Knock off chunky wall shelves

September 03, 2009

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So you remember this cutie little table I picked up made my sister get from the neighbor's trash? I mentioned then I had a Ballard project in mind for above this table to replace the art I had on the wall. I saw these in the catalog the day before I finished up that table and knew they MUST BE MINE:I knew as soon as I saw them they would be perfect for that wall, and I also knew they would be easy and cheap to do on my own. I like easy and cheap. I've had the materials for this project for ohhh...ummm...a MONTH, maybe more? And then I saw Traci had done them as well and that was the inspiration I needed to get my booty movin'. I started with my main materials -- I used eight inch wide boards and chair rail for the trim around the shelf: My table is only two feet wide, so I wanted them to be a bit smaller and got them cut at 19" long. The piece of wood was less than $4. I started measuring and cutting the trim to figure out the cuts: At first I was using my miter box, and then remembered I AM WOMAN and went right for the compound miter saw instead. Either way works!
The next step was to yell a bit, (maybe) cuss a little, and stomp my feet because I measured wrong and ended up running out of my trim. Instead of another trip to Lowe's (it was nap time so I was stuck anyway), I used some trim I had already purchased for another project.
You have to cut the trim at a 45 degree angle so they meet up at the corners. I used my nail gun to attach them but you can easily use finishing nails:
Isn't that trim GORG? When done, this is what you'll get:
I got my corbels from Home Depot -- they have a much better selection than Lowe's. I got my corbels for the kitchen island from there too.
To install them, I measured where I wanted them each to go underneath:
Then used heavy duty glue to put them on:
I popped in a few nails to secure them while the glue set, but again, this is not necessary.
I chose big, fat corbels cause I like 'em big. I like 'em chunky. (Just like Rebecca does. Oh yeah.)
Then I used my one dollar glossy black spray paint and sprayed them within an inch of their lives:
It took me a whole day to accessorize them to my liking but I think I'm finally happy:
WAIT.
Now I'm happy: The lamp cord is (mostly) covered. I can breathe.

We don't have a ton of surfaces for accessories -- I mean, I have plenty, but I always wanted something else to spruce up, especially during the holidays. These will be so fun to experiment with!

Because I got the big and chunky corbels ($9 each) the whole project was about $48. If you use smaller corbels, you could get this done for less than $40 easy. Oh yeah, did I mention Ballard's version is $80 for ONE of the smallest shelves? Ummmmkay.

Accessorizing is something I struggle with -- it takes me awhile to get the tchotchkes how I want them. Later this weekend I'll show you the process I went through with these shelves and a few tricks I've learned along the way.

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Update! Traci gave a great tutorial here! FAB! I love seeing all these miter boxes out there!!

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September 03, 2009

Comments

  1. Lacie @ Creative AttemptsSeptember 3, 2009 at 11:33 PM

    they turned out sooooo amazing what a fantastic set up!!

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  2. AnonymousSeptember 3, 2009 at 11:33 PM

    GORGEOUS!!

    And, oh! You could hide the lamp cord even more if you run it to the right and secure it behind the table (with something like this: http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?searchId=22636971&itemIndex=4&CATID=69020&PRODID=10020291), then have it coming down to the socket from above, rather than running up from the carpet.

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  3. arkieSeptember 3, 2009 at 11:36 PM

    Your shelves look great! Love your blog!

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  4. Trish @TheOldPostRoadSeptember 3, 2009 at 11:37 PM

    They look fantastic. Love the black. I got jealous when you said "I used my nail gun." (Maybe I should hint to the husband for a christmas gift.(?))

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  5. Molly AnneSeptember 3, 2009 at 11:38 PM

    I'm impressed with you building your own shelves! I am not to that point yet, but I guess when I want it bad enough I will learn, hmm? :)

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  6. Trish @TheOldPostRoadSeptember 3, 2009 at 11:39 PM

    One more thing - just added you to my sidebar -love your blog!

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  7. Traci@ Beneath My HeartSeptember 3, 2009 at 11:53 PM

    Sarah,
    I was about to go to bed and saw your post. I was so excited to see that you linked to my blog! How cool is that?!
    You are a super sweet blogger. Some people wouldn't take the time to do that!
    Your shelves turned out awesome, but of course, you are a pro at that stuff! I love your chunky corbels, and the trim turned out perfectly! They look great over that table.
    Thanks for sharing another inspirational post! You are one of the reasons I got the encourage to tackle power tools in the first place. Thank you!!!!
    Traci

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  8. AnNicole@Our Suburban CottageSeptember 3, 2009 at 11:56 PM

    Woo hoo! Who "rawks"? You "rawk"!!!

    Have a great weekend!

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  9. Shanty 2 ChicSeptember 3, 2009 at 11:57 PM

    Sooo cute! I must copy... Thanks for great instructions!
    ~Whitney

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  10. AnonymousSeptember 3, 2009 at 11:58 PM

    Awesome and I love that you painted them black. Awesome job!

    Snappy Di

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  11. AnonymousSeptember 4, 2009 at 12:00 AM

    Wow! Now I want power tools!

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  12. UnknownSeptember 4, 2009 at 12:00 AM

    love the shelves. kno what you mean about spaces for accessorizing. I like distinct spaces - otherwise junk just winds up on any tableau. Plus, love, or lurve, John Grisham on the shelf ;)
    can't wait to read your notes on blogging. I'm stuck and love reading yours. have a great weekend.

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  13. LeeSeptember 4, 2009 at 12:09 AM

    Fab as usual! You never disappoint! And I am even more impressed with your collection of power tools!!

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  14. Traci@ Beneath My HeartSeptember 4, 2009 at 12:13 AM

    Oh yeah, I forgot to add...If you want a chance to win the cafe shelf I made, you can enter my giveaway.
    http://beneathmyheart.blogspot.com/2009/08/cafe-shelf-tutorial-and-giveaway.html
    Thanks again for the shout out!
    Traci

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  15. ErinSeptember 4, 2009 at 12:44 AM

    incredible!!! Love the power tool tribute :) Go Women!

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  16. Embellished BayouSeptember 4, 2009 at 12:54 AM

    Great project, Sarah, and you saved alot of money! I can't wait for your upcoming post & giveaway. Have a great weekend!

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  17. Room to InspireSeptember 4, 2009 at 1:10 AM

    Thank you so much for the tutorial! I know it is a bit early, but power tools are definitely on my Christmas list this year!

    Chelsea

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  18. UnknownSeptember 4, 2009 at 1:11 AM

    Ahhhmazing! You always make me want to build something! :)

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  19. samanthaSeptember 4, 2009 at 1:20 AM

    I love this idea for such a small space. I have lot's of those in my house and always wanted to do something with the space. Thanks for the ideas!

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  20. UnknownSeptember 4, 2009 at 5:48 AM

    They really turned out great.
    Sandy

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  21. JessSeptember 4, 2009 at 6:12 AM

    Yes, you absolutely rawk! You may have converted this girly girl. I'm going to Home Depot this weekend and I may even ASK for tools this Christmas!

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  22. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsSeptember 4, 2009 at 7:31 AM

    They look fantastic, Sarah, and fit that spot so well! I love them. I first saw these over at Rhoda at Southern Hospitality's blog and fell in love with them. Along with about a hundred other things, these are on my list to do!

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  23. LaSeptember 4, 2009 at 7:52 AM

    Man, I totally have to get more power tools. And I want a big cute tool belt too! Your shelves look great!

    If anyone lives near Notre Dame and they want one of those sewing tables like you made-over, I saw the exact same one at the Salvation Army on Ireland Road. Go get it! (I already have one!) =)

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  24. Miss Mustard SeedSeptember 4, 2009 at 7:52 AM

    Amen to dumpster diving...I always get made fun of for it, but some people are crazy for what they throw away! The shelves look fantastic.

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  25. UnknownSeptember 4, 2009 at 8:05 AM

    Marvelous job! I'm so happy to have found your blog.

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  26. gail@My Repurposed LifeSeptember 4, 2009 at 8:16 AM

    love your blog!
    Those shelves are wonderful. I really like the trim you used. They look better than the ballard ones!
    gail

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  27. UnknownSeptember 4, 2009 at 8:24 AM

    Okay - so could you just come over and design my family room? PLEEAZZZEEE??? I am now in the market for new furntiture - the old couch finally bit the dust LOL. One of the kids ripped a cushion (oh, so sad). So, what time will you be here? I will be waiting with the Ballard Design catalog and a list of things I need you to create for me :-)

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  28. Pam @ bibbidi-bobbidi-beautifulSeptember 4, 2009 at 8:25 AM

    The shelves look a-mazing! As usual, I'm completely inspired. I've been completely addicted to your blog for the last 6 months or so and recently decided to jump on the bloggin' bandwagon, so I'm really excited to read your post tomorrow. I was wondering if you could address commenting? I love checking out other blogs and it's nice to leave a little comment but it seems like it's become a game with some bloggers to leave as many comments as possible(even if they're completely insincere) just to drive more traffic to their own blogs. Do you think this is necessary to have a successful blog? Thanks!

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  29. Pam @ bibbidi-bobbidi-beautifulSeptember 4, 2009 at 8:30 AM

    I just saw someone else's comment regarding cords. Have you ever tried these? http://www.amazon.com/Parent-Units-Wire-Guard/dp/B00018XCNS
    I bought a few recently and they don't completely solve the problem but they do make cords invisible along baseboard trim!

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  30. AnonymousSeptember 4, 2009 at 8:52 AM

    They look great!!! You have no idea how much yours and blogs like yours inspire me.

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  31. LorieSeptember 4, 2009 at 8:52 AM

    Oh, I love the thick trim!

    Sarah, I think your house is going to get too beautiful and you are going to run out of projects for your great blog! But I have a solution. I am moving to Texas at the beginning of next year and I think you need to come and spend a week at my house and we can do projects together. We can pretend like we are The Pioneer Woman and Bakerella!

    Hee Hee!

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  32. KarenSeptember 4, 2009 at 8:59 AM

    I love it! This may just be what I do in my Garage Hallway where I'm working on Fabric Bulletin Boards! Thanks for all the inspiration. I have a nail gun now!

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  33. Rhoda @ Southern HospitalitySeptember 4, 2009 at 9:10 AM

    Love those, Sarah! You did a great job copying those Ballards shelves. I've got the Ballards originals in my office nook & love them, but they are a little pricey. I was lucky & found them at the outlet store in Atlanta for a discounted price & will love them forever.

    Maybe you can share this one when you guestpost for me?! That would be cool.

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  34. Let it ShineSeptember 4, 2009 at 9:14 AM

    Sarah, They look fantastic! Do you use Walmart $1 spray paint to???? Everyone gives me the crazy eye when I buy the cheap stuff. Thats one of my cheap top secret tricks! HA!

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  35. valerieSeptember 4, 2009 at 9:26 AM

    Love it! You are so inspiring. Can't wait to see what you come up with next.

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  36. ShannonSeptember 4, 2009 at 9:28 AM

    Those are so pretty! I love how you accessorized them too. Those will be fun to change out for the seasons.

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  37. southerninspirationSeptember 4, 2009 at 9:36 AM

    So gorgeous, girlfriend...and just so you know....SLaHOME is going to discontinue the pottery that matches your pitcher...sale going on right now if you want to take a look. You know my website.

    Suzanne

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  38. All Things CherishSeptember 4, 2009 at 9:37 AM

    AWESOME! I've been eyeing those shelves for the longest time bc they're the only 12 inch deep ones I can find anywhere! But didn't want to pay the money...perhaps I'll have my dad help me with this since I'm completely new to woodworking! Looks great! :)

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  39. Nadir @ HodgepodgeSeptember 4, 2009 at 9:54 AM

    I LOVE that table! It's so cute & delicate & perfect for that space. I found some similar small shelves in a Ross store yesterday 2 for $6 and I didn't gfet them. I have a feeling I might regret this later. :-/

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  40. AnneSeptember 4, 2009 at 10:04 AM

    Ah! That looks awesome! I love how big and chunky they are! God Bless Ballards.

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  41. Crafty NicheSeptember 4, 2009 at 10:07 AM

    Awesome job and look better than the Ballard ones!

    june@craftyniche.com

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  42. Simply LKJSeptember 4, 2009 at 10:34 AM

    The shelves look fabulous! The cord covers mentioned on a previous post are great, but I've been known to take the matching wall/trim paint and paint the cord...hides it instantly!

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  43. Richella ParhamSeptember 4, 2009 at 10:36 AM

    Oh, good for you! These look great!

    Watch out, Home Depot. You might want to order some new corbels!

    Have a great weekend!

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  44. Lyssa BethSeptember 4, 2009 at 11:34 AM

    Adorable! I love the chunky too! Way to go!

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  45. MelissaSeptember 4, 2009 at 12:10 PM

    I totally need to do this project now that I've seen it on several different blogs! ;) And I certainly need to get myself a miter box. Looks FAB! :)

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  46. Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on TopSeptember 4, 2009 at 12:14 PM

    Did I ever doubt that it'd look fabulous? Nope! :) Love it!!!

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  47. Jen WesternSeptember 4, 2009 at 1:35 PM

    Sarah, thank you so much for linking to me :) I was excited to see my name on your blog! You are such an amazing person, thank you again!

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  48. Jen WesternSeptember 4, 2009 at 1:37 PM

    Oh, and I love your trim way more than mine... I am thinking about making a second one and giving mine to my sister :o) is that bad?

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  49. David and ChristineSeptember 4, 2009 at 1:45 PM

    Love how your shelves turned out! I have a blank wall in my living room and I have been wanting to get 3 shelves to put up but my goodness it's like $40.00 for a 4' shelf. Yikes! I like your idea a lot more. So I think I may have a project to do over the three day holiday if not mostly likely next weekend.

    Thanks for the inspiration!

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  50. AngieSeptember 4, 2009 at 2:17 PM

    I am soooo going to have to get my hubby on this project soon because they are gorgeous! Love the way you decorated them!

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  51. Melissa MillerSeptember 4, 2009 at 2:20 PM

    AWESOME!!!! I love Ballards but yours are even better. I would never even know you had trouble accessorizing. It looks fabulous!

    Did you say one million hits?
    Holy moly you go girl!!! I didn't even know that was possible. I can't wait to read all the blogging tips you will give us. Tell us how to increase our hits. Maybe I have a few hundred or so in ten months....HeHe!

    Have a great weekend.
    ~Melissa :)

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  52. Melissa MillerSeptember 4, 2009 at 2:23 PM

    What???? ~WOW!!!! I just now noticed your iron scroll pieces in your windows. That looks amazing! How did you do that? Please share?

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  53. Blair @ Reasonably SwankySeptember 4, 2009 at 2:41 PM

    This is great, I LOVE IT!!! And I love Ballard Designs. I have enjoyed reading your blog and getting inspiration! You are very talented.
    Best,

    Blair
    boopiegiles.blogspot.com

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  54. {sue}September 4, 2009 at 3:25 PM

    G*O*R*G*!!!!!

    If you could just work your way through the Ballard catalog, that would be great!

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  55. Jessica MorrisSeptember 4, 2009 at 5:06 PM

    Great job!! It looks absolutely fantastic :)
    I appreciate you posting the cost too! I was reading it and hoping it would be included!! thanks!

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  56. UnknownSeptember 4, 2009 at 5:36 PM

    As always, I've enjoyed reading about what project you are up to...

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  57. BeverlySeptember 4, 2009 at 7:35 PM

    I am in awe of you...seriously....amazing

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  58. rebecca @ older and wisorSeptember 4, 2009 at 8:30 PM

    That's right baby. Big n' chunky. Just like my thighs.

    For the cord situation (who cares about the stinkin' economy when I HAVE TO SEE THAT STUPID CORD EVERYTIME I WALK IN THE ROOM???), I do the ol' wicker basket on the floor holding magazines or folded up throw blankets (or toys, old expired coupons, leftover containers of Chik-Fil-A BBQ sauce....) and they always seem to be the same height as the outlet.

    "I have trouble accessorizing"....what-ever.

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  59. rebecca @ older and wisorSeptember 4, 2009 at 8:33 PM

    P.S That top shelf is the perfect place for a candy stash. You know. If you needed one. Or maybe your little guy doesn't climb on top of the fridge. YET. (dun dun dun)

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  60. Heidi September 4, 2009 at 9:36 PM

    I'd take some of those for my living room too please! ;)

    Looks great!

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  61. Megan GilmoreSeptember 4, 2009 at 10:12 PM

    Beautiful! i love this. I'll definitely be doing a long shelf for our entry way. I was trying to figure out how to tie some things together and I think this is just the thing. :)

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  62. Noelle @ Mesa AZ PhotographySeptember 5, 2009 at 12:06 AM

    I love how your shelves turned out. I saw this on Jen's blog first and thought it was wat cool you did a link to her. I had totally decided I would copy and make 2 of these for my kitchen after I saw hers, now seeing yours apparently I'm just getting in style with everyoned elses shelves. I am excited. Thanks for all the helpful tips =)

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  63. XazminSeptember 5, 2009 at 3:21 AM

    They turned out fantastic Sarah! And you accessorized them beautifully!

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  64. everyday mom of oneSeptember 5, 2009 at 8:58 AM

    they look so good. Well Done.

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  65. twinkle teachesSeptember 5, 2009 at 9:04 AM

    The shelves are lovely! :)
    tina

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  66. PuvaSeptember 5, 2009 at 9:27 AM

    Great way to save money! The shelves look awesome!

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  67. LiseSeptember 5, 2009 at 1:17 PM

    I love the way they turned out...I'm so gonna try and make some too! You are great, love your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  68. OliviaSeptember 5, 2009 at 2:16 PM

    I was considering doing this myself! I saw them above a desk on Ballard's website and they are gorgeous! Also thought they'd be great in a kitchen and maybe could hang pots from underneath them...

    ReplyDelete
  69. Rachel@oneprettything.comSeptember 5, 2009 at 9:25 PM

    WOW-these are fantastic! You did such an amazing job. I've got to find a spot where I can use these, I'm dying to make some myself. Thanks so much, I'll be linking.

    ReplyDelete
  70. FawnSeptember 5, 2009 at 11:04 PM

    I have been needing a (cheap) set of shelves, this fits the bill! Thanks for the idea and tutorial!

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  71. SarahSeptember 5, 2009 at 11:39 PM

    Oh my, you never cease to amaze and inspire me! Thanks so much for all your fabulousness and please, keep it coming!!!
    God's blessings for a great weekend, Sarah :D

    ReplyDelete
  72. AmySeptember 6, 2009 at 10:32 PM

    Fabulous, fabulous! And the accessories look great!

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  73. nannykimSeptember 7, 2009 at 9:58 PM

    Love the way the pictures turned out--so artsey--too cool. I wish you hadn't left the tease at the end!! Who wants to wait!! lol

    my post is here: http://spindlecottage.blogspot.com/2009/09/transforming-for-fall.html

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  74. ReidSeptember 10, 2009 at 10:21 PM

    LOVE them!!!!!!!!!!!! Great job!

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  75. NatalieOctober 5, 2009 at 7:06 PM

    oooh sarah i had to tell you! my husbands cute little grandma is sadly but surely getting moved to a home so we went this morning to claim what we wanted from the house- and lo and behold, she had this same exact sewing machine/table. it totally made me think of you. i didn't take it this time around but i got so many fabulous things i'll be up to my elbows in before and afters for the next two years! i'll be excited for you to see!

    -natalie
    www.centsiblychicsisters.blogspot.com

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  76. Real Housewife of Broke CountyOctober 21, 2009 at 9:24 PM

    LOVE these shelves. You've inspired me to try these for an area above my desk. I hope I linked this post correctly on my blog. Feel free to holla if I didn't. Keep up with the fabulous designs http://andnoahmakesfive.blogspot.com/2009/10/cheap-makeovers.html

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  77. cariboucountryFebruary 6, 2010 at 8:22 PM

    I love these! I would love to know where you found the wood brackets you used. I don't know if I've seen those anywhere around here. Thanks!

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  78. 1 Funky WomanFebruary 21, 2010 at 9:38 AM

    So love that you made these yourself! I love how you accessorized them too!

    ReplyDelete
  79. AnonymousFebruary 11, 2012 at 1:45 PM

    Plants are great for hiding cords! ;)

    ReplyDelete

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