I woke up to a very nice surprise today.
Remember yesterday’s post on being gifted by others? What timing!
Just this AM, friend Kelly dropped this toolbox off by my front door. She found it at a garage sale, and being that it reminded her of me, it was brought my way.
I had to run into town today and debated stopping at a thrift store for some added inspiration. You know how it is… you have more than enough to work with at home, but to your eyes, the stock isn’t fresh. Something new to you is.
New toys inspire me! Are you like that too?
I was so excited! The toolbox is cute, wearing a really nice shape. The rustic wood is stained a dark brown so anything would nicely pop against it.
I especially enjoyed the pipe handle and noted how it was built and secured.
Such a cute box deserved special treatment. But carrying it through the house didn’t trigger anything immediate.
Until my eyes landed on the dried, faded hydrangeas on the patio ladder. Hmm… one last go with these before the fog hits them would be nice!
A tiny bit of colour straight from the bush might be nice though too…
Sometimes all it takes to be inspired is a little something new to work with. So if you ever find your creativity has somewhat diminished, maybe it’s time to stock up on ‘a new toolbox.’
All I can say this round is, thank goodness for the Kellys in the world!
Dream Box Building Challenge #10
Need to be inspired? Walk outside and gather something new, or shop through your own stash to try out a new idea. Or give yourself permission to buy something ‘new to you.’
Never fails me here!
Visit what dream box building is all about HERE
Visit all dream box building updates HERE
What a treasure! I understand completely about going to town and swinging by a few thrift shops…….I don’t need anything either but just in case there is a treasure there I don’t want to miss it. I recently bought a box that I re-purposed into a tray with rope handles. Total cost, about $3. Looks like a million bucks now. I’m trying to decide if I want to keep it or put it in the Christmas Show sale………hummmmm, have to think about that one.
There’s those lovely hydrangeas again. LOL What a wonderful surprise to welcome you when you got home. I like what you said in yesterdays post about how people tend to hitch a ride on your passion wave, and want a piece of it, but on their own surfboard. That is definitely one of the highlights of blogging and DIYing. It sounds like you have a tribe riding on your passion wave – how awesome is that!
Hi Donna, I don’t know if you read these comments, as you must be so very busy with your blog, newsletters, speaking engagements, etc, etc, but I really need to thank you. As I’m sure you’re used to hearing by now, your projects are really inspiring! But for me, when I found your blog 2yrs ago, it really did open up a whole world I never knew could exist.
I learned not only about ‘upcycling/repurposing’, but how to break projects down to simple steps in order to build them, and you gave me permission to learn, to make mistakes & even just to paint something a different colour. You gave me permission to not have a definable ‘decor style’ but that is me, and that’s okay!
Most importantly (and I’m actually tearing up now), you encouraged me. ME. In over 40yrs, no one ever encouraged me regarding anything. I’ve heard a lot (in the past) how ‘stupid’ & ‘useless’ I am, but not that I could make anything. But YOU did. I’ve even done some things: sanded & stained a 5’x12″x1″ board for a shelf, similarly made pine shutters for my kitchen window, even wired and hung a chandelier-style ceiling light fixture, all by my myself…me! They’re not a pallet-wood couch, but they’re my minor miracles.
I think your blog & projects should be recommended as therapy workshops, and I cannot thank you enough for continuing to encourage us all, with your projects and your personal stories.
Bless you SO much.
Oh Laurie, not only do I read every single comment, they are the wind beneath my wings. Seriously.
Your comment truly moved me… it’s reasons like you wrote, that I share the good and the bad here. My heart is so full after reading what you did for yourself. YOU did that!
Trust me when I say, I still can’t believe I made a pallet couch. But that comes! It’ll happen for you too if you want it! It’s a choice!
Feeling so blessed tonight.. .thank-you for sharing and writing and letting me know what’s transpired for you. That. Means. Everything!
Hi Donna,
I just want you to know how far your inspiration reaches out across the globe. I read your blogs and look at your website all the way from Australia, and I’m sure many other Aussies do too.
It just goes to show that creativity and inspiration can bring us together as human beings all over the globe, and we can all appreciate it – wherever we are.
So thanks Donna. Keep on creating because we are ALL watching!!!!
YOU Rock!!!
The hydrangeas looks awesome in that old took box. What a wonderful gift.
You are such an inspiration. I love upcycling all the things I have collected or someting I cannot bare to throw away.
I am just beginning to purge lote of stuff so will be back often ofr ideas.