"THIS IS WHAT I WANTED...and THIS IS WHAT I DID"

Hey everyone....I hope all is going well. I've been trying to get some blog posts caught up & if you know me, I've got a huge project started on my "quilting blog." As a designer, if I don't have a project that I'm working on I will seriously go nuts. Recently I've been working on some designs for me & have to admit it's more fun helping others. I've been blessed with being able to design for clients homes and have the "eye" to save them money along the way. Lately I've been enjoying being able to consult with people and do what I love....quilting and sewing. I've designed for so many years and sometimes it's just nice to give back to others. As we all have seen, all the do-it-yourself shows and tips have saved us money. Well, I have to admit, I was pretty happy with what I did below. I fell in love with the first design from a magazine but the cost was just not in the budget. I've been re-doing the "guest-room" on a slim budget and needed end tables. If you've priced end tables lately you'll understand where I'm coming from! They are so tiny and so expensive for great quality.
Our town church had a "rummage sale" & a dear friend knew that I was looking for end tables. Well, she called and said hey I found these for 40 bucks. Well I said....still not bad, eighty for two great quality end tables, similar to the design I wanted. Then she said..."No, 40 for both." I don't know how you type happy feet....hands flopping and changing clothes to get to the sale but you got the idea! She was so sweet and they held them until I arrived. Oh my gosh, I was so excited. Great quality and a great deal. Win...win as my grandson would say!
So here's where it did get tricky....I wanted antique casters on the legs....again,,,if you've priced antique casters lately you'll understand what I did. I went to local hardware store and they had the copper casters "reasonably priced". Next step copper spray paint for the handles. Done! Then sand paper to ruff up the edges to give them the "rustic look" I wanted. Done! Needed two baskets for "what nots" to store in". Hmm....oh "borrowed" them from my craft closet :-) Then their was that sweet lamp...again, those are so expensive so I "opt out" and just use the lamp that I originally had. Personally speaking....I feel that I "copied" the original design pretty well & less then half the cost!
I've had some guests visit and stay the night and they loved what I did. One friend is trying to find a bargain herself. Sometimes we just need to realize that it's not all about the look but how we feel when we accomplish something. At least with me anyway! :-) :-) :-)
If you have some tips to share please email me....

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com
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See ya on the next project :-)