Window Shopping

I have had an obsession with found objects for quite some time now.  I like getting things for free or just about free.  It started in high school when I found an old jar in a friend's barn.  I fell in love with it and they let me keep it.  I still love it.  


Then there was the time I went for a walk in my neighborhood and found an old rusted steamer trunk on the street corner ready for the trash pick up in the morning. The hubster thought I was crazy when I dragged it home.  It is one of my faves.  


Last winter, I was trolling through my local favorite antique store, The Barn.  I just love that place.  It's not like most antique stores you see today, all shiny and commercialized.  Its, well...a barn.  Its dusty, creaky and full of the best stuff!

I am in love!

I found a pair of old farmhouse windows there, that I knew I had to have.  Just look at them!  My heart is all fluttery.  I absolutely love the latch and how worn it is.  They wanted $14 for each of them.  I went and talked to the owner and was able to gleefully walk away with both of them for $10!  I love that place!

I just keep thinking of all the hands
that have used this latch!  Priceless!

I immediately knew what I wanted to do with one of the windows.  I have had this little idea in my head for years now.   I was finally able to let the idea jump from my imagination to fruition.  Let me just say two words...LOVE IT!

My new fireplace screen!

To make my fireplace screen, I constructed two shutters.  

I cut the boards the same length
 as the window and then two boards
the width of the shutters.

I used a ruler as a spacer between the boards

Two finished shutters!

Then I painted them.  First with primer, then the paint.  Of course,  I used spray paint!  I actually think I would spray paint just about anything.


Next, I screwed hinges onto the shutters and attached them to the window, being careful to make sure the hinges opened in the correct direction.

I made sure the hinges were narrow
enough to fit on the window.

I drilled pilot holes first,
so as not to damage the wood on the window.

One finished shutter!

Here is another picture of my finished product!

 And another!

I am as giddy as a school girl!  Now my brain is thinking of a use for that other window....hmmm...