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by Maria Lisa Polegatto
I love looking for project ideas to recycle and use items instead of throwing to the trash items that have great character and usability. I can't lie this project was a whole lot of work but so worth it in the end.
To start this project I purchased this old 1950's trunk from my local thrift store and wiped it down to clean it as soon as I got it home. I could tell it's age by the joins of the joints that is no longer being used. It is a big trunk and I'm lucky it fit in my small vehicle. I know I need to upgrade to a bigger vehicle but the gas mileage is keeping me in my small vehicle that I absolutely love. You would be surprised what I can fit in my car with the seats folded down, including 3 big dogs when my cousin's dog came to visit for a few weeks.
Next I sanded down this project on my back deck and filled all the holes, scratches and dents in with wood filler. I hope my neighborhood doesn't mind the constant noise pollution of sanding, hammering, and noise coming from my backyard. There is nothing like being outside in the sunshine gardening and doing projects.
I continued with this project by painting it with many coats of already mixed paint and paint I mixed up and and waiting for it dry between coats while swinging in my hammock while the dogs brought me balls to throw for them over the deck. I just need to convince them to let go of the ball when the bring it back to me. More training for Mom required!
I used a decoupage process for the turtle and blended it in and had to add more of the turtle and design as it was not long or wide enough to fit the entire top of the piece. While painting is a lot of work, decoupage is so much more work. I felt like I was cheating at first but there is an art in itself of this process to get the wrinkles out.
To finish the product I aged it and waxed it with both black and clear wax. I was lucky to be able to use the original hardware that was on the trunk, including handles, hinges and latch. The only part missing is the key which I might try to obtain from a local locksmith.
While I'm attached to this trunk now, I also sell my art so if you are interested, let me know. Otherwise, I have a blanket on top to protect the top and my dog has decided I put that blanket on for them to sit, lay, sleep and do neighborhood watch from. It's definitely Tilly and Bella approved!
The best part is the turtle. I love my sea turtle beach patrol missions with my two furry beach patrol assistants (officially that's the word but I really know it's the dogs that find all the beach treasures, finds and interesting items that wash ashore). I'm happy to report we have had no turtle strandings.
#furniture #Artist #art #naturelovers #getoutside #sustainability #recycle #lovewherewelive #NovaScotialife #beachbums #beachcombing
I love looking for project ideas to recycle and use items instead of throwing to the trash items that have great character and usability. I can't lie this project was a whole lot of work but so worth it in the end.
To start this project I purchased this old 1950's trunk from my local thrift store and wiped it down to clean it as soon as I got it home. I could tell it's age by the joins of the joints that is no longer being used. It is a big trunk and I'm lucky it fit in my small vehicle. I know I need to upgrade to a bigger vehicle but the gas mileage is keeping me in my small vehicle that I absolutely love. You would be surprised what I can fit in my car with the seats folded down, including 3 big dogs when my cousin's dog came to visit for a few weeks.
Next I sanded down this project on my back deck and filled all the holes, scratches and dents in with wood filler. I hope my neighborhood doesn't mind the constant noise pollution of sanding, hammering, and noise coming from my backyard. There is nothing like being outside in the sunshine gardening and doing projects.
I continued with this project by painting it with many coats of already mixed paint and paint I mixed up and and waiting for it dry between coats while swinging in my hammock while the dogs brought me balls to throw for them over the deck. I just need to convince them to let go of the ball when the bring it back to me. More training for Mom required!
I used a decoupage process for the turtle and blended it in and had to add more of the turtle and design as it was not long or wide enough to fit the entire top of the piece. While painting is a lot of work, decoupage is so much more work. I felt like I was cheating at first but there is an art in itself of this process to get the wrinkles out.
To finish the product I aged it and waxed it with both black and clear wax. I was lucky to be able to use the original hardware that was on the trunk, including handles, hinges and latch. The only part missing is the key which I might try to obtain from a local locksmith.
While I'm attached to this trunk now, I also sell my art so if you are interested, let me know. Otherwise, I have a blanket on top to protect the top and my dog has decided I put that blanket on for them to sit, lay, sleep and do neighborhood watch from. It's definitely Tilly and Bella approved!
The best part is the turtle. I love my sea turtle beach patrol missions with my two furry beach patrol assistants (officially that's the word but I really know it's the dogs that find all the beach treasures, finds and interesting items that wash ashore). I'm happy to report we have had no turtle strandings.
#furniture #Artist #art #naturelovers #getoutside #sustainability #recycle #lovewherewelive #NovaScotialife #beachbums #beachcombing
