Month: January 2014

Peddler DIY

Vintage Suitcase Transformation

The Urban Peddler

How to re-line a vintage suitcase and Re-purpose as extra storage or side table top with a creative display. (click on pics to view larger)

If you’ve ever seen a vintage suitcase then you know the exterior might have the normal wear-and-tear that can qualify as “character” but the insides usually need some TLC.  The lining of a suitcase is always a little creepy.  There’s usually the musty odor, a few questionable spots, and if you’re really lucky it will have the shiny, satiny material that reminds me of parasols.  I think this material is weird – maybe because I find it too frilly.  I’m much more functional than frilly. Continue reading “Vintage Suitcase Transformation” →

Uncategorized

HOBBY LOBBY! HOBBY LOBBY!

The Urban Peddler

[insert visual of crowds chanting and picketing…..Hobby Lobby! Hobby Lobby!  Raleigh, NC needs a Hobby Lobby!]

I visited my first Hobby Lobby the other weekend while visiting friends in Charlotte, NC.  Now let me just say, I’ve been hearing about Hobby Lobby for years but I had no idea how life-changing the experience would be.  They have everything……it’s JoAnn Fabrics meets Michael’s meets Homegoods.

Check out my Peddler Find – penny farthing bikes to make my shop signs……I see maybe mounting them on a wood pallet or corrugated tin.pfb hobbyLobby

Continue reading “HOBBY LOBBY! HOBBY LOBBY!” →

Peddler DIY

DIY: Trunk Re-purposed as Coffee Table? Storage?

The Urban Peddler

If you read my last post (if not, go, go read it now, go on, I’ll wait for you) then you know I have just made casters rust under accelerated conditions using vinegar and a splash of mineral spirits.  I wonder if you dipped the item in only vinegar and then let it air-dry would that also work.  Then you don’t have to worry about any disposal of the mineral spirits.  I’m not convinced the mineral spirits really did anything.   Someone try it and let me know.  Sorry – focus, Kwane, focus – this week’s post is not about my rusted casters again – it’s about my Trunk.  I love this trunk.  It’s an early 1900s flat-top steamer trunk.

Continue reading “DIY: Trunk Re-purposed as Coffee Table? Storage?” →

Peddler DIY

Rust Happens – How to rush metal to rust

The Urban Peddler

I’m rushing things.  In certain situations this can be bad but when it comes to making the new look old – it’s genius.  People love the look of old but don’t always like the extra work that comes with it – the clean-up and de-odorizing can be challenging.  Buying true antiques is a patient process while you hunt for that perfect dusty gem or it can turn into an intimidating project that gets forgotten about in the garage. Continue reading “Rust Happens – How to rush metal to rust” →

Peddler DIY

Sorry, the Internet is full. The End.

The Urban Peddler

I am almost certain that any day I’m going to get an error message from the internet, pinterest, facebook, etc……

“Sorry, the Internet <or Pinterest, Facebook, etc> is now full. The End.”

So I better get to what I set out to do…..and get blogging. Continue reading “Sorry, the Internet is full. The End.” →