Another year has come and gone. …sigh….this is my 21st blog post….almost 1 year ago I did my 1st post. My saying then was “Next year You’d of wish you’d started today.” What did I start this year?? We tend to think of all the things we should have done or should be doing and rarely focus on what we did achieve. Allow me to show some self-compassion and reflect on what I did accomplish this year. Continue reading “It’s over already??”
Category: Peddler DIY
Easy as Pie or Cake…
I’m all moved in to my new booth at KnB’s Marketplace located at 120 Raleigh St. in Fuquay Varina, NC. Check out these cool lamps repurposed from a John Deere engine filter and an industrial funnel. I really need to find somewhere to use the industrial funnel one – I love it.
Speaking of repurposing….I found these cool cake pans with the bottom that lifts out ….Today a cake pan…..Tomorrow a clock!
Continue reading “Easy as Pie or Cake…”
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Rosie the Riveter – I am not!
Hi all – I’ve returned from my summer hiatus with all new Peddler DIYs and Good News.
First – Good News – I am joining K n B’s Marketplace as a new vendor starting 01 Aug! I am thrilled to have a booth again and could not ask for a better establishment to join. A real top notch local business! They are located in Fuquay Varina, NC at 120 Raleigh Street. Come see my latest Peddler Finds!
My latest DIY – well really this was made probably early June but I went to find a cool, shady spot for the summer but now I’m baaaaaccccckkkkkk.
We (myself and my silent TUP partner, aka My Wonderfully Patient Husband) made a photo frame using an old screen, rivets, and roof flashing. Now this blog is about posting all my DIYs not just the ones that turn out fabulous. What fun would that be if you didn’t see the trials AND the tribulations? I am in awe of the many design and DIY blogs that make things seem effortless. Well, that’s not this kind of blog. See, I’m no designer and every time I pick up a powertool (other than a sander or a drill) I shake with fear of possibly injuring myself. So, this post is one of those that make me a real DIYer because well…..let’s just say somewhere between the idea and the execution things fell a little flat. Continue reading “Rosie the Riveter – I am not!”
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Not just Distressed but Three-Layer Distressed!
I’ve been feeling uninspired lately. Perhaps it’s just cabin fever from the cold weather we’ve been having or because I wish I had more room to work on things. In our dream world, my husband and I would have his-and-her workshops. Right now I’m overwhelmed with STUFF. I’m looking forward to the end of March when I’ll be at the flea market at the NC state fairgrounds. The more I can sell, the more I get to buy. When you’re a DIY Re-purposer that’s the unfortunate addiction – BUYING more stuff.
DIY re-pur-pos-er (n.): person that tries to change something so that it can be used for a new purpose without losing any fingers.
Continue reading “Not just Distressed but Three-Layer Distressed!”
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A Monkey What? A Monkey Fist Nautical Knot
Monkey Fist nautical knots are all the decorating accent rage right now. You see them as fillers everywhere – displayed in simple vases or used as bookends.
I’m drawn to natural materials like jute and sisal so it was not surprising that I started to become obsessed with these intriguing little decorations. Not to 
mention I’ve had this spool of THICK twine that’s been burning a hole in my DIY overalls. I got it from this dealer at the Liberty Antique Festival (another must see NC antique festival – http://www.libertyantiquesfestival.com/) – he said he’d been carrying it around with him for years and was happy to pass it on to me – I think I recall his exact words were “I’ve never seen anyone so happy about twine before”. I got it for a steal! This twine has always been destined to be transformed into Monkey Fists.
Continue reading “A Monkey What? A Monkey Fist Nautical Knot”
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Bon Appetit! A Kitchen table make-over…
I went to an auction not too long ago and brought home a one-of-a-kind pub table. You know the kind, the one where the leaves are stowed away under the table and you slide them out from each side. It’s a unique design because you have 2 table leaves neatly tucked away but at your ready when you need them.
I have a love-hate relationship with table leaves. They are a genius idea but Where do you store them? I mean really – it only seems logical that they be stored in a closet and especially makes sense to store them in the Dining Room but have you ever seen a closet in a Dining Room? Our nearest closet to the dining room is the coat closet where, yes, they have spent some time. Currently they are stowed away under the guest bed. (Please leave me a comment. I must know if others store them under their guest bed too.) Continue reading “Bon Appetit! A Kitchen table make-over…”
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Stencil Transfers on to Terra Cotta
I have been admiring these old world pots in Pier One – see left photo. I am experimenting with stencil transfers so thought maybe I could replicate these pots myself – see right photo. Mind you, when I say “experimenting” I mean…..I’m really bad at stencil transfers and soon may have to write it off as a “it-just-wasn’t-meant-to-be” attempt.
Continue reading “Stencil Transfers on to Terra Cotta”
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Vintage Suitcase Transformation
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”
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DIY: Trunk Re-purposed as Coffee Table? Storage?
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?”
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Rust Happens – How to rush metal to rust
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”
The Urban Peddler 