Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Before & After: Display Shelf

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A friend of mine, who had a booth in Heidi’s shop, died last year. Reyna was a lovely person, with a gravelly voice and a big heart. She was always very kind to me. She had a great eye, especially for vintage books. I miss you, Reyna.

Heidi gave me a few things from Reyna’s space. One of them was this little display shelf.

I am drawn to charming shelves and cubbies and all things that display tiny treasures. This one is a smallish box with a mirror backing. I know there is an actual name for this kind of thing but can’t for the life of me remember it. Anyone?

Back to my story: it has been sitting in the bedroom gathering dust for a few months. My desk project inspired me to bring this little gem downstairs and re-imagine it.

Here it is. I painted it with my favorite Benjamin Moore paint; the name of the color escapes me at the moment. It’s everywhere here in the cottage: on the island, on the kitchen table and now on this little shelf. The mirror was nice but not what I wanted, so I used some scrapbook paper I had on hand to cover it. (In fact, I spent no money at all on this. 2012: the year of being especially frugal.)

Perfect for displaying my growing miniature pottery collection. You’ll be proud of me. I even did a little sanding to distress it.
Yes, I know you can see the seam in the scrapbook paper. I don’t care.
There it is, under the Lost Lamb print that I adore. Where is this in the cottage? In a little corner of the den – right over the desk. The desk that will be revealed either Thursday or Friday. That little corner needed something in addition to the desk to make it mine…to say “This is Claudia’s work space.”
I like it.

Comments

  1. Claudia, it’s really cute..I love the color and the distressing you did on it and also the papered back. Good job, you are very creative! Jenndon

  5. Fabulous makeover and I just know Reyna would be happy knowing you are loving it and using it…….and I’m sure you think of her as you pass by that corner.

    Looking forward to seeing the reveal on the desk.

    Until, then, thinking of YOU as I organize this small house…………lots going to the animal rescue thrift shop later this week!

    Mary X

  6. It’s absolutely precious, Claudia. I am a huge fan of toile. I adore that print of the “Lost Lamb”. It touched me the moment that I saw it.

  12. Oh I love it and you will be reminded of Reyna everytime you pass by.
    Your mini pottery collection is so very sweet and the redo really showcases it wonderfully.

  14. It’s beautiful! You did a great job, just enough distressing (now are you ready to distress the desk?) The very best thing about it is that a part of your friend Reyna will be there with you and you’ll think of her each time you look up and see it.

  15. Claudia, It is gorgeous and I didn’t see the seam until you mentionned it. My mother is always telling me not to point out any defects because no one but you sees them. She must be right! I am proud of you “distressing” the piece. Just like you I haven’t yet been able to bring my myself to touch a pristine painted surface. Maybe I’ll find the courage now when I see how wonderful this shelf looks. I am such a sucker for toile too. I had it everywhere a few years back and thought it was getting to be too much. But I think I need to get some more now.

  16. I LOVE it! It looks so nice with the scrapbook paper. I use scrapbook paper so much in the dollhouses. There are so many great patterns. I also have the picture that you have. It was in my grandparents house. I love it. You always come up with great ideas.

  17. Hi Claudia,
    You did a great job with the display shelf unit. I love the color you selected from Benjamin Moore. They make some great paint! You will enjoy this display unit for many years, and it will make you think of your friend and smile. Have a great day! xoxo Kim

  20. I didn’t see the seam either-but if it ends up bugging you put a little piece of white or black ribbon over it on both sides of the shelves :) It’s really pretty- I love that you distressed it!

  21. You gave a new purpose to Reyna’s shadow box. It is lovely! The paper is perfect in there for your little collection. And you did a great job distressing, not too much, not too little! Can’t wait for your new series with Brenda. You girls are great!
    Enjoy, Annette T

  22. Love it! Wallpaper usually has seams. This is more or less wallpaper for the back of the shelves, so it is perfectly OK! Cannot wait to see the reveal of your special little corner!

  24. Very pretty, Claudia! Love the new color and the scrapbook paper back! Great choice on the paper, too. I love toile! I don’t know what it is about these little shelves, but I’ve picked up two myself in recent years and painted them up. I guess because they just showcase things in such a nice and compact way.

  25. My first visit to your special space, I have come over from Coxy Little House and so glad I did. I know I am going to enjoy many visits. Thanks for sharing. I will follow on my way out and hope you can find the time to come visit me and do the same. I look forward to engaging throughout twenty twelve with you. Cheers SpecialK XoXo

  26. I really really love what you did with that wonderful shelf! It’s so perfect for your mini pottery collection. I’ve always loved those kind of shelves, and I love when they’re given a new life with a bit of paint!
    Hugs,
    Jill

  28. Oh my goodness, I have two of these exact same mirrored shelves! I have them in the basement – just sitting around, unused – because I didn’t know what to do with them, as their original look is quite outdated! How you redid yours is SO cute! That will definitely go on my project list. Did you prime yours first? Also, where do you find those adorable miniatures?

  36. I really thought the paper was fabric, it’s the perfect style for this little shelf. I do believe you are becoming the upcycling Queen Claudia!

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