Happy Sunday!!!

Well, AMAZINGLY I didn't have to work today (what a treat!) and I was able to stay home and get a bit creative.  As you probably already know, I LOVE to work with wire, creating sculptures, light fixtures, etc.   I also love using what I have lying around to create new, useful items.  
While cleaning out the studio a couple of weeks ago, I had a little aha-moment as this idea for a photo display popped into my head.  Today I brought it to life using chicken wire, 20 gauge steel wire, and 16 gauge tie wire.  With some pliers, a can of matte black spray paint, and a little finesse, a vintage inspired memory board was born.  I just added in some weathered clothespins and voila!!!

Magazine Rack Makeover...

Here are a few before and after photos of two magazine racks that I found at a thrift store recently.  They were $1.99 each and I bought them on "Half off Day", so they were actually only a buck a piece.  Score!  Yes, they were definitely UGLY and in need of a new look. Here's what I came up with...

                                               Before the paint job, yikes!!!  This is awful looking!

Now with a cool new retro look! The car image is a photo that I took a few years ago of my friends '37' Chevy.  I was going to sell this in my Etsy shop but am now thinking that I'll keep it.  Love how it turned out!!!

                       This next one already sold in my shop on Etsy.  I love how it turned out too!!!

                                                                Before:  boring and outdated...

                                                   After:  It's amazing what a little paint can do!

Rustic charm...

Hello all!!!  Yes, I realize that I've had quite a long vacation from blog posts, but I'M BACK, and I intend to be a little more diligent with my creativity/inspiration reports.  

It's no secret that I am a bit obsessed with home decor and am ever searching for the next addition to my rustic/vintage home collection in my Etsy shop, Rust & Hue.  My most recent works reflect a hand hewn rustic look that embodies a sort of basic, yet elegant, uniqueness.  

These ceramic bowls were created with this idea in mind.  They have an aged copper finished and would look great as display bowls on a weathered wood coffee table.

 

A vintage twist for fall fashion....

 I hit the jackpot recently at an estate sale when I found tons of this gorgeous and charming sheet music, circa 1920-1940.  When I spotted it, the wheels started turning in my mind and I knew that it was the perfect fuel for my creative endeavors!  Here is a glimpse of what I've come up with so far....

Dangle earrings constructed of vintage sheet music, antique brass fittings, and vintage-inspired beads.

Music to my ears...

I had the amazing opportunity to see a live performance by the talented Mr. Edgar Meyer not too long ago.  Awestruck and inspired, I had to let my fingers work a little musical magic as well.  My jazz bass player, constructed of recycled wood, wire, and paper ensures that there's always a little tune in the house!

Wearable endeavors...

I've been dabbling in jewelry making lately which has proven to be a sort of instant gratification outlet for my need to be creative.  Using decorative papers, recycled hardware, and vintage findings, here are a few recent pieces.  These can also be seen in my online shop rustandhue.etsy.com .  Enjoy!

My thrift store find gets a makeover...

With a sturdy frame and gorgeous curves, I decided this old chair could use a new home behind my desk.  With a little sanding, a TON of glossy black paint, and this luxurious Pindler and Pindler fabric, my $17.00 score is ready for the runway! Love, love, love those bargain treasures!