Being a typical broke college girl, I get excited at any opportunity to save, whether it be on food, clothing, drinks, etc. Anything that'll save me a penny and still work just as well is fine by me. That being said, when I mentioned a few weeks ago I was in the market for some shelves to decorate my bland room's walls, my roommate suggested I try Good Will. We went together, and I came back with two light-cherry wood wall shelves, and two black wall sconces.
While the sconces worked perfectly with my decor (and were such a steal for $3), I couldn't help but notice how much the light color of the shelves clashed with my turquoise and chocolate brown themed room. But I couldn't NOT get them at $2.92 for the set, right? So, I headed to the local Walmart and picked up some "Dark English Chestnut" stain and a brush (Total: $6). In my
So far I have sanded my shelves and applied the first coat of staining on it. Three things I suggest to you readers: (1) Don't get too excited and begin staining your project before you get the chance to take a 'before' picture like little 'ole me (sorry folks!), (2) make sure to wear something you don't mind ruining (even if you're like me and think that you'll just "be careful." Stainer grows legs and jumps, I swear), and (3) make sure you sand each piece evenly if you are doing a multi-pieced set. I learned the hard way that not sanding evenly can cause the stain to take at different shades (duh?). But, no worries! I applied a little more stain on the shelf that lacked "sanding love," and it was good to go! I can't wait to get done with these shelves and place them on the wall. They're going to go perfect now with the decor in my little humble abode. Now, I just have to figure out what to put on them! What would you suggest as a "budget option" for shelf decor? Keep in mind that I use turquoise, dark brown, mustard yellow, burnt red, and pops of green to decorate my room, and send me your suggestions in a comment!
What projects are y'all working on this week?
XOXO,
Sarah B Texas
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Great idea! I bought a shelf at Goodwill for $2.00, painted it white, and it's still sitting in the floor. Lol!
ReplyDeleteHaha, I know what you mean! I have several small paintings and those afore mentioned sconces that I need to hang, as well, and of course I find every excuse NOT to! Today's excuse: The shelves aren't done yet, and I don't want to hang anything without keeping them in mind. Haha, one of these days! It's on my summer bucket list.
DeleteThanks for following, Emily! I will check out your blog and follow back right now! Giveaways are always exciting :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for checking out City Girl Gone Country! I appreciate the support.
Thanks Sarah for visiting my blog! I'm your newest follower! I'd suggest going to Hobby Lobby (if you have one)...make sure to find a coupon (I always pull up their mobile site and just show my phone to the cashier cause they always have an online coupon). Get you a paper mache letter (either your initials or just your last name...or whatever you prefer). And modpodge scrapbook paper on it or wrap it in yarn. I've got a post about one I made...http://craftyetceteras.blogspot.com/2012/01/monogram-n-wreath.html
ReplyDeleteI'd also add some picture frames on them and maybe a few books (if you like to read). You could also get a vinyl decal to put above one of them (you could frame it around the items on display..for example if you have a picture frame on the left, you could center it off to the right).
vinyl decal for the wall, that is (they come off the wall if you are in an apartment)
DeleteThank you for your suggestions, Taylor! These are all so great! I do have a Hobby Lobby about 5-8 mins away, so I will have to do as you suggested! That N monogram is ADORABLE! Do you think it will work just as well with a curvy letter like S? Both of my initials have such big curves to work around!
DeleteI have a couple vinyl self-stick decals on one of my walls; I got those from Hobby Lobby as well! I moved apartments and they came off just fine, but had trouble sticking. I ended up buying a minor-adhesive spray from Lowe's and they went back to sticking!
I love a bargain and a great DIY project - yours is coming along very nicely!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up to WIP Wednesday and have a great week!
Thank you as well, Felicity! I am such a bargain shopper. I got my thrifty passion from both of my parents, I do believe! Have a great rest of your week :-)
DeleteYou make me proud Baby Girl! Good job on the shelves....remember to use the level when you hang them.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I will make sure to use the level!
DeleteHey Sarah, if you're looking to save money I often put tips on my other blog at www.letsfinda@blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteSome of it is fairly regional, but I'm trying to make it a little more global. ometimes i cross post like today's recipe is actually on 3 of my blogs. :)
Another good place to try look at besides GoodWill is Habitat for Humanity. I have a friend that got all ew kitchen cabinets for a steal and pressed copper that she used as a backsplash. Also if you have a local domestic violence or family shelter agency they often have stores like "GoodWill" where you can get bargains and the proceeds go to help those in need. Hope this helps.
Hey Shannon! Brilliant suggestions! Thank you so much! I still have yet to put up the shelves (procrastination at its best, I tell ya), but they are dry now, so I'll have to start looking more into decorations now!
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