Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Thrifty Life Thursday #20 and Small Future Projects


Clean these.



And these.



Paint these.





Then, list them all on Etsy.

So...how's about we take a look at some fun new features from last week?

We all love a good makeover, up-cycle or re-purpose. This amazingly charming headboard is ALL THREE!


master-bed2-shabby story

Lynn from Shabby Story shopped her house...stop by to see what she did to create one great-looking bedroom with what she already had on hand.

Tina from What We Keep never ceases to surprise me - she sees things from a slightly different perspective, and it's wonderful! 



You've simply GOT to see how she displayed a pair of antique child's boots. Clever girl. 

Bookbug from So Many Books, So Little Time created a charming vignette using beautifully edited colored vintage dishes and of course, vintage books.



THRIFTY LIFE THURSDAY #20

Gathering Guidelines:

This is a gathering for people who enjoy hunting for treasures 
that may have previous experience or lived a former life elsewhere. 
Please share items that are second-hand or are composed of second-hand materials.

Types of Posts to Share:
    • Home decor, furniture, collectibles, garden items and even wearables are welcome, as long as they have a second-hand element.
    • Please, no food items, new pieces from "real" stores, or crafts, unless made with upcycled, thrifty finds.
    • Hand-me-downs and curbside finds are welcome, as are items found in thrift stores, garage sales, antique shops, flea markets and other interesting places.
    • Treasures may be listed as you found them, or with your updates, tweaks, and re-purposes; befores and afters are both welcome.
    • Items need not be "vintage" but must be pre-owned or second hand.
    • Posts including Etsy and other shop links are welcome! For visitor enjoyment, please link to your blog post, not directly to your Etsy shop. 
    Etiquette:
      • Though it is not a requirement, it would be lovely if you would follow Revisionary Life some way - via Blogger, Pinterest or Facebook or subscribe via email. Links are located in my sidebar to the right.
      • Please link your post (not your blog address) back to Revisionary Life.             
      • Please visit at least one other party friend.
      • I'd love for you to comment and introduce yourself if we've never met before. :) Otherwise, don't feel obligated to leave a comment. 
      Features:
      • Featured items must meet the criteria above. 
      • Only posts that link back may be featured.
      • I will try to email you and let you know if you were featured!

      Word for the Day:
      Hebrews 10:24-25
      24
       And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.







      Monday, May 26, 2014

      SEEKING A LESS IS MORE LIFE


      It is no secret that my design aesthetic is not minimalist. 



      I enjoy being surrounded by stuff - stuff that reminds me of friends and family, stuff I find beautiful or interesting, and stuff that helps me function on a daily basis. 



      Admittedly, some of the functional stuff is not in the same category as stuff I find beautiful. 



      And some of the stuff I find beautiful is not stuff others find beautiful. I'm quite OK with that at this point in my life.

      I do not have to justify why I find an object beautiful. Sometimes, I am not quite sure myself. 



      I bought a non-working clock for a few dollars in a thrift store, simply because I liked the look of it. It does not function, and I wish it did. But, I bought it, and will put it somewhere...maybe in my upcoming front bedroom revision.



      If I buy a non-working clock for it's beauty alone, I am not a minimalist. 

      Still, I find myself seeking a simpler lifestyle and cleaner, more pared-down surroundings. 




      I am not, and probably never will be a minimalist. 



      While I enjoy a few "modern" clean-lined items here and there for contrast, I love a traditional style best of all. 



      I even enjoy very fancy decorative items in the same way I enjoy the mod, simple lines; for contrast. 

      So as I go room by room, paring down, cleaning out, moving furniture and decorative items around...I have a plan.



      I do not think the plan is apparent to anyone but me. And sometimes, even I feel as If I am feeling my way as I go. 



      I am perfectly fine with not knowing exactly where I will end up. I have a plan, but I am not married to it. I can change direction when a .27c mirror excites me

      I can change when a color excites me.


      This is my life. This is my house. I want to feel happy, peaceful, comfortable when I pull in my driveway. 

      And yet...I do not want to be bound by it. 


      I do not want the joy I get from rearranging and changing things in this house to be more important than people and experiences with them.

      I do not want to be upset when an item breaks.


      I want a friendly, cozy home where a klutz and small children can gather and enjoy time together without anxiety.



      So, do you think a would-be hoarder can pare down enough to live in a simple but still cozy home? 

      I do. I have been moving in that direction for 2 years now.
      Yes, I am still buying things. And I am getting rid of things.


      I am changing pretty much every room in the house. It is a big job...exhausting sometimes.

      Here are a few things that I have learned about myself in the past three years:

      I still enjoy very light, neutral spaces best of all.
      Sometimes I like to add color to my neutral rooms.
      I like combining styles for an eclectic mix.
      I enjoy seasonal changes.
      I prefer painted finishes to wood most of the time.
      I prefer vintage to new almost always.
      I prefer clean lines, though not entirely modern lines.
      Color is very important to me.
      Shapes are very important to me.
      I am not a ruffles and bows girl. 
      I do not enjoy sewing. 
      I prefer REAL old stuff to vintage-style stuff.
      I prefer natural materials.
      I prefer real original art - it does not have to cost much.
      I rebel against trends. 
      I prefer my decor to "make sense." No kitchen stuff in my bedroom.
      I fear getting rid of something and regretting it.
      I still like (and use) some things from my college apartment.
      I am old enough to not care much if anyone else likes what I like.

      I want to find the perfect place for me - somewhere between minimalist-doesn't care about stuff at all-sell everything and travel and demi-hoarder-sees potential in practically everything. I want a less is more life.

      Thank you for bearing with me through this personal style design rant!

      Word for the Day:
      Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!

      Possibly Linking With:
      Sunday
      Nifty Thrifty Sunday
      Sundays at Home
      Monday
      Mod Mix Monday
      Make it Pretty Monday
      Tuesday
      Vintage Inspiration Tuesday
      Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
      The Scoop
      Wednesday
      Wow Us Wednesday
      What’s it Wednesday
      Cottage Style Party
      Drop it or Swap it Party
      Thursday
      Under $100 Link Party
      Creative Inspirations
      Share Your Cup Thursday
      Friday
      Feathered Nest Friday
      Furniture Feature Friday
      Frugal Friday
      Junkin’ Joe
      Saturday
      Party Junk
      Show and Tell Saturday