Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Decorating with No Money to Spend!

Okay, I know I can't be the only one that is in the position I am right now. I have this strong desire for new prim stuff and the yearning to decorate (or redecorate). However, we are hit with both of our kids birthdays not long after the Christmas holidays, which means extra expenses on eating out, parties, and gifts (Feb. and March), so what to do when you see all those wonderful selling blogs and etsy stores out there with all those beautiful prim pieces that you so desire? Well I have to make a list, so I know I'll get them eventually.....then.....I start searching around my house for what I can do to give me a little different look. I also make my husband a list of things I want him to make me soon! Then I start moving around, changing things, taking things away....whatever it takes to make me feel better about a new look!

So this is what I came up with in the last couple of days. Mind you, it's nothing big or anything, but it made me feel better. So bear with me! :)

First of all, here's the little prim crow bowl that I found last year at Goodwill. It was sitting there empty since Christmas (I never got around to putting anything else in it). I started raiding drawers and found these Easter egg pipberries and grunged Easter tag.



Simple, I know, but luckily I like simple. So this is what went on my table bench on the table in the breakfast nook in the kitchen. It at least hints of spring.



Then next to it is my beloved stepback cupboard that Jason made me. Remember the rolling pin I found at Goodwill last week? Well there wasn't room in the crock I was thinking of, so I put it here in the cupboard with the cinnamon rolls, wooden bowl, spoons, and dough board. I really want some primitive labels for the jars on top. That's definitely on the list.



Even Joy walked by and noticed this and commented on liking it there! Yay! Somebody noticed!



Then I found some nice spring flowers/greenery to put in the little Americana basket that I also found at Goodwill last week for I believe 99 cents. It shares the table with my pump lamp and the stitchery that my online friend, Janet, made and sent to me a couple of months ago.



The table it sits on came from my mom. She got some new furniture and this table actually used to belong to me a long time ago. She gave it back. I want to do something different to it.



I have New England red walls, navy, beige and a federal sort of blue in the living room, so I'm undecided as to painting it and if so, what color. Any suggestions? It needs a facelift, I think.

While in the living room, I wasn't happy with my shelf above the couch. Now what would really make me happy (in my mind's eye) are many prim goodies that I have on my list, but until then....I had to shop at home. So this is what I came up with.



I put up the wooden flag I made last year.




I had the wooden heart somewhere else and had taken it down awhile back. Then the real treasure was this little sewing machine that belonged to my Aunt. My mother found it in her closet a few weeks ago and asked if I wanted to display it. Of course, I did! I was excited about having this. My Aunt Jo, I think, actually did some sewing on it as a younger girl. She is now in her 80's.



So THAT, my friends, is what I do to fulfill a decorating need when I have no money to spend on you tempting crafters putting wonderful goodies in your shoppes! But don't give up on me, I do have my list...... :)

39 comments:

the said...

Ya know, just tonight, I was thinking I need to redecorate the house.... get it ready for Spring and do some cleaning too!!
Your home is pretty as always :)

WoolenSails said...

Everything looks wonderful and just the right touches to keep it prim and simple. I do that a lot, use things in different ways to redecorate and thrifts are always the best place to find goodies to add on.

Debbie

Diane B said...

Hi Tammy thanks for stopping by my blog.. I love your stepback cupboard that you have its awesome and thanks for stopping by my blog
I'm now following you too.
visit my prim forum too if you would like
http://aprimitivejourney.proboards106.com

Hugs Diane ( not tracy lol)

Susan said...

Your re-decorating looks great! You are not alone. I so want some of Kindra's blocks - they are on my list. Since I began blogging back in November I've really seen alot of great ideas and make overs out there which makes me want to go on the hunt for things I want. And most times I give into the temptation when I know I shouldn't. You know, the Lord gives us EVERYTHING we need. And I feel so guilty for wanting more. I guess the good part of it all is that we have been able to find alot at thrift shops. I have some extra labels from Yankee Lane Primitives that I will be glad to share with you if you would like to have them.

Never So Simple said...

Too funny I was looking for your etsy shop so I could show my hubby that table bench. :) Now I can just sow him this picture. :)

I am going to shoot you an email.

Oh and I love all the tweaking you did. It looks great and I like shopping around my home sometimes.

Donna

Simple Home said...

Your photos look great. I've been changing things around too. It must be that Spring is in the air. I even painted and decorated a soup can today to use as a Spring vase.
Marcia

Tammy said...

I just love all the fun little details! The water pump lamp really caught my eye...that is so sweet! And the Americanna flag that you made...wow, it's beautiful!

I agree...there are so many ways to decorate on a budget...you have a lot of creativity, but I know those of us with just a bit could still do quite a lot! :)
Hugs,
~Tammy (the more decor challenged one)

Marjorie (Molly) Smith said...

I really love all of the tweaking you did, I learned years ago as a new bride and then a Momma of 3 with little money, the best way to do the decorating changes is to rearrange what you have and it looks like a whole new space.
I am wanting to do a lot of repainting and redecorating, but now as a retired senior with limited income and soon to be less...I have boxes of stored stuff accumulated over the years to swap out with.
Love your stepback cupboard.

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Hi Tammy,
Love the stepback cupboard and how you decorated it with the rolling pin and cakes:)

The only way I know to schelch the wanting of new prims is to shop at GW and redo and I'm lucky enough to have the 51% off room at The Country Store:)
Have a great day and you did a great job on the spring redo of your home:)
Rondell
PS I love Joy's blog she has really grown with her writing as time has went by!

basketsnprims said...

Tammy,
Sometimes all it takes is for us to move things around in our homes and it seems like we have new stuff. I often move things from room to room until I find just the look I'm looking for. I love your cupboard and your displays about your home. Have a wonderful day.
Pam

Denise said...

Everything looks so good! I do the same thing with my decorating. Funny how different things look when displayed in another room.

Have a great day, Denise

THE SANDY DOG BAKERY said...

Such great photos...everything looks great!

CozyGirl said...

I love everything you did Tammy !The rolling pin is perfect in that spot! It really does help to move things around for a fresh new look. I hope you have a good day and stay warm if you're getting that ice you were expecting !
Janae :-)

Katy said...

Everything looks great Tammy!!! I love it all!!! :)

carolyn@simple~primitive~devotion said...

Tammy,
I do the same thing! Money is always tight at our house, and even moreso that my daughter is out of work. Her hubby did finally get a job (Praise God!), but it will be more than 2 weeks before he gets his first paycheck. So we have been doubling up on groceries and sharing with them, and giving them gas money, etc. Just anything to help them get by. Times are really tough for a lot of people!
I will stop at the thrift stores when I can, but I don't always buy.
I like things simple too, and I have so much already that I really do not need anymore. But it's nice to make a simple change, like you said. And I think your changes are very nice! You have a great eye, and your home is beautiful. I never get tired of Americana, so seeing what you did in your livingroom made me smile. And your red cupboard looks so nice the way you arranged your things. I love rolling pins too.
Whatever it takes to get us over the slump! LOL! I hope you enjoy your day today!

Unknown said...

WOW, just your lil touches make such a nice difference.
I also want to decorate but lack funds right now so I've shopped in my basement..lol..
Enjoy your Day!

Shelley said...

I love all your decorative touches! That cupboard your husband made is so wonderful! Especially love that color! I noticed your metal star...I'm really getting hooked on those! I'm like you - there are quite a few things I would like to buy from some blogger friends - I'm keeping my budget and hope to pick up a couple items next month. (P.S. I hope your card arrives soon - the others received their stuff!)

Blessed Beyond said...

I love it all! I love the rolling pin with the cinnamon rolls and I really love the shelf in your living room! Everything looks wonderful! And I know just what you mean about redocorating with what you have. I have been spring cleaning and moving some things around. I redecorated a few things in my kitchen and living room. And I am happy with how it all has turned out too! Sometimes it really is the littlest things to make it feel new and fresh and bring the smile to our face! Have a great day!
Hugs and Blessings,

Anne said...

Everything looks great....love the cinnabuns and rolling pin grouping!
anne

Sharon said...

I love what you did around your home.
I also am on a tight budget so I just clean and move things around and take out things that I have put away and when done it give me a good feeling.
Thanks for sharing.

NanaNor's said...

Love it,love it, love it~ I totally understand wanting to fluff our nest for spring and I'm in the same boat as you, except all my fluff is packed away. So I'm trying to make do too. Love the featherlite sewing maching as well as your cupboard-Id love one like that for my sewing room. Have a wonderful day.

Janene said...

Tammy~
I have gobs of those coffee stained labels!!
Let me know what you want and I will check my stash and gift them to you!
I have way too many...and I don't know what to do with them!
So please contact me so that I can get them out to you!

Wendy/TheCozyYellowHouse said...

I shop around the house too when I want to change things up and have no money to splurge on new things!!! I love your stepback cupboard it looks so prim and homey!!! Have a great day my friend!~Wendy

Cat Nap Inn Primitives said...

don'tcha love tweaking..I love it..you did a wonderful job and have beautiful things...:)

•♦•©The Olde Weeping Cedar •♦• said...

All your little re-placings look great!! I do the same thing. Move stuff around and it gives the same ole piece a whole new look :) Or I mean the same ole room a new look...or whatever, we tweakers and -replacers know what I mean. Right??
I have a looooong "prim goodies wish list" I think we all do! :)
Hope you had a wonderful day, Tammy.

Hugs-Kath

The Sweetest Things said...

I love the decorating you do.It all looks so nice. I love the cupboard. Makes me wanta start decorating. Thanks for the pics and ideas. Hugs

Mandy said...

It looks great, Tammy. I did some free redecorating recently too! I moved some things around and grubbed up some easter eggs and candles. I also made myself a couple of signs out of some scrap wood left over from our back porch project!

Mandy

Joy ~ Doodlebug ~ said...

Mom,

I love all your changes....yes, I noticed.....I notice everything......mwaa haaa!!! lol!!!! I know you're always temted when you look at the Antique Mall. I like it when you go there. I like antiques too. Luv ya!

Love, Joy =D

Birgit said...

All your no cost redecorating looks so fresh and new! Don't you just love moving things around for a new look. I do!
Thanks for sharing your prim home! I always enjoy coming here to visit.
Hugs~ Birgit

Michelle said...

It all looks great!! I am getting ready to redecorate for spring too! I will have to post some pictures as well...I love, love, love prim decor!

Wendi said...

Looks great! I especially like the display on the cupboard.

I have no money to spend on decorating my kitchen. I am hopeful that hubby can make me a few things. If not I will be making do.

Have a great weekend!

Julie said...

Oh, Tammy!

Everything is so pretty! Isn't it fun to shop at home? Re-decorating without spending a cent. Makes you feel so clever!!!

I also wanted to tell you that I just love what you did with your daughter's chair! It's just lovely! She has the sweetest room!

Blessings,
Julie

Shari said...

Love what you did for ZERO dollars! It's nice to be able to change things without spending any money. I do it a lot of times myself.

Love your blog!

And the cupboard is wonderful! I've added one to my growing wish list. LOL!!

Hugs,
Shari

Colleen/And Baby Makes Five said...

I can so relate, Tammy! Your rearranging/redecorating looks so lovely. Enjoy the little changes and have fun making out that wish list...

Anonymous said...

I like your color scheme and particurly the way you have put in some punches of yellow with the red. Great contrast...Just one simple idea that I do occasionally - I trim my trees, shrubs and then spray paint some of the clippings and place them in a vase. A very inexpensive way to have something new & have it exactly the color I want.

Happily Ever After said...

Hi Tammy,

Love the "new" items that you have placed around and about. It all looks wonderful.

You know what the blessing is here...you had "extra" items that you were able to pull out and use. We all have such an abudance of items. God is so good to all of us.

You did a great job with everything.

gigi

Unknown said...

Nice ideas!

Danny Carter said...

Everything looks wonderful and just the right touches to keep it prim and simple. I do that a lot, use things in different ways to redecorate and thrifts are always the best place to find goodies to add on. Debbie

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