Shannon's Blog

Before and After, My Old, New Couch

2012-02-22T08:45:00.000-08:00

Bought this couch from an estate sale across the street. A retro three piece sectional. Wanted to save it because structure and fabric wise it was in perfect condition. But, bummer, underneath it was covered in mildew. Total yuk

With burlap found in bins for only $4.00, yeah, I totally freaked...10 yards too! And the perfect gray, soft as ever, my once couch in the driveway is now front row seating at home! Whatcha think?

Vintage Hardware and Salvage, BIG Sale too!

2012-02-20T18:25:00.000-08:00

Old Portland Hardware and Architectural is one of my favorite stops in Portland. Most of my vintage lighting and hardware was found here for my home. www.oldportlandhardware.com
And they are having a SALE! Go to their site, meet the owner Bret Hodgert and you'll be hooked!

Plus Bret makes unique one of a kind light fixtures from whatever he can find. So darn talented...

IKEA table and Tape, DIY in minutes...

2012-02-11T21:49:00.000-08:00

Am having a little fun going back and looking at some of my favorite DIY projects I have done for some local and national magazines and newspapers. I found this table at IKEA for $7.00 and with decorate tape from Tapeswell, (love them!) in just a few minutes I transformed a Plain Jane into a Sleek Silvia...

Photo by Steve Cridland www.cridlandphoto.com

http://www.oregonlive.com/hg/index.ssf/2010/01/decorative_packing_tape_spices.html

Salvage DIY Projects

2012-02-10T13:55:00.000-08:00

A favorite place of mine is Salvage Works www.salvageworkspdx.com It's a great source of building materials and collectibles, all at a great price. But there's a big bonus. The owner's also have a wood shop in back and can build you anything you want old of salvaged, reclaimed, and found wood. They are almost done with a table I designed for a client for their kitchen nook.

I tried to take off with these chairs, but have to wait cause they are being used as props for an upcoming home and garden show.

But I didn't leave empty handed. As I was leaving Salvage Works a company was getting rid of these chalkboards and coffee bean sacks...for free! I was so excited, jumping up and down. The guy "Joe" thought I was wacko! Take a look at his face!

I plan on donating some of the chalkboards and reupholstering two big comfy 1950's chairs with the the coffee bean sacks.

Upcycling DIY decorating with a MAP, Saves Marriage

2012-02-08T18:34:00.000-08:00

There has to be compromises in a marriage. I say that every day, hahaha.
An eyesore (of course through my eyes, not my husband's) is the TV in the living room. Not only is it HUGE, it's WAY up high. I asked him why he installed it so high? Answer, "I wanted to feel like I was at the Sports Pub. Good Gawd.

Anyway, being the Upcycle DIY gal that I am and not a fan of a black rectangle hanging from the wall, I decided to disguise the TV. I found an old map, bought it for its colors not for what it actually represented...Asia Natural Vegetation, and hung it from the ceiling.

I also layered dried hydrangeas to hide the cord hanging down the wall too. What I do to keep the marriage together!

Bye Bye TV, at least when the hubby isn't around.

Salvaged Beer and Wine Chandelier

2012-02-04T09:52:00.000-08:00

When building our home, The REX Project, (Reuse Everything eXperiment) www.shannonquimby.com/rex never in my wildest dreams would my chandelier I made with beer and wine bottles found in our laurel hedge get any attention other than my electrician scratching his head. But it has, French Glamour flew over from Paris, a big "you've got to be kidding! And my best friend ever, Joanne Palmisano's book, Salvage Secrets. Photo by the ever talented Susan Teares.
PS, notice my fence falling down in the upper right hand corner? What should I DIY that into?

My Bathrooms in Bedrooms & Baths Magazine

2012-02-02T09:55:00.000-08:00

Grocery Store Saga...
No, no, I don't have time. I'm only here for milk, cereal, and fruit. But no matter how I control things, I can't control my grocery cart. It has a mind of it's own. I can't let go of it. It would look weird chasing an unmanned (is that a word?) shopping cart down the aisle. So I hang on and we always end up in front of the magazine section.
OK, OK, I give in, grab a mag whose cover catches my eye, the latest Bedrooms & Baths http://www.facebook.com/cottagesandbungalows?v=info
"Hey! My bathrooms are featured in here!" I shoot out and flash it to the woman next to me, who I can't happen to notice she's got her cart close by.
Sadly I don't get the reaction I hoped for, cause she like me, only has a few minutes and is absorbed in the latest parenting mag.
I snag it, buy it, of course show it to the check out clerk. He at least gives me a courteous, "that's nice".
And run home and share with you. How did it get in the mag. From photographer Susan Teares and the book I contributed to, Salvage Secrets.
Cheers!

Shannon's Column in Today's Vintage Magazine

2012-02-01T16:12:00.000-08:00

Planning my next vacation means flipping through the pages of Today's Vintage magazine and deciding which antique auction, flea market, or antique show I want to go to. If time away from home doesn't involve finding old treasures, then what's the point? Here is my latest column too, oh how did that get in there.

http://todaysvintage.com/decorating/

Sustainable Home, Cover Story, The Oregonian

2012-01-24T12:36:00.000-08:00

Cover Story for The Oregonian Homes and Gardens

I am so lucky. Part of what I do for a living shines right here! I had the honor to scout, photo style and write about this amazing home, featured as the cover story for the Oregonian Homes and Gardens. Add the talent of photograher Steve Cridland...it doesn't get any better, www.cridlandphoto.com

012/01/a_westmoreland_homes_open_floo.html

The Rebuilding Center Saving Us, One board At a Time

2012-01-10T14:18:00.000-08:00

The Rebuilding Center isn't just a place where you can donate building materials but it's community of volunteers and staff that work so hard to decrease waste and keep our architectural history alive and well. Shane Endicott the founder of the Rebuilding Center is the backbone behind this amazing place and because of his endless energy and positive look on life, so many buildings are saved or reused...like my house, the REX Project and an elementary school that caught on fire. Please read the link below.

http://eastpdxnews.com/general-news-features/deconstructing-marysville-school-preserving-the-past-for-use-in-the-future/

One Warm Day...

2012-01-09T21:21:00.000-08:00

As it's pouring rain here...again, I look at photos like this one of Steve Cridland and I during a photo shoot last September in Rosanne Palmisano's backyard. The weather was perfect and some day, will be again. Probably tomorrow, hopefully tomorrow...OK, am crossing my fingers, tomorrow.

Addicted to Pinterest

2012-01-03T23:43:00.000-08:00

Oh my Gosh! My DIY sister, Joanne Palmisano told me about Pinterest and I can't get enough. www.pinterest.com. I can't wait to show the DIY after on my blog AND Pinterest. It's the first computer thingy-ma-jig that I can actually do on the computer!

Goodwill Hunting Before DIY's

2012-01-03T14:31:00.000-08:00

In Portland Oregon we are lucky to have the largest Goodwill industry www.meetgoodwill.org in the nation. Not only do we have the regular thrift store feel but my favorite is what we locals call "the bins". It's the last stop of Goodwill shopping. Rows and rows of bins are full of stuff and folk dive into it all day long.
Yesterday I spent time scouring through the bins (more like having a blast) and here is what I found. Two tables, two chairs, a rug, some belts, a wisk broom, backgamon pieces, a flower print, and a wood barrell. Cost $23.86! I already have found a home for the rug as my front door mat. And the barrell holds my dog "Blue's" leash, towel to wipe off paws and not shown, poop bags. Didn't think you'd want to see those! Wait until you see what I do with the rest!

Some Sweaters and a Window

2011-12-30T11:48:00.000-08:00

I am constantly raiding my closet and always second guessing myself as to why I bought stuff. Like the bright orange pullover or the way too tight pants...Seriously Shannon what were you're thinking. Anwyay, the clothing goes into three piles. Donation, Garage Sale, and DIY.

One fun DIY project I created was this organization board from six different sweaters. Jeeze, I didn't realize how many neutral colors I have. It's a true sign of living in the Pacific NW.

I grabbed an old window, some pillow stuffing, upholstery tacks, cut the sweaters up in rectangles and stuffed and hammered each sweater to the inside of each pane. So now my closet and office are both organized!

Nartural Home & Garden Magazine and my DIY wreath

2011-12-27T19:32:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite magazines is Natural Home & Garden. It reaches so many topics of sustainability, recycling, and eco-friendly solutions to better our planet. I love it! Recently, Jessica Kellner, the Editor posted one of my DIY projects on their website. It's my burnt out light bulb wreath. And even though it's painted red for the holidays, all you need is a can of spray paint and in minutes you can paint it a new color for the new year! I also want to thank Jessica for providing magazines for Design Sponge's Portland Bazaar. They were a big hit. And last but not least, cause she's my Best Friend. In this issue, a wonderful spread of Joanne Palmisano's book, Salvage Secrets. Woo Hoo!

http://www.naturalhomeandgarden.com/nh-living/transformation-tuesday-a-diy-wreath-made-of-burnt-out-lightbulbs.aspx

Portland Bazaar Scrap Wreath Crew

2011-12-23T08:38:00.000-08:00

We came, we puzzled, we glued, we made the best holiday wreaths ever at Design Sponge's Portland Bazaar! It's amazing what scrap wood (lath) some red paint and glue can create. Add a little personality from a group of fabulous people and my DIY class walked away with a wonderful holiday memory. Thanks to Grace Bonney of Design Sponge for asking me to be a part of the Portland Bazaar. Hope to see you all again next year!

Drop Cloth Slipcovers

2011-12-21T21:18:00.000-08:00

I snagged four of these chairs at an estate sale in Long Beach Califonia, a steal at only $15.00 each. But I wanted to jazz them up so had my friend Suzanne Martin make slip covers for me from some painter drop cloths, upholstery wrap, my grandma's old buttons and some scrap fringe. Whatcha think?

2011-12-09T04:06:00.001-08:00

Time to wrap presents! Here's fun idea. Decorate new paint cans. You can buy them at any paint supply store. My source is Powell Paint Centerwww.powellpaintcenter.com in Portland Oregon.

Also I just want to give a shoot out to Steve Cridland.

He never asks. He never questions. He's the perfect man, right? Well, in my little world of salvaging junk, he is the perfect guy. I am talking about my good friend and photographer extraordinaire, www.cridlandphoto.com Steve Cridland.

All of my published DIY projects for magazines over the years, Steve has been behind the camera. Steve, thanks for making all my crazy DIY ideas look amazing!

Old Leather Belts

2011-12-09T02:39:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite books is called Joseph Had an Overcoat. It's about a man whose only coat started to fray and fall apart. But instead of throwing it away he made it into something else.
At the end of the story the last piece of coat ended up being button and it finally popped off and left Joseph with nothing. So what did he do...he wrote a book about it.

I love that book. And it's my inspiration for my belt mat. I had a favorite leather belt, but it finally kicked the bucket. But instead of throwing it away, I made it into to something else.

Thanks Joseph...

Sign Up for Shannon's DIY class with Design Sponge

2011-12-06T21:45:00.001-08:00

Come spend some Girlfriend Time with me at Design Sponge's Portland Bazaar!

We will have fun making this scrap wood wreath, plus a book signing of Salvage Secrets, tons of fun DIY goodies to take home to help check off your holiday gift list. Or what the heck, keep it all for yourself. There are only 15 seats available so sign up fast!

Sunday Dec. 11th 3-4pm at Sandbox Studio. Click on the link below and grab a spot.

See you soon!

: http://bit.ly/u3LdTi

Sneak Peak of wooden wreath for DIY Design Sponge class!

2011-12-05T14:02:00.001-08:00

You are looking at raw materials of the scrap wooden wreath we will be making! Below is the description of the class on Design Sponge and here's the link to sign up. Only 15 spots open!! Plus I have decorating goodies (paints, Tomboy Tools, Hope bags, this list goes on and on) for all who attend too! This is going to be a blast.

http://bit.ly/u3LdTi

3pm-4pm: DIY Wooden Wreath-Making with Shannon Quimby ($20): What do you get when you combine local Salvage DIY Decorating Gal Shannon Quimby, scrap wood, a blow dryer, glue and paint? Lots of fun and super stylish, upcycled, one of kind, decorative wood wreath that will stand the test of time. Class attendees will leave with their own wreath and a couple surprises from Shannon. Shannon will also be signing copies of her book, Salvaged Secrets. Your class fee covers all materials. SIGN UP HERE

Sign Up for my Design Sponge DIY Class!

2011-12-05T10:29:00.001-08:00

Nothing fancy right now, but a quick note...here's the link to sign up for my class with Design Sponge's first Portland Bazaar!

http://www.designsponge.com/2011/12/portland-bazaar-craft-class-book-signing-schedule.html

Shannon teaching a DIY class with Design Sponge!

2011-12-03T13:52:00.001-08:00

What do you think this photo is of? Well, it's a sneak peak of the class I am teaching at Design Sponge's www.designsponge.com first Portland Bazaar! www.portlandbazaar.com Spaces are limited so sign up fast. Dec. 11th 3pm. Wait there's more! A book signing of Salvage Secrets, by Joanne Palmisano. I snagged some books for you, perfect for holiday gifts!

OK...I will spill the beans about the photo. It's a wreath made out of burnt out light bulbs. At the Portland Bazaar, I will be showing how to make this, and you will get to make my latest salvage DIY project, a scrap wood wreath!

Be there or be...empty handed.
Shannon

Decorate with Apples

2011-11-20T18:17:00.001-08:00

Over the summer I did an outdoor table top decorating project for the Oregonian Homes and Gardens. Styling with apples and hydrangeas. I thought...why not do the same table top decorating for the holidays. It's simple, it's cheap and you can eat it too. Total holiday colors of red and green apples.Just poke a hydrangea or any other flower that is in season in your neck of the woods into the top of the apple. Have fun.

At the Beach...Just Jump

2011-11-20T11:29:00.001-08:00

Sometimes you just need to stop. Stop what you are doing. And go have fun. Go and fill your heart. My heart-fill is a tiny beach town, Oceanside, Oregon. Sand in your boots, a never ending smile, and jumping as high as you can!

Tulips for the Holidays

2011-11-16T21:48:00.001-08:00

At the check out stand I was admiring the bundles of tulips for sale 3/$10.00. So I treated myself and bought some. I figured flowers are much better than that Butterfinger that was staring me down. When I brought them home they seemed more springlike than Holiday. So I grabbed some silver ornaments and sticks to create a combo... Spring meets Winter.

Holiday Decorations Up High

2011-11-04T22:27:00.000-07:00

I know it's early but thought you'd like to start thinking about what to do about some holiday decorations. My creative buddy, Bret Hodgert from Old Portland Hardware and Architectural put this together. I have to show it off! Isn't it terrific? Just remove the prisms and replace with ornaments! CheersShannon

Sellwood Trolley Line, Furniture w/ a history!

2011-10-31T20:03:00.000-07:00

I have been so honored to be selected by Endurawood to design the Limited Edition of the Sellwood Trolley Line. Furniture made from century old salvaged timbers of the Sellwood Street Car Barns here in Portland Oregon. The furniture will debute at Endurawood and at a Fabulous Pop Up store called BOYS FORT www.boysfort.org. Grand Opening Nov. 3rd witht the Mayor of Portland arriving for the ribbon cutting Nov. 9th at 1pm PST. These are just two designs of a selection of seven. Own a peice of history! Even the railroad spikes were salvaged by a sweet friend of mine, 13yr old Gabrielle.Cheers!Shannon

Shannon's Natural Salvage Room selected for Apartment Therapy Contest!

2011-10-26T07:44:00.000-07:00

I need your help! My loft bathroom has been chosen as an entry for the 2012 Apartment Therapy color contest! The original flooring, scrap door wind window trim, the beer bottle recycled glass counter tops, the green NO VOC paint! It goes on and on!http://community.apartmenttherapy.com/contests/color/2011/entries/3253You can choose your favorite (please be mine, please be mine) through noon (EST) on November 21, 2011. The top rooms (receiving the highest number of "favorites") in each of the National divisions (North, South, East, West) will become our Regional finalist winners and will move on to the next round of voting to determine the Grand Prize winner. The top room (receiving the highest number of "favorites") in the International division as of November 21, 2011 will be our International winner. Help me spread the word of Sustainable color, and design. I don't win anything other than a HUGE pat on the back, which we all know once in a while that feels pretty darn good!Feel free to let the world know Shannon's Natural Salvage Room about your entry through email, Facebook and Twitter. Ask your friends, family and coworkers to help out by "favoriting" my bathroom, sharing it on Facebook and tweeting it to their followers to help my room make it to the final round.

Leaf It to Shannon

2011-10-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick and FREE idea I did to add a little outdoors...inside. I did this for my previous television show, KOIN Studio 6.

Gather and Stack,Nature's Way

2011-10-24T23:07:00.000-07:00

Fall season is the best source for quick and easy decorating. While walking my 14 year old dog, Blue I stuffed my pockets with nature's picks for a tabletop centerpiece. And since Blue is in retirement, he walks very very slow, plenty of time for me to look for outdoor decorating treasures. The only thing I did not enjoy...picking up after Blue. I had to bring that home too. No, it did not become any part of my indoor decorating!Cheers!Shannon

My halloween costume...A Piece of Paper

2011-10-24T22:54:00.000-07:00

My all time favorite Halloween costume that I have made numerous times is my version of a piece of paper. I get a men's large t-shirt and with markers make lines and three dots acting as holes, velcro more pens on the sleeve and insto-presto it's the best conversation starter at all the parties...Have a BOO-tiful day!Shannon

Salvage Best Friends!

2011-10-22T09:57:00.000-07:00

As soon as my best friend Joanne Palmisano steps off the plane here in Portland Oregon (she lives in Shelburne Vermont) the camera starts flying. Even on the way home from the airport, she does the Dustin Hoffman Rain Man shots. You know, the snapping photos randomly while the car is speeding down the road. It never stops, just like Joanne. But in her flurry of photos and never ending of seeing beauty in the simple things of life, she captures some moments that most of us miss. One of my favorite shots she took recently is of my little lamb sitting pretty on my fireplace mantle.And if you want to see more of her amazing work check out her just released book! Salvage Secrets. My little lamb isn't in it, but many other parts of my house (The REX Project) are and I am so proud to be a part of it.And yep, you are seeing double, that's Joanne's twin sister Rosanne Palmisano (Joanne is in white) hanging out by my outdoor fireplace.

Jello Mold Wreath

2011-10-19T23:02:00.000-07:00

I love wreaths! Why, because it's an endless way to be creative. One of my favorite ones I make is the combinatioin of a Jello-Mold and Hens and Chicks, referring to the plants of course. For full directions you can go to my column in The Oregonian, www.oregonlive.com/hg. Type in Shannon Quimby under search and not only will you see this great idea but many more.

Old Globe Lights

2011-10-19T22:29:00.000-07:00

I am starting to put together some holiday gifts for friends and family and these globe lights I made hopefully will put a smile on a face or two. All you need is some wire, beads, wire cutters, old glass globe and a candle. Have fun string the beads and twisting and turning to make shapes.

stacking milk glass display

2011-10-19T22:19:00.000-07:00

Hopefully Martha Stewart won't find these milkglass vases collectible. If so, cafrabits (as my dad would say) because they are cheap, even free most of the time. I love scooping them up at garage sales and with a little sticky putty, have fun stacking them! You SO can do this too!

The One Sock Wonder!

2011-10-19T22:08:00.000-07:00

That darn dryer! Why does it always eat the brand new socks, never the old ones with holes in them. No worries, I decided to make due with what I had leftover. Instant wrapping paper, a wine cozy, and dressed up vase of flowers!

Reclaimed Vanity Light Bar

2011-10-19T08:33:00.000-07:00

I am always trying to save the under dog. Stuff that overflows at the thrift stores that we can't figure out what to do with. Prime example: Outdated bath vanity light bars. They are tossed out quicker than you can say "Toy Boat" ten times fast. Welp, I think I found a solution! I washed one with glass cleaner, and removed the wiring underneath. Added some candles and there ys have it. I super duper new lighted centerpiece!You can So do this too....peice of cake!Cheers!Shannon

2011-09-17T16:19:00.000-07:00

OK, ok, ok, I am finally getting back on the blog wagon and I hope you enjoy the ride with me. I will be showing you all my secrets and fun design and decorating tricks from basically everything that folks throw away.One of the best stories ever is about the gates that I have above my bed. They came from an old driveway on our property. Well at least that's what I thought. I found out they were made from boards that fell down from a storm in the 1960's. They were saved and made into jumping gates for horses. Then twenty years later they were rescued again for decor in a restaurant with a western theme. After the restaurant closed, they were put in storage. Ten years later a guy asked if he could have the gates. He took them home, and used them as driveway gates. Fast forward 20y plus years more. We bought the property and during the construction of the REX Project, they were saved again. Recycling two gates over the past 50 years. Love it!