Behind the scenes of a great book

 

My best friend in the whole wide world, Joanne Palmisano www.salvagesecretsblog.com has put to bed her second book, to be released next year.  How cool to have my home featured in both books, Salvage Secrets being her first.

 

But even though we are buddies to the end, she and I sometimes don't see eye to eye.  Take my first photo by photographer and laughing partner, Susan Teare www.susanteare.com.  Joanne wanted something professional and approachable for Salvage Secrets.  Me by the fire.  OK, I have to admit, I do like the photo but...

 

I've been told by others (and many times by Joanne, because BFF's say it like it is..I am slightly on the loud side personality wise. So I thought this was the more fitting photo.  It didn't make the cut, but it does bring some giggles to the three of us, every time we look at this.

Wait until you see the next photo of book number two she wrote!!  She made me swear not to show it.  I'll give you a hint, it involves finger pointing and another fireplace!?!  It won't make the cut either, but don't worry I'm not shy...I'll show you soon enough.

The Secretary Gets a Facelift

On my last trip to the Goodwill “bins” I saw this beat up, old secretary; missing the piece of wood that covers the front. But I couldn’t stop staring at it. I called my DIY buddy, Joy Corgain, who just so happened to be in the neighborhood and was able to drop by. I said, “Joy, this secretary has your name written all over it.” She agreed and quickly bought it. We bungeed it into the back of her small car and the sad looking secretary was off to get a makeover. Look at the incredible transformation!  The yellow just pops!

 And that little piece of ribbon that acts as a drawer pull is so sweet. The best part? She’s selling this beauty for only $275. Buy it before I do! You can reach Joy here:  josiecorgain@yahoo.com 

DIY bookshelves and Table Lamp on TV

 

Part of the fun of what I do is sharing my DIY ideas on TV.  Here's a clip I did on KOMO TV 4 Seattle www.komonews.com a while back on my book shelves and Simply Spray www.simplyspray.com  project.  We set up right in the heart of their newsroom and boy oh boy did we cover a lot in just seconds!

 

 

HGTV DIY Hanging Mason Jars

Check out my latest DIY project for HGTV.com, inspired by my grandpa Buzz.

Goodwill Hunting: Five Dollar Find Gets a Makeover (Draft Needs After Photo)

If you haven't seen the May edition of Today's Vintage magazine, my latest column highlights a project spurred on from a successful adventure in Goodwill hunting. Sometimes, it's just too easy! These stools may not look like much at first, but for a mere $5.00 I couldn't resist and I knew I could give them a new lease on life and add a little hipster decor flare.

They started looking a little something like this.

But after removing the seat...

Applying a little spray paint...

As you can see, this was $5.00 well spent! If you love them as much as I think you will, I am happy to say they are up for grabs. That's right friends, I am selling these little treasures. Interested? Send me an email: shannon@shannonquimby.com

My Favorite DIY Clothes Pin Projects

I have always had a love for wood clothes pins. They are part of a generation past. My grandma Peterson would always hang the clothes to dry on the clothes line and as a child I loved walking through the rows of white sheets. Now a days, we rarely take the time and “put the clothes out to dry” (my grandma’s saying). But that doesn’t mean clothes pins have to go bye bye.


I made these for Country Living magazine:

This unframed mirror is transformed into a mid-century modern inspired sunburst.

A formerly plain Jane side table has a unique decorative edge.

This one is made with a salvaged door header. Fun and functional!

If you want more ideas for wooden clothes pins, the Country Living article can be found here. They are still inexpensive and easy to come by.  The Dollar Store or any craft store sells them, cheap, cheap, cheap.

From My Book "Color Create Decorate"

One of the most reused DIY projects I did for my first book, Shannon Quimby, Color Create Decorate is the “Cover Up” project.   It’s the classic story of trying to decorate around those alarm systems, thermostats and other electronics, that for some reason, have to be smack dab center on the wall!  Secretly, I think it’s a guy thing.  Anyway… I have conquered this eyesore.  I simply cover those pesky plastic boxes with chalkboard.

If you want to see how it’s done, you are in luck!  Just email me and I will mail you a copy of my book. It retails for the reasonable price of $19.95 but for you... And you are going to love this… only $5.00. Now that’s nothing to hide!”