Sunday, September 6

Before and after

Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick is having a "Before and After" party. And Jen at Sanctuary Arts at Home is having a "You should have seen it before!" party. Aren't these great ideas for a party? Judging from what I read around blogland, we all love a before-and-after story. We can't get enough of trash-to-treasure. We want to see what that old piece of ___________ (fill in the blank) looked like before--when it was in Mom's attic, or on Grandpa's back porch, or at the thrift store, or in the pile of garbage. And then we want to see how it looks now, after it's been rescued and revitalized.

These parties got me to thinking. I think that the reason we love these before-and-after projects is because that's the way God made us. God created humans in His image, and His specialty is rescue and revitalization. Think about the word "revitalize." The "re-" prefix means again or anew; the "vita" root means life; the "-ize" suffix makes the word an action verb. So, literally, to revitalize is to give life again. Just exactly what God gives us. No wonder we like it!

Both of these parties require that we show before and after photos. I've chosen to show you a couple of ottomans that I worked on this summer. One was this thrift store find:




And with a little time, some leftover fabric, and my staple gun, now I have this:




If you'd like to read more about how I brought about this revitalization, click here.

The other ottoman is one that I made for my front porch. Here's a before photo of it:




Yes, it started life as an Omaha Steaks Cooler.

And here's the after:


If you like, you can read more about this project here.

Check out Sarah's party and Jen's party to see lots of fun before-and-after projects!

21 comments:

  1. Great job! Thanks for sharing.

    I'm making a slipcover for an ottoman right now, too. Yours are super!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I still can't get over that cooler! That is so super fun and cool, what a great idea. And it's so pretty now, who would have thought? Thanks for joining me!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. A COOLER! What a great idea! I'd love to feature this on my blog. If you love before & afters, I think you would love my site. C'mon over and check it out. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow, that is an example of seeing potential in ANYTHING!!!
    Great job...Janell

    ReplyDelete
  5. Those are terrific. Of course, that Omaha steaks thing *kills* me because I threw one of those coolers out this summer. Just. this. summer! Aggg! Hopefully my inlaws will treat us again. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh my goodness you creative girl! Those are great.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I can trash-to-treasure with the best of them but never would have thought to do anything with a cooler! AWESOME!

    ReplyDelete
  8. This are fabulous.
    Love the cooler idea...never would have thought of that.

    You are a crafty, crafty b*tch!
    That is a total compliment :>)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Happy Birthday, friend! And that's a great makeover you did. I do believe that's the same houndstooth fabric I bought to make pillows for my brown leather sofa.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great job - I can't believe you used a cooler! Great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Now that is one thrifty transformation with the cooler! WOW, I am inspired!

    ReplyDelete
  12. oooooooooo I love that top transformation the best--pretty fabric

    ReplyDelete
  13. They look great! I love that you did that to a cooler! Thanks for joining the party! Jen

    ReplyDelete
  14. what a fabulous Idea,, This is great for my new bedroom remodel.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment! I read every one; they make my day. If you have a specific question, please be sure your email address is attached to your profile or leave your email address in the comment; I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Every blessing!