DIY Headboard Art

So we're moving again, and decided that we needed a headboard for our bed in the new place. I searched Kijiji and found headboards advertised by a local hotel for only $20. Solid wood too!

Here's a picture of my kitty, being miss Vana White, showing off our new headboard.

Next, I looked all over the internet to see what I could do with this. I had the idea of using tin ceiling tiles at first, but those are insanely expensive. Being a cheapo DIY gal, I figured I could find something better. We took a trip to Walmart and I found some beautiful tile-like wallpaper.

Here it is, yet again, showcased by Kala.

So, we cut it to fit the headboard, and soaked it to paste onto the headboard. We wrapped the extra wallpaper around the bottom edge, to make a clean and smooth look. Take a look!

In order to make it similar to a tin ceiling tile, I also purchased some metallic silver spray paint. After taping up all the wooden edges, I sprayed 3 coats of paint with a 15 minute wait time in between each coat. This eliminates the risk of drips.

A quick picture between coats of paint.

Once it dried, about 30 mins after the last coat, I proudly removed the spray-painted tape to reveal a clean and smooth look on the wood. I thought it would be a great touch to add some silver to the upper circles on the wooden part. Take a look at the finished product below!!!

Can't wait to put this in the bedroom. It's going to be a great accent piece. I mostly wanted something silver to add a touch of extra light into the bedroom.

Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below! If you have any other ideas for me, please let me know!

DIY Gal signing off.... Until next time.

DIY Vintage Trunk Coffee Table

Not everything I find is always free, or free to make however it sure was cheaper than buying it brand new....

I bought this trunk for $20 from kijiji and thought it would make a WICKED coffee table! 

So the journey begin to figure out how to make the best trunk coffee table. I searched the internet, and came up with the idea of using an old pallet as a coffee table base. I then took a look on the Ottawa Freecycle group on Facebook and found someone giving away free pallets. My awesome boyfriend went and picked it up.

Next up were the supplies. We picked up a can of black spray paint from Walmart for $6. We already had everything else needed at home. 

Then came the manly work. That's where having a boyfriend who's handy is insanely helpful. 

The first step was cutting the pallet down to fit the base, and then moving one of the pieces of wood to complete the outside structure...

Next up, time to sand! 

After sanding, comes the paint job! That's the part I love doing. I got smart after spraying my hand black, and threw on a glove haha.

After letting the paint dry, we figured out how to secure it to the trunk.

We pre-drilled holes in the trunk (We measured to make sure everything was in place).

Then we nailed down the base from inside the trunk......

Last but not least came polishing the metal hardware and rivets on the trunk. It made a huge difference! 

So-- Here's the final product after a full day of hard work was complete! 

Not too shabby eh?? I definitely LOVE the finished product, and can't wait to have it in my new apartment.

If you like it, leave me a comment :) I'd love to hear what you have to say. 

Sometimes it's the little things...

So it's been a while since I've posted, and I have found quite a few things since the last post. Most of the stuff I have been writing about have been bigger ticket items that WOW... Well, sometimes the little things also count. I guess you could say that necessities come in all shapes and sizes!

To start off, at the Ottawa Freemarket last month there were a few items I found and forgot to post...

A knife block with knives and two freezer cold mugs! Awesome :)

Next I found the plates below from a young lady on kijiji. It's not a full set but at least it's a start. And they were free!!

Now, these were just a few of the little things I have found. I have many more to come in the near future.

You may want to check out the free section on the Kijiji website in your hometown, and maybe you'll find some gems of your own. Feel free to let me know about everything you have found. I might get a little jealous though...

Keep up the freecycling :)

Fantastic Friends Help!

So I just got back from an amazing long weekend trip in Barry's Bay, ON. I went fishing, hiking, ate lots of food, and went to a redneck stag and doe. I saw tons of people I hadn't seen in ages too.

Now, Kijiji, garbage day, and freecycle websites aren't the only way to get free things.... Friends come in handy too! 

I was visiting my best friend who just moved into a house and had a few things she didn't need anymore. Because she is so amazing, she offered them to me!!! 

Look at what I got. 

A cute glass teapot...

Some stunning vintage lamps!

And a beautiful gold paint rimmed mirror.

Some great finds if you ask me. Thanks Ellyn!

Now, my friend Yan won a pretty sweet basket at the stag and doe. Yan's motto is to keep downsizing and he lives as a minimalist so he gratefully offered the contents of the basket to Ellyn and myself. Wow :) 

Look at what I got.

A BBQ utensil set

A silicone baster and a small saucepan

Some cups, napkins, and paper plates... 

A grill basket, and some BBQ seasoning!

As you can tell, I've had a pretty successful freebie weekend. 

I'd like to give a quick shout out to all my wonderful friends who were so generous this weekend. 

Keep up the freecycling!! 

It's Patio Season! Burgers and Steaks Galore

My hunt continues for free items for my new apartment. Since summer is coming, I had to find one of the most essential items needed to make it amazing....

A good ol' barbecue!

I searched the free section of Kijiji and stumbled upon a fully functional barbecue that was in need of a facelift.

Here's a look at what it looks like for now.

So the outside of the barbecue needs a good coat of paint. But the side tables look great! and the burners have been replaced within the last 4 years. (SWEET!) As you can see, we'll also need to find a propane tank but that's an easy task! 

The top grill of the barbecue is totally fine. It just needs to be cleaned up! The only thing that will need replacing is the grill under the barbecue stones. Perhaps some new stones too... We're also thinking of purchasing one of those top grills, where you can place food that's ready to go, or toast some buns at the same time as you're cooking. 

She'll be ready to fire up in no time!

I'll put up some pictures of the finished project when we fix her up.

Now I just have to find some patio furniture to use while chowing down on some juicy steaks and burgers. Mmmm

That's all for now. Keep on freecycling! 

Family Hops On The Freecycle Train!

Well, I think my frugal lifestyle is rubbing off on my family!

My dad has now come home with two major items for my new apartment. So awesome!

Earlier this week i hear my dad yell into the house "Mel come down here!" so I think to myself he needs help or I'm in trouble... Turns out, I was wrong.

He calls me into the garage and shows me a soft white rug that he found on the curb at the neighbour's. COOL!

The rug is put away, but I tried to give you an idea of its colour and how clean it is.

Then, today, he walks through the backyard door carrying a practically brand new ceiling fan. No way! It will most definitely keep my bedroom cool throughout the summer's heat. 

Take a look for yourself--

Now, not only has my dad found me some awesome things thrown to the curb, my parents are also very interested in donating items to the upcoming freecycle event "Really Really Freemarket".
(Be sure to check it out. It should be a blast!) 

Well, now that my family is on board, who knows what other awesome things I may get for my apartment.

Good luck on your next scavenger hunt. Free stuff ROCKS.

Ottawa Freemarket Find & DIY

So this past weekend there was an amazing event run by Ottawa Freecycle  called the Ottawa Freemarket. Clothing, furniture, household items, and even plants were brought to the event for others to take home. What a great way for items to be reused and re-loved! Did I mention all items were FREE? 

Here's a picture of what the event looked like!

There I am, dead center in the hot pink jacket! I'm standing next to my exciting free find! 

Here's what I got!

A set of bar stools for my new apartment's breakfast bar in the kitchen. (I also got a knife block, as well as two of those plastic mugs you put in the freezer)

Now, they definitely needed a face-lift and this got my creative juices flowing. 

I went on a hunt to Value Village and found a beautiful blue floral pillow case for $1.99 and used it to reupholster the stool's cushions, using a staple gun. It's quite simple actually! 

This is how they turned out! 

Talk about a drastic change! The once sad stools have been revived, and are waiting to be used by mine and  my boyfriend's butts! 

Any questions about the DIY? Feel free to ask! 

Keep up the frugal

-Mel