giving green - the shutter shelf

Last fall, our dear friends, the Judge's, moved into a beautiful 'green' home outside Milwaukee. Complete with solar panels, sustainable wood, radiant heat flooring, the whole 9 yards. When thinking about a housewarming gift, we knew we had to pull out all the stops and give them a gift as equally green as their home.

It started with an idea I saw in a furniture book from the library, turn old shutters into bookshelves....and just my luck, I have a spare set of shutters.

These were pulled out of the FREE bin at the ReStore. Great condition, just a few nail holes. Mine in fact, they also served as a display rack at my summer show, so this is a triple use.

Our friends new home has a very open, log home feel. Their style, however, is a bit more modern with an Asian feel. Hmmm, how to meld the two? Recycled, rustic, cozy, with clean, modern, Zen. The easiest place to start, the palette, ....black & red.

Since I wanted to a create a worn look, I started with the base, a rich cool red, and worked backwards.

Once dry, I took a tea-light (sans metal tin) and rubbed it on random edges and corners. You can use any wax. This is where the top layer of paint is NOT going to stick. Leaving it easy to "wear" it off. Then 2 coats of your top color, in this case black. Don't be afraid if you forget where you waxed either.

...you'll be able to see where the wax is. Then, take a medium to light sandpaper and sand off those spots. Smooth up and down strokes make things look the most natural. The red peaking thru instantly ages the shutters.

Now, the assembly begins and where Nathan enters. Using a reclaimed piece of cove molding, he ran it down the entire length of the shutters and shaped the form.

Since we wanted this shelf to be sturdy, Nate drilled in wood screws as well as securing with wood glue.

The concave shape of the trim, made the angle easy to set and even though it is on the back...gave it a nice finish.

Next the shelves, once we decided on the heights, Nate got to cutting.

Reclaimed faux bead board, again from ReStore.

The style is traditional and linear, but with a bright paint job, the modern comes out.

The top, another reclaimed wood piece, but this time floor board. Nice groove detail, but thicker and a little more substantial. Extending the top just a little bit really framed out the piece. Painted black and securely attached, our shelf had a roof.

After careful measuring, gluing and nailing, the 3 shelves were attached. Because he had added braces to each side of the shelf board, they were much sturdier and also gave him a good place to set clamps.

After a good 24 hours to set, neat trim strips (actually the only new thing) were painted black and nailed to the face.

The result ! Positively inspired. The shelves are tall enough for their Buddha, and the base and other shelf could easily house a plant, candles or books. Truly unique, truly custom and truly green.

and when the light comes thru the shutters.... positively Zen.

This project might have opened up a whole new custom realm for me. Is there such a thing as 'salvage enlightenment' ? Namaste.

testing...1, 2

Last Friday at the SWAP, I snagged 10 of these wooden test tube holders. Zillions of options here. Just massing them out in a unique tabletop collection, inserting actual test tubes and using as bud vases, or they could easily hold taper candles for a rustic candle display.

There are faint traces of numbers marking each specimen, I am assuming. In my opinion, that just adds to the charm. I'll keep you posted on their 'after', and since I bought more than I can use, where you can get your very own.

happy groundhogs day

Wow that time again already!

..a few of my fav's while searching 'groundhog' on Etsy

Groundhog hair print

amberalexander

sleeping groundhog bottle opener

forknspoon

Brigid the groundhog (with reversible burrow)

mamaroots

shadow journal

mamaroots

custom fit

I just finished 2 very fun custom projects that have inspired me greatly. I will share them both in detail later, but this next one is for ME. I picked up this awesome old window with some great details at Deconstruction here in Madison.

It is about 2 X 2 and will fit nicely suspended in front of my kitchen window. I have lots of smaller glass remnants from my bigger windows, so this one will hopefully come together quickly.

the Oldham telephone chair

Although most of my transformations come from the curbside, every now and then I actually purchase my canvas. As is the case with this telephone chair I picked up at this summers Cedarburg Flea. The design was just too unique to pass up and the nostalgia of actually having to sit while on the phone, because a cord was attached to a receiver, merited giving a new life. Since the structure was already quite sturdy, only a few cosmetic repairs were needed.

Sure there is always that diamond in the rough, but most flea market finds are missing those little re-finements that make it look like an antique. Loose seams are a tell tale giveaway of a less than stellar carpentry job, but fear not, you can disguise that.

Wood filler does just that...fills wood. Found in a tube, it comes out like toothpaste and can be found at any hardware store. Use a generous layer of wood filler over any gaps or seams. Let it dry, sand till even then prime and paint. Especially if you are covering with paint, you will never see the seams .

The results.... a finish that looks like it was carved from one piece.

I found this great teal paint, as a sample at my local True Value . I got it for this mustard seated chair and although the chair turned out just so-so, the color was out of sight and knew it would be used again. This time I used semi-gloss. The coverage is great and I love the modern look it gives.

The seat was an easy fix...just needed to be popped out and recovered with a scrap fabric. This chic, mustard plaid (with just a ribbon of that teal) was a perfect match. Found at my local St Vinnie's in the $1 scrap bin.

The combo of the 'pop-y', glossy color with a traditional masculine contrasting color reminded me of a photo spread I once saw of designer Todd Oldham's tree house, yes a real treehouse. I have been of fan of his juxtaposition of color, texture and design for years, so it was fitting this table bared his name... I think he would find it quite fetching.

The Oldham chair went home with a lovely lady at the Goodman Artists Open house, but with summer fairs and fleas just around the corner, you can bet I will be experimenting more and more with investment pieces like this, as well as my curbside treasures.

dream desk project

In early December, I found out that I was chosen (along with 15 other artists) to participate in a local art auction benefiting an elementary school.

The 'Dream Desk' project is part of a government grant where old bucket desks will be transformed, displayed around Madison and auctioned off (with the proceeds all going to a local elementary school, Emerson elementary over on the east side.)

I picked up my desk this afternoon. It is so cool. Remember those groovy tops that opened? My head is spinning from all the possibilities I can do with that. The only stipulations are that it must relate to the theme "dreams", it remains as functional as possible and of course that is not offensive. I have a few vague ideas, but plan to really start tackling it later this month. I will be sure to keep you posted, but the big reveal will be in March.

I was so honored to be chosen to do this. As the daughter of a retired elementary school teacher, I truly understand the need to provide greater resources (and funding) for our children and I love the challenge of working with such a nostalgic medium.

Best of 2009

I have been reading all these great best of 2009 and was inspired to make one of my own....My BEST salvage finds of '09.

You might recognize a few, but whether I found them or bought them, all made me say "Oooooo. I LOVE IT." Some were used in my house, some got a face lift and sold, and the others will soon be transformed in future projects. Happy 2010 !

groovy set of outdoor Colonial lanterns

Habitat Re Store, Madison

$1.50 each


A $5 modular storage unit that doubles as a plant stand with a $5 chair
Dig n' Save and UW S.W.A.P., Madison


A odd collection of vintage fishing bobbers and this great glass jar to display them in

Hunt & Gather, MN

$20

an industrial chic centerpiece that was just as cool this holiday filled with greens and berries

UW S.W.A.P , vase glasses at Savers

tray $1, glasses $.60 each

Set of 4 seasonal faux oil painting TV trays (with cart). Fantastically kitschy

Goodwill , Madison

$3

a well loved and well rode playground horse

Junk Bonanza, MN

$20


This sad, dilapidated cart....that became this

my neighbors curb, Madison

free


reels and reels of retro school films (for my earrings)

Absolutely Art Re art Swap

free


Set of 8 vintage school maps with wall rack

Hunt & Gather, MN

$120

old bleachers from the UW Field House (I just got these and am so excited)

UW SWAP, Madison

$15 each

and finally, the most profitable find.....

Ico Parisi rattan footstool (circa 1956)

Valu Thrift, MN

$7 (est value $500)

blue moon

If you haven't heard, there is a blue moon tonight. A blue moon is the second full moon in a calendar month and in case you skipped astronomy class...there is one full moon each month.

Blue Moons occur once every 2.5 years . But a New Years Eve blue moon, only happens every 19 years...another great reason to celebrate. The term is over 400 years old and the word 'blue' was originally meant to describe the 13th moon of the year, not the color. A few other definitions have since been adopted, but probably the most common is the "once in a ...".

So whether you spend it at home or away, with family or friends or just relaxing solo, enjoy! Celebrate the passing of another memorable year and toast the fantastic possibilities and good fortune that finds you in 2010.

buddah's hand

When I was at Whole Foods yesterday, I couldn't help but put one of these in my cart. Even at $5.99 each. I had no idea what to do with it, but it had the most captivating smell (like lemons and honeysuckle) and of course its odd appearance.

The Buddha's Hand Citron looks like a cross between a sea anemone and that scary captain's beard from Pirates of the Caribbean. This member of the citrus family, originated in Asia over a thousand years ago. Besides being used to infuse vodka and make marmalade, it is also a symbol of good fortune for the New Year. Many even use it as a natural air freshener on their counter.

I don't have enough time to do the infusing, but I do plan on using the zest and rind in a cocktail for our New Years Eve celebration. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Cheers !

play ball

I never know when I will find my next victim. It's one of the many things I love about salvaging. The thrill of the hunt, discovering the unexpected in the most unlikely places...I just love it ! And that is precisely what I found on an very early morning this month.

I had to go to the store at 5am, to get an ingredient, to finish the cupcakes we were bringing to MN 4 hours later.... I know, ridiculous. BUT, on that last turn on to my street, I found this perched on top a snowbank in the cloak of darkness. All of the sudden, my pre-dawn trip was not nearly as annoying.

In a side story, I had recently found my 1984 Critter Sitter's 3 ring binder, that oddly enough was filled with my collection of baseball cards featuring the 1984 Chicago White Sox. The year after they won the AL West championship.

See, when I was about 14, I wanted to be the 1st female in the major leagues. Seriously, I did. Now, this dream lasted about 6 months (until I became preoccupied with more important things, like boys) but, in that short phase, I accumulated some cool memorabilia. Once I found out they were worth about a buck each, I thought of someone who would appreciate their value as much as I once did. Enter my brother-in-law John, one of biggest White Sox fans I know.

Here is how it started.....

A decent knee-high side table with a sturdy structure. A light varnish and an etching of an eagle were on the top.

After a quick roughing up with some sandpaper, I covered the entire table with some left over white house paint. Low VOC in fact.

A high gloss black on the legs provided some contrast.

I had I feeling this would be a feature in their sports themed basement, so I had a little fun with the design. For the top, the cards. Nothing fancy, just evenly lined up, where the owner could still appreciate the players.... Harold Baines, Tom Paciorek and my fav, Ron Kittle, in all their glory.

I attached them with YES paste (a bookbinders and crafter's friend) but any clear drying white glue would work , especially when using a heavier cardstock. After waiting a day to dry, I used a foam brush to apply a thin coat of white glue, or you could use Mod Podge. It provides a nice barrier between the cards and the final top coating . For that, Alene's triple thick spray. Just 2 coats will give you a fantastic, glossy, durable top layer... almost glass like.

He loved it, and so did this little sweetie (my nephew Evan)....Abby's obligatory appearance too of course.

Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside when I can share something once so important to me, with someone who can appreciate it equally. Good for me, good for them and good for the planet.

6 degrees of salvage

I briefly showed you this chair before my show last weekend, but once I found its origins I just had to expound.

So, about 2 months ago when driving down Milwaukee Ave, over here on the east side, I see this chair on the curb. As usual, I made a u-turn and popped open the back of the truck. The intricate scrolling and tall back were just too good to pass up.

I wanted the transformation to be fairly drastic, so a new vibrant color choice was the first step. Left over, of course...from this project.

Once that was on, it was easier to see my end vision. I went thru my stash of scrap fabrics to recover the seat, but none really jumped out. I scoured the local fabric stores and although I found a few that would work....not that perfect match. Since I only needed a 16 by 16 inch square, I stepped outside the box and used this fantastic old bath towel, picked up a a thrift store.

The color was just what I was looking for and the dual texture added a nice upolstered touch. After stripping the original seat to bare wood and re-padding with high density foam and the towel. The chair was complete.

I named it the Verona chair because at the base of this wooden wonder was a stamp reading 'Made in Italy' . Thought it was a nice reminder of its origins....but that would soon be thrown a big loop.

When I arrived at the show that morning and started setting up all my wares, the organizer of the event came up to me, and said 'that is my chair.' At first I thought she just meant that she had one like it, but after further investigation, we discovered it really was her chair....even down to the doggie chew marks on one of the ball feet. Her ex-husband had inherited it and must have put it on the curb, as he lives in the neighborhood where I found it. Now really...what are the odds?

I always like to tell my customers, that these items come from our local streets, and something you toss out today might become tomorrows treasure, but I didn't think I would ever see such a close connection. I couldn't have made up a better story if I tried.

At the end of the show, the previous owner, Maureen, came over and whispered..."I think I need the chair" and I replied," I think you do too".

I love this story and it is one I will surely be telling for years to come. As for the chair....it has appropriately been renamed 'the Maureen.' In honor of it's previous, and now current owner. I hope she gives you many years of happiness. Enjoy.

Write on! Hippie Christmas # 4

The finale. Just 4 short months ago I was rescuing all these treasures from a landfill fate during student move out and now the finale is here.

So here is our before....

A pretty cool coffee table to start with, and with a groovy paint choice, it would have been an easy quick fix, but I thought of one just as easy and even more groovy.

Chalkboard paint ! Readily available at your local hardware/paint/craft store and really easy to apply. But first the prepping. If you want a nice, smooth surface you MUST sand. Nicks, gouges and overall gook will only intensify once the paint it applied. A belt sander can smooth it in seconds, otherwise just a medium grain sandpaper and some elbow grease will do the trick too.

Now the paint. When I want a really flawless finish I use a roller and when I want it really, really smooth I use foam. No nap to create high and low points.

After just one coat, the table looked like this. Easy, easy and a real professional appearance too. I ended up doing two coats, just to be safe, but as always, follow the manufacturer's directions.

Although it would be a great game table for score keeping or just general doodling, after a conversation with my mother, we discovered it was also perfect toddler height. Nate and I have two 1 year old nephews and they were definitely the inspiration for this one. Saturated primary colors (from left-over cans) were the color choice, and I simply alternated the paint colors to create an appealing order.

I finished this the night before the Artists Open House, so I was not able to get a lot of sunny shots, but I think you get the idea. After inscribing a little message for the fair goers that morning, I wrapped up a small bundle of colored chalk to complete the package and we were off.

It was the second sale of the day and was attracting lots and lots of toddlers. It was instant advertising. The lucky buyers were a couple getting it for their grandson for Christmas. Ahhhh, my thought exactly.

I'll be sharing more photos and stories about the show and all the new transformations later this week.

Fresh off the workbench

Better late than never right. Here are two transformations that you can pick up at tomorrow's Artists Open House at the Goodman Center..... as well as many others.

Telephone table BEFORE

Oldham telephone table AFTER


Roadside chair BEFORE.....

Verona chair AFTER...
More details on their transformations later, I just couldn't wait to share.

blast from the past

This summer while hitting the flea market circut. I rediscovered my love for these faces. Fisher Price little people (before there were choking hazards).

Dealers are selling them and all their accessories....some for a some serious cash. ie) the castle. They made me smile, so I took home a big handful and figured I would come up with some use...and I did.

This weekend at the Craftacular (very fun by the way), I debuted my little guys as necklaces or keychains. They got a stellar reaction. Lots of smiles, memories and good ole nostalgia...especially the dog. My Jabberjaw lunchbox provided a nice display box as well as the little slide transformed into a sign holder. I will have more next week at the Artist Open House and if there are any left...look for them in my shop.

Speaking of the Open House. As I mentioned last week, this is a show with my furniture pieces. So besides my already completed projects, I have been digging thru the garage to see what others I can crank out in a short time frame.

I picked up this telephone table at the Cedarburg flea and it has made the cut. A scrap piece of woolen, plaid fabric was the inspiration and I just picked up the paint yesterday. It is going to be very modern, hunting lodge chic. Look for it later this week here ,or see it LIVE at the open house this Sunday the 6th.

get funky

'Tis the season for holiday fairs.

This Saturday I will showing some of my more gifty items at the Craftacular, AND the following weekend (Dec. 6th), I am schelping out all my housewears and bigger furniture pieces for the Artists' Holiday Open House...a funkified Yuletide shopping experience.

This show will be a lot more like my one this summer. An assortment of curbside castoffs that have been revamped and recycled into fabulous eco showpieces for your home, or that special person on your list. Who says you can't give an end table as a Christmas gift?

There will be about a dozen local artists showing their wears in the beautiful new Goodman Community Center. Bring a friend and check it out. Some of the highlights will include my 4 Hippie Christmas projects, a fantastic wine and cheese cart, a magical peacock lantern and a few more vamped up chairs. The center is located at 149 Waubesa Street here in Madison and the show will be in Evjue Room D from 10-6pm. I think it will be a really diverse group.

For more details and a list of vendors, check out the show's Facebook page

bookmarks

The Craftacular folks are giving away holiday gift bags to the first 50 people in line at next Saturday's big event. A perfect opportunity for me to get crafty and think of a unique, cost effective, yet marketable item to donate.

This summer I picked up a disassembled kids picture book (probably from the late 60's) with all these great images and phrases.. After mounting them on coordinating construction paper, covering them in plastic and attaching a piece of twine, they became fun, recycled bookmark giveaways.

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to advertise my business to those 50 people either, so a clear address label on the back with my logo and website serves as a nice little calling card.

Not willing to brave the line to get your bag ? No problem. If you are a friend of GREEN CRICKET SALVAGE on Facebook and stop on by...you will take one home too. Hope to see you all there.

Craftacular !

Mark your calenders for the 5th annual holiday Craftacular here in Madison - Saturday November the 28th.

Over 60 vendors will be filling the Masonic Center with fantastic handmade goods....including yours truly. I have been several times as a customer but this is my first time exhibiting. You are sure to find loads of unique gifts in all price ranges...and if your like me, a few things for yourself.

As for the Green Cricket booth...you will find a unique selection of my LP trays (from all genres) now with trim, new filmstrip earrings (black and white too) and a few other recycled goodies I have up my sleeve. Be one of the first 50 people in the door and you also receive a free gift bag. In it you'll find a fun Green Cricket item too.

For more info check out their site .... or their Facebook page.
Hope to see you there

Rhapsody in Blue - Hippie Christmas #3

November is here and that means the 3rd installment of my Hippie Christmas challenge. I know I promised the coffee table, but I am saving that one for next months grand finale...I think it is going to be a pretty cool transformation. Anyway, back to this month.

I snatched this guy up on the corner of Blair and Gorham during student move out. The trash truck was literally a half a block behind me, so I had to be quick. I loved the cutouts and the odd little wings at the bottom were a fun design element.

After a coat of primer and initial application of my periwinkle blue, I noticed this happening

...cracks and bubbles like this means the paint is not adhering. After further investigation, I found that even with the primer, a few spots of the base wood still had some layers of the varnish from the previous paint job. After sanding, rubbing with a bit of mineral spirits and then re priming, I was ready for the paint. My advice is if the finish looks questionable, sand, then prime... you will save yourself some time. You can normally tell from the touch. If it is slick, chances are their is some residue left. I am normally so excited to get to the fun stuff, I have been known to create more work for myself when I rush thru the prep. Lesson learned.

Now the fun stuff. With a serene coat of blue to highlight the delicate cutouts, I still needed something for the top.

Last week I spent a few days helping my dad clean out his old farmhouse. Among the cool treasures (more on that later), I found boxes and boxes of old sheet music from my grandmothers collection. Some dating back to the 1920's. I liked the texture, detail, and of course the recycling factor, so I got out my trusty Mod Podge and went to decoupaging.

The little winged ends seemed to have been an after thought in the construction of this side table, because after a little closer look, I found they were quite unfinished on the ends. Instead of cutting, trimming or filling with putty, I choose to just disguise them. After all, the whole point of fixing up a curbside cast off is that it is not a huge investment and making this wood look like a finished edge would have taken a lot of that.

So, besides covering the top with the strips of sheet music, I made those raggedy edges look crisp and clean by covering them too. Kind of worked with the linear lines anyway. After all the sheets were in place and another coat of the Mod Podge to seal, this once dark, clunky piece was ready for her encore.

I read a quote once from a decoupage artist that said something to the effect of "If something stays still long enough, there is a good chance I will try to cover it in paper." I have to say I share that philosophy. It is really a fun and easy medium for transforming things. I have used maps, comics, newsprint and even Suduko pages. Little risk, as most would end up in the recycling anyway, so give it a try the next time you are feeling creative.

Dia de los Muertos

While poking around on Etsy, I found a truckload of cool items commemorating the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead or All Souls Day. Here is just a sampling of the unique handmade goods.

skull garland Raw Bone Studio


wall art Carmela Jay

colorful tote shortymc40

wedding couple Goodydevi

candlabras from Pattymara

Boo

Have a spooky spectacular Halloween.


image from Outdoor Urbanite