Projects Galore

     Projects, Projects, Projects...that's how I have spent my first few days of summer vacation from teaching. It has been so much fun figuring out faster and easier ways to finish projects. With every project comes complications and it is very hard for me to get past some of those "failures." But I haven't given up and continue my search for the best way to re-purpose my "junk."
     Here are a few of my latest projects...

 

     I am finishing up several other projects and will post pictures soon! In other news...my Facebook page has become the center of many comments. I have openly resisted joining Facebook for several reasons and now that I have joined, many of my friends are reminding me of my earlier comments. Of course, I enjoy the humor of it all. :) 

     This week should be slow on the project front. I have several exciting things coming up...birthday parties and baby showers for a couple of my best friends. I can't wait to share some much needed quality time with a few of my favorite people. :) 

     Finally, I thought I would share a website that I have fallen in love with. Barn Light Electric  They are having an annual giveaway and I had to enter. Here are some of the things that I love. Click on the pictures for a link to that specific page.

For anyone who wants to enter...the rules are below. Have a wonderful week! 

Love,

Lindsey 

 

 

Official Rules

Official Giveaway Rules
Our one (1) $1,000.00 and one (1) $500.00 (USD) Barn Light Electric Gift Certificate Giveaway ("Giveaway") is sponsored by Barn Light Electric Company (owner and operator of barnlightelectric.com), 3405 South Washington Avenue Titusville, Florida 32780.
ELIGIBILITY: To enter, you must be age 18 or older. Anyone else may enter, however, additional shipping rates will apply if shipping outside the continental United States. Employees, partners and vendors of Barn Light Electric Company and their immediate family members are not eligible to enter. We will disqualify any entries that we believe are generated by scripts and other automated technology. All prizes will be awarded. No substitutions including for cash are permitted. Winners will be responsible and liable for any and all taxes, duties or fees on the value of their prize.
TO ENTER: Please follow our provided rules to enter:

1. Look around online at Barn Light Electric and pick lights you’d love to own
2. Feature your lighting picks on your personal blog, and link to the lights if you can!
3. Copy/Paste these rules at the bottom of your blog article
4. Once your personal post is up, you must email your blog link to: marketing@barnlightelectric.com to be qualified to win – the contest ends July 2nd, 2012
5. Don’t have a blog? Find out how you can enter by visiting our website or read these Official Rules

For those that do not have a blog but wish to enter, please email the following information to marketing@barnlightelectric.com:

1. First & Last Name
2. Mailing Address
3. City, State, Zip
4. Valid Email Address

An email from the entrant including their blog link must be sent to marketing@barnlightelectric.com in order to become an official entry. You are allowed ONLY ONE ENTRY PER PERSON. Duplicate entries will be discarded. Entries are open from 06/04/2012 at 12:00 am EST to 07/02/2012 at 11:59 pm PST. Entries generated by script, macro or other automated means are void. Normal time, toll, connection and usage rates, if any, charged by your Internet service provider will apply. All entries become the property of the Barn Light Electric Company. By submitting your entry, you will be agreeing that your email and any other information collected in connection with the Giveaway may be used by Barn Light Electric Company in accordance with Barn Light Electric Company's Privacy Policy and may be shared with Barn Light Electric Company's affiliated business entities. All entries must include the entrants valid email address. The email address provided and used by online entrants will be the identity of the entrant and, if selected for a prize, the identity of the winner. We expressly reserve the right to disqualify any entries that we believe in good faith are generated by an automated program or via scripts. By participating, all entrants agree to abide by these Official Giveaway Rules.
WINNERS: After the entry period, two winners will be chosen at random. One (1) $1,000.00 or one (1) $500.00 (USD) Barn Light Electric Gift Certificate will be awarded to each winner. In the event of a dispute regarding the identity of the person submitting the entry, the entry will be deemed to be submitted by the person in whose name the e-mail account is registered. The Giveaway will be conducted under the supervision of Barn Light Electric Company. The decisions of Barn Light Electric Company are final and binding in all matters relating to this Giveaway. The two winners will be notified by email to the email address provided in the entry. Upon notification and prize acceptance, one (1) $1,000.00 and one (1) $500.00 winner will receive an electronic gift certificate redeemable only at barnlightelectric.com. Winner's selection of product can be ordered online or via phone. It is the winner’s responsibility to confirm the order is correct upon receiving the electronic Invoice from Barn Light Electric Company. The amount of the gift certificate can be used towards shipping costs if located within the continental United States, however, additional shipping rates will apply if shipping outside the continental United States. Winners will be responsible and liable for any and all taxes, fees and duties on the value of their prize. If an entrant is found to be ineligible, an alternate winner may also be selected from the pool of eligible entries. Each entry submitted in response to the Giveaway and in accordance with the rules will constitute an official entry. Winners will be announced on or around July 6th, 2012.
GENERAL CONDITIONS AND RELEASES: An entrant or winner may be disqualified from the Giveaway if he or she fails to comply with each provision of these Official Giveaway Rules, as determined in the sole discretion of Barn Light Electric Company. Participation in the Giveaway is at entrant's own risk. Barn Light Electric Company shall make its best efforts to include all valid entrants into the contest. Barn Light Electric Company shall not be responsible for unintentionally excluding valid entrants from the possible winners and also shall not be responsible if valid entrants are not received due to communication errors relating to the internet, email, computer or telephone network failures, human error such as a Barn Light Electric Company employee accidentally not including the entrant in the random drawing, or for any other reason. Barn Light Electric Company does not make any, and hereby disclaims any and all, representations or warranties of any kind regarding any prize. By entering, an entrant agrees to release and hold harmless Barn Light Electric Company and its respective partners, sponsors, subsidiaries and affiliated entities, directors, officers, employees, attorneys, agents, and representatives from any damage, injury, death, loss, claim, action, demand, or other liability (collectively, "Claims") that may arise from their acceptance, possession and/or use of any prize or their participation in this promotion, or from any misuse or malfunction of any prize awarded, regardless of whether such Claims, or knowledge of the facts constituting such Claims, exist at the time of entry or arise at any time thereafter. Any person attempting to defraud or in any way tamper with this Giveaway will be ineligible for prizes and may be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Barn Light Electric Company reserves the right to modify these Official Contest Rules in any way or at any time. Barn Light Electric Company reserves the right, in their sole discretion, to cancel or suspend this Giveaway should viruses, bugs or other causes beyond their control corrupt the administration, security or proper play of the Giveaway. In the event of cancellation or suspension, Barn Light Electric Company shall promptly post a notice on their online Giveaway page to such effect.

Success

     For the last few weeks I have been working on projects, planting flowers, and spreading mulch to get ready for my first "Open Garage" this past Monday. Of course, I had a lot of help from my friends and family! :) As my nights grew longer and my alarm clock remained set for the wee hours of the morning, I neglected my blog...once again! I have been so busy making the projects that I have had very little time to write about them. But my dear friend, Carly decided to share my blog on FACEBOOK! So, I decided that I needed to update. :)
     As Monday rolled around I began doubting my decision to put my work on display. There were so many people continuously sending encouragement and tips my way. So, after all of the bruises, fears, and exhaustion I opened my home and shop to my family and friends. I set a goal and far surpassed it in a way that I never dreamed. The success of the "open garage" has opened my eyes to the possibilities of Restored Charm. Here are some of the things that I sold at the "open garage."

 

     My next step was finally deciding to create a Facebook page. With the help of my Facebook guru friend, we created the Restored Charm page. Slowly, but surely I am adding pictures and inviting friends. 

     As I wrap up an incredibly hectic, yet successful week, I am excited at what the future holds for my little business. I am thankful to my family and friends for their constant help, encouragement, and support. Now...back to the shop to finish up some orders. :) 

Lindsey

Busy Bee

After my last post I had every intention of writing once or twice a week. As you can see, that didn't happen. I have been so busy after work and on the weekends making my projects that I haven't opened my computer since my last post. Last weekend my Daddy came to town. In a whirlwind of about 24 hours, my garage was transformed from a junk yard to a creative workspace and display area for my antiques and projects. The next step is to get concrete poured for the garage.
On the advertisement front, I designed and ordered my first set of business cards. I love the way they turned out. I have also decided to have an "Open Garage Sale" for friends and family on May 21st. I will make some smaller things to sell that day and the larger items can be ordered. Here are some of the things that I have restored. :)
Although I have filled many of my afternoons with projects, I have still found the time to spend some much needed time with my friends. It still amazes me what wonderfully supportive people I have around me. Some are my critics that drive me to make better projects, some are my best customers, and others provide me with laughter and fun to keep me energized! I couldn't do it without them! As usual, I am off to make more projects.

Love,
Lindsey

MIA

Well...I'm back. :) I guess the best way to explain my absence is that I have been a little busy and a little distracted with work, gardening, and dealing with thieves. Yes, that's right...while I was enjoying my spring break kayaking with my little sis, my lawn mower was stolen. But why dwell on the negative! Now, kayaking...is something everyone should try it! Allison and I spent the day Monday on the Broad River in Danielsville, GA, camped Monday night, and then decided to go down the river again on Tuesday. Between the rapids, Idgie, and a halfway inflated air mattress to sleep on, we couldn't stop laughing! In case you want to experience this yourself...here is the link to The Broad River Outpost. http://www.broadriveroutpost.com/ This is a shot of Idgie, after we made it safely through a crazy rapid! I think she enjoyed it!


Over the last month, I have spent quite a bit of time and collecting things from my MawMaw's house and off the side of the street. I was called a, "Lagrange Picker" earlier today! :) I haven't spent a lot of time working on projects because I made a decision to wait on pursuing the building to sell my things. Instead, I am going to make and sell my treasures out of my garage. So, spread the word and let know if you need anything for your home or garden! In March, I made these birthday decorations for my niece, Kayla's, 3rd birthday. Also, I just finished a pair of shutter plant stands...sorry, they are already sold. But there is more where that came from. :)

While I have taken a little time off from the arts and crafts side of things, I have been staying busy by tilling my yard, adding fertilizer, and accumulating various plants for my window box and yard. I built the window box last year when I couldn't find one long enough to fit my window. Then, I painted it turquoise...my favorite color. Gardening has become quite the obsession and in the process, I have even met some new neighborhood friends who gave me some plans to add to my collection. I will post a picture of the yard when everything blooms!
Sorry for not posting lately, but I promise to write again soon! Happy Spring! :)

Presidents' Day Scavenger Hunt...

I have taken full advantage of my day off today and loaded my poor Xterra down with "junk" several times. It definitely took a beating. First, I played around in my garage, which has lately taken on the junk yard look. I definitely don't hate it. I worked on a sign for a friend and then went to pick up a couple of old doors that I recently purchased. On the way, I spotted free wooden fruit crates for the taking and I loaded my front seat down with as many as possible. If it's free...it's for me!

After realizing that I hadn't seen my Grandparents in a while, I ventured out to my old neck of the woods. I love spending time with them and looking around their house makes my mind race with ideas. Although our visits are now confined to my "Grandaddy's Room" in the back of the house, I don't mind one bit. I explain to my Grandaddy what I have been doing and he seems interested and even mentions that I can have some of his "treasures" down at the shop. He also tells me that there are a few picture frames that I might be interested in upstairs. He motioned how to find them with his giant hands that have seen so many years they could tell a story all on their own. Our conversation then turned to advice on cutting a piece of wood at a 45 degree angle, but we are continuously interrupted by my precious Grandmother saying, "You are so pretty. Well you've always been pretty, but now you're just gorgeous." Imagine all of this in the thickest, Scarlett O'Hara accent. After a short visit with my uncle, I head down to the shop to see what I can find. Man, did I hit the jackpot!!! My family is one of those large southern families that daily visits for us would seem like a family reunion to some. My cousins ask what I am doing and are also very supportive of my new venture. More relatives show up and we visit for a short time. Finally, I head home to unload my loot. I was so excited about it all that I kept looking out my window admiring my stash! :)

My Daddy said he is working on a few tool ideas for me and I can't wait to see what his genius mind creates! He decided that he would refurbish one of his old tools for me to use on my projects and this is what it looks like...for now!

Whether you were working in an office or piddling around the house, I hope everyone enjoyed their day as much as I did!

Love,
Lindsey

Business Fever!!!

Since my last post I decided that I have what I am diagnosing as, "Business Fever." When I lay down at night, I plan out what the room of my shop would look like and how it would be decorated. Of course, it keeps me awake at night making my early mornings almost unbearable. I ride around LaGrange almost everyday calling the numbers to check out their price. Most phone calls end with, "Thank you so much, but it's a bit out of my price range." However, one place I found isn't perfect, but just might be the place to start. So, for the last couple of weeks I have been crunching numbers to see if it is even financially possible. Finally, I told myself that if the building is still for rent in May, I might just take a leap of faith and start Restored Charm...the store. :) I could spend my summer working and making things to see if this crazy restaurant/antique store idea is even worth it.

My birthday is coming up in about a month and my wish list has been completely taken over with tools and supplies to make my projects a little easier. I need a few of these items, because I have spent the last week or so enduring terrible back pain. Not really sure what caused it, but I will have to be careful when making some of my projects. My thoughts quickly turned to one of those back braces with suspenders. I think I could rock it! :)

Last week I was talking to a friend who asked me to make her a shelf for her baby's room. Of course, this isn't just any shelf...I will be using an old door and turning it into a corner shelving unit for her to use. It has been so much fun planning everything out and starting to make my first real project for sale. In the process, I have run into a few obstacles which immediately meant break-time for Lindsey and a phone call to my Daddy. He says he will be down in a couple of days for a visit and "we will work it all out." Got to love a supportive Daddy! So, that's where I am for now...taking requests. :) I have a few other small projects going and will post pictures soon! For now, let me know if you know of a cheap building for rent and pray my back remains healthy! Love to all!