Thrift Magic 101

I've become a bit of a thrift store junkie. Like the kind that would need rehab.

Remember how excited I was about this at our local Salvation Army Thrift Store? See the frames 50% off?

What, you gasp? Thrift stores have SALES!!!

 I came home with this load of loot. Check out that 1970's red covered bridge. Not a real painting....just the cardboard printed junk. 

 But the frame had potential. $4 bucks means LOADS of potential.. 

  

Sooo, I decided that after an almost year and a half sabbatical from painting, it was time to break out the brushes.

I'll fly away is one of my favorites. Reminds me of the washboard band I was in during college. But most importantly, it reminds me of my Pop. While he was in the shutting down process in hospice at the hospital, I filmed a moment that I want to be my last memory of him. He was out of it, and not very coherent. And not really himself. I had a moment alone with him, and we were singing I'll Fly Away. If you've ever been around a dying Christian, it was very much what he was wanting to do. Hard to explain, but the words are perfect. 

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So I did a little painting. The frame first, then a little art. A little white wash over the cardboard. Then to the fun stuff. Free hand painting. It was so nice to have paint all over my nails instead of garden dirt.

And now it has a new home on our portrait wall. 

$4 Art. Thanks to the hubs for letting Mama have a play date. ;-)

I totally heart THRIFT STORES

To mix up my lunch routine, I went in one of my favorite hole in the wall places. The Salvation Army Thrift Store. And I MAJORLY scored!

If you know me, I am obsessed with all things Jenny Lind and spindle. We've painted a cradle and crib turquoise, and a high chair yellow. And I've been on the search for a jenny lind style spindle bed for our guest room. Who found it for $10??? This girl, that's who! I'm seriously so excited I could cry. Totally beats the Land of Nod one I wanted!

I scored a ton of other stuff, too. My total bill? $30. That's it!!!

Bed, CHANDELIER, little house terrarium, moss for another project, a topiary, cute napkin holder.....yep. Today was a very ON day! Woop Woop! Apparently the entire section was 50% off today. I'm one thrilled chica!! Time to buy more spray paint. ;-)

Best part? I was in and out, stopped by Chickfila and still had time to post this (thank you blogger ap!) on my lunch break. Yippieeeeeee!!!!!

Custom Cupcake Stick Toppers

I love vistaprint. I uploaded the party design and had envelope seals printed. I used a scrapbook punch and sucker sticks. Now I'm in the assembly portion of the project. I hope these look as cute as they look in my head for the party! I think they are going on chocolate cupcakes. I almost bought some toppers off etsy...but heck, creating is half the fun!

I rarely get to use my creative thoughts for "fun" projects because I stay busy. But, thanks to my sweet husband who's been painting backgrounds and assembling and mailing out orders, I can have time to be creative! ;-)

  

I did the invitation myself (one of those fun graphic design projects) then uploaded (all to match) and printed banners, signs, stickers, bags,  invitations....you name it.......on vista print. I've gone way overboard, but it's part of the Aunt Pen "being" Aunt Pen that John will have to get use to with me. My baby bubba is having a baby, and I can't help but be pumped! Especially with everything going on with us lately. It's been good baby therapy!