Bringing a Little Bit of the Indoors Out (aka Deck-orating)!

Welcome to my deck.  Though we built it a few years ago, I hadn't done much to it to make it very cozy.  Though I did add the gazebo and table with chairs, it had that, well, unfinished feeling.  It just didn't seem to have that welcoming feeling that said, come sit here, eat here, rest here.  So we just didn't.

But this year with a graduation open house looming, I decided I had to spruce it up a bit.  So with a few new pieces, and a few ala-junk pieces, I put together a welcoming space that had that indoor feeling outdoors.

First thing I did was to add an outdoor rug.  I found this one at Target for rather inexpensively.  It definitely grounded the space and gave it  more of an indoor room feeling.

Next came the chandelier.  A new one, but rusted to look old, I actually had this one in my basement.  It had been at the former house in our outdoor gazebo there.  No longer tucked away, I think it fit perfectly in the space.

This table, which I had shared with you in the previous post, gave added character to a deck that had quite a few new pieces.  Originally from the an old Fiskars Scissors Factor, it could also double as a servicing piece, minus the scale and planters. The piece on top of it, I have no clue what it's original use was, but I love planted hostas in containers, and this piece worked great for that. 

This has got to be my favorite piece on the deck.  Made from old wood and used on my porch at my previous home, it was displayed with my fan collection.  Unfortunately it didn't work for my new house.  Now I can still enjoy it on my deck.  I love the way it looks, with the beautiful view of the pond in the background.

 And how can I show you my deck without sharing my views.   That's one of the benefits of living on acreage!

I finally  this year did some landscaping in this island area (trying to camouflage our septic while I'm at it).

 
And of course I had to add some vintage garden art to the mix.

 
And a view of my Amish built shed (also shared in a previous post).  The planter boxes are vintage European sinks.

Last, but not least, a look at my 1960's swing.  I purchased this at a garage sale maybe 10 years ago for just $15.  It took the trip with us to our new house and found the perfect spot amongst a grouping of blue spruce.

Hope you enjoyed my little deck tour.  Until the next post . . .

To see more of my JUNKMARKET projects, click on the link on the side of my blog. 

I'm really getting into Heavy Metal!

Okay, I'm not into that kind of heavy metal.  Never was, but whow....love this kind!  And let me tell you, it was really heavy!

I picked up this piece while shopping in Jan Berg's garage.  Jan is my favorite Mpls/St. Paul dealer and she has the coolest industrial pieces (check her if you go to the Junk Bonanza or Gathering of Friends sales in MN).  My only reservation on buying it?  The weight.  Being made from steel, it wasn't something me and Jan could help put in my truck.  Good thing Jan Berg's husband was very creative in that department.  Long story, and if I run into you, I'll tell you about it.

So the next obstacle was how to get it out when I got the piece home.  Fortunately I found my husband was a lot stronger than I thought.  He was practically able to remove it all on his own (he use to be a body builder).  We'll have to start calling him Hercules (or as he puts it Hunk-ules).  Haha!  So no hernia inducing incident...thank goodness!

So tell me, you think it was worth the effort?  I'm always a little scarred when I buy something so heavy.  What if I get it home and I hate it?  Then what?  Fortunately I think this one was way worth the effort.  And I now realize that I have an obsession with rusty metal green objects.  Enjoy the pictures and let me know your thoughts.  Have you ever purchased anything that took effort to get home?  Were you happy you did?  I would love to hear.

Love the rust and green paint patina on this piece.  The drawers maybe a little bent and out of shape, but that just means it's been well loved.

All it needed was a couple of accessory pieces.

This piece was a birthday present from one of my talented Sue W (Wolfe)  friends (maybe I should change my name and I'll be more talented????).   It was for my ____ birthday.  Let's just say it was a milestone!

And this chippy green and white planter fits perfect with it!

Love my new porch sitting area!

And the industrial wheels?  The icing on the cake!

Then what do I do with the piece that was there?  Hmmmm...I have an empty space on my porch.  I think it fits right in!

Of course it has the chippy paint and rust, too!

And this chair?  Purchased at the JUNKMARKET sales in Long Lake.

Love this green and rusty bouncy chair!

Okay, more "heavy metal"!  And the cement urn on top was no lightweight either!

Some kind of whatchamacallit!  Love the pink dahlia in it!

This was the first piece that started my rusty metal and green piece.  Have never run into another one like it, so glad I bought it when I saw it.

Cool base on it, too!

Almost forgot about this piece on my back deck.  Another Jan Berg purchase.

And like all the rest has rusty and green chippy paint!

To see more of my JUNKMARKET projects, click on the link on the side of my blog. 

Does Life Ever Get in Your Way of Blogging?

I don't know if you're like me, but I have a pretty busy life.  

Sometimes too busy.  

Sometimes it get's hard to get in a post, better yet respond to comments.  

I'm here to apologize.  

Sometimes it looks like we don't appreciate your comments.  

I'm here to let you know I do.  They mean so much to me.  

Enormously.    

I know someone, though I honestly don't know how recent, left me an award.

Now for the life of me, I can't find it to respond.  

Darn nab-it (my version of a cuss word).  

Why can't I stay on top of things?  

 

My bad. 

So if I don't get back to you...

forget to respond...

and if  you were the one who gave me the award... 

I am so sorry.  I promise to try to be better.  

Honest. 

July's French Flea Theme - Riverfest Fun and Blues

I'm sitting here at 12:00 midnight, beat tired, but I had to get out some pictures for tomorrow's French Flea sale.  It's only hours away and the store has really come together.  There are a ton of fun items in the store and I'm loving the blues and oranges that are in there.  It really seems to bring a smile to your face.  I'm not going to go into any more details.  I'll just let the pictures do the talking . . .

To find out dates and store hours go to their blog at www,frenchfleaofanoka.blogspot.com.