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Saturday, June 18, 2011

TRASH TO TREASURE...

It's amazing what you can find in a neighbor's trash, while you are walking your dog...


This was sitting next to my neighbor's mailbox... damp... completely covered in dirt/mud...downright yucky!


And it called to me.....
(Of course, my neighbor thought I was crazy...)


A little elbow grease later...the dirt was off...and I let it dry out.


Then I painted it with diluted white paint and an old chip brush (my favorite "new" tool!)








Using a guide I made on the computer...and a little charcoal on the back, I traced out the lettering. Then with a flat #4 brush, I handpainted the words from one of my favorite songs (Summer Breeze by Seals and Croft). After it had dried for a day,  I scruffed it up with sandpaper...


Then added a "driftshell" bottom...mostly broken or worn shells I have collected from both Florida coasts...east and west.  (Shellbelle is rubbing off on me!)


Now to hang it on the lanai............


Happy weekend...and to all the dad's out there, Happy Father's Day!
Jane


I am linking up with Masterpiece Monday at http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com. There are some wonderful things to see here....Check it out!
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27 comments:

  1. Desert DreamingSaturday, June 18, 2011 at 1:20:00 PM EDT

    OK, that is the cutest thing ever!!!! You are so creative it's unreal!!! I just love it!

    Joni

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  2. Keetha BroylesSaturday, June 18, 2011 at 2:24:00 PM EDT

    tres chic

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  3. DellaSaturday, June 18, 2011 at 2:53:00 PM EDT

    Oh my gosh! I love it! Who cares what the neighbor thinks! You made art honey. That is just clever, and beautiful! I want one!!!

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  4. Ricki TreleavenSaturday, June 18, 2011 at 6:03:00 PM EDT

    Jane, this is such an adorable project! Love the lyrics you used, too. *awesome*

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  5. ~Lavender Dreamer~Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 8:53:00 PM EDT

    Oh, I love it! And the driftshells at the bottom are the perfect touch! I can find more ways to decorate with seashells, can't you? ♥

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  6. Nana's NuggetsSaturday, June 18, 2011 at 9:03:00 PM EDT

    This is so cute! Good Job!

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  7. KatSaturday, June 18, 2011 at 10:12:00 PM EDT

    I love this! I probably would have dug it out of the trash too (ignoring DH's eye rolls) But I don't think I would have come up with something this great! Love the song too, what a great project. Kat

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  8. Julie@beingRUBYSaturday, June 18, 2011 at 10:28:00 PM EDT

    Gorgeous.. I love it!! and love what you have done with it..

    I once found a gramophone stand in my neighbours junk and loved it to pieces .. though sadly gave it away.. and eye it jealously every time I visit my friend.. hehe

    Sorry I took so long to visit.. have the flu!!! Have a great weekend. ciao xxx Julie

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  9. Barbara JeanSunday, June 19, 2011 at 12:32:00 AM EDT

    I like it! I like it!!

    blessings
    barbara jean

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  10. Ugich KonitariSunday, June 19, 2011 at 4:31:00 AM EDT

    Came here from Sylvia's....what a great idea !

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  11. mermaid gallerySunday, June 19, 2011 at 10:07:00 AM EDT

    Now that's innovative!...seeing the beauty and bringing it out in such a useful, artistic way...I bet you get lots of compliments on it!...nice!

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  12. Linda@ Lime in the CoconutSunday, June 19, 2011 at 11:53:00 AM EDT

    ...Blowin' through the jasmine of my miiiiiind.


    LOVE it!

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  13. Leo Sunday, June 19, 2011 at 12:18:00 PM EDT

    I love this...it came out so cute. I would love to have stumbled across the shutter...but I am not sure I would have had the creativity to turn it into such a treasure! Hope you are having a great day. My blogger comment issue seems to have fixed itself.

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  14. jmacSunday, June 19, 2011 at 1:49:00 PM EDT

    Cool Beans!!! Love it!

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  15. Vivienne @ the V SpotSunday, June 19, 2011 at 2:15:00 PM EDT

    Fabulous! I love a good roadside rescue! Great vision and perfect for summer.

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  16. Lauren @ My Wonderfully MadeSunday, June 19, 2011 at 8:58:00 PM EDT

    HAHA! Have your neighbors seen what you did with their cast-off?! Beautiful job!!

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  17. Heaven's WalkSunday, June 19, 2011 at 10:34:00 PM EDT

    LUV IT! LUV IT!! What WAS your neighbor thinking getting rid of that treasure....? lol! You breathed new life into it and now it's just fabulous!! :)

    xoxo laurie

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  18. ArabellaTuesday, June 21, 2011 at 11:35:00 PM EDT

    Oh, Jane! That is SOOO totally fabulous - I love it!

    Hugs,
    Marie

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  19. Maria KillamTuesday, June 21, 2011 at 11:51:00 PM EDT

    How great is that! Love what you did and so creative!
    x
    Maria

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  20. rjerdeeWednesday, June 22, 2011 at 11:51:00 AM EDT

    That IS a masterpiece, Jane! What? It's Wednesday after Father's Day and I just got over here? I'm waaaay behind these days...too many ballgames and birthday parties.
    Love the driftshell signature at the bottom of your masterpiece? Makes me think of Rhonda.

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  21. lilabragaFriday, June 24, 2011 at 12:31:00 AM EDT

    fabulous!!!!!
    what a creative mind you have!
    fabulous blog too!
    hugs
    lila

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  22. Completely CoastalFriday, June 24, 2011 at 12:51:00 PM EDT

    I love, love the warm breeze down here in FL -great project and sign!!

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  23. SHERRY HARTSaturday, June 25, 2011 at 7:41:00 PM EDT

    Hey! I love me some trash! That was a cute makeover.....

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  24. Simple DaisySunday, June 26, 2011 at 10:25:00 PM EDT

    That is AWESOME!!! What a lucky find:) And I LOVE what you did with it! You are just so creative!!

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  25. Moore MinutesMonday, June 27, 2011 at 6:06:00 PM EDT

    You made this?!! Wooow. The colors you chose are AWESOME. I want one lol.

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  26. ShellbelleFriday, July 1, 2011 at 7:52:00 AM EDT

    WOW! Jane this came out perfect! You are so creative my friend and I would go trash picking with you anytime. You've got such a good eye to see what something can be, good for your decor and the environment.

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  27. Seaside StyleFriday, July 8, 2011 at 5:15:00 AM EDT

    Jane, this is adorable, CAME OUT GREAT!

    ReplyDelete

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