you that I am obsessed with the weather forecast and the PRICE of gas!

18) I love to play cards and games with my friends that I fondly refer to as “the sisters”.

19) I love my family, my immediate family and all my extended family—cousins and aunts!

20) I do not like to read books. In a recent interview I was asked what was the best (last) book I read. I totally ignored the question. THE last book I remember reading? The Bridges of Madison County—in one session laying on the couch bawling my eyes out. I guess it scarred me for life.

21) I do not drink alcohol. Not because I’m against it, I just don’t like the way it tastes.

22) My sister and I were raised by a very poor single mother. We lived with our Nana & Grandad for many years. I blame that lifestyle for my pickiness in eating. We never ate out, therefore . . . are you ready for this?

23) I don’t like pizza.

24) I fondly remember sunning myself in my 20’s, learning to appreciate nature and my love of watching birds.

25) I’ve always thought that someday I’d be rich.

Well, there ya have it! A bunch of random stuff, more than you probably ever wanted/needed to know about me. It was not near as hard to think of 25 random things as I thought it would be.

gail

linking to:
25 things linky party @ Perfectly Imperfect

Catch as Catch Can 61

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 01:00:00 +0000

You guys rock! You linked up AND linked back—thank you! I wish I could “catch” everyone. These are just a few of the projects that caught my eye last week.

Special places map from Megan via Elizabeth & Co

Making it Homey

4 the love of wood

This is Life Shaken Together

art is beauty

paint chip art by designing by numbers

subway tile backsplash tute by DIY Project-a-holic

Snug as a Bug Baby

Your Favorite:

Harbour Breeze

If you were caught, grab a button! Or click this to tweet!

Thanks!

gail

Blissdom12 TWO weeks!

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Oh my! As the time draws nearer, I’m feeling tons of emotions!

I’m thankful to Gorilla Glue for making it all possible.
I’m nervous about meeting so many people and not recognizing someone or forgetting someone’s name.
I’m thrilled to finally meet my friend Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic.
I’m excited to be going to Nashville, because I’ll be seeing Jamie and Andy. I’ll also be meeting their new pooch Lucy.

I had a Uprinting.com giveaway at the end of the year, and I got some new business cards, aren’t they awesome? Jamie designed them for me. I love them! I got the half circle cards (die cut) in High Gloss. Thank you jamie for all you do for me!

Here’s the new grand-dog, Lucy. I will be meeting her after Blissdom is over.

Two weeks! It’s hard to believe it’s actually almost here!

gail

ps don’t forget to “like” Gorilla Glue to be eligible for a free fleece!

Prescription Savings Club at Walgreens

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:02:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

That pretty much says it all! There's a way to save money at Walgreens. Have you heard about the Prescription Savings Club at Walgreens?

More than 5,000 brand name and generic medications.
Over 400 generics priced at $12 for a 90-day supply - that's less than $1 a week!
10% reward on purchases of Walgreens brand products and photo finishing services*
Medications in all drug classes covering most common and chronic health conditions
Includes insulin and diabetic supplies
Can be used for pet prescriptions
No age limits, health restrictions, medical exams or prior authorizations required
Can be used at any Walgreens retail store nationwide
© Walgreen Co.

All of that for $35 a year for a family membership. This covers everyone in your immediate family including a spouse, dependents 22 and younger AND your furry kids as well! (pets) Can I get an awwwww ? Join and receive discount prices on your prescriptions. The price for individuals is $20.
I have two local Walgreens stores near me, and I love the convenience of stopping in. Everyone is so friendly and helpful.
You can follow Walgreens on Twitter and Walgreens on Facebook.
I think you should check out their Prescription Savings Plan. You can sign up online or at YOUR local Walgreens store.
gail

Giveaway-The Rusted Chain

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

This giveaway is now closed.

Aren’t these pieces so sweet?

I love the look of stamped jewelry! I have even tried stamping myself, but it wasn’t really a successful attempt. When I was contacted by the Rusted Chain, I happily checked out the items available. I don’t wear much jewelry, I have sensitive skin, and can only wear gold or sterling silver pieces. I opted to review a keychain .

You may remember that my word of the year is YES! This is going to be a year of great opportunities. I want to remember it always. Isn’t this perfect?
The Rusted Chain is offering a $50 gift card toward a purchase in their shop.
How to Enter:

Visit The Rusted Chain look around and leave me a comment below telling me what you just HAVE to have.
Follow My Repurposed Life? Leave a comment below for a bonus entry.

Limit two entries. Giveaway starts today and ends Tuesday February 14, 2012 at 9 PM EST. A winner will be chosen using Random.org and announced on this blog by Thursday, February 16, 2012. Winner must be 18, US Residents only.
gail

disclosure: The Rusted Chain did provide me with a keychain to review, however as always all opinions are my own.

Desk Drawer Repurposed into a Chalkboard

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Do you remember this desk?

I took it apart to make this tall chest of drawers.

I used the drawers from the left and right sides, but had one drawer left, the middle drawer. I removed the hardware.

With it standing on its end, you can see that it won’t hang flat against the wall due to the drawer front not being flush with the drawer.

I put it on the table saw and gave it a “trim”. To do this I had to remove the “guard”. Please know that I take my safety (and yours) very seriously. I only remove the guard when I absolutely have to. As soon as I finished trimming this drawer, I put it right back in place.

I removed the tray that was meant to hold pens and pencils. I want to use it, but I want to move it.

As I place it in the drawer, you can see that it is too large. I trimmed it up on the table saw also.

That’s better!

In this picture you can see where the tray was, and where I moved it to. I am testing some options for adding a “memo” function.

I painted the entire drawer with a quick coat of chalkboard paint. I used Gorilla Wood Glue to attach the tray.

I gave it two more coats of chalkboard paint.

To attach the memo board ($$ Tree) I used Gorilla Glue on the back of the board . . .

I dampened the drawer where the memo board would go. Gorilla Glue “damp it/clamp it”.

This is my clamp! hehehe

I added some hooks for keys and other items.

The tray will easily hold chalk, pens, pencils, whatever one needs to keep handy!

Because the entire drawer is a chalkboard, it can have reminders anywhere.

I don’t think I’m finished with this desk . . . I still have the top! hmmmm

Don’t you love a great chalkboard?

gail

New Following Tool by LinkyTools

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:31:00 +0000

Some of you may know that Google Friend Connect will no longer work for NON Blogspot bloggers. Let me rephrase that. IF you are a Blogspot Blogger, your Google Friend Connect will probably not be affected.

But for Wordpress and other blog platforms, GFC will go the wayside. I was part of a Beta test with Brent @ LinkyTools. He has launched a really great alternative to GFC. I will be placing it on my sidebar for those of you who would like to take advantage of it. (for now it is the very bottom of my sidebar, because I don’t want to confuse non-bloggers)

It’s really easy to sign up, follow and read blogs through this new widget.

One last thing, the inevitable question: can my GFC followers be automatically moved over? NO. Google won’t allow access to those accounts but more importantly, YOU really shouldn’t sign up someone to a new service. They should voluntarily sign up themselves. You’ll need to ask your GFC folks (and all your blog readers) to follow you using Linky Followers but its easy, quick and did I mention, free? They’ll love the tool. It’s a cool way to organize and follow the blogs you love.

gail

Catch as Catch Can 60

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Craptastic

Mama With a Dash of DIY Drama

Design Dreams By Anne

Beyond The Picket Fence

Art Is Beauty

Decorating the Dorchester Way

Why Cuz I Can

The Dandelion Girl

Have wasted space under your stairs? Check out what A to Being Creations did with this space!

You don’t need a cutting machine or fancy stencil to achieve this look! Sarah @ Savvy Young Something did it old school!

You will NOT be disappointed when you click over to see the after @ my fabulesslife

My friend Rose @ Confessions of a Cubshopaholic redid her outdoor kitchen bar tops with CONCRETE!

It’s Just Me changed her table, then she changed it again, and again. LOVE the latest look !!

Super Sunburst Tute @ A Mother and a Daughter

YOUR favorite:

Linda @ Coastal Charm

If you were “caught” grab the button!

If you are linking up this week, and want a chance to get “caught”, you must link up with this button or at the very least a text link. Those of you who have my button on your sidebar, thank you, no need to put it in the post.

Let’s see what you’ve been working on!

gail

Twin Headboard Repurposed (Photo Display)

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

If you follow me on FaceBook, you’ve already seen the “after” of this project.

Last fall my nephew Kevin gave me these two pieces, a headboard and a foot board. I really didn’t know what I was going to do with them. A few weeks ago, I gathered some items (which included one of these) to take to the basement shop so I would have something to work on during the cold weather.

I sanded the headboard to remove the shine and filled the holes with spackling, then a little wood putty.

I painted it black.

Then I shopped for some clips. I checked a few stores including Staples. I couldn’t find anything that I thought suited my project. I shopped online and found bulldog clips and clipboard clips. I know a lot of people use the bulldog clips, but they really weren’t what I was looking for. I went with the clipboard clips.

EDITED TO ADD: These clips are very shiny and scratch easily. I roughed mine up with sandpaper which gave them more of a brushed nickel look to make them match the coat hooks.

The clipboard clipsare very strong and difficult to attach without an extra hand. I struggled through it, but it was definitely a challenge. I bent one, then attached two, and ended up removing them moving them higher. I like the way they curve with the top of the board. (note: clipboards do not come with screws)

I added some coat hooks to the bottom, but I felt like it was missing something. (besides pictures!)

I designed a phrase in my Silhouette Studio. The font is LoosieScript. I’ve also been working on tracing/cutting out jamie’s work logo. It’s really amazing how you can upload and TRACE!

awwww, that’s better! Those are jamie and andy’s engagement photos.

What do you think about the clipboard clips? Better than the bulldog clips? This piece will be for sale, and I can see that it could be very helpful for a busy family—think school notes etc, with backpacks ready to go!

I have one more, what do you think I should do with it?

gail

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Great tips for Transferring Images

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

In yesterday’s post Citrasolv Transfer Method I explained how I had tried and failed to do an image transfer with a copy from my printer.

Failed attempt.

Suzanne Why Cuz I Can mailed me some images to test out.

The images she sent me worked perfectly!

I had a lot of great comments with some great tips, suggestions and questions. I know some of you who read my post in your email or reader may miss some of these, so I decided to share them with you.

Kristen said...

I found a way to transfer an image using my ink jet printer and freezer paper - it worked really well. Here's the tutorial -
Hope this helps!
Kristen
My Covered Bridge

✿ⒹⒺⒺ✿@ A Lapin Life said...

I transfer using the woodworkers transfer tool. No messy liquids.
I have it on my sidebar.

Cath said...

Gail,
YAY I'm happy to hear you had success.
I have a Brother laser printer (it was less than $120 a few years ago) and the prints from this work super.

Cath also added in an email:

Hi Gail,
It seems the brother model I have is discontinued. It was really a good buy and is a fast printer 23 ppm. The model is Hl2170w. Brother most likely has a similar replacement. Also holds 250 pieces in the paper tray which is nice.
Hope this helps.

Korrie@RedHenHome said...

I've had the same issue, and it's incredibly frustrating! ONCE I went to Office Max and got the "right" copies, but every other time I've been there, it hasn't worked. Wondering if they've changed copy machines on me! The suggestion I have heard is to take some CitraSolv with you to the copy center, and test the first copy that comes out to see if the ink will smear. If not--try another machine!

I think Korrie has a great suggestion! I would add to this, if you are unsure, copy another small thumbnail (fleur-de-lis?) in one corner and use the CitraSolv on that area. Just be sure to do this AWAY from the copiers. You could just put a dab on a cotton ball and put it in a baggie.

Carol Stuck said...

I have transferred images using the heat transfer tool and it worked quite well for me. I had my images copied at our local Staples store. I had them copy the images on their darkest setting using dry toner based laser machine on #24 paper.
I am going to try the citrasolv next and compare the results. I figure if I don't like it as well, I can always use the citrasolv for its intended use...heehee!
hugs!
Carol

Carol-Thank you so much for those detailed directions! Please keep me posted if that works with Citrasolv.

Stacie Czech said...1

Hi Gail... I have one more tip... when using CitraSolv to transfer onto a painted wood surface, it must be painted with Acrylic paint. Laytex or Spray Paint won't work.... I tried and completely ruined a stool I had spray painted. Re-painted with Acrylic and it worked like a charm! P.S. I'm intimidated by those copiers too!

Great to know Stacie! thanks for letting us learn from your mistake!

Now for a few questions:

Debilou ~ Mississippi Mama said...

I've seen this method on another blog but havent tried it yet. Glad you figured it out. Where do you buy citrasolv?

I bought mine online, but I heard you can get it at health food stores. Make sure you buy the concentrated formula.

Cassie Fields said...

Does it need to be ink jet or can you use laser jet printing?

It must be a toner copy. Ink jet and laser printers do not work. (I tried)

paola said...

Well done on perseverance, now i need to know whats in the citrisolv as i live in South Africa and need to find something equivelant. TFS
smiles
Paola

I didn’t have any suggestions for paola, do you?

This comment made me chuckle!

Sylvia said...

Glad it worked for you. Are you seriously intimidated by copy machines? Now, that is funny!

Sylvia!!! your comment cracked me up!
Me, queen of the power tools intimidated by copy machines? Yep, I think it all goes back to that math! LOL Percentages, blowing it up, decreasing... ALL those buttons! too confusing!

I have the best readers ever! Thanks so much for sharing your links with us.

gail

Citrasolv Transfer Method

noreply@blogger.com (gail) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

I recently ran across a Citrasolv tutorial from a very nice blogger-Suzanne over at Why Cuz I Can.

I mentioned to her that I had tried but failed with the Citrasolv method.

Failure!! I got my copy made at Staples, and the young man that helped me assured me that it was a toner machine. WRONG!

So, after I left a comment on Suzanne’s post, she very kindly offered to mail me some images.

As soon as I saw the images, I knew they would work. They looked very “inky”.

I tore a piece of scrap drop cloth off a larger piece and gathered my supplies. I taped (hinged) my image onto the drop cloth scrap.

Taping it this way allows me to check my progress without the image moving.

I was very surprised how little Citrasolv I had to use. I used tons in my failed attempts thinking I wasn’t using enough. Bonus? The kitchen smelled nice!

After dampening the image, I burnished it with the back of the spoon.

I peeked to see if it was working. OH my! It worked, and it worked will very little effort and very quickly.

How did Suzanne know I love fleur-de-lis?

More bad news! Suzanne recommended getting a copy made at my local library. While running some errands, I went to Staples to try again! Their self service counter intimidates me. I have never quite understood copy machines! They were very busy. I looked around and decided all of their machines are just too “state of the art”, so I left.

I went to the library, and paid my 10 cents per copy. When I did the first try, it didn’t look dark enough, so I darkened it and tried again. I brought it home and tried it, FAIL. hmph! I need a place to get an “old school” copy!

BTW the images I took to the library? They were of course from Karen @ The Graphics Fairy. They had images and words…duh! I forgot to mirror them. So, even if they had worked, they wouldn’t have worked, cause they would have been backwards!

Thank you very much Suzanne for you help. I no longer feel like a failure.

Have YOU used Citrasolv? Where do you get your copies made? What have you transferred images to? Fabric? Wood? Something else?

gail