Book Caddy Makeover

I was at a thrift store a few weeks ago when I spotted a little wooden caddy. It wasn't much to look at--dark, small, I wasn't even sure what to use it for--so I passed it up and left.

A while later, I returned to the store, and there it was again. This time, I actually picked it up, looked at it, and carried it around with me, then set it down at the last minute and left again.

Third time must be the charm. When I saw this little guy still hadn't been adopted, I took pity on him and brought him home for a makeover.

And how beautiful he turned out! I just did a quick dry-brush of some country white paint, leaving some of the dark wood to peek through. I'm still deciding if I want to add a graphic or not, but for now, I'm really glad I decided to snag this itty bitty caddy before someone else did!

Now it is a home for my books and some pretty mercury glass Christmas ornaments that I just can't bring myself to stow away yet.

Maybe next time I'm at the thrift store, I'll hesitate over a lovely wood table or pretty little chest of drawers.

Or maybe I won't. ;)

Beautiful Junk

Well, the holidays are over, and it's back to work! I found a few tiny treasures over the break, not to mention a couple larger items. (Don't ask me how I will make them over with negative temperatures and a Porch full of snow. I have no idea.)

Here are some of the items I found! They are listed on my Etsy Shop. Enjoy!

I collect oversized paintbrushes, and I was VERY tempted to keep this one for myself. Unfortunately, the red/yellow color scheme clashes with my dining room, but I know SOMEONE out there is looking for this.

What little girl doesn't want a pair of soft, white gloves for her teddy bear tea?

Another find I was tempted to keep for myself: metal cups! Aren't they adorable?

I can see this trowel repurposed as a coat hanger or something even more amazing.
With this much beautiful rusty patina and charm, it can't possibly just be a trowel.

Okay, I've said it before. I want this for myself. The trouble with being a junker is learning to
LET GO. Otherwise, one's house becomes VERY crowded. Still, this adorable basket is hard to part with.

There are no words to describe the awesomeness of this spool.

Originally I was calling this a "pastry squirter." I have since learned the proper term is "pastry press."
Whatever you call it, I just call it awesome. It is functional and also artistic!
I have one of my own that I use as a steampunk accessory (think ray gun).