Sooner or later-- whether short on inspiration or long on you-just-gotta-see-this -- almost everyone piggybacks a post, taking advantage of the time-saving Two Birds With One Stone approach to blogging. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't, and as a general rule I don't much like it. Despite my Professional Writer quirks, I am herein launching my metaphorical rock toward two Monday targets ... one BLUE bird and one YELLOW butterfly. Apologies in advance to anyone who feels, as I sometimes do, that I'm getting away with something ;-)
It's here at last ... the first Met Monday, hosted by Susan at Between Naps On The Porch. To join in the fun -- and for links to this week's participants -- click here.
I'm in the midst of renovating my kitchen, which will be the subject of several future posts. Today, I want to share a fun project that's inexpensive, easy-peasy, and fully complete. I wish I could say I thought this one up, but I actually found it over the weekend, while browsing through old deco mags looking for more kitchen inspiration. The scans are a little grainy, but only if I'm actually wearing my glasses so I can focus :o)
Born-Again Bookcase Display Shelf Credenza
Project Photos from 100 Decorating Ideas Under $100, Spring 2005
Blue Monday fans ... am I the only one swooning over that fabulously beachy turquoise wall? I love the way the white display shelf and window frames let the color speak for itself. It may cold outside this afternoon, but that picture simply screams summer!
And now, back to the butterfly ... This project starts with an old, inexpensive bookshelf unit, the kind most of us have sitting inside a closet, in our crafts room, or out in the garage. The one pictured is a build-it-yourself unit, available at places like Target & Walmart, with a lightweight particle board backing. You can find this type of shelf in mulitple sizes at garage sales, thrift stores, or even sitting out with the weekly trash in some neighborhoods. Instructions: 1. Remove the back panel from the bookcase. 2. If necessary, patch or repair any damage to the frame, using wood putty or body putty. 3. Wash lightly to remove dirt and grease, sand lightly (I like the 3M sanding sponges for this type of job), and remove any dust with a tack cloth. 4. Paint with one or two coats of primer/sealer. My favorite is Bull's Eye 1-2-3 Water Base Sealer/Primer/Stain Blocker, available at Lowe's. 5. Paint all surfaces in the color of your choice, with a low VOC latex paint designed for indoor use. Semi gloss is a good choice for durability. Add a second coat, if needed or desired. 6. Insert shelves where desired, and secure with wood screws. Patch and paint over the screw heads. 6. When dry, turn unit sideways and add legs. The ones shown in the photo are threaded metal flanges slipped over 6" threaded metal pipes, available at any building store. Similar legs can be purchased at IKEA.
Have a great week, and please come back soon for pictures of my kitchen-in-progress :o)
Blue Monday is hosted by Smiling Sally.
Click here for a list of this week's participants.
Click here for more Blue Monday posts by Auction Girl Vintage.
