An expensive update to almost-new sneakers.

I got these sneakers for Christmas last year and have barely worn them as I've kept them for zumba and I've only been a few times. I expect I'll be getting another pair for Christmas this year (isn't it nice to have consistent friends who know what you need?), so I decided to try to turn these into "dress" sneakers. (I can only wear the one brand of sneaker, no other shoes allowed on my bad feet.) It is taking an awful lot of rhinestones and they are very expensive (and they aren't even Swarovski, those would be super glittery). However, it isn't taking half as much time as I expected. I did this shoe (I'd say I'm about half done) in under two hours. If the glue holds as promised, I may even make a second pair someday--if I can find a "used" or more affordable source of rhinestones.

Dying the table yellow with analine dye was sort of a fail.

I went through a whole lotta work for not a lotta change. As you can see, the teak veneer did have a lot of red tones. But, in the middle photo, you can see that it did look like it was taking the dye well (the white haze was raised grain that I sanded down). I don't have a picture of the first coat of varnish. That was pretty bad. The white haze that I sanded off didn't completely wash away when I wiped the table down with mineral spirits. White specs were caught in the deep grooves of the grain. A second sanding (and better wiping) and another coat of clear varnish seem to have alleviated most of that problem...but the clear varnish brought up all the red tones in the wood. I don't think you can tell I dyed it yellow at all. If I ever do anymore more refinishing (I've done plenty in the past), I won't try to dye stripped wood (I would try it again on fresh wood). Ya lives and ya learns. I've also learned that today's stripping chemicals are nowhere near as powerful and effective as the ones from two decades ago...makes me reluctant to strip again.

"Recycling" my kitchen table yet another time.

Here is an "in process" shot of my kitchen table re-do. It is stripped, sanded and awaiting an application of yellow analine dye. This is the second time I'm refinishing this table. The family seems to excel at destroying furniture. I'm nervous as I've never dyed furniture before. I have always used stain. We'll see how it goes and I'll post when it's done (hopefully in 48 hours).

This is definitely the last time I'll be refinishing this. It is veneered and the veneer is now way too thin. Plus, the newer (assumably more eco=-friendly) furniture strippers just don't do the job and I'm getting too old to do the ridiculous amount of sanding required. Though, I do still have a buffet that needs re-done...and I won't be getting to it his year. Oy vey.

It's not new, but it's not needed. Still, I couldn't resist.

Sorry that I've been negligent on posting. I'm busy getting things done before the weather changes and too exhausted to post. Plus, I haven't been buying much. Today, I did go to Savers (senior's day). And I bought this stupid machine. Even the offspring was wise enough to tell me not to buy it. But, the price was right and the dream of knitting a lovely sweater on a cold Winter's day was too alluring. If I ever get the time and will to open this thing, I'll likely find it's not all there. Doesn't matter if you know you shouldn't do something if you're gonna go ahead and do it anyways. Sigh.

Difficult to resist new stuff that's cheaper than used stuff. #Kohls

Last week I purchased a several items for the offspring at Kohl's. He is seldom in the mood to shop and even less often agreeable to used stuff so a couple shirts and pairs of pants at good sale prices (and with a coupon and a discount) ended up being an efficient, affordable, much needed (really how many days in a row can you wear the same outfit before it walks away on its own?) shopping trip.

Of course the trouble with Kohl's is the Kohls Cash. I got a $30 certificate to use the next week. The offspring was no longer in the mood to shop and it was too early to shop for Christmas, so that left shopping for me. Another $10 coupon in my email had me heading to Kohl's. I do need jeans and they carry the jeans I like, which makes shopping fast and easy. I bought two pair for what ended up being $3 a pair...that's about half the price of jeans at Goodwill. I also ended up buying a very nice flag-themed t-shirt on clearance for $4...a little pricey, but I always feel bad when I don't have anything patriotic looking on the 4th of July. I know buying "new" defeats my recycling mission, but some bargains are offers I can't refuse.

Made more repurposed glass birdbaths, too.

Don't think I'll be selling these 'til Spring. Sure hope they and my car can fit in the garage at the same time. Soooo hoping I don't have to lug them down to the basement.

I've got a million of them.

Apparently, I know no restraint. Probably never will unload these things.

Will Etsy.com rescue me?

I am a sucker for beautiful glass. I've been collecting art glass and making art out of glass all my adult life. So, when "not newing" exposed me to all the out-of-fashion vintage glass that looked like it might end up in a landfill, I had to rescue it. I've been making garden flowers, but really don't have any place to sell them. The craft fair I participated in was ill-attended and a pain in the butt. I'm hoping maybe Etsy will work: https://www.etsy.com/listing/247515142/art-glass-garden-flower-white-cobalt?ref=shop_home_active_1

I hope so, I have no room for all this bulky, heavy, fragile stuff. I should not let my heart overrule my head. Sigh.

Got the $70 suitcase I've been lusting after for $15.

I've been lusting after the new, ultralightweight luggage because I hate to pay baggage fees on airlines. The less pounds my bag weighs, the more pounds of clothes I can pack. I can lift this suitcase with my pinkie finger. Never thought I'd find one "not new" because they are so new to the market. But I found this at TJ Maxx. It was obviously a return (the bags are guaranteed for several years). It has a small rip in the fabric (look closely about midway up the left edge). It was obviously used (so I left it in my hot car for three days in case of bedbugs...I am a safety nutcase). The logo has been removed (big deal). Pretty sure I can repair the tear satisfactorily. Thrilled to get a "not new" bargain at TJ Maxx.

Actually found some "not new" glasses...or, at least, close to it.

I found these on craigslist for $15 and they fit well enough so I bought them. They aren't used, but I'm guessing they've been through at least two sellers, so close enough. The offspring says the glasses make me look like a goofball. I told him they were designer (Aquaswiss) glasses and the goofball look is in. I was a bit disappointed as I had to pay $51 for prescription lenses at Value Vision. When I went there a few years back you could get cheap plastic lenses for $25. Perhaps they don't carry those anymore. Perhaps I should have thought to ask.