Welcome back and Happy New Year! I hope you had an amazing holiday and you’re enjoying your first few days of 2018.
For the last two weeks, I took a break from painting furniture, blogging, and social media. It felt a little odd, but it also felt really good. I listened to podcasts – The Tim Ferris Show being my favorite right now because he has fascinating guests – and re-read a few inspiring books – Feel The Fear and Do it Anyway by Susan Jeffers (an oldie but goodie) and Stephen Pressfield’s The War of Art. I spent time with family and friends and even had some lazy-time cozying up on the couch with MMM and Netflix while eating leftovers and ordering in.
In between all this relaxing, I started goal setting for 2018 while reflecting on the past year. Although there were definitely some personal challenges, 2017 was very good to me.
Just to highlight a few of my blessings, my dream of being published in a magazine came true when I was asked to become a Reloved Magazine Contributor. I learned to ‘toughen-up’ and paint and move furniture in clever ways while dealing with frozen shoulder aka adhesive capsulitis- which still isn’t 100% ‘thawed’, but at least it’s moving and I don’t deal with constant pain. I made progress decorating my home and maybe more importantly, sharing the process with you which was outside my comfort zone. And partly in doing so, this little DIY blog of mine has increased in traffic and subscribers which makes me SO happy because I LOVE welcoming more creative DIYers to the SI family!
To top things off, I had the pleasure of meeting beautiful people while buying, selling and painting furniture, not to mention making new friends online. I even had the opportunity and pleasure to meet a few of you in person! My hopes for 2018 is much more of the same goodness and growth. I’m filled with gratitude.
So, as I thought about what my first post of the year should be, I decided to ease back into blogging by sharing the one resolution I hope we can ALL take into 2018!
TO SALVAGE … AND HOPEFULLY, INSPIRE OTHERS ALONG THE WAY!
A salvaged item can be found curbside, purchased at a thrift store, it can be a family hand me down, or a piece reimagined from shopping your own home.
A salvaged item is anything that is rescued or rediscovered and given a second chance.
I believe inspired creative upcycling is on the rise and becoming trendy, while the stigma of used items is disappearing. And how amazing is that!
If you’re a creative DIYer who gets more excited and inspired at a thrift store or flea market rather than a shopping mall – or have more fun searching for treasures on Craigslist rather than a trendy boutique – or have NO problem rescuing something curb-side when you see potential – you can restyle gorgeous one-of-a-kind items for your home OR build an entire business on repurposing!
The one resolution I hope we can ALL take into 2018 is to keep salvaging and restyling to give unloved items a beautiful new life.
I know I’ll keep doing my best to give YOU the inspiration, confidence, and tools, to easily create one-of-a-kind-salvaged projects for yourself! I’ll start by tackling these chairs for the second time and sharing the makeover with you next week. 🙂
Happy New Year and Happy Salvaging my friends!
Denise xo
HOW WAS YOUR HOLIDAY? DID YOU MAKE ANY NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS? FEEL FREE TO CHIME IN OR SAY ‘HI’… I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU!
Hi Denise, Ha New Year to you. I am in need of some expert advise. I am redoing a cupboard/buffet (similar to the one you did with the fretwork in the back) anyhoo, there is a very small patch of veneer on the side of the cabinet that I can’t get off.. Any suggestions? I’m not in a position to put it on its side and apply water or a solvent???? Any help will; be appreciated.
Happy New Year Kathy! Have you tried applying heat? I bought a really inexpensive heat gun which works great but if you don’t have a heat gun, a hair dryer might do the trick.
Denise, you’re a girl after my own heart! .I haven’t stepped foot in a furniture store in years because it’s so much fun to salvage a vintage piece and give it new life – besides, they’re built better. You always do such a beautiful job reloving your salvaged finds and I look forward to seeing what you have in store for us in 2018. Happy New Year!
Thanks, Marie and Happy New Year! We’re kindred spirits. 🙂 I totally agree – vintage pieces are built to last and it’s a privilege to breathe new life into them. I can’t wait to share and also see what YOU have in store for us! XO
Hi Denise. I just LOVE your New Year’s resolution. You are a great inspiration to all of us SI followers. I look forward to seeing all of your salvaged upcycles in 2018.
Hi Monique and Happy New Year! I look forward to sharing my salvaged upcycles with you. I have some GREAT inventory I can’t wait to get my hands on. 🙂
Kudos to you Denise for taking the valuable time to inspire and encourage all of us to salvage & create. I for one am very thankful I discovered your blog and will continue to faithfully follow you as you share your masterpieces with us. May 2018 bring inspiration to you and good health. Thanks for sharing all your work with us.
Thanks for being an inspiration to ME Tracy! I love seeing all your salvaged pieces come to life and the creativity you put into them. Happy 2018 my friend! XOXO
Denise,
I have every intention of re-salvaging, Looking forward to 2018 and many projects to refurbish with my
own ideas!
Hi Carli!!! And I know you’re off to a great start with your chalk painted piece. 😉 All the best in 2018. xo