making do

Some times, you just figure out how to "make do"!

When the glass on the top of this wrought-iron stand got shattered,

I decided to bolt a silver-plate tray to its top.

It will rust, I suppose.

But meanwhile, it serves a purpose.

As they say,

"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without."

How have YOU been making do lately?

speaking of several years....

 It's been awhile since I've photographed myself--

mainly because my new Smart Phone doesn't have a time delayed camera feature - 

at least none that I can figure out.

So I'm back to the old way.

This morning I wanted to show off the thrifted necklace I'm wearing.

After trying several shots of it, I decided that getting the green color

of the pendant to show properly is impossible with my equipment!

I'm wearing a favorite striped (thrifted) Ann Taylor top.

I've had it for several years and the colors never seem to fade!

Speaking of "several years"....

My husband has stored wood in his shed for several years.

A few days ago, he began to create a potting bench out of some of it.

I can't wait to see the final product!

Today I'll be rummanging around the garage to look for a few trim pieces

for him to apply before painting.

Stay tuned - and visit my Wonder-Working Man HERE.

after and before

SO...

this is how the free swing turned out!

My husband is amazing.

The cushions were thrift store finds.
We're hoping for warmer weather this weekend to give it a good workout!

(This is the before picture

taken after it was repaired and assembled

from its dismal curbside condition.)

one man's trash....

 We passed a trash pile today with the two pieces (above) lying on top.

 My husband judged that he could repair it, so we loaded it into the trunk of our car.

He formed two boards to replace the missing ones

and purchased two eye hooks...

and here it is!

(We're trying to decide whether to paint or stain it,

but I couldn't wait to show it.)

It sits and swings VERY comfortably.

It IS true what they say:

One man's trash IS another man's treasure.

 On another street (same town, trashed also) I found six Pyrex pie plates,

 the sugar and creamer,
(does anyone know anything about this pattern?)

 the pear jam/jelly server,
and these never-been-used fish-shaped ice cube substitutes!

 It was a fun day to be out!
There really ARE still some treasures out there.

yard furnished by thrift

a

A couple of days ago, this was the sight beside our cabin.  

The tarp protecting our lawn furniture from winter's weather was removed.

The pile was uncovered--

curbside treasures, thrift store finds, and garage sale purchases

to be arranged throughout our yard and flower beds.

These rusty-whites now sit together behind the cabin.

Eventually, this bottomless bird cage will hang in a branch
just over the cushionless loveseat.

There is a small round piece of glass to top the side table SOMEwhere...

All in all, these rusty whites combine to make an interesting vignette

against the backdrop of the cabin.

Unusual, quirky, and VERY inexpensive!

Just part of a yard furnished by thrift.