My $1 Joyful Cottage Shelf Redo


Do you get as excited about a garage sale or thrift store find as I do? I mean the kind of discovery that's super cheap and is something you can make your very own. Put your own personal one-of-a-kind stamp on it. 

A while back Dennis found a little shelf at a garage sale for $1. He pulled me over to see it and asked if it was something I'd be interested in. ( I love that man.) Interested? You bet. The piece was in pretty sad shape, but I knew I could turn that humble little shelf into a great display piece for my shop.

Here it is just as I got started with my electric sander. The paint -- kind of a pale yellow -- was peeling, so I just went over it enough to smooth it out. It probably took all of ten minutes.





Now, what color to paint it? 

I looked through my paint stash and discovered a little sample jar of Benjamin Moore Covington Blue. I'm partial to blue and this is, in my humble opinion, the perfect shade of blue. 




I'm all about using leftover paint whenever possible and this was just the right amount. I gave the shelf two coats with my sponge brush and presto chango -- my little shelf was ready for her new home in my shop. (I'm pretty sure I heard her whisper "thanks".)

Here she is in my shop window proudly displaying merchandise.



Since the shelf won't get heavy use I didn't put a wax finish on it. And one of these days I'll have to glue a couple of loose brackets. But for now it's fine. 


Blessings,

The Autumn Cottage


I love the change of seasons, and the visual signs of autumn never fail to thrill me. Like these aspens across the street from our shop.




Of course, I especially enjoy fall when a cottage is involved. Would you agree that this photo is a delightful representation of a cottage in autumn? The location is Central Otago, New Zealand. How I wish we could see more of this cottage.
Rustic Cottage Roxburgh photo by Stephen Murphy:http://www.flickr.com/photos/downunderphotos/371709602/
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Here's a quaint Danish stone cottage in autumn.
Stone House in Fall photo by Peter Grostal: http://www.flickr.com/photos/blindpew/4115403751/
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And a thatched roof Suffolk cottage.
Autumn in Suffolk photo by Zoe Rimmer:http://www.flickr.com/photos/zoer/1550619773/
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Thomas Hardy's cottage in England has a spectacular fall garden.
Thomas Hardy's Cottage 2005 photo by Fliss:http://www.flickr.com/photos/faj/139625141/
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The autumn ivy on this Yorkshire cottage is breathtaking.
Gardener's Cottage at Beningbrough Hall photo by Sebastian Crump: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ramson/494560994/ Some Rights Reserved


This Gothic cottage in England is amazing.

Gothic Cottage at Stourhead Photo by Ian Mclean:http://www.flickr.com/photos/mclean246/5154552616/
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Love the pop of orange pumpkins against the dark brick and black door of this Ontario cottage.
Ontario Cottage #46 photo by Jen D:http://www.flickr.com/photos/jdww/4123882728/
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So many joyous colors to enjoy in the fall. And a great excuse to decorate our porches. (Do we really need an excuse?) Our cottage is currently being painted, so I have to put exterior fall decorating on hold. That doesn't keep me from seeking inspiration though. And you know I love to share what I find with you.

Like this cottage charm for the porch.
Mini Pumpkins photo by Marcia Cirillo:http://www.flickr.com/photos/51035796522@N01/1617571638/
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This is a lovely entrance. The door was made from redwood salvaged from an old wine vat. I really like the use of the barrel as a backdrop to the pumpkins and gourds. 


Autumn Light photo by Micheal Nerrie:http://www.flickr.com/photos/59898141@N06/8073558783/
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Great use of this fabulous plant stand. The gold mums in the shabby terra cotta pots paired with the simplicity of the smallish pumpkins on the shelves creates a very appealing fall look.
Untitled Photo by Michael Brown:http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebfotos/5322757010/
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This arrangement is part of a farm stand and not a front porch, but imagine a smaller version of this at an entrance. Could be charming.
Picnic Rock Farm Stand photo by Karen Cardoza:http://www.flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/5009310159/
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Wreaths on a front door are so welcoming. This one is beautiful. I really like the pine cone with the fruit.
Fall Wreath, Explore #135, October 19, 2009 photo by John:http://www.flickr.com/photos/puzzler4879/4026871580/
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Pears and apples definitely say "autumn".
Wreath of Fall photo by Rebekah Gervasi:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/rebekah_ireland/2290928990/in/photostream/ Some Rights Reserved



A simple wreath of autumn leaves is very pretty.
Fall Wreath photo by dustinphillips:http://www.flickr.com/photos/dustinphillips/2113208442/
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This bowl of fall treasures would make a nice centerpiece for a dining or coffee table.
Fall Vignette Bowl photo by Jane H:
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I am in love with these fall leaf luminaries. Anyone have a tutorial for these?
Fall Leaf Candles photo by Moche Fedor:http://www.flickr.com/photos/moche/2982998503/
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Now here's a cute pumpkin made of canning rings. I love this. Kristin of Simply Klassic Home blog came up with the clever design. Kristin describes herself as "a thirty-something, single, adoptive mom of two preschoolers who loves to decorate, cook, and DIY." You can find her tutorial for the "junkin pumpkin" and other great DIY projects, recipes and helpful home tips at simplyklassichome.com

Okay, so are you feeling the fall love here? I hope you are. And please, share links to your fall decorating ideas. I'd love to see them.


Blessings,