His Favorite

It all began with a piece of slate that was destined for the garbage dump. I found it in the corner of my in-laws storage room as we were de-cluttering and packing for my MIL's move to a smaller home. It was a piece left over from the entry floor of the house that had been their home for several years."Why do you want that?!?!" my hubby asked as I carted it to his truck (you would think that he would have learned by now that his wife has an eye for good junk).
He rolled his eyes as I gave him a list of reasons.
When we arrived home I hauled my newly acquired piece of slate into our home and plopped it on top of another junk find, an old sewing machine cabinet that hubby had picked at the thrift store. Amazingly the slate piece was the PERFECT size!We cut and nailed molding to the top of the cabinet so the slate would rest inside. I painted it the same blue-gray as the slate.It's now my husband's night stand and his favorite piece of furniture. It's a beautiful reminder of the family memories made in the home of his youth.

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!

A Gift of Garbage

Today was garbage day.
When my husband arrived home from his walk he announced that
he had a present for me. . . . . . .
from someone's garbage can.

Isn't he so romantic!
His walking partner thought he was strange.

But he knew that I would treasure this trash---
an old wooden screen.Now I feel a mantle makeover coming on!