Table Number Redo

Happy Wednesday, Everyone! I am fresh off a week in California helping my parents pack up the house to move back East. It was hard to leave LA but I am glad I returned to Spring like weather.

Before my trip to California, I revamped the table numbers from our wedding with the intention of displaying them in the Condo. My original idea for the table numbers was to gather old sliver plates, paint the centers with chalkboard paint and write the number and menu on them. After many, many trips to thrift shops my plan changed a bit....most of the plates I found were smaller; we ended up painting only the numbers in the center. No chalkboard paint and no menus. It worked out for the better.

Here an example of what the plates looked like...

(excuse the photos; I took them with my iPhone)

The paint on the plates for a year and a half. I wasn't sure if I would be able to get it off easily. One day, I was in Home Depot, rooming the aisles, and decided it was time to look for something that would do the trick. Having done no research, I based my purchase on the labels and price. I left the store with Motsenbocker's Lift Off. The label said it would remove old, latex based paint, is biodegradable and cleans all surfaces. Works for me!

When I got home, I sprayed each plate, liberally with Motsenbocker's. After sitting for about 10-15 minutes, I tested the paint to see if it was loose; in some cases I could see that the paint was starting to bubble. 

I used a plastic putty knife to scrap the paint off...

After the paint was scraped I gave each plate a rinse. So easy! The process didn't take too long so in about 30 minutes, I had all 15 plates cleaned.

Once all the plates were clean I had to decide 1) where I wanted to put them and 2) how many to use. There were a couple of options in the dining room but I ended up hanging five plates above the fireplace. We have a three-sided fireplace that divides the Living and Dining rooms. Our ceilings are about 10 feet high so the fireplace wall needed something.

Here is how it turned out...

(still an iPhone pic)

To hanging them I used plate hangers from Jo-Ann's and 3M picture hangers. I did not polish the plates because I know that they will tarnish hanging on the wall and I love the look! 

You can still see the numbers on a few of the plates; which is a nice reminder that we used these at our wedding.

How have you re purposed items used at your wedding or special event?

Challenge Accepted.

YHL announced their Macklemore Thrift Shop Challenge on Friday. Obvi, I accepted the challenge and used it as an excuse to make a stop at Goodwill, since it's mentioned in the song. I stopped in on a rainy evening after work to pop some tags. But, before I share my finds...take a listen...

The challenge was to shop till you drop with $20 in your pocket and search for a few things mentioned in the song. Here's how I did...

1) Take a picture at the store with $20 in your pocket...

(I'm seeking cover, in the car, from the rain)

2) Photograph your spoils...

Didn't have anything specific in mind that I was looking for and almost walked out without a single item. The would have been a challenge FAIL! After one last look through the dishes, I spotted a few vintage china pieces and that got me going! The china was bundled with packing tape so I grabbed the only two bundles...two small plates and a cup with two saucers. Next up I spied a Crate and Barrel white popcorn bowl for $4! The best aisle is the one with all the silver and brass pieces; I took home this tray that has a pretty tarnish (I can always clean it up with a bit of polish). Can't pass up a Mason Jar, especially one with a wire top. The last thing I grabbed was a tiny glazed bowl...perfect for change, keys or to place on a bedside table. But how much did I spend??? My grand total came to $19, the most expensive item was the silver tray for $5. Say what? 

Now back to the challenge.

3) Find item referenced in the song. I found 3...

1) House Slippers (fancy, gold house slippers)

2) Plaid shirt (or entire rack of them)

3) Grandpa's Style (sweater with crazy long sleeves)

Anyone else accept the challenge?

Must Have: Thrifty Finds

Happy Election Day! Hope you all made it out the polls and didn't have to wait too long in line. We lucked out and made to our polling venue at just the right time; we arrived after the morning rush and finished in enough time to miss the lunch time lines. After I cast my vote, I decided to do a little shopping.

I'm going to go ahead and call this Must Have: Thrifty Finds edition. Nothing was going to be left behind at the store for someone else to have! Does that sound greedy? I hope not...

First up is something that, well, everyone can have. I found these juice glasses at the Dollar Spot in Target. It's a favorite place of mine and ALWAYS put my total way over budget. How does that happen when everything is a $1, $2.50 at most.

I picked up a few of each design. Can't wait to sit down to breakfast with one of these!

Goodwill was calling my name and since there is a location not too far from Target; I gave in and drove over. This trip did not leave me empty handed. I found this painting for $8. Which is a steal since the previous price marked was $180. Just needs a frame solution and it'll be ready to hang. 

Since updating my desk, I've been in the dark. Literally, I needed a lamp...bad!

This beauty was originally from Ikea. I've got some plans and for $12 and a can of spray paint, I'm down. 

Oh, I'm not done yet. I saved the best for last. An impulse left turn found me at an awesome store in Cockeysville. The front of the store sells gift items; cute dish towels, painted wine glasses, earrings and things. The back consists of spaces that can be rented; most vendors sell painted furniture and reclaimed items. Walking through the different vendor's spaces I found these......

I died. HAD. TO. HAVE. THEM. They set me back $20....beyond worth it!

Anyone else found some must haves lately?