Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Our little freebie, found on the street, has been transformed.

This was the before:

After:

I covered foamboard with vintage fabric from the 40’s to disguise the unsightly holes in the back. I wasn’t sure what to do with the slide out shelf, which was originally covered in this yucky contact paper:

I almost ditched the shelf, but at the last minute I decided to cover it with the rest of the vintage fabric.

The two different levels will be handy when I’m doing research and need a lot of books. Or for when I’m using the laptop and it’s not on my lap.

The only things I spent any money on were the two baskets, which were on sale at Michael’s for a few dollars each. Everything else I had on hand: primer, paint, fabric and accessories. The desk was found on the street. Total cost: about $8.00. Frugal has become my middle name.

Some of these photos were taken yesterday morning and some in the late afternoon which explains the difference in the light. I’ll probably add some reference books to the middle shelf as I have another Shakespeare project coming up. I also want to think up a neat way to hold business files. I need to find a lamp, as well. But this will do nicely for now.

When I first saw this piece, I was thinking, “What did Don bring home now?” It’s not at all what I’m usually drawn to. But, now I really like it. It’s the perfect size for this little corner. And it’s a little off-beat. I’m sure ours will be a beautiful relationship!

I’m driving to New Haven today for some more work on Macbeth. See you tomorrow!

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.)