This past weekend was perfect for spiffing up the outdoor party area.  I decided to wash all the chair and chaise cushions as well as the throw pillows.

Everything came out perfectly except for the large throw pillow covers.  They were VERY faded, stained, and looked terrible even after washing.  They are about 3 years old, so probably about time to replace…although not at the top of my list for spending money on.

I took them out of the dryer and briefly turned one inside out and was very...

I left off last time with a completed frame with a butcher block top firmly attached.  I decided to put casters on my Butcher Block (just in case I need it out of the way in a hurry).

 

To do this, either cut a piece of wood the same width and length as the frame that is sitting on the floor (this will also give you a bottom shelf) or just cut 2 pieces of wood the same width as your frame, but only about 4 inches long.  I opted for the latter as I thought that I would prefer to have this spac...

OK! Now it is time to put everything together.

On Friday I took a break after assembling the 2 rectangles made out of shelf brackets. Now place one of the rectangles on the floor with the flat side up. This will be the base of your island.

You will be attaching the 4 legs (also shelf brackets) to this. Be sure that your 4 legs are the same length (about 2” less then you would like your final counter height to be).

Snug one leg base up against one outside corner of your rectangle base.  Bo...

A few weeks ago I found a butcher block top at the Crate and Barrel Outlet which had been part of an island that was damaged. I have always wanted more butcher block counter space (on a small island) but never found the right size at the right price for my small kitchen. The one I found was perfect at 42” by 21”.  The question then for me was, what should I do for a base?

I figured it out…and I don’t think anyone has anything like it.  You can do it too!

All you need are some nuts, ...

Remember the glossy white laminate shelves I found at Crate and Barrel Outlet for $7 each?  Well I added some rustic gnarly sandblasted grape wood legs and made one of them into a chic coffee table!

I find the juxtaposition of the slick white top with the grape wood branches very rich. I would place the table on either a dark ebony stained wood floor or a very light creamy white rug to help it stand out even more.

Here is how you can make your own:

Purchase at least 3 (that is what I used) an...

Remember the pair of old, tarnished, dirty, brass lamps I found at the Alameda Flea Market and Antiques Fair? I’ve finally had a chance to polish one up, and wow, it looks great!

Brass is quite easy to clean up.  While it looks almost new, the brass takes on a time-worn glow (patina) that you can’t find on new lamps.  Here’s how to do it:

First, make sure that your item is actually brass.  You can do this by testing a magnet on it.  If the magnet does not stick, it is brass.  If your ...

Last week at the Alameda Antiques Market and Faire I found a fun fish basket (panier de poissons) that I thought would make a great pendant light. It’s a unique shape and material, and it should cast a very interesting light through the metal wire which will create fun shadows on the wall. Making a pendant light is VERY EASY to do. You can transform almost anything into a pendant once you know the basics. So here’s how!

Materials you will need:

 1. 3 feet or longer piece of covered wire
 2....