A Thrifted Nook

I have an unusual little nook in my family room. It's a small spot in between the fireplace and the hall. One of my first furniture thrift store purchases for this home was this bookcase. I fell in love with it's shape and size the moment I saw it.

It was the perfect piece for this nook. I filled it and topped it with more thrifted items. Yes, everything you see here (with the exception of the large finial)
were thrift store bargains costing no more than a dollar or two. Even the beautiful framed photograph of doorways
was a thrift treasure. It just proves that
it doesn't have to cost a lot to decorate
even the most unusual spaces in your home!

A Row of Empty

I have long touted my love of an empty frame.It is much easier for me to make a commitment

to a beautiful frame
than to the painting or picture it may contain.Because of this love I have gathered
several gorgeous frames over the years.All were acquired from thrift stores.Most cost less than five dollars.I have painted some.Many have their original finish.Some have intricate details.Others are plain.Yes, I am smitten by a pretty frame.So it's not surprising
that I would gather many together
to decorate the mantle shelf in our dining area.(I tucked a line of Christmas lights behind so there is a lovely warm glow at night.)

For The Birds

It's funny how one "new" item can serve as inspiration for a whole makeover. My garbage gift screen got a good cleaning and sanding to reveal some of the old paint layers. Then it was placed in the center of the mantle, serving as a unique backdrop.I pulled out all of my collected birdcages and gave them a fresh coat of white spray paint to unify them.I also spruced up some old candle pillars with a yellow so bright it screams sunshine.These little birds were thrift finds years ago. Originally they hung from a ribbon. I cut apart a wire hanger and drilled a few holes in the birds and some scrap wood, to make long legged fowl.

Of course every bird needs a nest or two. This one is my favorite. It's the real deal. Several years ago I found it in my driveway after a mighty wind.
There used to be horses near our home and
this little nest has horsetail hair woven in for nesting comfort.
What a creative bird!

I added a few green books for color and interest.

The mantle looks fresh, fun and
for the birds!