| Author | Content |
maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
September 30, 2009 06:55 PM Post #7121346
| Do any of yall remember the ottoman I did a couple years ago? http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/795468/
I thought I had enough belts to do my wild hair project but on the last two drawers I had used all I'd either collected since the ottoman or had left from the project.
I had to do what I am notorious for; robbing Peter to pay Paul. I'll replace them as I find them so the ottoman will be re-re-done. It was a much easier project than this one. Each drawer took me about an hour, planning and worrying figured in there too.
This dresser I hated because altho well built was not real wood but a horrid pickled pink color MDF made to look like wood. The drawers were wobbly and hung sideways or fell out when I opened them. I'd recently put fancy ball bearing slides in it making it so much better and was willing to tolerate it until something better came along at Goodwill. Now I doubt I will ever part with it. :)
The top took one box of aromatic Cedar Safe tongue and groove from Home Depot for 23.50. I beveled the front and side edges. No finish on it yet and it's just there fitted and not tacked/glued down yet. It won't be so pinkish once it acclimates. I probably will put tongue oil on it to seal it then it will match the armoire beside it.
About 20 bucks worth of belts. Already had the black paint.
I can't stop looking at it! Since it's in my new closet, I've gone to all this trouble and I'm likely the only person who'll probably ever see it !
Having trouble getting a good pic because if the size of the room. Can't get directly in front of it and see it all in the camera. I might show a couple more pics of sections.
 Click the image for an enlarged view.
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maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
September 30, 2009 06:57 PM Post #7121356
| Here is was before.Edited to say :It's the pinkish one on the left.
This message was edited Sep 30, 2009 6:12 PM Click the image for an enlarged view.
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maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
September 30, 2009 06:59 PM Post #7121360
| Back a little bit  Click the image for an enlarged view.
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maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
September 30, 2009 07:01 PM Post #7121369
| Close up of a section of drawers  Click the image for an enlarged view.
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nanaka Webster, WI
September 30, 2009 07:04 PM Post #7121381
| It is absolutley beautiful! WOW !! I saved a couple of old beaded belts and made a totem pole... I thought I was so clever, but this is stunning!
Did you put 2 small dressers together? |
maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
September 30, 2009 07:08 PM Post #7121396
| No. It's one big one. One door in the center on the bottom under a drawer. Three drawers on each side. Thanks for looking and for the compliment. Now at least someone besides me has seen it!! LOL
This is the far left side.  Click the image for an enlarged view.
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maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
September 30, 2009 07:09 PM Post #7121399
| And the right side  Click the image for an enlarged view.
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kimarj (Kim) Philadelphi, PA (Zone 6a)
September 30, 2009 07:20 PM Post #7121427
| It is a fabulous one of a kind treasure : ) Awesome!!! |
maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
September 30, 2009 07:29 PM Post #7121462
| Thank you kimarj. I'm thrilled with it's outcome. I knew after the first drawer I would love it. On the last drawer it nearly felt like a good book I didn't want to end. But I also could hardly wait till it was finished!
nanaka I'd love to see the totem pole! I looked last night for recycled belt projects out of curiosity and found a few really neat things done with them. Floor tiles!!! Very cool.
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maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
September 30, 2009 07:31 PM Post #7121465
| LOL I just noticed my cordless drill decorating the top in the first pic. Please ignore that. |
kimarj (Kim) Philadelphi, PA (Zone 6a)
September 30, 2009 07:54 PM Post #7121523
| Tools of the trade!!!! lol : ) |
maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
September 30, 2009 08:03 PM Post #7121554
| LOL Yep.
I found a during pic while the dresser was still pink.
I'd tried desperately never to get it in any pics because it was so hideous. LOL Click the image for an enlarged view.
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denimangle Oakwood (Butler,TX), TX (Zone 8b)
September 30, 2009 08:15 PM Post #7121590
| Great Look!!! |
nanaka Webster, WI
September 30, 2009 08:31 PM Post #7121632
| I will try to get a pic of the totem one of these days but, it's really just a broomstick with 2 beaded belts wound around and a dreamcatcher hanging from it
I see you've used decorative tacks, did you also use glue to hold the belts on? |
maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
September 30, 2009 08:49 PM Post #7121711
| Thanks denim!
No glue. I used a cutting board sitting on the floor and cut each belt to fit then put a tack in each end on the cutting board then they held themselves while I hammered them in. After all the belts were on the drawer I went back and added tacks to secure further and decorate.
Only one buckle I had trouble with holding on because it was thick. With the belt under first, then the belt buckle with same leather on top the tack would not hold good. I had bought some Chicago screws at Academy recently and used those to hold that belt and buckle to the under neath belt then tacked that one back on again onto the drawer. Worked wonderfully. I was so glad I had those Chicago screws. I used to look for belts with those just to use them for other leather projects. I'd looked for them at Hobby Lobby but had not seen them to buy. Then a couple weeks ago while wondering around waiting for my sister to decide on something I spotted them at Academy. Guess hunters use them for their rifle straps because that was the section they were in. I just happened to see them. Would never have thought to look at Academy for them. |
UniQueTreasures Beaumont, TX (Zone 8b)
October 01, 2009 01:05 AM Post #7122491
| I saw the dresser this morning. I have to tell you that these photos don't do it any justice at all! It's absolutely gorgeous! Looks like something you'd find at Pier 1 Imports with an extremely hefty price tag. Connie, you've really outdone yourself this time.
It looks great next to the cedar chest too. That is a whole 'nother story.
A month or so ago, Connie and I were out galivanting (fancy name for thrift store shopping) in Port Arthur. PA is about 20 miles from us. We went to the Missions Attic and Connie spotted that cedar chest. It was $50 and was quite sad looking. Connie debated on buying it then, but we went home without it.
Fast forward to a few weeks later... I had to make a trip to Port Arthur without Connie. It was raining cats and dogs. I finished my business and decided to drop in the Missions Attic. After all, I didn't want to waste gas (that's our excuse and we'll use it anytime we need to for making a trip tot he second hand stores! I looked around and didn't see the cedar chest. Then something caught my eye and I walked to the back of the store. I decided against whatever it was and was about to head back to my truck when I saw the cedar chest and the price had been reduced to $25. I couldn't get my cell phone out quick enough. I called Connie and asked her if she wanted it. She said YES! So I went to the front and told the clerk that I wanted it and asked if she had anything to cover it up. (Remember it was raining cats and dogs and I had almost 20 miles to go to get it to Connie's house.) She reached under the counter and pulled out several big garbage bags. I tried not to roll my eyes at what she thought was going to cover up that chest. I paid for the chest and asked her where to pick it up. She told me to drive to the back of the store and the guys would load it up.
Now at this point, I should mention that I don't smoke in my new truck, so I was standing out by the back door smoking... waiting... and waiting... the rain had slacked up for the moment and I was so thankful. Around the corner came this big old Lincoln Continental with a really ancient old man driving it. He got out of the car, leaving the drivers door opened and opened up the back door. He was taking a big armful of clothes from the back seat when I noticed his wheels moving slightly. He had no idea. I hollered, "Sir, your car is moving!" He was still trying to gather up the clothes and hadn't heard me. I ran over and moved the gear shifter into Park. He'd left it in Neutral. His head came out of the car and he looked very confused. I told him what had happened and he grinned at me and said I'd probably kept him from getting runned over by his own car.
Anyhow, that was past and the guys came out carrying the cedar chest. Those garbage bags were taped around it so that no wood was exposed at all. I was amazed! They loaded it up into my truck and I took it to Connie's shop. She was tinting a car at the time and came to help me unload it. We parked it in the shop, out of the way. A few days later she sent me some photos in an email and I couldn't believe it was the same cedar chest. It was gorgeous!
Anyhow, I just wanted to share that story with you folks.
Connie, ya done good!!! Can't wait for Mom to see that dresser.
Janet
ps Connie, I hope you took a photo of that cedar chest BEFORE.
 Click the image for an enlarged view.
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maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
October 01, 2009 08:43 AM Post #7122956
| Thank you Janet and No I did not take any pics before on the cedar closet... kept meaning to, but it was in the shop and camera in the house. It was definitely ruff looking, the finish all dark and bubbly. The urge overwhelmed me to see how it was going to look so I was going to "just work on a little spot" and see what's under there...then I couldn't wait to see it done and in it's new home!
It did turn out purdy. :) and looks great next to the dresser. Click the image for an enlarged view.
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UniQueTreasures Beaumont, TX (Zone 8b)
October 01, 2009 10:13 AM Post #7123173
| It's got to be one of the prettiest closets I've seen in my lifetime. I think if I was you, I'd park a chair in there to read, just so I could look up now and then and admire it! HAHAHA
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tubbytee Ames, NE (Zone 5b)
October 01, 2009 10:35 AM Post #7123265
| maiden I like the dresser..You did good..The belts look cool..
Tubby |
maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
October 01, 2009 05:17 PM Post #7124336
| Thank you tubby. I'm proud of it.
ooooooooo Janet that's a good idea! Have my coffee in there too! |
nanaka Webster, WI
October 01, 2009 08:24 PM Post #7124902
| Another question... what is a Chicago screw? I am definetly going to do this, someday when I find the right dresser and enough belts!! Gotta start collecting belts now!! oh nooo, not more stuff in my house!!! lol (I keep thinking I'm going to start cleaning stuff out!) |
denimangle Oakwood (Butler,TX), TX (Zone 8b)
October 01, 2009 08:48 PM Post #7125016
| nanaka,
Remember your on the T2T page ... We are all going to stop collecting things and clean up our Acts NOT!!!!!!...ROTFLMAO ...
A chicago screw Is a screw that in threaded into a post . The post goes through on one side &
the screw on the other. Is that clear as Mud? |
maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
October 01, 2009 08:52 PM Post #7125034
| It's a two piece screw that has a decorative (or not) side with the female screw hole and a post that is male that screws into it. VERY handy for fixing or attaching leather to leather. I've tried the hammer rivets and I never can get them to hold on good. Wasted a whole bag of those trying to attach a belt to a purse that was missing the handle. Probably need some sort of mechanism to do it right. Like doing grommets on a shower curtain, those give me a fit even with the tool kit that is supposed to be for the do it yourselfer. To really do those right they must have a huge pressing machine. These things work great. Just need a hole to insert them I used a big ice pickish thing. Awl. I had to look that up to be sure it was the right name :)
Edited to say Thanks denim! Yes very clear to me with a whole lot less words. ;)
This message was edited Oct 1, 2009 7:55 PM Click the image for an enlarged view.
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maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
October 01, 2009 08:59 PM Post #7125067
| They don't take up much room nanaka. I used one of those ring things and just hang them in the closet until I have enough and the wild hair strikes.
Do it!!! |
maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
October 01, 2009 09:06 PM Post #7125095
| I liquid nailed the top down this evening after cutting all my boards off to be the same. My caulk gun skills leave much to be desired but I just poked an ice pic in it to break the seal and didn't cut off the top. It still oozed out every time I layed it down between sections. But I was ready for it and had a place to put it to catch the curly blob. Sanded the front bevels on each board a little to smooth that before I glued it down. Looks the same as it did only it's affixed now. I didn't have to use the cedar. Black paint would have been just fine on the top. Or if the top would have been real wood I would have refinished it. But mine was not and after it turned out so pretty I had to jazz it up some more to coordinate. :)
This message was edited Oct 1, 2009 8:08 PM |
nanaka Webster, WI
October 01, 2009 09:46 PM Post #7125288
| Yes, I agree maid, (these user names kill me!) The cedar top next to the cedar closet looks great! I understand what the Chicago screw is now. I've seen them ... just didn't know what they were called.
Denim OK I get it ... this is not the place to talk about cleaning your house out. This is the place where everyone understands why you can't fit a car in your garage and you have NO IDEA what is in your basement because the stuff is so piled up everywhere. That's why I love this group MY kind of people!!! LOL
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maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
October 02, 2009 05:37 PM Post #7127992
| Mine too nanaka!
This closet has all sorts of cubby holes to store things for future projects waiting for me to work on or decide what they will become part of. There's more of that kind of stuff in those drawers ... batteries in the first drawer, next down has leather cleaners and conditioners and third has light bulbs. Candles and candles making stuff in the cabinet in the center. Tools and hardware, glue and epoxy, plumbing parts etc. I have a shop for these things, but I'm lazy and it might be midnight and I'll NEED something. |
JuneyBug Dongducheon CpCasey South Korea (Zone 4b)
October 02, 2009 06:21 PM Post #7128118
| That is the neatest thing that I think I've ever seen! Your descriptions make it seem do-able even for me! When I get back to the US this is one of the first projects that I'm going to do. I even have the cabinet and bookshelf primer-ed and waiting in storage, since I couldn't figure out what they needed before I moved here. |
maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
October 02, 2009 07:34 PM Post #7128328
| Oh JBug Please post pics when you do! It's not a difficult project but it was time consuming. Worth every minute tho I think for the results.
Belts are cheap at the thrift stores and garage sales. It took about 5 per drawer. Some less depending on the length of the belt where I could get two strips out of it. One belt was HUGE and I got three. I didn't use the holed end much (I did save those in case I get another wild hair...maybe a matching trash can?) but it could be used and add even more character or you could do them all vertically and not waste so much belt. Thinking I'd have plenty I did the first horizontally then had to continue for continuity. Except for the door which I really like being odd and vertical. The fancy sides of each drawer (the only vertical strip on each) was a risky decision because after the first I then had to find and sacrifice a fancy ended belt on each drawer's sides. They were not all ornamental so I really was fortunate to find in my collection enough to do 7 drawers.
Also I started with the vertical then thought it would be easier to next do the center with my choice of center buckle then fill in over and below, but it was not. Then you have to find wide enough belts both time to finish. Starting at the top and working down was much easier to find belts to "fit". The center (where the original knob hole was) may not be exact on all drawers because of different belt widths, but looking at it I can't tell. |
JuneyBug Dongducheon CpCasey South Korea (Zone 4b)
October 03, 2009 12:29 AM Post #7129486
| I will definitely post pics when I do this! I wish that I could start now... |
boopers
October 03, 2009 03:30 AM Post #7129756
| That is one awesome dresser! Imagine what it would cost in a western themed furniture store? Don't know what is wrong with the forums tonight, I couldn't get on and had to register under a new name. I hope all is ok tomorrow as I am a subscriber.
Curvesarein |
maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
October 03, 2009 08:17 PM Post #7131764
| Thanks boopers! I hadn't even thought about the western theme! Not all were western but the handles are all western buckles. So it is and does! I have a very fancy western belt from many (30)years ago that someone had had made by a prisoner at the correctional facility. Hadn't worn it for years so I cut off most of it and just kept the part with my name tooled fancily. The belt buckle, which was also leather had my initials cut out and tooled on it, I made a barrette out of and still use. I have the belt over the entrance to the closet but should have thought about it for the center drawer. Maybe I will rob that belt from over the door, take off one of the belts and insert it there. hee hee |
bsavage Dolores, CO (Zone 5b)
October 03, 2009 08:27 PM Post #7131808
| Love the use of the old belts! Very creative and it looks great! |
Samigal (Pegi) Norwalk, CA (Zone 10b)
October 03, 2009 09:00 PM Post #7131936
| What a T2T!!! Absolutely wonderful. You will have to invite all visitors to visit your closet from now on so they can see the this beautiful project. What a great imagination. |
maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
October 03, 2009 09:17 PM Post #7131995
| Thank you bsavage and samigal ! Yes I'll surreptitiously divert all guests through the closet should they need to use the restroom! There are two doors and a hallway through it so conceivably... it could happen ! LOL |
scarediecat Ashland City, TN
October 16, 2009 06:57 PM Post #7177045
| maidentheshade - wow..very nice. Never would have thought to use belts in any way besides to hold up pants. How many cool belts I have thrown away that would have looked great used this way. |
maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
October 16, 2009 08:27 PM Post #7177360
| Thanks scardie! I found about 8 nice .50 to .99 cent belts in my thrift store travels this week trying to re-gather enough for the ottoman. But as I found them this time, I kept seeing other possible complimentary pieces of furniture in my mind to do instead of redo the ottoman. Any piece previously turned down because of missing or damaged veneer would be a candidate now. My eyes are open! |
scarediecat Ashland City, TN
October 19, 2009 01:26 PM Post #7186538
| I bought a clothes basked for a large peace plant I have. You know...the ones that have the slots on the side. I put a plastic lining it in with a hole in the bottom. I think I'll try to weave belts inbetween the slots and see how that works. I love the look the belts produce and I don't want to pay 40.00 for a flower pot. |
flowerjen central, NJ (Zone 6b)
October 19, 2009 06:06 PM Post #7187595
| Just saw this thread...what an amzaing job you did, absolutely beautiful. |
Samigal (Pegi) Norwalk, CA (Zone 10b)
October 19, 2009 08:07 PM Post #7188033
| My day at the thrift store, wow everything is Halloween and Christmas. Now when I see some belts I think of maidentheshade and her beautiful work. The store rearranged everything and that doesn't make me happy. After the holidays I'm sure it will be back to the regular things. Only thing I saw was a small metal stand with 4 shelves that I really wanted, but marked 'not for sale' because they had small Christmas hand towels. Hoping I'll be there when they do want to get rid of it
Scarediecat, do you keep your peace lily in the house? I have two small ones and they say to keep them in indirect light. Need to repot them or put them in the ground. Don't have much shade around. I like your idea of weaving belts between the slots of your basket. |
scarediecat Ashland City, TN
October 19, 2009 10:39 PM Post #7188697
| I keep all my indoor plants around my bathtub. There is a skylight over my tub so all of them are doing great...so far. Way too cold here to keep them outside I think. I just repotted mine so I hope it survives. My plants seem to do good as long as I ignore them...lol... |
maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
October 19, 2009 11:36 PM Post #7188837
| Thanks for the nice comments flowerjen.
Oh scardie ! I think that's a great idea! I can see it. I might have time to do a couple Goodwill's tomorrow. Ours all seem to have a Christmas/holiday section year round but aren't overwhelmed with it.
When I googled the use of old belts I found chairs done with them
http://www.thelaughingboy.com/index.php?cPath=255
and this really cool floor. Boy these are expensive ! 75 bucks a square foot.
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/-072137
there's a round rug done too. Must be glued to canvas to hold it together.
http://modernurbanliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/ting...
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lindawin58 Ewing, NE
October 20, 2009 05:52 PM Post #7190902
| madian I really like your furniture. My mind is going in circles on ideas. Linda
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scarediecat Ashland City, TN
October 20, 2009 06:10 PM Post #7190953
| oh my...this could become an obsession:) I removed a part of a wall that divided my kitchen and living room. It's only 3 feet wide and about 7 feet tall. It's been a hole there for 6 months cause I can't decide what to do with it! Now that I've seen your belt art...MAN what I could do with belts in that area. |
nanaka Webster, WI
October 20, 2009 08:26 PM Post #7191502
| I have a feeling Goodwill is going to run out of belts! LOL! |
UniQueTreasures Beaumont, TX (Zone 8b)
October 20, 2009 09:47 PM Post #7191862
| HAHAHA I don't even bother looking at them if I know Connie has been there before me.
Janet |
maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
October 21, 2009 09:45 AM Post #7193130
| Thanks lindawin! I know what you mean about the mind spinning!
Oh boy I I feel a project wild hair happening scardie ! I'm anxious to see what becomes of the "hole"!
LOL There already are slim pickins nanaka ! Got two skinny snake skins today one a cream color and the other bright yellow. But other than those I didn't see any new ones. Might have to do some garage sales.
Couple times I've seen Janets truck in the parking lot of Goodwill as I pull up to park and think "Oh well. Might as well not bother. Janet'll already have all the good stuff in her buggy !" hahaha |
UniQueTreasures Beaumont, TX (Zone 8b)
October 21, 2009 12:25 PM Post #7193740
| Connie and I are officilally declaring a holiday this Friday. A new Salvation Army store is opening and I've already told Connie that if anyone calls this week to get their windows tinted, she will have to tell them, "No, I can't tint your windows on Friday."
We've had a Salvation Army store here for many years. It was in a very shady part of town and the pickins were always very slim. But when a thrift store "fix" was needed, it would "do" if we'd already been to the rest of them. About a year ago, it closed down.
We've been watching for months now as they've been getting this new store ready. It's practically within walking distance of one of our Goodwills. The outside of the store is extremely nice and it looks like they will have everything displayed nicely, so we have some really high hopes for this new store.
I'd just about be willing to bet a dollar (if I was a gambling woman) that the first place in this new store that Connie will look will be at the belts! HAHAHAHA
Janet
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denimangle Oakwood (Butler,TX), TX (Zone 8b)
October 21, 2009 07:51 PM Post #7195165
| maidentheshade
Did you really have to post links ...LOL
I was already drooling over the dresser |
maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
October 21, 2009 11:09 PM Post #7195899
| ha! Sorry denim. But oh the possibilities!
Janet you would have won a dollar! I will be there! |
trackinsand mid central, FL (Zone 9a)
October 24, 2009 09:56 AM Post #7203217
| this is quite possibly the neatest, coolest, most wonderful thing i've ever seen! kudos to you!!! |
nanaka Webster, WI
October 24, 2009 07:20 PM Post #7204763
| Anybody know on those belts used for flooring... do they seal it with something? |
maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
October 24, 2009 10:45 PM Post #7205366
| Oh thank you tracksinsand for looking and compliments.
I don't know nanaka. I wish they'd put instructions but I think they want you to let them do it for 75 bucks a square foot.
I have a friend in New York who helps set up and tear down a snazzy designer decorating show they have once a year. When it's all over they give the props away. He's sent me a few really weird things. One show they had a display for some famous designer dude that did a leather floor. They were 4 inch squares and trapezoids. He sent me a few but not enough to do much with. He said these were glued to the floor with vinyl adhesive. They had a finish on them like a belt and still had remnants of the adhesive on the back. Of course this display was not for walking on but looking at in awe and I wondered at the time where I would put such a cool thing that it wouldn't get all scuffed up. So I didn't ask him to send the garbage bag full he had. I have a place now. The hallway thru the closet would be perfect. No little kids to ride big wheels over.
It said in the article on one site about the floor that each belt was hand sanded to be the same level as the rest. I can see how the thickness might be a problem on a floor. |
maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
October 24, 2009 10:49 PM Post #7205376
| http://www.interiorsurfaces.com/i_Floors.shtml Just found this on leather floor tiles. |
bsavage Dolores, CO (Zone 5b)
October 25, 2009 12:40 AM Post #7205796
| I love the idea of a leather floor, but one can't help but wonder what if one of the 5 dogs has an accident on it... can't be good, me thinks. |
maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
October 25, 2009 11:16 PM Post #7208711
| Ha! Or what if the big dog gets a wild hair and goes ripping thru around and around like a rabbit...Toenails digging in for traction... ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! |
bsavage Dolores, CO (Zone 5b)
October 26, 2009 01:43 AM Post #7208980
| Yes, I think that a leather floor would only be for people with no pets and who never spill red wine... I'm out, LOL! |
denimangle Oakwood (Butler,TX), TX (Zone 8b)
October 27, 2009 07:09 PM Post #7214851
| The closet sounds good ...LOL |
maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
October 27, 2009 09:07 PM Post #7215297
| haha Only place left that's safe! Be like my dresser. Nobody'd ever see it! |
toofewanimals Trenton, MI (Zone 5b)
October 30, 2009 08:16 AM Post #7223234
| I love the dresser and the large closet! |
maidentheshade Beaumont, TX
November 04, 2009 12:25 AM Post #7239573
| Thanks toofew! I'm still working on it. Have a couple drawers I'm making for the cubby holed unit on the opposite side of the dresser. I did it's top just like the dresser with the cedar. They match now!! |
JuneyBug Dongducheon CpCasey South Korea (Zone 4b)
November 04, 2009 01:10 AM Post #7239656
| OOH! Take pictures soon, please! I love where your imagination takes you and yet, I need pictures to be able to understand it.  |