Furniture Projects

Sorry, we've been so quiet on the blog this week. We've been up to our ears in projects while we have the time. We have this weekend before our apt becomes Hotel de Ward for the summer and we really want it to be ready for all the loved ones we'll see this summer ;)

Turning this trunk into a bookcase. Can't wait to get it done and show you guys ;)

My Dresser

Okay guys, I am really excited about this find. Remember when I said, we found this at a thrift store? I said I liked it but wasn't sure if we had room for it (even though we really needed it) and Adam being the awesome husband he is, said we definitely did and we bought it on the spot! Well, with my first day of my job looming in front of me last week, I kicked it into gear to get this bad boy done so we could get our apartment more organized. And am I ever glad I did. It took a lot of work but I am really giddy about the results. Our initial thought was that it was all wood and that I could stain the top and paint the rest of it white. This would have looked really good however, the top is not real wood while the rest of the frame seems to be.

 If you can see there are all kind of different lines going on. I think the trim is wood while the top is maybe plywood covered with veneer and the back is who knows what. I mean the side is who knows what either but I don't care.

The top coats did not come off very well at all so I just roughed it up with the sander and called it a day.

I think the original color had been cream and then the previous owner had painted/spray painted it yellow (why? I don't know? It looked bad) and they didn't even remove the hardware which is why it had paint in all the grooves and you can see the "leaf" imprints on the draw because the hardware had been left on (you can see it especially on the top drawer).

It was way too cold to do anything on our balcony but then Adam and I remembered that we have one parking space in the HEATED garage. Lucky for us too, we are the closest to the heater and are on the end so we have extra space ;) Perfect for parking the car and working on a dresser.  So I borrowed the community grocery cart to take all the drawers down to sand in the middle of the garage where the only outlet was in the whole 45 space garage. So many stares but I didn't care because I got the job done.

I decided to paint the dresser all white and spray paint the hardware a dark color. I think it's like a metallic dark gray/brown/black-- not really sure but I really like it! I love the contrast and the hardware it antique-y looking. Love it! Also I love the flower pattern on the top row of drawers and the character that the legs have ;)

 So cute right? We are going to add some pictures on the wall and maybe a tall vase to add height on this end of the room but I love, love it so far!!!

Thrifting Part 2

Adam and I need a few things for the house and had a three day weekend (love bank holidays when my husband works for a bank ;) to see if we could find anything. I think we just ended up with some books but it was really fun to look in all the different antique/resale shops. Oh wait, I did get something really good hehe I can't believe I forgot. I am so excited!

I got this dresser (which from my earlier post, you can tell we need!) for $50. It's real wood and quality-made. I love it. I can't wait to repaint it!!! I've been researching how I want to do it but I need to wait till it's a little warmer than it is now hehe

This has been normal weather this week. Not so bad with gloves, a scarf, and the right coat. I'm not really outside that much so it's okay so far (Adam and I have one space in the heated garage that we take turns using. I only work two mornings a week so usually by the time I go outside, it's bearable). Except when you have to jump your car with no gloves, that my friend is a different story. That is the worst. (My alternator died)

Saw the biggest Bible I've ever seen!

Saw this awesome gold mirrors. I am really into these right now... Not sure why.

There is this awesome grocery store that has a stellar produce and meat section. Since we got back from Mexico, Adam has really wanted to buy a coconut and break it open. We have been searching every grocery store up here for them and couldn't find them till we walked into this one the other day.

We'll see how this adventure goes hehe

Happy Friday! Hope y'all have a fantastic weekend!

Thrifting

I met this girl, Tasha, through the pastor's wife two Sundays ago at church. She is friends with the Pastor's daughter. They went to undergrad together in California and now Tasha is getting her Ph.D here in Milwaukee. She's a Christian, seems pretty cool, and will be here for at least 6 years. This is a friendship in the happening because I am also a Christian, pretty cool, and will be here indefinitely. So we decided to meet up Wednesday for thrift store shopping and lunch. It was so fun. We hung out in the Third Ward, which I have talked about before here. I love this section of town. It's so fun. I had a couple meetings down there so Tasha and I hung out and then after my meetings I went into a couple shops on my own. So fun!

Here are some interesting things we found. I have no idea why people would want some of these things.

If the cold is getting to you, why not wrap yourself up in your very own JFK blanket. Nothing says warm like a gently used and very creepy JFK blanket.

Need something to fill up all those Hurricane Vases that are oh so in right now? Why not try doll heads.  Diversity is valued and we'll throw in the dog head in for an extra bonus on variety.

Nothing says vintage like a bust of Elvis. Get yours today while the supplies last.

 (Tasha made it into this pic haha)

These I found in a fun little boutique/Art Gallery. So fun.

This reminded me so much of Nacho Libre. There were three different Luchadors performing different moves so the bottle opener wasn't always in the same place. They were also hilarious.

 This card reminded me of that Bat Mitzvah/Religious party we had a couple years ago. Actually everything these days is reminding me of that party. I guess Milwaukee is more Jewish than I realized.

The inside said Happy Bat Mitzvah!

I also stumbled into a paper store. As a graphic designer, I wanted to buy anything and everything! So many beautiful cards, books, paper, and knick knacks. Loved it! 

top left-bottom right: 1. In the simplest of terms, Pantones are like paint chips for a designer. Helps us know we have the exact color no matter what machine we are using. This shelf was full of different items all with Pantones on them (mugs, notebooks, postcards, lunch boxes, etc) Awesome! 2. A funny card that is oh so true. 3. I have really wanted to created a watercolor postcard for so long! This a whole kit on how to do it (my attempts at it have been pitiful) 4. I thought this card was so cute! Thought about buying it and framing it.

Any cool places or things you've seen lately?