Are you ever curious about what a picker has in their stash?? I know I am. I would love a let-it-all-hang-out tour of the spaces where people pull their pending projects from, wouldn’t you? I imagine a space that’s so full, there’s no room for the car. Or a space that’s so full, they had to rent a storage facility like another picker friend of mine.

My basement is the repository for all big items, and it’s getting that full! I might show you that in another post, but today you’ll see 8 curbside finds…a sneak peek at a picker’s stash, and how long I’ve had them.  I’m stumped over most of these and could use a little advice too.

By the way, if you like let-it-all-hang-out tours, I’ve got another one for you….Vintage Picker Off Limits Home Tour. My answer to the home tours of perfect houses in magazine-spreads.

8 Treasures from the Trash or What Should I Do with These Castoff Gems~

1.

Hubby and I were walking in the neighborhood at dusk and found this sticking out of a nearby trash pile. Oh how I love good junk!!! I picked it up without seeing clearly what it was. It was wood, but missing the stand, and the husband who can fix anything, says he doesn’t know how to fix it. Unbelievable! He probably just doesn’t want to!

It was the next day before I saw the painted images on the shelves. I’ve had this for about 3-4 years. I know it’s as outdated as heck, but I really kinda like the cute little images. Am I crazy?? I know there’s a repurpose in this somewhere!

2.      

This has been in the stash about 10 years. It’s a 2″ thick, heavy wooden piece we surmise broke off a mahogany table. But gollee, are tables this thick? I don’t think so! No telling its origins. We found it in a trash pile in Florida after Hurricane Ivan went whirling through. Last year I ran out of time to turn it into a Christmas sign.

3.  

Just a simple ladderback chair, found in the trash, and in surprisingly good condition. I really hate to cut it up to use its parts, so I’ll probably just paint. This year I was invited to take part in a vintage market, but didn’t feel I had enough items ready, so I really need to work on more of my junk!

4.

I think this is such an interesting piece! We were at an estate sale about 4-5 years ago. Not a darn thing at the sale I wanted because everything was very expensive. And this in the trash! You think it came off the top of an old dresser?? I’m still stumped on what to do with it. I was thinking of asking the hubby who can fix anything to make some little hinged doors for the 2 drawer fronts. Then I might paint it white and hang it on the wall. What do you think?

5.

I’m not sure what this was, but found at an estate sale for $1. I’ve had it a few months. I plan to turn it into a sign. Just haven’t gotten around to it yet.

6.

Here is a round side table bought at an estate sale for $10, and owned about 2 years while I’ve been trying to decide how much of it to paint. I almost hate to paint away that pretty wood grain. The top is scratched up particle board. Would you paint it all over?

7.

Believe it or not, these are parts of a termite-eaten red deck rail I found in someone’s trash. The shapely red posts caught my eye, but I haven’t decided how I want to use them yet….probably in the yard, and yes, the termites are gone. The straight stakes extending down from each post are metal so they could be anchored in the ground somehow. I’ve had these a few months, and I’m still thinking it over. Any ideas?

8.

A wooden mail organizer that I’ve had about 3 years and it’s been dark brown wood, then pink. I made the mistake of decoupaging different images on the 3 front sections…. and they just didn’t look quite right. Another makeover was in store. I sanded all the mistakes off, and gave it a new paint job using Dixie Belle “Dropcloth,” and it looks so much better. I’m in the process of stenciling now. You will see that soon. Here it is in its previously pink state. It looks muted, but I assure you, it was very pink!

That’s it for the sneak peek of my stash. If you have any ideas about the 8 curbside finds, I’m all ears!