Your Junk. My Treasure. #DIY Done Right with the Junior League of Columbia’s Clean Sweep
January 31, 2014
By Nicole Curtis
January 30, 2014
They say one man’s junk is another man’s treasure. Well in this case, the donated goods of Junior League of Columbia are my DIY dreams come true. I stopped by the Cantey Building at The State Fairgrounds earlier today while the ladies of Junior League set up for this year’s Clean Sweep event – taking place Saturday, February 1 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Clean Sweep is a one-day rummage sale, which features new and used household and children’s items at affordable prices. All of the proceeds support the Junior League of Columbia’s community projects and initiatives.
Here’s a sneak peak of what I found and my DIY vision for each piece.
The Chair
What is it? Solid wood chair with padded seat {$10}
#DIY Tip: I would refinish this chair in a color of your choosing. Distress the piece to give it an aged look with a little stain to finish it off. Then re-cover the seat with an awesome print or burlap for a natural look that goes with anything. You could use your new fabulous chair in a nook, dining room, casual sitting area – really anywhere you need a chair.
Difficulty: For the more advanced DIYer
The Headboard
What is it? Piece of wood fencing {$15}
#DIY Tip: One of my favorite finds of the day. This would be prefect as a headboard for a twin or double bed. You wouldn’t have to do much to this piece, maybe a quick touch up of white paint. You could also easily distress it to give it that ‘shabby-chic’ look. Overall, probably the cheapest and most creative headboard you will find.
Difficulty: Easy-Peasy
For Entertainment
What is it? Wood napkin rings {8 for $3}
#DIY Tip: Spray paint the wooden rings with chalkboard paint {my favorite go-to DIY solution}. When you have guests over, write their name on the ring and slide it onto your napkin of choice. Perfect for dinner parties and eliminates the need for seating cards.
Difficulty: Really, really easy
The Area Rug
What is it? A curtain panel {$8}
#DIY Tip: Cut the fabric to fit the size space you are trying to fill. In this case, you could use it for a large room or even a hall runner – heck you could use it outside. Sew the edges if need be. Then, using a roller paint brush, spread Minwax polycrylic sealer over the fabric. Once it is dry, place a rug gripper found at any home improvement store underneath it. Voilà! Best thing about it, you can throw it in your washer and dryer if it gets dirty. I am so in love with this piece, I wanted it for myself.
Difficulty: Easy, but sewing skills needed
The Media Stand
What is it? Solid wood buffet table {$75}
#DIY Tip: This piece would be perfect for a media stand {hold your TV, components, photos, random junk, etc}. I would refinish the piece completely and possibly change the hardware to your liking. You have two options when it comes to staging: 1) You could remove the drawers, insert wood and use those spaces to hold your DVR, DVD player, etc. and buy fabulous baskets to fill the bottom space. 2) You could keep the drawers for remotes and other random items, use the top shelves for components and baskets on the bottom. Either way, you could stage and style this piece to look just like it came out of a Pottery Barn catalog. This piece might only cost you $150 finished!
Difficulty: Advanced DIYers
To read this blog post and learn more about the Junior League of Columbia visit www.theleeaguelink.com.
Nicole is a member of the Junior League of Columbia and an avid DIYer that has a passion for decorating and making something new out of something old – a true junk lover. She is constantly looking for affordable ways to transform every room in her house and now spreading those ideas with others. She is always on the lookout for new ideas and ways to make things look chic without spending a fortune. From handling power tools to making her very one kitchen table, Nicole loves decorating on a budget.
Check out her blog: atNicoleBCurtis.blogspot.com; connect with her on Twitter or join her Facebook group #DIYinaDay to learn more.
