Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Am I an Official Stocker?

This past May I went to an amazing garage sale. You can see what I bought here. I was talking with the seller, because everything she had, I loved, and I discovered she worked at an antique mall that was getting ready to close its doors after 17 years. We visited for a few minutes then she invited me in to her home to show me a few more things she was selling. Her home was decorated beautifully with antiques and many items I love and also collect. However, it was one item in particular that caught me eye. In her kitchen she had a metal horse silhouette hanging on her wall. Of course this piece wasn't for sale, but I did learn that she bought it at a yard sale years before. I really enjoyed my visit, paid for my purchases and headed home. As many of you know I've been re-decorating my front porch- It's been a work in progress most of the summer. Well, that night I couldn't stop thinking about that horse. It would look so good as part of my front porch. Then I got an idea. The next morning I asked Mr. Right if he remembered where the house was- unfortunately, he couldn't- and either could I. The next weekend when we went garaging I kept my eyes peeled for a clue. Maybe, I'd see something that would trigger my memory. No such luck. After whinning about this for a few weeks my husband reminded me that the garage seller, "Lisa" worked at an antique store that we were both familiar with. "Just call the store, you know her name." Mr. Right suggested. "Would that be too stalker like" I asked. Mr. Right knows that when I want something I'll do anything to get it and something trivial, like the label STALKER, wouldn't deter me. Then I remembered she said the store was closing. I quickly googled the stores website and discovered it was closing that day! "We have to go in" I pleaded. So Mr. Right and I drove to the store, found Lisa, and made our request. (Thank heavens she remembered me) "Do you think I could come over and photograph your horse?" She looked at me a little strangely. "I want to use it as a pattern so I can recreate it in wood" "Sure" she responds. She gives me her address and phone number and I leave a happy camper! That was the end of May. It's taken all summer- between my vacations and Lisa's schedule to connect up and get my photograph. I know you're dying to see this amazing horse that caused me to put all my scruples aside. Well, here you go...This pieces is made of metal and has copper tubing that outlines it. It's all rivited and was used to by an interior designer to decorate a clients space in a American folk Art style. The client hated the entire room and held a garage sale. She paid over $300 for this piece and sold it for $15 to my friend Lisa. After a wonderful visit with Lisa, I came home and got to work. Here's my handy overhead projector. I printed the image on a transparancy and used my projector to make the image 2 feet tall and 4 feet wide to match the original...
I used a pencil and traced it on a piece of 1/2" MDF.
Mr. Right cut it out for me.
After a few layers of paint (first white, then black) and a little distressing, here she is all ready for her place on the porch...On my last Front Porch Friday post I explained how I was waiting on one more project before the big reveal- This was that project. So, this Friday I will reveal my new front porch. Can't wait to see what you think. My question to you... Was it worth it? If I'm forever labeled as a STALKER, was it for a worthy cause? Or am I the only one that see's this piece as an amazing work of art? Let me know what you think. Love, Kelly.

Linking Up To:
Anything Related @ All Thingz Related
Table Top Tuesdays @ A Stroll Thru Life
Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog
Trash To Treasure Tuesday @ Reinvented
Tip Me Tuesday @ Tip Junky
Take A Look Tuesday @ Craft Edition
Three Or More Tuesday @ The Gypsy's Corner
Anti-Procrastionation Tuesdays @ New Nostalgia
Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays @ Coastal Charm
Lucky Link Tuesday @ Lucky Star Lane

8 comments:

  1. I love this stalker story :) And, fellow bargain shoppers would think nothing of you tracking her down!

    Glad to have found your blog.

    Emily

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  2. Personally, I think your actions were totally appropriate -- not at all stalker-like. I'd say you were resourceful and persistent! The results explain it all. It's very cool and I'm anxious to see it in action on your porch.
    Midge

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  3. Oh I would be a stalker too. I think it is wonderful and I am so happy you got to copy it. Yours is fabulous and I am sure it is stunning on the porch. Can't wait to see. Thanks so much for linking to TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  4. I've been trying to contact Laura by email but I'm having no luck, could she get in touch with me at skye at blogher dot com? Thanks!

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  5. I'm so glad to "meet" y'all and your blog! I'm a new follower. I really appreciate your comment on my salvaged and stenciled yard art (http://sceneofthegrime.blogspot.com/2010/08/salvaged-bench-slats-to-shabulous-fence.html) and I would be honored it you would like to feature it on My Dear Trash! Thanks for your interest and I'm sure I'll enjoy your blog thoroughly. Laurie from Scene of the Grime

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  6. stalker label....so worth it and then some! outstanding!

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  7. Looks great! WOW You are lucky to have an husband helping you :)
    Hugs

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  8. I like it and I know two girls who would love to have it too. I am going to evernote this and see if I can make something similar at a later time. My aunt would totally love something like this on her house.

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