DIYP #7-Giving Old Things New Life

I like old things. But I'm not really an antique collector.  

I'm not that refined.  I'm a collector of old stuff.

If I see an ancient metal bucket in one of my in-laws rickety barns or an old handmade bird house sitting on the side of the road. I know I could put them to use.

Oh, I'm so kidding about scrounging up free junk and then decorating my home with it.

Or not.

I think there are people paid to do this.  They are called garbage collectors. 

Yep, I'm comfortable with that title.  Because the used shoe fits nicely.

My mom asked me once, "When you guys get some money, will you buy new things?"

Why would I do that? And what does money have to do with it?

Here are some of my favorite old things, I've found new uses for:

1. An old blanket chest that looks lovely wearing red, serving as a coffee table.

2. In my entryway, I have an old dresser without drawers.  I use the top to display seasonal stuff and the shelves as a shoe rack for my kids.

3. My hubby pulled these old window out of a condemned building in Miami.  All you have to do is ask!  The old screen costs $5 at a Flea Market.

4. An old shoe drying rack, I use as kitchen shelves.  I fell in love with this piece at a second hand store.  It came just like that with all the flaking paint!

5. I love my old $10 wagon!  It's rusty and squeaky and the perfect planter!

6. I've had a small (albeit useless) collection of glass doorknobs for years.  How do you like them as a window covering in my bathroom?  The curtain is a single panel that I draped over the knobs. Do you think I would make The Nester proud with this window mistreatment?

7. I bought this little red metal medical table at a flea market for $15.00.  I cleaned it up and let the chipped paint add character to my bathroom.  It holds magazines, kleenex, and other bathroom incidentals. 

8. My battered front porch bench that I rescued from a garage sale for $25.  I love this old bench.  Someone put a cute tin skirt on it to cover up some damage.  Matilda, my rag doll, welcomes our guests and reminds people not to ring the door bell during nap time.

And yes, that would be a dirty diaper on the bench.  What can I say?  It was a doozy!  

So, the next time you come across something old and useless, turn it into something new and useful!

Food for the Soul:

Romans 6:4 "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

Get ready for a fun giveaway on Monday! Hint: Take a picture of yourself in your apron because the Apron Queen is visiting THAT family! Really-get your pictures ready!