Scrap Metal~Part Two: Alphabet Frame

Whilst visiting San Francisco in January (yes, I've been meaning to post about this for 9 months now....) we stumbled upon the most amazing antique store called Aria. It really isn't your typical antique store, I feel silly even calling it that. It was more like you found a trap door to a 18th century European attic and all the owners belongings were perfectly curated in piles of interesting knick-knacks and oddities. I was is hog-heaven!
There were skeleton keys, mini globes, vintage millinery, weathered letters written in French with a quill, bocce ball sets, and even a miniature roulette wheel. My favorite find was an entire alphabet set of brass printer's stencils. They each had the most magnificent patina of corroded old ink and were still in usable condition.
After mulling around what I would do with said alphabet, I decided to make a mirror after being inspired by this. The trickiest part was finding the right size hanging mirror so all the letters would fit perfectly. Once I did, I slapped them on with a little glue and voila! A fabulous DIY vintage mirror! It's so snazzy!

-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

Scrap Metal~Part One: Lamp Terrarium

I'm a huge fan of the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store. They have a rotating inventory of junk turned treasure. I usually stop by every few weeks and peruse the scene. I've been really into old brass light fixtures and have a growing collection, but haven't figured what to do with them until now. Watch this hanging brass lamp turn into the most adorable succulent terrarium right before your eyes.Disclaimer: the hardest part about this project was ripping out the existing bulb fixture. But with a little elbow grease and some pliers, that puppy popped right off. It also left a convenient drainage hole right at the bottom. It also really helped that the side of the lamp has a handy hinged "trap-door" so I could reach my mits into the space.

Boom. Super easy and super cute. All you have to do is give everybody a little spritzy-spray every few days and they are happy as clams.

-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM