28 Feb 2011 FUNKY FRUGAL: I heart hand-me-downs
by Tanner Cangelosi
Truth be told, without gifts and hand-me-downs, my house would be empty. I had the best time putting this hodgepodge of things together and making them look like I bought them just for this purpose.
It all began when my grandmother passed away and the portrait that my uncle had commissioned for her was sitting above her mantle. I loved it, but knew it was my uncle’s. When he was asked what he wanted, he told me he wanted me to have the portrait. I was speechless! It is my most prized material possession so I wanted to create a beautiful space for this painting to hang.
Truth be told, without gifts and hand-me-downs, my house would be empty. I had the best time putting this hodgepodge of things together and making them look like I bought them just for this purpose.
It all began when my grandmother passed away and the portrait that my uncle had commissioned for her was sitting above her mantle. I loved it, but knew it was my uncle’s. When he was asked what he wanted, he told me he wanted me to have the portrait. I was speechless! It is my most prized material possession so I wanted to create a beautiful space for this painting to hang.
I started by popping the portrait out of its wooden frame and six other frames I bought at Dollar General for $6 each. (These are the best frames I’ve found with mat included for the price!)
I had help painting these and faux finishing them to match my kitchen cabinets — there is nothing like paint to make things coordinate for close to free. After all was dry, I put the painting back in its original frame along with our new family photos my sister-in-law took. She is an excellent photographer and I trade her for artwork. A quick money-saving tip would be to find a photographer willing to trade or a family member willing to snap some pics for free.
I then used the chair, sewing table and two lamps my father-in-law so graciously gave us. These pieces belonged to my husband’s grandmother and I love the history there.
The chair was in need of new damask fabric that like an amateur I attempted to recover myself. It turned out pretty good, considering I had no idea what I was doing. It’s amazing what hot glue and a staple gun can accomplish!
The sewing table he gave us was beautiful, but I needed another to accommodate both lamps. I went to Salvation Army and purchased an ugly one for $10. This was an easy fix. I used fabric I already had as a tablecloth.
I then placed the two old lamps – with new lamp shades I purchased at Hobby Lobby for $15 each – on the tables. I also put some fun ribbon, fringe, broaches and finials on the lamps (which cost more than a lampshade) but these details are worth it!
In the end, I love the finished project that coordinates with my kitchen which is across the room. This space took very little money but the impact is huge. Thank you Lord for hand-me-downs!
