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)