LIFE AT THE COTTAGE

Friday, September 2, 2011

Mirror, Mirror



It has been quite a while since I shared one of our transformation
projects—months, as a matter of fact!

So...
since I'm a bit overdue, I'll show you one of the last things we transformed...
before the garden and our "destash" efforts
consumed our lives.   ; )


Have you ever wondered why we use vintage windows in our projects
so often?  Well, it could have something to do with the fact that we
 have a barn full of them.


That's the same reason we use vintage beadboard so frequently—
well, that and the fact that we love making things from
salvaged materials.


And old window frames, coupled with vintage beadboard, make such wonderful
mirrors, we never grow weary of creating them.


The pair of vintage windows that you see above were two of a group of six
that we discovered in a barn
near our farm.

When the old farmer who had been storing the windows
decided it was time to get rid of them, he knew right
where to unload them.


Since two of them had broken panes of glass and missing muntins, they became
 prime candidates for a makeover.


By eliminating what glass remained in the windows, we opened up space at the
top for beadboard embellishment.

Cutting the windows down and removing the broken muntins
created the perfect openings for mirrors
to be installed.


The Yankee and I both love cottage style, so the theme for this
 particular transformation project was a given.


Several thick coats of cottage-white paint were rolled onto
 the frames—to keep all the old chippy paint
 where it belonged.


We really like how our mirror duo turned out.  And I think
even our farmer friend would approve.

I guess being known by the neighbors as "the folks who
like junk" has its advantages.   ; )

FOOTNOTE:  The mirrors were displayed on the barn just long enough to take pictures.  No birds or other wildlife were injured during this project.  Although...I think I DID chip a nail or two in the process.


Joining Kathleen's White Wednesday, Mary's Share the Love Wednesday,


41 comments:

  1. Those are just gorgeous!! There is nothing better than old beadboard and old windows! What a great combination!

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  2. they look wonderful, i wish i could have mirrors outside, but not in our climate :(

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  3. Thanks for telling me to paint the window so the old chippy paint will stay on - I have a very old window with chippy paint and that has worried me, but I'll be getting out the paint tomorrow morning!

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  4. What a wonderful make over! I have a few old windows that I could do this project on, now I just need old bead board. Will be on the hunt, thanks for sharing, Laura

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  5. WOW. Those are outstanding and inspiring.

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  6. I LOVE those! They're such a cool take on a trumeau style mirror.

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  7. This is certainly trash to treasure!
    LOVE these!
    Yvonne

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  8. I love this project. There are so many cool things you can do with old windows.

    Lucky you, to have Queen Anne's Lace bloom so long where you are. It doesn't start her until mid summer and is almost done although it was a little later this year do to the colder weather we've been having.

    I'm also adding your Link party to my sidebar and will try to participate when I can:-)

    Enjoy your holiday weekend:-)

    xoxo
    Kathleen

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  9. Those are just fabulous!!! So gorgeous and so perfect!!!

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  10. Absolutely Fabulous! I love old wood, this is a great makeover!!!

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  11. What a great idea to use beadboard as a backer. Love the way they turned out!

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  12. Great inspiration for my old windows. I am your neighbor to the south - SC. I am also a new follower.

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  13. Hi there......
    Lovley job :)
    and do not miss.....


    S
    A
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    S
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    WELCOME :)
    Håkan ( The Roseman)

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  14. Great, just wonderful. I have several of these sitting around waiting to do something with. I love how you combined the beadboard with the mirror it makes them far more interesting.

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  15. Beautiful. The mirrors are lovely ( all of your projects are). But the reflections in the mirrors are breath taking,. Big hugs!

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  16. Liz this turned out wonderfully! Mirrors are always a great addition to a room. I would love to have you share your talents at my VIP today =) http://designergarden.blogspot.com/2011/09/vip-party-26.html
    Have a wonderful holiday weekend!! XO

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  17. Amazing vintage mirrors, I lake it!
    Pleasant Sunday, kisses:)

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  18. SO jealous of your barn full of treasures!!! love it!

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  19. Gorgeous creations! LOVE the beadboard...makes a great touch!
    Visiting from WW
    Roselle

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  20. I love this use of old windows. They looks great as mirrors. I think they'd look wonderful above the nightstands on either side of my bed!

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  21. So charming~ love how these came out! They are perfect! Thank you for sharing at Feathered Nest Friday! :)

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  22. Love these! I am seriously envious of your barn full of beadboard and windows!

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  23. HI! I came by just for see however I loved all you do, are gorgeous. I lived on USA already, when we came back I opened a store where I sell the stuff like yours handcrafts. Take a look in my blog.
    I´ll follow you. Sirlene.

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  24. Absolutely love these! So jealous that you so many treasures in your barn :)

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  25. Those look great!! and there are worse things to be known as other than "the people who love junk" LOL!!

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  26. Wow, they are just beautiful! I'd say being known as the neighbors who like junk has great advantages! I'd keep up that reputation!

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  27. These are so beautiful! I recently acquired some old windows that are begging for this treatment. Thanks for the inspiration! :)

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  28. These are gorgeous! Love the photo with the reflection of the trees. So pretty. thanks for linking up to Share the Love Wednesday!
    Mary

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  29. Gorgeous duo! I really like the way you used the bead board; just the right amount of chippy paint. Love the reflection too:-)

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  30. I am always so impressed at how you and your yankee sweetie can take junk and make beauty.
    Love these mirrors..now I am on the lookout for a couple of olden windows...:)

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  31. Hi Liz, these are wonderful, love the color and chippy goodness! thanks for linking up to VIF, xo Debra

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  32. I love your creativity, and it's so easy to see the detail with your wonderful photography skills.

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  33. Stopping over from your feature at Roadkill Rescue to pin these beauties.

    ~Bliss~

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  34. Just finding your beautiful blog!! I am pinning these beautiful mirror frames!! Patty@creativeideasandtips.blogspot.com

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  35. I love this idea. We just purchased a historical cottage in Pinehurst, NC. We're almost ready to start the renovation of it and we will be replacing the windows. I would love to salvage the windows and reuse them inside of the house. Inspiring! I'm your newest follower. Please come follow me at Pinehurst Cottage I'd love to have your input. I hope to see you. ~Amy

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  36. This is a neat idea, but i felt compelled to point out how dangerous this is for birds. if you try and see it from their point of view, it looks like the forest continues and is a perfect path to fly through.

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    Replies
    1. I agree, Susan... I've had a crow try to fly right through the window where we were eating... the windows reflected the Santa Rosa Sound... he almost broke his neck. Many die.

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    2. I agree. Susan... I've seen that happen. Some die.

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  37. We loved this idea of recycling old windows. They make a great feature in the garden and add a different dimension to the views and plants.

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