Some of the reclaimed bottles, cleaned and basking in the drying sunlight. |
I brought my "prized finds" home and commenced on removing cabs, dumping contents and cleaning bottles. Wow, what a chore that was. The caps so rusty, they were easily removed by pushing a nail through the center and prying off broken pieces, but getting some of the bottles cleaned-up proved problematic. Quite an ensemble of experimental cleaning products lined the garage for usage. If one failed, the next was tried. Vinegar and baking soda, rock salt, bleach with dish detergent in warm water, some super de-greaser by Prestone (automotive), Goo Gone. Eventually, all the "ickiness" was removed. A narrow paint brush and toothbrush alike helped a bit with the interiors too. Wish they were a bit more bendy at times however. They all received a second cleaning once back inside my home.
While the bottle were drying, I decided to make another rustic, decorative box from weathered pallet wood I had found. This time, a flat piece of rusty, galvanized steel was used to "badge" the front of the box. Another piece of salvaged metal formed a clamp to hold it in place. I was going to add some text to the badge but decided to leave it simple since the box could have so many varied uses. I initially thought it would be cool for displaying hand-made soaps and saying "SOAP" across the metal. Now that it's complete, I'm actually glad I chose to go "nondescript".
I decided to create a small vignette with my new box and one of my newly found and cleansed bottles. Since this bottle had a threaded top, I decided to mask them with a burlap wrap clamped in place with more scrap metal.
To finish off the look I added one of my steam-punk inspired metal orbs made from numerous broken pieces of rusty, metal springs.
I love a grouping of three and this simple ensemble just worked together so nicely.
A trio of elements. |
The completed ensemble. |
Sharing this at:
Happy Hour Projects - Freestyle Friday
Chic on a Shoestring Decorating - Flaunt It Friday
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia - Tuesdays Treasures
Coastal Charm - Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
At Home With K - Terrific Under Ten Tuesday
Kammy's Korner - Trash 2 Treasure Tuesday
Debbie Does Creations - Toot Your Horn Tuesday
Home Stories A2Z - Tutorials & Tips Party
Cherished Handmade Treasures - Creative Corner Hop
The Shabby Creek Cottage - Transformation Thursday
The Brambleberry Cottage - Time Travel Thursday
Well Frugal, you've accomplished yet another delightful repurposed box. The metal sphere + the vintage glass finds make a nice compliment to the view..very nice!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Would love to have you come and link-up to the Creative Corner Hop. It opens on Monday to new links and stays open all week long.
ReplyDeleteSandy
Cherished Handmade Treasures
Hi Sandy. Thanks so much for the invite. I will definitely check it out! Glad you stopped by!
DeleteVery nice. I love simple rustic boxes made from weathered wood scraps.
ReplyDeleteMy mother happens to be visiting and we are both "ooooing" and "ahhhhing". Nicely done!!
ReplyDeleteLove it! Another person I get to meet from PA...YAY! Im originally from the Erie area. Thanks for your sweet comment on the blog redesign. I've always got my wheels spinning on that. Thanks again for sharing at Toot Your Horn Tuesday :)
ReplyDeleteLove this! Stopping by from The Creative Corner Hop. Your newest GFC follower.
ReplyDeleteHolly
http://hollysstampingaddiction.blogspot.com/