Let's Swap it Like it's HOT!
No matter how much I try to plan, Swap Day always seems to creep up on me! Confused about what I'm talking about? Swap it Like it's Hot is a fun thrift/diy swap between a bunch of amazing bloggers. We head to the thrift store with a budget of around $10 and then we send our finds to someone else for them to re-envision, transform, DIY, or generally make awesome. This is my 4th time participating in this diy extravaganza organized by Charlotte of Ciburbanity. Check out my previous Swap It projects: Dipped Art & Plant Holder, Rustic Lamp, & Book Planter.
This time around, I was sent thrifted goodies from Erin Spain and I have to admit, she had me pretty stumped for a bit! She sent me a basket with ducks on it, a "wood" plaque, a white pot, and 2 small metal trays. For quite a while I was trying to figure out how I could transform, combine, or reinvent one or more of these pieces.
Finally an idea clicked so I decided to give it a shot! I left the ducks out of this project- maybe I'll paint the basket in the future, but not today... Sorry ducks!! My plan was to combine the trays, plaque and planter into one collage of a tray. Not the most remarkable reuse, but I think the pieces ended up looking a bit better in the end!
I started by taking the tab off the top of the wood plaque (which was sadly laminate, not a real wood that I could stain), and taking the handles off of both little trays. I covered it with blue tape so that I could mark where I needed to drill- 4 holes on each side for 2 sets of handles and a 4" hole for the plant pot to sit in.
After all the holes were in place, I quickly sanded the surface with a high grit sandpaper, and wiped it down with a sander/deglosser. Then came spray primer and paint!
And let me assure you, everything was done with the proper safety precautions. I'm not getting this kid high on spray paint fumes!
After the paint was dry, I used super glue in the small holes to affix the handles in place, and added felt pads to the bottom.
I admit, this isn't my favorite swap result of all time, but I am pleased with the way the double brass handles look on the silver sprayed tray. It would be totally cute on a night stand holding a glass of water and chapstick, or on a coffee table to help corral remote controls, don't you think?
Now please run, don't walk, and check out what Amanda at Prim and Propah did with the goodies that I sent her! What would you create with these items?
The fun's not over yet! Check out all the AMAZING transformations that have been happening ALL WEEK! I haven't had a chance to check them all out myself yet, but the ones that I have will blow you away!!
MONDAY
TUESDAY
Confessions of a Serial Do-It-Yourselfer
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Copper Dot Interiors