Your Junk. My Treasure. #DIY Done Right. {Part 1}

They say one man's junk is another man's treasure. Well in this case, the donated goods of Jr. League of Columbia is my DIY dream come true. I stopped by the Cantey Building at The State Fair Grounds earlier today while the ladies of Jr. 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, dinning 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 'shaby-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. And 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. But this piece might only cost you $150 finished!

Difficulty: Advanced DIYers. 

Chic Bar Stools

What is it? Wooden Bar Stools{$6 each}.

#DIY Tip: Give them a light sand, spray paint them the color of your choice. Then to give them an added pop of awesomeness, dip them in gold paint. It's much easier than it sounds. Using painters tape mark off about 1/4 of the way up on the stool. Spray paint a metallic gold or silver paint, remove the tape immediately to avoid nasty paint dripping and let dry. It will add that unique sense of style and give you that  expensive look. You could use them at a bar, in the office or even in the corner of a room that needs filling. 

Difficulty: Easy-Peasy. 

Candle Lantern

What is it? Wooden Bird Feeder {$5}.

#DIY Tip: Lanterns are all the rage these days and selling for $100s of dollars in retail stores. This one is easy. Remove the center piece - it comes right out - and replace it with a candle. A flameless candle would be ideal so you can leave it 'burning' and not worry about setting fire to the house. The color and distressing is already perfect. You could use the piece on a mantel, next to the fireplace, on a patio table....anywhere.

Difficulty: Easy-Peasy.

 Wall of Frames

What is it? Tables and Tables full of old picture frames {$2-$10}

#DIY Tip: Do you admire those beautiful photo walls you've seen on Pinterest? Well here is an easy way to make your own. Buy 8-10 random size photo frames. Look for ones that have unique detailing to them. Spray paint them white, gold, black, etc and fill them with your favorite photos.Then hang them. You can do them up a staircase, over the couch, or even in a hallway. There are many tips online on how to arrange.

Difficulty: Pretty-Easy, but you will need a good leveler.

 Display Board

What is it? Frame with a stand ($5).

#DIY Tip: This is cute in general, but I LOVE it as an chalkboard display. Spray paint the glass with chalkboard paint and insert. You can use it when entertaining to label the food or table numbers. Or you can write sweet messages on it to your friends and family in the living room or kitchen. Endless opportunities with this one! 

Difficulty: Easy.

The New Wine Charm

 What is it? Wine Glasses with Colored Ribbon ($3 each).

#DIY Tip: Take the colorful bows out and replace them with burlap or even twine. You can tie small wooden chalkboard labels to the bows and write names on them. They would be adorable for entertaining with friend - I want them, so fingers cross they are still there when I go back on Saturday.

Difficulty: Easy-Peasy.

This is just part of the awesome finds from Junior League Columbia Clean Sweep. I will post more soon......

Tweet