Trash to Treasure - My Style

My style of trash to treasure decorating has developed over the years into what I consider to be a look that's comfortable, charming and a little bit funky. I refer to it as my kind of classic. :)

The vintage suitcase endtable in the picture is a prime example of my idea for upcycling flea market finds. A new luggage rack like the kind used in the hotel industry serves as support for my prized find. My trash to treasure table creates stylish storage too.

(Photo credit Pam Irie)

As I've shown in the picture above, you can easily pair a flat vintage suitcase and a luggage rack together to create a storage table with a lot of style..... and it's portable too.

These candleholders are an easy redo. Visit any salvage yard to discover all sorts of promising pieces of metal like these auto part gears. Here's how I did it.

(Photo credit Pam Irie)

This wall art is an easy diy project. I used a staple gun to attach a section of wire grid to the back of a thrift shop frame. An "S" hook holds a vintage patent leather handbag on display. I can change handbags quickly to create a different look; It's my style.

(Photo credit Pam Irie)

My recycled record bowl is perfect to keep our remote controls corraled in the living room. I have made record bowls as gifts and they never fail to make a fun presentation.

Making record bowls is so incredibly easy. I get better at manipulating the vinyl each time. There are many online tutorials available if you want to make one for yourself.

(Photo credit Pam Irie)

Our DIY Wood Art Lamp

A weathered log, worn smooth over the years was coated with several coats of polyurethane before we turned it into a functional and funky lamp. Use any lamp kit and a really long drill bit to make yours.

(Photo credit Pam Irie)

I prefer the old fashion pull chain sockets for my trash to treasure lamps. This old style is my style and I think it gives a lamp just a little more character. (Besides, it's fun to pull the chain). :)

This tree stump sat outside on my in laws front steps and served as a plant stand for many, many years. It got good and weathered and all the bark fell off in the interim.

My father in law passed away several years ago. Last summer my mother in law gave me the stump because she knew how much I enjoy salvaging things. I gladly took it.

I used a heavy duty sander on all surfaces of the stump including the top and bottom. After that I switched to hand sanding with fine steel wool. Once the surface was smooth to the touch, I quickly scrubbed it outside with the water hose and allowed it to dry in the hot sun for several days. Finally I applied several coats of water base polyurethane in a satin finish to create the matte look shown.

This tree stump now serves as a nice little side table inside our cottage. I think it's a great piece and every time I see it I remember my wonderful father in law who coveted "special" things as I do. :)

I use this exact brand of polyurethane to protect the finish on so many of my DIY projects. It is super easy to work with, easy to clean the brushes after use and this water base has no offensive odor.