brick by brick shelving

this seems to be the favorite of guests... it's not made from anything fancy (scrap builders grade lumber with dark stain and stacked bricks) so it is inexpensive and adds a ton of storage!

one caveat... i do not recommend this for people who move often! after moving the bricks a few times, it does not seem like such a brilliant idea!



the shelves do not have to line up exactly (i prefer they don't); however, for stability, it's better that the bricks do line up horizontally. notice the shelves are not equally spaced vertically either...by experience (and those good old structures classes), i figured out that the main trick is in the profile... (1) the bricks in each section step back 1/4" to 1/2" towards the wall with the top section directly against the wall and (2) something of significant weight should sit on the top shelf (i store glass vases on top).


total cost: approx. $30

book smart end table

When the bases to all my end tables were stolen during my last move, I was left with just 3 pieces of glass and quite dismayed... then, I had this creative idea... The base is made from stacked old encyclopedias and the top is a 20"dia. piece of glass.

Encyclopedias can be found at a used book store, the free section of Craigslist, or in my case donated from a friend... Try Pier One for the glass. If you go to a glass shop, you're sure to overpay. The lamp pictured is from Anthropologie.

clip on jewelry

Two years ago, I was tired of my long necklaces getting tangled or lost. I made this holder from clothespins, wire, and a little glue... I've been happy ever since!

a window of opportunity

the bottom half of a 1950's wooden double-hung window + new nylon rope + original hardware + teal paint + orbital sander + marker board pens...


total cost for all materials: approx. $10 (window was free!!)



a 1930's wooden window + 8 mirrors + blue paint + green paint + wire brush & elbow grease...


total cost for all materials: approx. $65