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Handmade Home: Antique Castoff Emerges as Wall Art
A piano scrap from an antiques store gets a tune-up from a coat of paint, some old-fashioned ingenuity and a little love
When I first saw this wood piece from an old piano in an antiques shop, I instantly knew that I could turn it into a new focal point for a wall in my home. The dealer wanted $20 for it, and I decided to think about it rather than buy it on the spot. As I walked around perusing the wares, I couldn't get it off my mind. I knew that I couldn't go home without it. Thankfully it was still there when I went back to purchase it.
Antique items can save money and bring uniqueness into your home. But buying them can be tricky. Here are some things to keep in mind when buying at the antiques market.
Set a budget. This is important unless you are looking for something very specific that's going to be more costly. Give yourself a limit. Mine is usually $20 for a typical Sunday-morning outing.
Look around before you buy. I try not to buy the first thing I see. I look around and then go back and purchase my favorite things that will fit within my allowance for that day.
Don't be afraid to ask if that's the best price. Often dealers will give you a few dollars off. Remember to be polite.
Travel light. I try to take as little as possible so my hands are free to carry items to the car.
Antique items can save money and bring uniqueness into your home. But buying them can be tricky. Here are some things to keep in mind when buying at the antiques market.
Set a budget. This is important unless you are looking for something very specific that's going to be more costly. Give yourself a limit. Mine is usually $20 for a typical Sunday-morning outing.
Look around before you buy. I try not to buy the first thing I see. I look around and then go back and purchase my favorite things that will fit within my allowance for that day.
Don't be afraid to ask if that's the best price. Often dealers will give you a few dollars off. Remember to be polite.
Travel light. I try to take as little as possible so my hands are free to carry items to the car.
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by susan duane
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| The existing frame on the piece was damaged, so I used the inside panel and created a new frame. I loved the challenge of changing it and creating something new, beautiful and unique. |
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| For this project I used Annie Sloan's chalk paint in Old White. It's a great product that doesn't require primer and distresses just beautifully. I made sure to take my time painting all the little details. |
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| To make the new frame for this piece, I purchased trim from Home Depot. Use a miter box or miter saw to cut the trim to fit. Once the trim was cut to size, I nailed it to the main board. |
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by susan duane
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| After painting out the new trim. I sanded all the raised bits, revealing the wood underneath. I love the depth it created! |
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by susan duane
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| Once all the sanding was done, I applied a coat of wax by hand with a soft cloth. This really brought out the beautiful wood color peeking out beneath the paint. |
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My plan was to use this piece above a French-style desk I found at an estate sale, but I have yet to tackle painting the desk. So for now the artwork will be enjoyed in my kitchen.
When you are out at flea markets or garage sales, keep your eyes open to the possibilities! I find the more I create, the more I see the potential in things.
More Handmade Home:
How to Sew a Table Runner
DIY Outdoor Winter Table Setting
When you are out at flea markets or garage sales, keep your eyes open to the possibilities! I find the more I create, the more I see the potential in things.
More Handmade Home:
How to Sew a Table Runner
DIY Outdoor Winter Table Setting
Comments
Judy Thanks for this article, Susan. I'm inspired!
15 months ago · Like
crisco1961 Awesome. Thank you for sharing your great idea.
15 months ago · Like
Sharon Chapman Beautiful!
15 months ago · Like
linbar Well done!
15 months ago · Like
snorty1 This is one of my favorites, learning how to reuse what we have... Way cool!
15 months ago · Like
conniecl Love, love it!
15 months ago · Like
mok yan good idea!!
15 months ago · Like
Kelli Ellis Interiors, Inc. Nicely done!
15 months ago · Like
meandyou123 i have alot of dark wood pieces similar to yours .. that ive also found at flea markets .. im going to give your idea a try :)
15 months ago · Like
goughbar I make my own chalk paint after taking the advice of someone on line. Home Depot offers samples of their Behr paint for $4. It's about 8 oz. To it, add 1 tablespoon of unsanded grout and stir like crazy. The grout was less than $5 and I have enough to make chalk paint for the rest of my life! The nice thing about making your own, besides the decrease in cost ,is that you can buy whichever color/colors you want compared with the brand name chalk paint, which only has a dozen or so colors.
9 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Feb. 21, 2012.
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