LIFE AT THE COTTAGE

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Time Travel Thursday #23 - Diamond in the Rough


"We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they're called memories.
Some take us forward, they're called dreams."
~Jeremy Irons~


Welcome to the 23rd Time Travel Thursday linky party at the Brambleberry Cottage.
Are you ready to share your fondest memories, grandest dreams,
and most creative projects?
OK, here we go!

During one of our many junkin' jaunts—back in the 90s—the Yankee
and I stumbled upon a wonderful stash of antique stained-glass church
windows and empty sashes.

They were just too fabulous to pass up...
so we promptly bought
the entire lot!   ; )


One of the empty sashes was a large diamond-shaped piece—
probably a connector piece for two of the large windows—similar to the one 
surrounding the purple glass, in the image above.

We were never quite sure what to do with that particular architectural detail.

So it sat aimlessly in storage for years, with no particular destiny
 or purpose in sight, until...


we pulled all those wonderful beaded boards out of the old Victorian a few years ago.

I know I've told you many times before, but it's true, that bounty of vintage
beadboard has been the key that has unlocked the door
to numerous stalled projects.


For our little diamond in the rough, it was just a matter of
selecting the perfect board color from the pieces
 stored in the barn.


We were delighted with the results of our first project using those
salvaged boards—three fantastic wooden boxes—and decided
one of those colors would be just right for this piece.


After a bit of deliberation, we agreed that pink would be the perfect pairing
 for this pretty project.   ; )


Of course, no project is complete without the embellishments that make it unique—
like a stunning spindle part...


and a shimmering vintage glass doorknob.


And with the addition of a little ornate appliqué for the top...


and the bottom...


our once pleasant-but-plain window frame became a gorgeous...


one-of-a-kind...


sweet, sleek, shabby chic mirror.

It might have taken a few years for this diamond to shine,
but it sure sparkles now!   ; )

Linking to Leigh's Thrifty Thursday, Suzanne's Vintage Thingie Thursday,
and Susan's Metamorphosis Monday.

23 comments:

  1. I don't know how you ever came up with that but it is awesome, just awesome!

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  2. What an incredible team you are. I am so jealous of your wood stash. I just love what you did with this window frame, never again will you see something like that. These things take time, right? What an inspiration.

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  3. Absolutely love it! Where did you end up putting it?

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  4. Amazing! I love this mirror!
    ~Amanda

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  5. Amazing, I love your shabby mirror, so beautiful and simply gorgeous, bravo:))
    Thanks for hosting, hugs Biljana

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  6. WOW! That is stunning! Thanks for hosting the party

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  7. You have a remarkable talent in finding and seeing beauty in the forgotten. It's all gorgeous!
    Roselle

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  8. Thanks for the linky party! I linked up my 50's dresser re-do to aluminum foil front.

    That mirror above is to die for! Gorgeous.

    I am now your new follower. Gonna go post your button on my blog. I would love if you followed my blog as well.
    http://dejarenew.blogspot.com
    thx much!

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  9. My first visit here. Love it! I'll be following along. And thanks for hosting!

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  10. Thanks for folowing the BKB! I saw your comment a few minutes ago. I popped in here earlier today and I gotta say I was green w/ envy w/ the church window and the fab moulding.
    The possiblities!! See ya 'round!
    xo Jeanne.

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  11. Oh, what great ideas. I love old wood and mouldings...I need to show my hubby this post!! Happy VTT!

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  12. Loving all of your photos. Thanks for hosting...

    Take care,
    Lisa

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  13. I just love old window and you have a gorgeous one! I love what you did the the diamond and the bead board. A great match indeed!Those little boxes are great too.I wish I had a stash of great old wood like you do.

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  14. Wow, that is just fabulous! You are so full of it.....lol....love your ideas!!! Beautiful!

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  15. Fabulous ideas, that really is a one of a kind piece. TFS!

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  16. What an incredible transformation! Absolutely gorgeous.

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  17. WOW! This is just gorgeous~ My hubby would be in heaven in your work room....he loves to be creative with olden finds!
    Merry Christmas and HPS!
    Jil

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  18. What an *awesome* stash of old things! I love places like that. Thanks for the link party.

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  19. Oh.My.Gosh!!! What absolutely delightful projects! ...so glad I stopped by for Pink Saturday to see them! Merry, Merry!

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Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to comment.