Last weekend when we spent the only weekend in about 2 months where there was any rain, camping in a field of palm trees, me and my lovely friend ended up at the local thrift store, while in the only bit of sun there was that weekend, the men and kids hit the beach…
nothing better than thrifting in a new town dontchya think?
We spied a large-ish, rough-ish Salvation Army store, better known, in Australia, as Salvos, took a hearty deep breath, expecting general icki-ness but of course, treasure and delved on in.
Well, I have to say I was disappointed, some of it was downright ridiculously priced…we spotted an old English china vegetable dish, Meakin, for $40…c'mon, I ask you, would you spend $40 on a vegetable dish in a tatty old Salvos in a tatty old town? Resounding no. I just would not think of parting with $40 for one piece of china in a thrift store. Even if I knew it was actually worth more. Because for me spending in thrift is the thrill of the chase, not the thrill of what-it-could-be-worth-if-I-decide-to-open-an-antique-shop.
Anyway, I came out with a pair of white tab top curtains for $8. Bargain? Not really the best bargain of the year, but while I was deliberating them I decided both that firstly they were what I was looking for for the Sitting Room doorway, secondly, buying them now would save me a trip to IKEA, and thirdly worth to me was high as it would make me get around to getting a solution to the Sitting Room doorway problemo.
The problem being, no door and just a leetle bit too much noise after dark from the Family Room for my liking. You can see, here how the doorway looked before.
Sooo, arriving home after that camping trip I wanted, nothing more, than to get going on the doorway.
I have rather an obsession of late though, with thinking outside of the box (and outside of Bunnings) and using-what-I-have. Soooo, after spending that huge eight dollars on the curtains, divided by half for this one doorway concealing, so that would be four bucks, I decided to set myself for the whole thing a budget of four dollars in total & see what I could come up with to dress it up. So, that would mean, I had blown the budget in Salvos on the one curtain….who you gonna call…?
Teenage-Cottage-Busters!
I asked Mr Teenage BC his advice…what did we have out there in the boys' world of wood, nuts and bolts that we could use as a curtain pole so we did not have to spend a cent??? Well, of course, he said, we have a piece of bamboo that little Mr BC picked up on a walk that would do just fine. Just don't tell him, for goodness's sake, he is seriously, seriously territorial about those sticks he gathers…and brings home…
So, the bamboo got the treatment. A slap of beachy white. A few screws into the wall. And yep, a curtain pole for free.
It looked like this before…
and after
After that had been worked out, I wanted a tie-back with a bit of rustic-ness for n o t h i n g. So I asked those boys to find me a big ole' rusty nail to just slap on in there into the door frame. They told me it would rip the wood frame. It did. I don't care.
But the rust mighta marked the curtain. So I ripped up some white fabric scaps, plaited them into a braid and wrapped them around the rusty old nail…
And now tonight we sit here, with a curtained doorway, oblivious to the world around us in the Beach Cottage…
do you think this is good for four dollars?
or do you think I am a cheapskate?
c'mon hit that comment button people…
c u tmr kiddos
xo
blogged for Met Monday, thanks so much Susan!
and for the fabulous DIY extravaganza over at Kimba's…enjoy…
Heck no, you’re not cheap, you’re frugal! I definitely think we should go thrifting together, we’re obviously soul mates. Who else would think of $8 as extravagant? ;o) And you definitely did save yourself a trip to Ikea; I recognize that curtain, because I own its twin, which I bought at Ikea.
Thanks for stopping by my blog–if I’m ever in Australia we’ll have to make that thrifting trip!
Money well spent! Good Job.
You never fail to amaze me. Definitely a GREAT deal.
I think it looks great. The great part about doing it on the cheap is that if you decide to change it up in the future, you won’t feel guilty! It’s funny that your son loves his sticks because mine is the same way. We even have a special basket that he can stand his sticks in!
Love it ….. you are so thrifty and smart
You’re ingenious…not cheap at all! I love the look of the painted bamboo curtain rod…very beachy! Your doorway looks beautiful and reflects your unique creativity. Thanks for sharing!
-Grace
http://rubymoondesigns.blogspot.com/
Love that you didn’t want to spend $40 in a junk shop. I find that sometimes too and really come on. Now $4 and a rusty nail is right up my alley. It looks great. Love your blog! kath
Perfection, once again, Sarah!!
Love it! It looks fabulous, as always… love the braid, it is perfect!
SMiles!
Michelle
Sarah, you are so funny! I laughed out loud when you mentioned how territorial your son is about sticks – I hope he doesn’t find out! lol
And cheapskate? Nooooo dear. Cheapskates are stingy and poor in spirit – yucky people.
I noticed the trunk is now kitty cornered – looks even better!
Very clever! A long time ago when wide curtain rods were in style, and me being cheap, I hot glued a piece of cardboard to my curtain rod and threaded my curtains on it. Of course they were homemade curtains. My sis in law said, I thought you couldn’t afford new rods, and I told her what I did. She thought it was clever! Me to! You are good at making things look so cozy!
Fits perfectly!
I use $4 flat sheets for curtains, and at $8 a set I think it’s pretty cheap. So, all things considered, $8 is a good deal, if you ask me! I’ve done the bamboo rod many times (except in the south we have “cane poles.”) Dunno if I was ever clever enough to paint them, though. Love this idea!
Everyone else is talking about the pole and curtains; those are wonderful, but my fave part is the braided tie-back! I wonder where I can use that in my home…hmmm
You’re a cheapskate – YEA for you!! I love looking at the creativity that people are using in decorating their homes! You’ve done so many creative decorating solutions to make your home “one of a kind”. GREAT JOB!! PAM
Everytime I see a project you do, it inspires me to save my money and try something myself. Thanks! Oh, and the doorway is beautiful!
Cheapskate is the way to be! That works really well – I bought some similar curtains to (hush) cut up and turn into a hanging to hide our grubby stair wall. I think they were four euros, so prices seem compatible!
I Love it…and all the more because it was such a cheap find!
Too cool! You are so AWESOME! I love your style! Hugs, Cindy S.
omgosh you are so resourceful…
I have been on the lookout for a bamboo rod for ages now…and have my curtains “tacked” but on the wall waiting for my find….yes I did find one in a store near by but she wanted $80.00 for the 9 foot rod and hardware…coudn’t spend it…so still I wait…have Mr. BC go on anothe walk, do ya think he can ship to cali?
It’s a fabulous $4.00 spent. I love the use of the bamboo for the rod. You are so very clever (with the help of son). The Salvation Army’s here in the US have gotten way too pricey as well. They think they are a full fledged antique dealer now with the prices they charge. I rarely fequent them any more. Luckily I have some Mom & Pop type thrift stores that know what being a thrift store is suppose to be.
Ingenious. So original and unique…which is my favorite way to decorate and see other folks’ homes decorated. Your cottage is one of my all time faves, by the way.
)
Oh this made me laugh. You are so right. I have white curtains separating my living room from my “studio” (in reality my kitchen/dining area piled with art stuff I don’t want to always see). I used sheets – it’s been years ago so I don’t remember the cost, but cheap. The curtain rod was a problem; I was essentially using the curtains as a wall and it was a longer than normal rod – would’ve meant something custom. However, my wonderful boyfriend bought some plumbing pipe (cheap, cheap, cheap) – I painted it white, and voila! It was perfect. I keep them “tied” in the middle, but can let hang straight if needing total privacy, or can pull them up & loop to a shelf to get them totally out of the way when I need extra light.
I love this and I so agree with you. I’d much rather figure it out & do it myself on the cheap than spend tons. It’s more fun & I get what I need. Yours is beautiful.
Definitely a good deal and a great idea as well! I don’t comment much but I’m trying to get more into the habit and you are my first try. I love the blog and your cottage looks wonderful!
Jeni
sorry. screwed up my web address so i thought i’d fix it.
Your blog is always a joy to read and You are always so creative. Love what you do. So refreshing!! BTW, I wish I could find out where to buy those lovely putty striped table mats and runners. I have looked everywhere to find some of those.
Chrissie
The less expensive the better! I love a bargain is FREE is the best!! It looks so bright and cheerful. Well done!
OOoo! The thrill of the chase and then the chance to use one’s OWN brain – to think outside the square and make what was never done before (at least that’s how it feels). Totally gratifying!!
I am always delighted to read your blog and to see what you are up too. I will be off to look for a piece of bamboo as soon as it stops snowing here. Your wonderful home is always an inspiration. Joanne
You are a nut!
I say that affectioinately. I know exactly what you mean about a thrift store charing 40 bucks etc. Sometimes my thrift store charges more than the original price at the stores!! Nice curtains!
Love it!! What a lovely home you have created!
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment on my quiet spot table arrangement. I hope you will add a little teacup to your growing collection of fabulous finds and tiny treasures.
Blessings.
Cheap no….clever yes!!! Love it,and love that chest sooooooo much!!
Perfect solution to the doorway and a little bit of peace – such a bargain, can’t pass up a bargain re-do like that one
Alison
Not cheap…creative. My guys are so protective of their sticks. I’ve used an old wood dowel to lengthen rods I already had.
I’ve been reading you a while now, and really admire your courage in picking up and moving down under.
I think it is well worth the $$ Sarah, just look at the result. I aam getting sick of Salvos and the like stores jacking up prices too. Some things I have seen are absolutely rude!
Your curtain rocks. Your tieback rocks. Most improtant You rock.
Love the look whatever it costs!!!
I thought I was the only one with a nail collection…
Love the total look. Picky point though: you own a drill Sarah! Drill a little hole for the nail the next time to spare your woodwork!
I have a load of square railway spikes I picked up in the Central Valley, along with my cherished skunk skull. I’m still trying to work out a way to drill a SQUARE hole so I can use them.
Beautiful, not cheap in any way! Love the photos…stunning. Janell
Oh I just love it! The braided material on the nail was such a great idea! Love it! I always had a nice collection of sticks in my garage when my boys were younger! Ya gotta love boys!
The other good thing about the braid is that it acts as a bumper for that nail – you know how clumsy kids can be! If that were in my house, sooner or later someones leg, head, backside or whatever would have collided with it!
Love it!
Sarah, it turned out great! I love it…and love what bargains you find! You are amazing!
Thanks for showing us how it’s done.
Susan
You’re not cheap, you’re smart. This is how things got done before advertising convinced us all that store-bought was better.
It looks really good, Sarah…no one but you would have thought about the braiding…which just MAKES the entire project. You are awesome, lady!!
Hey, since when was it bad to be a “cheapskate”? I for one am very proud to be one! LOL, Sarah, don’t tell anybody, but we’re the smart ones!
Love it, it gives your room the finishing touch.
I have to agree with you about the S.A. or any thrift store, makes me sooo mad when they charge more for something than if you were to buy it new.
Curtain looks fab Sarah! Price was a steal and the bamboo is awesome – another great makedo/makeover idea that only you can do! Like the trunk where you’ve place it now – such an amazing piece for your room.
I’ve been staring at this great length of wide, lovely natural color toile printed linen I bought a year ago – 3 yards for just $9.00 at a vintage shop! I want to make two panels for the dining room window – simple tab tops like yours. Plan is to have the plain linen facing in to the room but turn up about 18″ at the bottom so the print makes a border. What do you think? I’ll do a post later so you can see it!
Happy beach day……..meanwhile I’m trying to pack for my mountain trip next weekend! Hard when it’s still so warm here – trying on sweaters is making me, well sweat of course!
Nothing wrong with being thrifty. Love it.
Shelbylynn
http://www.shopshelbylynn.blogspot.com
I love it Sarah, like everything else you do in that beach cottage it is fabulous! Happy Monday to you.
I like it all, even that rusty old nail. Quite clever I have to say. I’ve used bamboo for curtain rods before…love the casual look…And yours painted white is beachy heaven.
Though you coulda bought those curtains at IKEA for close to the same price, remember by purchasing it at the thrift store you are being ‘GREEN’ and all praise goes to that!
Hi Sarah,
Of course you are cheap -or should I use the more PC term – frugal or thrifty. Whatever, it’s all the same. And that’s why we keep coming back to A Beach Cottage….
I’m using bamboo rods in the bathroom as a last resort. Got them at the garden center – they were meant to hold up trees or something – but I needed something really long and strong for our 8′ wide window and couldn’t use a center support. I’m jealous that you just found the bamboo in your hubby’s stash, and that he just found it outside somewhere. I had to pay $5 or $6 – which sounds like a lot compared to paying $0!!
I always chuckle when I remember your “Chanel and pearls” post the same week as your dumpster dive for the window. You do have your priorities straight!!
A big hug from California
XO
Heidi – Heart and Home
I have the same approach to thrifting – if it is not an absolute steal, I walk away. I think you did a good thing by setting a budget for yourself. It made it more of an adventure, and the results are just beautiful!
you got a great deal! it looks amazing too.
I am cheap like that too, some thrift stores can be way over priced. I take all the cheap and free things I can get
Hi Sarah,I found your blog on Cindy’s Romantic Home.I love your beach cottage ideas.I live in a 1950′s vintage beach coast guard cottage.Most of my decor is salvage too!
Cheapskate or frugal – doesn’t matter – whatever works!! Looks great.
innovative? YES! cheap? NO!! it is great and you had FUN and you like it. that’s all that matters! and now mr. teen bc has tasted making a place special! way cool! jkj
Uh, ya! But everything you do “beachy” turns out so cool!
Just popping in to say hi, GF!
A bamboo pole. who would’ve thought it would look and work so well.
Looks great..and that trunk is fabulous!!
Drop by and sign up for my link party if you’d like! http://theshadesofpink.blogspot.com
It’s GREAT!!! Nice work using what you (or the boys!) have on hand.
I think it’s GREAT. Good job!!
That is a fabulous idea. I love it. Not too cheap at all, is there such a thing anyway?
Cheapskate? No, your a savvy shopper!!! It looks fabulous!
You go girl! I love coming here….awesome ideas, beautiful pictures, and great writing
) Definitely one of my all time favorite blogs…and oh, I like that braidy thing you got goin’ on.
peace!
Awesome Sarah (as usual:)!
Very resourceful Sarah – as always and an outstanding result too. Well done.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Sarah,
You are so funny. I love your creativity and think it looks wonderful just like everything else in the beach cottage. BTW has Mr. Little BC noticed he is missing a stick? Bless his heart, hopefully he never figures it out.
Sarah .. you are not cheap. You are inventive. Love the $4 drape … but especially the bamboo pole, rusty nail and braided trim…. excellent solution.
LOVELY, Sarah! I did the exact same thing a couple of years ago between our living room and dining room.
Smiles,
Rachel