I have several of these old ladders, including this one that I got for free. I saw it at a garage sale and asked how much they wanted. They just said, "Oh, that old thing -- you can have it". Um . . . OKAY! I had an idea rattling around in my head in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep (thank you menopause) and this is the result.
I've been using this paint by Rust-oleum, "Chalked" which is a SPRAY chalk paint and I love it! For this project I used Serenity Blue. The actual color is more of a pale, 'true' blue than the cap color which appears to be more of a pale green-blue but I still loved the look. I'm giving away two cans of this paint to two winners so be sure to read the end of this post for details on entering to win!
I like the paint splattered, rusty, corroded metal parts so I carefully taped those off and then gave this two quick coats, removed the tape and voila! I hadn't even noticed that some of the paint splatters actually matched the new color!
Now the really fun part. I knew I wanted to add lighting so I purchased some inexpensive 'tap' lights at my local Big Lots (3/6.00). They're battery operated and easy to attach with a stick on pad. They are pretty bright, LED lights so I cut a few pieces of decorative paper and attached those over the light to 'dim' it a bit.
To add even more softness and character, I added a fabric panel to the back. I had these beautiful, shear curtains that no longer match my bedroom so I cut one and used it for this project. It has a delicate, embroidered leaf pattern that I love. I wanted to make it washable so I attached using velcro at the top edge and two small pieces at the bottom of each leg.
Wouldn't it be fun to make different panels for different seasons??
This could be a fun display in any room of the house. You could also use it as a side table, plant display -- lots of possibilities!
By adding the books, you get a little more 'ledge' depth for adding other items. Now that I think about it, you could even attach the books if you wanted using E600 or screws! Hmmmmmmm . . .
Now for the Giveaway!
Thanks to Rust-oleum, I'm able to give away two cans of their Chalked spray paint to two winners! The winners will get to choose two different cans of paint. Click HERE to see what the colors look like. The colors I have available are:
Charcoal
Linen White
Serenity Blue
Coastal Blue
For a chance to win, you get
one entry if you follow/like me on Facebook (link at the top of my blog)
one entry if you become a follower of my blog
one entry for simply leaving a comment on this post.
If you ALREADY follow me on FB and/or are already a follower, please let me know that in your comment so you get the entry!
one entry if you follow/like me on Facebook (link at the top of my blog)
one entry if you become a follower of my blog
one entry for simply leaving a comment on this post.
If you ALREADY follow me on FB and/or are already a follower, please let me know that in your comment so you get the entry!
Because of restrictions on shipping the paint, I am unable to extend this offer to those outside of the U.S.
I'll be taking a short blog break soon but will announce the winners on OCTOBER 13.
I'll be taking a short blog break soon but will announce the winners on OCTOBER 13.
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any given week (depending on how busy I am!) I love to participate in Link Parties. These gals put a lot of time and effort into
hosting these parties so I always want to show my appreciation by directing my
readers to these blogs.
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Lauren, don't include me in the drawing - I'm not geared up to be crafty just now, and the paint might go bad before I get geared up! That is a clever and beautiful thing you've made!
ReplyDeleteAnother great project, Lauren!! I want an old step ladder so much and need to find one. You've created such an adorable vignette and displayed it so perfectly. The fabric adds such a pretty touch. How wonderful that you got the ladder for FREE!!
ReplyDeleteThe lighted ladder is pretty, Lauren. I like the 'serenity blue' color, and the lights add a special touch. Don't ya just love Big Lots? I have one near my house and I visit often. They always have cute holiday stuff. The books and the tea cups you added are charming. So many great projects you're working on.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
ps.....about your giveaway - I'm already following your blog, but I'm not on facebook. : )
Oh, how beautiful!!!! Just so creative and cozy! I follow your blog via email, and you always encourage me when I stop by! God bless you, sweet friend. :)
ReplyDeleteGotta love scoring free stuff at garage sales! Your lighted ladder display shelf is delightful. If I had one, I would use it to display my teacups!
ReplyDeleteThis is so fun! I love how you painted it (and I really do want to give this kind of paint a try) -but I'm in Canada, so I'll get my own. :)
ReplyDeleteLove the light and how the fabric really helps to soften it. A very pretty display that if you haven't screwed the books in can be changed out from time to time.
I would never have thought of the fabric! I will have to try this paint (and would love to win some). I'm trying to find you on facebook but the link didn't work...will keep trying!
ReplyDeleteThank you Joy. Just click on the picture and it will take you right there.
DeleteYou come up with some great ideas in the middle of the night! :) Love the light idea, too! And the ladder was free, total score.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great makeover :) Thanks for linking up to Creative Mondays. Hope you can join me for The Wednesday blog hop later this week.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'll 'hop' over - thanks!
DeleteLauren, may I say that I LOVE this project. How easy it is to put together. ... It's unique look. ... How easy it will be to change the look. ... And that it isn't expensive.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the tutorial.
Thank you Susan!
DeleteLauren, may I say that I LOVE this project. How easy it is to put together. ... It's unique look. ... How easy it will be to change the look. ... And that it isn't expensive.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the tutorial.
Susan from FruitfulWords - fruitfulwords.wordpress.com
Oh I would love to enter if there's still time. I would love the linen white and coastal blue...or either blue! I hope you are going on your trip this week. I hopped over here to see if you had posted! Sweet hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute idea you had for the ladder, So glad you covered the hinges when you painted it and I never would have thought of the lace curtain idea
ReplyDeleteCool...I actually have a stool just like this that needs painting but I thought of making a top for it and making it a side table. Love the color you painted yours.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous project conjured up in the middle of the night, the best kind! I love the lighted area with the curtain, many great possibilities exist! So, so fun! If you are still having the giveway, I am interested in participating, although I realize I am very late! Hugs to you today, hope you enjoy your time away :) I'm sure many creative projects will ensue, smiles!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great project and idea!! A great way to display your pretties!
ReplyDelete