A Few Interesting Things...

I love this necklace made from dollar store flip-flop keychains strung together, from Junk Jewelry. Very cute!

...and this great table made from used magazines.  Awesome! It does look a bit like a computer rendering so I'm curious if this is an actual table or a concept.  But, it is very nice. (via SuperUse)

I came across these cool paper lanterns and a tutorial to make them, suggesting them as Christmas ornaments.  But, being in the summertime state of mind, I could so see these hanging in my gazebo, in a porch, or outside in the trees to decorate for a summer bbq...so pretty!

Recycled Burlap Sacks

I just recently came up with an idea for something useful that I want to make using burlap, so I posted a "wanted" ad on my local Freecycle site, in hopes of obtaining some.  If I do get my hands on some, I will share my project with you!

But, in the meantime, I thought I'd peruse the web for some other fun ways to use burlap.  Of course, there are more sites that sell recycled burlap handbags than you can shake a potato at, so I thought I'd highlight some of the more unique applications...

like this cool chair made from burlap sacks from Colcha: (via Green Eco Services)

Have yourself a red and GREEN Christmas with this great stocking by Lama Designs: (via Yummery)

You can also make quite the fashion statement with these great pants and skirts made from recycled burlap sacks: (via Great Green Goods)

Old Chair Turned Outdoor Swing!

I always find funky old chairs at garage sales and thrift stores that I'd love to make over, but just don't have the space to acquire them.  That's why I got excited about this great way to repurpose an old chair into an outdoor swing!  I just might be able to utilize an old chair after we move into our potential, hopeful, new house some time in the hopefully near future!  Read the full blog post from Peppertowne, here! (via ApartmentTherapy)

Cardboard Furniture & Cheeseburger Cupcakes!

Check out this cool, customizable kids' furniture, made with paper tubes...fun idea! (via Inhabitots)

And on a totally unrelated note, if you're looking for a fun recipe to try for your Memorial Day weekend picnics this weekend, check out my tutorial for cheeseburger cupcakes!  Super fun and tasty, too!! :-)

My Shameless Plug for VOTES!

Hello friends, family, and fans! Last month I told you all about DWR's Champagne Chair contest. Well, turns out my chair was among the 50 top designs chosen to tour the country! The winners of the grand prizes have not been disclosed yet. But, here is where YOU come in! This week they are taking votes on their blog for the "popular vote" prize winner. Mine is up for voting today. I would be much obliged if you would take just a couple seconds to check out the awesome chairs and vote for one! If you'd like to remain biased like myself, and support Junk Mail Gems, please go vote for my chair here...it's called "Silver Chair," and is the one with the silver webbing and the built in floor lamp! (4th one down in today's selection of chairs)

I don't think they got the greatest photo so here are a few more pics of my entry! Keep in mind that at it's highest point, the top of the lamp, the chair measures 4 inches.

Here's a close-up of the top of the lamp shade:


Webbing: I originally chose a bottle with pink and a bottle with purple foil, to get a cool mix of colors. However, after weaving them all together and looking at the BACK, I noticed this awesome contrast of textures rather than color, and decided to go all silver. (One foil was textured and the other smooth)

There was no glue or tape harmed in the making of this chair...it completely holds itself together. ;-)

Okay, now go vote here! Thank you very much!!

Another Thrift Store Re-Make

Well, I have one last thrift store furniture re-make project I've just finished for my bug themed nursery in my last few weeks before baby arrives! I've been visiting thrift stores watching for a small end table or side table to put next to the rocking chair. I found this perfect wicker drawer unit for just $6.99 at Saver's a couple days ago. Of course, the brown & green paint with pictures of mushrooms & acorns don't quite fit with the nursery decor...but that's the fun part!

I spent last night painting the whole thing white, which is pretty time consuming when you're talking about wicker. Today I added the colored trim areas and then painted a bug on each drawer, to match the bug illustrations in the rug I have in the room.

As you can see below, with just a few bucks, some paint and a little tlc, you can turn a homeless, out-of-date piece of furniture into a custom piece for your home!