Dumpster Delights: Headboard Turned Shabby Chic Shelf

This is my first roadside find. Pretty sure it was a headboard before I got ahold of it. I was inspired by Infarrantly Creative’s “Roadkill Rescued” posts (here) to spy people’s “trash”. This headboard called my name. I thought I would be a little embarassed, but quite the contrary. I was empowered. I just knew something lovely was going to come of this abandoned treasure to be.

I sanded lightly, then sprayed 2 coats rustoleum gloss black spray paint (dry in between 1 hour). I removed the plywood backing, sanded and wiped with damp cloth, then adhered scrapbook paper (4 12×12 in sheets, making sure to line up the stripes). I used matte gel medium applied with sponge brush to the back of the paper, smoothing out air bubbles with my AWESOME new brayer (again, thanks to Infarrantly Creative’s tip, here). Thank you bunches, Beckie. This thing is fantastic applying scrapbook paper to wood, something I do often. I can’t believe I went so long without it. Mod Podge would work here too, but I prefer the matte gel. The adhesion is seamless, and it is not as messy, for me anyway. I stamped speckles onto the scrapbook paper with Ranger Distress Fire Brick Red, and inked around the edges using Ranger Distressed Vintage Photo. I nailed the back into place and sprayed 2 coats of Mod Podge clear acrylic sealer, with 15 min dry time in between. That is it. Keep your eyes peeled on trash day!

Picture of Johnnie Lanier
Johnnie Lanier

Founder of Saved by Love

Share
Pin
Tweet
Comments

What do you think?

6 Comments:
May 8, 2010

You go girl…it looks terrific. I am so proud. If I see you rescuing stuff in my neighborhood I will have to kill you though…tee hee. Just kidding. Congratulations to your first Roadkill Rescue.

May 8, 2010

Thanks, Beckie. I never pictured myself having trash day turf wars! Too funny.

May 10, 2010

Oh Dang! Wish you would have written this post before I threw out that headboard last fall!

May 13, 2010

you did a great job… 🙂

June 22, 2010

Great Job! I will be featuring you today!
Bonnie

One Trackback:

[…] serenity prayer wall hanging is a dumpster headboard I picked up curbside and made fabulous (see this post). More home decor to […]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *