MARIA LISA POLEGATTO - Blog

Reclaimed Bricks

22/9/2023

by Maria Lisa Polegatto September 22, 2023

In Fiona Hurricane (2022) my chimney was damaged due to the high winds. It was just replaced and it looks beautiful again. I'm so happy it is back in great condition.

With keeping sustainability in mind, I pulled out some of the bricks that were reusable from the tear down to use around my property. They make great additions to flower beds, walkways and art. There is no need to throw out perfectly good materials to the trash when they can be reclaimed and used. I do need to chip off the old cement but I love the look of these bricks.

Recycle, reuse and create art whenever you can :)

1950's Trunk Recycled

5/8/2023

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

Freshening up a Dresser

15/3/2023

Furniture Floral redo

The weather is stormy outside but inside we are freshening up some furniture for a floral delight awaiting springtime!

Purple dresser (yes, purple!) with gold trim and floral decor!

Thrifting on the Right Coast - Make Over

15/3/2023

Water Vessel used for Kings and Queen

Before

A little elbow grease and some copper polish and this vessel is ready to sail into new life! (Before - left, AFter - below).

The story behind this vessel........it is used to give water to Kings and Queens.

If you are interested in this piece, send me a message :)

Water vessel used for Kings and Queens

After

Thrifting on the Right Coast

15/3/2023

Thrift With Me

5/3/2023

I love to find old items and put them to new use. Here are two items I found on the weekend - a wine rack to convert to a towel rack and an old painting of Dorchester Street, Sydney, NS.

I hope you are enjoying your weekend. God bless everyone,
Lisa

New Book is published!

25/2/2023

I'm excited to share my new book:

Deep Dive Into The Ocean Ecosystem With The Giants! (the Giants being whales).

It is based on my university research project.

Please dive in with a big splash and enjoy the read about whales from their ears to their blubber to their flukes and everything in between.

How can you love a whale that helps to mitigate climate change and nature survive?

If you love nature too, dive in too!

Lisa :)

Dog Treats - Doggie Meatballs

14/1/2023

Do you spend a lot of money buying dog treats and they don't even like them? I've always fed my dogs some good old fashioned food and they love it. Lately I've been making my own treats for my fur babies. Here's a recipe for you- I call them doggie meatballs but you can eat them too!

Book Now Available

12/12/2022

If you love to read, here is the link to my book, below. Join me in Thundering Mountain Ranch, As Feather Fall. Now available in hard cover in some markets. Still available in Kindle and paper copy worldwide. Let me know how you enjoyed your visit to the ranch.

www.amazon.ca/Maria-Lisa-Polegatto/e/B07C6X1GRB/ref=aufs_typ_fta_dsk?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=Qgz50&content-id=amzn1.sym.9a6ebb18-51cc-4595-8dc9-2b19620ddb18&pf_rd_p=9a6ebb18-51cc-4595-8dc9-2b19620ddb18&pf_rd_r=P5XQH3RYQE50H5P4BAFD&pd_rd_wg=awTBF&pd_rd_r=c7f38dce-1207-42a4-9c84-8916048ba269

Beach Bums

13/2/2022

My dogs and I are beach bums! We roam the ocean shores and enjoy the sounds of the waves crashing on the shores, the rolling rocks as the waves roll in and out and wonder at the sights and sounds of wildlife. Some days are sunny and warm and others are foggy and drizzly. We always bring a variety of clothes so we are ready for all conditions. Lunch is always a treat to eat at the ocean side on a log nature has conveniently provided.