Thursday, June 14, 2012

Facelift For My Barn: With Just A Few Dollars In Just A Few Hours

Now I know this barn still isn't much to look at, nor does it look professional by any means!  BUT, if you take a look at how far it's come......
The little bin we tore down and took in for scrap metal.  Oh were there ever some great old finds in that baby!  An ancient old bathtub which I now have strawberries growing in, some cupboard doors, a rabbit cage, and my memory is dying.  That was a few years ago!

Here's the boring front just before I started.  Kinda looks like me without make-up on.  Been wanting to do something to those doors forever, but it's been one of those things on the low priority "to do" list.
Yeah, and nice windows, huh?  So the windows that are in now?  I bought them at a garage sale in Parma, MI for $5 DOLLARS EACH!!!!   And the shutters were free from a friend that I spray painted white with spray paint I dug out of a basement at an estate sale which they also gave me for FREE!  And see the side falling apart over there? Yeah, that was NOTHING compared to the backside, which was a whole different project that cost more than just a few dollars!  :)
We had our Christmas pics taken here about 5 years ago.  See how nasty the barn is?  Okay, moving on....
So I know this was also a totally different project, and also occurred about 7 years ago, but I wanted to share a little of the barn's background with us.  That's my hubby and good ole' always willing-to-help Dad up there, pulling off shingles.  Yes, I helped too!  Just know photos to prove it, haha!
Not sure where we found these crazy bumpkins to help us....  WOW!  It was good, clean work as you can see.
Now seriously?  Who has uncles like me?  Phsyco Sid and Uncle George drove EIGHT HOURS to come help put metal on my roof!!!!!  What a fun few days that was.  Sid singing "I said, George.....  I ain't as good as I once was..."  Great memories.  Too bad they haven't been back.  I promise a relaxing few days this time!!! 
NOW THEN!!!!  On to my project!!!  I worked on this often and on the last few days while my kid's were napping.  Very quick and fairly easy, if you're not scared of heights. :)

I  measured out the stripes for the American Flag with a yard stick and used chalk to draw my lines.  The annoying part was moving my ladder all the time, especially since the ground was so uneven. Oh, and if you try this, it's better to wear shoes with a grip.  Flip flops weren't such a good idea.

The Flag:  I decided to go with the circle of stars for two reasons: I like vintage, and fifty stars?  Uh, no thanks.  Thankfully I had the perfect star stencil to use.  Also, the perfect blue paint!  I found it in the basement from who knows what project.  I ruined the lid trying to get it off it was so ancient, rusted, and practically welded to the can.  And for my circle, I used a large round lid and drew around it with chalk.

The White Arches:  Yeah, I free handed those.  You totally couldn't tell, could you?  And I'm also being sarcastic in case you couldn't tell that either.  It kind of bugs me, but if I keep fixing them, the whole door will soon be white!  Cars drive by too fast to notice anyway......   Hey, it's an improvement over what it was, okay?

Quick break down of this particular barn project?

shutters: given to me from a friend
spray paint for shutters: garage sale freebies
paint: had on hand
star stencil: had on hand
total: $0
What a minute, does that make this project FREE?!! Why yes, yes it does!!!!
(Unless you wanna count those windows - $10!  But those were put in a couple years ago....)
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Okay so I know that was ALOT of pictures for one post.  And you're probably more than ready to hightail it out of here and get on with your Facebook stalking, but I have something I REALLY WANT YOU TO CHECK OUT FIRST!!!!!!  I have a new sponsor and her shop IS AWESOME.  I found The Old Mason Jar sort of accidently on Etsy and fell in love.  She's a small town girl (pop. 400!), just starting out, and has super unique, rustic, gorgeous items!  You'll be impressed.  Let's help her get her Etsy shop rolling! :)  Oh, and did I mention her prices won't break you?  You'll be able to afford more than just a few items in this shop!

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15 comments:

  1. OMG! I wouldn't get higher than maybe three rungs on that ladder, Kammy! You are brave! Love the flag and I love the white outlines you did on the doors. The shutters look great on the windows, too.

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  2. is it super stalkerish if I say I'll drive by and check it out some day! :) Looks good!

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  3. Good job Kammy - looks good!
    Cilla :-)

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  4. I love old red barns!!! The additional flair looks great. And once again, your dad and Sid look sooo much like my dad.

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  5. So cute! I'm painting my house now, but when we get to the shed... I want to do a painted quilt... I think... but after seeing your flag, that's super cute too! Little Bit

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  6. Looks AWESOME! I would love, love, love to have an old barn like that. And girl, I was a bit dizzy seeing you so high on the ladder (in flip flops no less). Your a brave one. :0)

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  7. I think the angels had extra guard duty the day you were on the ladder. Good gracious, Girl, my stomach was doing flip-flops just lookin at a picture! Finished product is wonderful.

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  8. I ain't as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was. I'm singing now too.

    ~Bliss~

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  9. Love red barns - so classic! Looks great but I would've been scared to death on the ladder! You are a Wonder Woman!

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  10. That looks great! Found you over at Gail's MRL.

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  11. Love it! Have a red barn/double car garage that I plan on vamping up this summer. I need to borrow your tall ladder, please. :)

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  12. You are certainly brave! I wouldn't be anywhere near a ladder that tall when someone else is on it, let alone me! Great job on your barn!

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  13. OMGosh, it is sooo cute! I think I have barn envy! Visiting from The Shabby Creek Cottage. Would love it if you would share this post at my Make it Pretty Monday link party. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2012/06/make-it-pretty-monday-week-2.html Wishing you a grand day! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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  14. Thanks for sharing, Kammy. So much work but what an improvement.

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  15. Oh my gosh, I love that barn!! I can't believe how high up you were on that ladder (IN flip flops) yikes!
    The updates look fabulous!
    thanks for linking to MRL in your post!
    gail

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