Mirrors, Mirrors on the Wall

I hope you had an enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.  I know my family and I sure enjoyed a little down time.  The long weekend also gave me the opportunity to hang the mirror collage I posted about last time ~ read about it here.  Unlike the Anthropologie inspiration piece, my mirrors are not connected to form one large mirror.  Instead, I simply hung them individually by snugging them up close to each other on the wall.  I think it gives the same effect.

*Tip ~ as a follow up to the directions on my last post, I decided sawtooth picture hangers were the best option to hang the mirrors from.  They gave me the ability to place the mirrors very close to one another and help the mirrors lay flat on the wall.  Also, after I determined the layout of the mirrors, I learned it's much easier if you hang the mirrors from the bottom up. 

It's short and sweet today ~ I'm off to work on another project.  Hoping you stop by Tattered Style again soon!  :)

P.S.  Please contact me if you have any questions on this DIY project and I'll be happy to help out if I can.  

Anthropologie Mirror Collage / DIY

Image via Anthropologie

Today I am excited to be sharing my latest project with you.  For quite some time, I've been drooling over this mirror collage from Anthropologie.  I love the character and charm of this mirror arrangement but found the price to be a little more than I wanted to pay.  So, I set out to collect some old framed mirrors of my own hoping I could reproduce this lovely idea.  Gradually, I was able to locate several beautifully framed and mottled mirrors.  However, they weren't quite as abundant and available as I hoped.  I decided the most practical solution was to amass a collection of old frames and then have them fitted with mirrors. 

I collected the frames pictured above and finally was happy with the assortment of sizes and types that I had accumulated.   

I took them to a local glass and mirror store and had mirrors cut to fit the sizes.  They were pretty reasonable in cost ~ I only had to pay $20 to have four mirrors cut to fit the empty frames.

The glass store suggested I affix the mirrors in the frames with clear silicone. 

I placed the mirror in position and ran a bead of clear acrylic silicone around the backside of the mirror and the frame.  The silicone is a little messy to work with and is a bit stinky so be sure to work in a well ventilated area.  After attaching all the mirrors to the frames with the silicone, I left them outside to dry for several hours.

I wanted to finish off the mirrors with a protective backing.  To do so, I measured each frame to determine the different sizes of backing I would need to mark and cut.  I penciled off each of the dimensions on foam core ~ the backing I chose to use.  Then, I placed the foam core on the cutting board and using a straight edge as a guide, I cut through the foam core.  
 


Lastly, I placed the foam core behind the mirror and duct taped it in place.  I realize this likely isn't the way a frame shop would back a mirror but I'm content with my method and  know I can rest assured the backing will stay in place. 

I've laid the mirrors out on the floor and I'm playing around with varied arrangements before I attach them to the wall.  I'm all out of time today ~ so please drop by soon as I'll be posting pics of how and where I decide to install my mock Anthropologie mirror collage.

Today's post is lovingly dedicated to my friend and neighbor, Sally.  She was a remarkable woman whose beauty was reflected from the inside out.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

An Office in the Making

I've been looking for some key pieces of furniture for an office I'm doing some design work on.  In dealing with a modest budget, it's important to cut costs anyway I can.  Shopping at thrift stores or second hand stores is the perfect way to ensure I stay on budget.

The room I'm tackling is going to pay homage to the mid-century modern era.  Luckily, a few weeks ago I came across this wonderful mid-century modern dresser ~ well maybe wonderful in its former life. 

My plans were to use this as a credenza for the office and although it was a little dingy, to say the least, the lines on this piece were amazing and I knew it was too good to pass up. 

Oftentimes, when I run across a piece like this, the state of disrepair is enough to frighten me or any potential buyer away.  But really, the labor involved is not nearly as daunting as one might think.  You might assume the only option would be to completely strip the piece of furniture.  Fortunately, it only took a few easy steps to transform this soon to be credenza.  *Note above, I did have to scrape off some gooey stuff with a 5-in-1 scraper.  

Then, a good scrub with some warm, soapy water followed by a little Howard's Restor-A-Finish furniture restorer was all this dresser needed to freshen it up.  I applied the restorer with #0000 steel wool.

I think this once dingy and overlooked dresser has transformed quite beautifully into a credenza for this office in the making.  There's lots more to do to complete this office transformation, so I'm off, hoping I can find a few more neglected pieces to breathe a little life into.  Thanks for stopping by Tattered Style!  

Online Sale ~ Vintage Goodies

Silver Plate Creamer/Sugar ~ $15.00.  A perfect pairing for the dining room but why not use the sugar bowl in a bathroom for cotton ball storage and the creamer as a Q-tip holder?  

Oftentimes, I have clients or friends who tell me they wish they had the patience or time to go searching for tattered style treasures.  So when it came time to do a little spring cleaning, I thought I would attempt to bring the flea market to you and try my hand at an online sale.  I've listed a number of favorite items below including some I've featured on earlier posts.  This is an experimental venture for me ~ meaning all sales are cash and carry ~ I am located in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.  If interested in an item, please contact me at dana@tatteredstyle.com. to arrange for payment and pick up.  Happy shopping! 

Arrow Back Chairs ~ $200.00 for set of 4.  Primitive chairs from the 1800's sturdy and chocked full of character.  I have used these with the dining table pictured below ~ check it out here.

Arrow Back Chairs ~ $100.00 for set of 2.  These two chairs combine flawlessly with the four chairs pictured above to provide six chairs for a dining table. 

Johnson Brothers English China Gravy Boat ~ $10.00.  A sweet little way to dish up gravy or just plain pretty sitting on a shelf.  

Cake Carrier ~ $15.00.  This locking cake carrier is functional and fun ~ a cool retro addition to any kitchen.   

Gold Leaf Occasional Table ~ $25.00.  Why not add a little richness to your space?  This small gold table with its twisted rope detail is loaded with style.  20" square x 15 1/2" high. 

Orange Juice Decanter ~ $8.00.  This retro juice decanter is the perfect addition and will bring a little sunshine to your breakfast table.

French Ceiling Tin ~ $75.00 ~ (I'm really from a French flea market and have been mounted on a a board for easy hanging).  Dimensions ~ 23 1/4" square.

Farm Style Dining Table ~ $495.00.  This beautiful handmade farm table with its authentic crackle finish is sturdy and full of charm.  It's the perfect dining table but could also be used as a large desk.  See it featured here.  

Bench ~ $95.00.  Made from reclaimed lumber.  This bench was made to go with the farm table above but could also easily transition as a coffee table, or bench at the foot of a bed.  Dimensions ~ 56" L x 15" W x 18 1/2" H

Blues/Browns Oil Painting ~ $15.00. 

Dr. Pepper Table ~ $45.00.  A one-of-a-kind creation perfect as a side table snugged up to a chair!  For this DIY project look here.

Gravy Boat ~$10.00.  Love the modern handle on this piece!

Wood Corbel ~ $15.00.  When designing a room, I use architectural pieces like this one to add interest and texture to a space.       

Apples Oil Painting ~ $20.00.

Framed Mirror ~ $25.00.  I love using mirrors in a room ~ they visually enlarge a space and reflect light. 

Handmade Crocheted Bridge Cloth ~ $15.00.  You don't have to know how to play bridge to use this special piece.  Toss it on a table or frame it as an interesting art installation.  

Primitive Wood Box with Iron Hardware ~ $45.00.  This handmade box would be perfect as a coffee table or side table.  It's loaded with character and also provides extra storage.  Dimensions: 25 3/4" W x 18" D x 15 3/4" H.



Clown Prints ~ $12.00 set of 2.  Retro prints in silver frames w/glass.  Colorful art for a kid's bedroom or bathroom.

 Lantern ~ $12.00.  Loving this pop of red ~ a great addition to your decor ~ indoors or out (measures 14" from top of handle to bottom of base). 

Linen Napkins Crocheted Trim ~ $4.00 set of 2.

Buffet ~ $150.00.  Great in a dining room or kitchen ~ it also works well as an entry table or a sofa table!  Dimensions:  54" W x 17" D x 36 1/2" H (the highest point on the back is 39 3/4" H).

Wire Dish Drainer ~ $25.00.  Great for dishes but also makes a wonderful office organizer.  See how I used it here.  

Wood Pig Cutting Boards ~ $15.00 Large ~ $10.00 Medium.  These little piggy's are handmade and fully functional.

3 Piece Tea Service ~ $20.00.  Well worn ~ (for decorative purposes only) beautiful in detail.

Wood Chinese Checker Board ~ $20.00.  This handmade board is engraved by the original artist on the back ~ I think game boards are fabulous hanging on a wall or propped on a shelf as art.

Glass Fish Bowl ~ $12.00.  This bowl is longing to hold a special collection ~ what would you fill it with?

Silver Plate Serving Pieces ~ $5.00 each.  Large serving spoon, pie server and soup ladle.

Silver Plate Serving Pieces ~ $5.00 each.  Pie Server, Fork and Server.

Needlepoint Chair Cover ~ $15.00.  A beautiful, textural piece made with TLC.  Wouldn't it be lovely framed?

Wood Egg Crate ~ $45.00.  A primitive beauty!  Dimensions:  13 1/2" W x 13 1/2" D x 13 1/2" H.

Please feel free to contact me regarding specific details/measurements on any item.  Thanks again for stopping by Tattered Style.  I hope you have a lovely weekend.  

Vibrant in Blue / Vintage Receiving Stand

I had a feeling I wouldn't be able to part with this old receiving stand when I found it on Craigslist.  Stands like this were, and still are, used in restaurants and various other places as a receiving station.  When it came time for me to sell some Tattered Style treasures (aka Stash) at the Dallas Market this past winter, I had every intention of selling this wonderful old piece.  But the longer it sat around here, the more it's vibrant blue color grew on me.   

It was pretty dirty and neglected when my husband picked it up and brought it home to me.  He said it had been sitting out in the open for an undetermined amount of time.  Really, all it needed was a little TLC. 

Just recently I had a little time to give it some attention.  I scrubbed it down from top to bottom.  Then I scraped any loose paint off with a 5-in-1 tool (I use this tool quite often with projects ~ I've found it to be an absolute essential to have in my toolbox).  I gave it a final cleaning with some #OOO steel wool.  Lastly, I sealed it with some Minwax wipe on satin polyurethane ~ a breeze to work with ~ you simply wipe it on with an old cloth.  Find it here.

The piece is a bit of a departure from my normal neutral surroundings ~ but I do love the pop of color it provides.  I love the way it cozies up this corner of my dining room.  It's ample sized drawer holds napkins and placemats.  By the way, the black and white pen and ink drawing hanging above it was a $10 find at the Wisteria Outlet.

Someday I may choose to pass this wonderful old receiving stand along ~ but for now, I'm enjoying it for myself.  However ~ I am planning on selling some other items in an online sale ~ I hope to have it up later this week.  Be sure to stop back by Tattered Style again soon!