Say I Love You With Reclaimed Junk
Okay, let’s talk reclaimed junk. It doesn’t necessarily have to be old or vintage or junky. To me reclaimed means anything found that can be reused. That means just about anything qualifies as reclaimed.
I have tons of what I call reclaimed projects meaning I made them from junk I found. Today I’m sharing the “love” projects. I made several over the years and they are really cool. I look at these and wonder where my creativity has gone to. I don’t seem to have the touch these days.
Time to see how to say I love you with reclaimed junk….click the pink text links to view the full project tutorial
Reclaimed Junk Love
The first project was a whole lot of fun. I painted unfinished wood reclaimed from a construction site (always keep an eye out for good stuff) with turquoise paint then did a bit of dry brush white paint over the turquoise. Next I went through my junk stash to fine “Love Letters”. The ones I found are perfect.
I thought I would share a photo of my junk stash. Not all of it but a big part.
Heart Sign
The quilt heart with the rusty horseshoe “I Heart U” sign is a favorite project. I think because of the colors and the textures. Red is one of my fav colors and it makes a good showing here.
Assemblage Art
This piece I call “Assemblage Art”. The sign was big and the E was my favorite part. I made it using a vintage furniture pull and washers.
More red love. The wood molding L is perfect.
You should have buttons in your junk stash. They’re perfect for just about any craft project. I also keep a big stash of faucet handles. I’ve used faucet handles as drawer pulls! The keys worked great to make the E in this love sign.
You can also say I love you with a handmade jewelry organizer. I found the cool drawer pulls at a local flea market. They were in my stash forever before I found a use for them. The pulls were originally brass colored and I think they may have come off of an appliance?? Not sure. I spray painted them cherry red and attached them to a piece of 1×4 board.
Stenciled Heart
You guys know I love stencils because I’m not a decorative painter. Can’t even draw a stick figure. The pretty stenciled heart got accessorized with an antique key.
{Find my favorite furniture paints, spray paints, brushes, tools, etc. on the Petticoat Junktion Amazon page here.}
Do you guys think burlap home décor is as popular as it was a few years ago? I haven’t seen a lot of it being used lately. I made the burlap heart block a few years ago. Now without the keys and escutcheon plate it would just be a burlap heart….now it’s special.
Key To My Heart DIY
One more burlap heart with key. This heart is red and the key……..key to my heart.
Say I Love You With Reclaimed Junk
What about these ideas? You can find things around your house that would be perfect for a love project for Valentine’s Day. I guarantee it. Go ahead…..look in the junk drawer.
Which was your favorite project? Leave a note, I read every one. I’ll see you next week. Thanks for being here, Kathy
Regena says
I love everything you do!!
Kathy Owen says
Sweet! Thanks Regena.
Nancy says
All the signs are great but I especially love the hearts with the keys.
I’m guessing that if you are having a dry creative spell it’s from worrying about your parents and having to travel to see about them. You are a good daughter. I bet you are just tired. I’ve been there and it definitely wears on you.
I’m going to pray that you will find time to rest and re-charge.
Sue Davidson says
Kathy all the projects are so clever and creative. It is hard to choose from but I like the one wth the stenciled heart and key. I’m a sucker for stencil though. You sure got my inspired for my own “love” projects for Valentines Day!
Kathy Owen says
I’m a sucker for stencils too Sue! Glad you feel inspired.
Suzee B says
I think these projects were the first ones of yours that I saved … I was so impressed with your creativity. Over time I have collected a bunch of random junk … but have yet to make anything. So now I am re-inspired! Thanks Kathy, you are so talented and creative!
Kathy Owen says
Get to work girl!
Rose Lefebvre says
Such cute ideas!! I am in a relationship now after being a widow since 2012, and in LOVE! So your pieces spoke to me! At my age (60+) being in a new relationship is so unexpected! I am happy!
Kathy Owen says
ah Rose!!! How nice. Wishing you the best 🙂
Linda Henry says
Very clever ideas. Luv all u do.
JoAnn says
Wow – how creative! You really have any eye for pieces that can be used in different ways. Love all the projects!
Stormee says
Some people look at “junk” and see junk. You look at “junk” and see endless possibilities. Great LOVE signs – what’s not to love? Favorite would be quilt heart with the horseshoe.
SharonFromMichigan says
Oooh are those pretty! It’s hard to decide which one is my favorite, but I think the red sign with the picture moulding “L”. You just inspired me to root around in my junk to make a quick Valentine’s sign – thank you!