Barbara Pagani's Tresor Cache 101

 In the winter I try to bring in as much light into the house as possible. I turned a lace tablecloth into a curtain to give my studio a girly Shabbychic look.

I went by Tricky Inc today and checked this out, perfect fit but needs buttons or clips for winter wear. It's really heavy but reversible with pockets and a hood. I am not sure if I bring it to a tailor or shoe maker for buttons.

I have had this little mirror for more than 20 years. It served a purpose as a key rack for keys for the garage until I was bored.....believe it or not....one day. So off the wall it goes and off to transformation dept. Now I am looking at it in a completely new way, beautiful instead of functional. Now I have to justify selling it or keeping it for the cottage.

I absolutely love this little desk. It has a couple of scratches on the paint but all in all in mint condition for a curb find. The bottle is stamped 1969. I love the 2 little drawers on the top too for my receipts and change. It fits in perfectly in my tight studio with way too much in it already. I sit by the window at my desk and do some water colours but other than that I only work in there now when I am working on bigger paintings because it is small. And to my surprise , I found a similar desk in the new Ikea catalogue with a mirror for $269.00. Now we all now that mine is pure wood and I am loving it.

Here are some of my all time favourite upcycles. All these photos are originally from Pinterest if you want to go to the original web page.  http://www.pinterest.com/tresorcache101/up-cycling-vintage/

Up until this year, I was famous for picking up stuff in the garbage and either bringing it home, cleaning, sanding and then painting some little design on it or even just drop it at the local second hand store, but because I am trying to clean up the house, I have been holding back......until I saw this cute little rocking chair. I was screaming, pick me up, clean me up and come and sit on me while reading a book. So I brought it home last Friday and I am proud of how quickly I worked on it. Maybe it has something to do with Mr. man's frown when he saw it. Anyhow here are the pic's of start to finish, it will look great in my grandson's room, until he is able to sit and read a good book.                                   And here is the lucky winner of this wonderful rocking chair.

here are some wonderful ideas for Joe P, my daughter's boyfriend. Making a greenhouse out of old windows and doors: source: http://charmhome.blogspot.ca/2010/06/adorable-diy-conservatory-guest-blog.html Rain water barrel source:  http://beachbrights.blogspot.ca/2010/01/everybody-is-going-green.html The ultimate rain barrel source: http://conchacastaneda.blogspot.ca/2009/03/got-rain-season-2.html Garden private fencing source:  http://landliebe-cottage-garden.blogspot.ca/2011/08/drei-alte-fensterladen.html retractable awning source:  http://www.luxist.com/photos/retractable-roof-pergola/2009054/

Here is a site that I came across through  http://www.housetweaking.com/2010/10/12/humanite-where-fashion-upcycled-decor-intersect/  called,  hu manité:  dwelling.  style.  compassion. I love the use of recycled, upcycled items for the designs in the store.

I always have modge podge for all the little projects that I do with decoupage but wait until you see what Jennifer does with it to revamp some Ikea furniture at : http://livedinhome.com/2011/03/16/coffee-table-ikea-hack/#comment-57 Isn't this something Mr. Man would allow me to do? Got to get on it, one idea/project at a time.

Check this wonderful idea from http://thriftythinking.wordpress.com/2011/03/30/genie-in-a-bottle/#comment-11 Just too cute....you know how much I just love glass and bottles.

Check this great idea through the Design Sponge team: and also http://tiptoethrough.blogspot.com/ http://www.designspongeonline.com/2011/03/diy-project-ashleys-vintage-suitcase-coffee-table.html Here is another great idea from Beach Vintage