I am finally done with the project that felt like it took forever.
I am just gonna show it to you and then I will backtrack.
The shelf came from my mother in law’s house after she passed away and it has hung in our garage for about 2 and half years and use to look like this.
My husband karate chopped the wood trim on the top and bottom to see if they would come off and yep they did.
A couple of nails had to be cut off and most were pulled out.
And then the painting from you know where. First mistake was using a regular paint brush and not a Purdy. Cassie @ Primitive and Proper preaches on Purdy brushes, but did I listen. Nooooo.
So I used some Deglosser on the shelf and painted it with my Martha Stewart sample in Oolong Tea.
Can you see my bad brush marks from my bad brush?
I finally got it all painted and thought it was too stark and needed to be glazed.
Let’s just say I am not good at glazing things with little cubbbies. So I repainted with the bad brush.
Then I decided to dry brush some dark brown on it. I got carried away.
Are you done laughing yet? I know it’s UGLY! So my brilliant self decided to dry brush some green back on it and that didn’t work either.
Finally, I got out my Purdy brush that I had, but didn’t use and put a fresh coat of paint from my new sample that I had to go buy and was back at square one. I have to say that the brush allowed me to paint so much faster. They really do work better. I tried to live with it while I waited for one of my cameras to come in the mail and I couldn’t.
I held my breath and lightly dry brushed on some glaze and rubbed it off and soon as I painted it on. It worked. Thank goodness or this shelf might be sitting in the alley.
Now the fun part. My Brownie vintage camera finally came in the mail today and wouldn’t you know, it was too long for the cubbies so I put it on the top of the shelf.
And I got this neat camera from an antique shop.
I like how the lens has those glass bubbles all around it.
I bought this Kodak Junior camera from Ebay. It’s my favorite.
And I bought this camera back in 2000 and never learned how to use it other than like a point and shoot. I am happy I have done better with my digital SLR than I did with this one.
I will probably replace it with a vintage camera at some point.
I also filled my shelves with vintage camera ads and asked permission to do so. I was told I could and that anyone can, but they do ask that you link to them. I found the ads here at Vintage Ad Browser. It is a cool site that is full of all kinds of vintage ads. You will love it.
I also used a painted wooden “D” and some numbers along with some frames, a tripod, lens and a filter.
I have to tell you I was feeling smug and excited because I was being so original and unique and then I saw this at Pottery Barn.
And this.
I did get the ideas for the ad holders from PB after I saw this shelf, but I totally thought I was original putting vintage cameras in it.
I am happy to have a display that represents something I really love. Do you have a collection that you love? If ya do, what is it?
Linking to
Remodelaholic’s Anonymous @ Remodelaholic
Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors
Weekend Wrap Up @ Tatertots and Jello
Sunday Showcase @ Under the Table and Dreaming
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch











OH MY GOSH I absolutely love it! Tracy that is one of the coolest things I've seen in a looong time. How can I get me one?
ReplyDeleteThis is so awesome!
ReplyDeleteOh I love your shelf and I love all of your accessories. They are fabulous. This looks wonderful. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteCan I even tell you how much I love this?!?! I am just drooling over each little detail. and I love your arrangment. Wonderful!!!
ReplyDelete~ Emily N. from "too Blessed to Stress"
THE SHELF TURNED OUT BEAUTIFUL NICE JOB
ReplyDeleteWhat a FANTASTIC project! I just reorganized my art room and put a very similar shelf in it that I bought at Goodwill for $4 !!! I was pleasantly surprised to see your post!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great themed collection and the shelf turned out well after all of that work. Don't you hate redos though? Thanks for the tip on vintage ads...will definitely check it out.
ReplyDeleteOh Tracy that turned out beautiful! I am so glad that you stuck with it, sorry about all the painting. BUT it was worth it and I love all your cameras and those ads are so perfect!
ReplyDeleteLove you signature too, very cute! :)
It's very good idea!!! I would love that "D" for me :) Cuz it's my name as Deb..
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting piece and I love your display! Great job...
ReplyDeleteLOVE this!! You did a fabulous job!! You should come and party with WhipperBerry this weekend too.
ReplyDeletekisses
heather
Ok, I jumped over here from TaterTotsandJello, and I have to say, I totally love that shelf!! And the fact that you stuck with it. :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome job.
Stopping by to let you know I gave you some awesome awards on my blog so stop by and check them out when you have a chance :)
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous and I actually like yours better, the larger center compartment makes a more visually pleasing display...The PB one feels to cluttered and over worked.
ReplyDeleteI have collections of dolls...I keep my porcelain and china ones in one of the back bedrooms, and then my fashion dolls are displayed in my studio since they are the ones I design clothing for to sell.
Now and again my dolls sneak onto my blog ;)
Blessings Kelsie
This really came out great! I have a collection of vintage cameras in my studio. My PB table has cubbies on the end and I've placed camera's inside. I had an old box too with vintage lenses in leather cases but the Bassets got to those! Broke my heart. Oh well, I love them both more than the things I find! Take care. See you for the Bokeh party. Need to play with my camera this weekend!
ReplyDeleteTracy,
ReplyDeleteYour shelf turned out fabulous! Nice work! Love the tri-pod and numbers. Very cool! You have a wonderful collection of vintage cameras and such a nice way to show them off!
Xo,
Michelle
Oh! That is really beautiful. What cool vintage cameras! You did a great job.
ReplyDeleteCheri
You have a great collection going of vintage cameras. I'm always on the look out but haven't seen any at estates sales lately. I love the shelf. I know that the cubbies my have been harder to paint but well worth it! Looks terrific. Where do you have it hanging?
ReplyDeleteThis gave me warm fuzzies! My Dad is a photographer, and I have memories of seeing vintage/antique cameras on display in his studio. I LOVE how you pulled it all together. It's delightful!
ReplyDeletecraft-interrupted.blogspot.com
Really wonderful! Your shelf turned out soooo well! I also won't use any paint brush other than a Purdy. Live and learn! Love the accessories in your beautiful shelf too!
ReplyDeleteThat doesn't even look like the same piece of furniture! You did such a great job, and you filled it with such beautiful items!
ReplyDeleteKelly
Yours is so much better! I love the cameras! You rock Tracy!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that yours is hands down better! I LOVE dress forms and have a small collection. They take up so much room though... I have the smaller ones on top of my hutch in my sewing studio at the moment. It makes me happy to look at them. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
xxoo,
Liberty
That looks fantastic! I was totally thinking that it looks like something out of Pottery Barn, then I got to the bottom of you post! lol I think yours look better!
ReplyDeletethis is exactly what I imagined when I decided NOT to throw away my old Polaroid and some other cameras that will never work again! Thank you for this inspiration. Now if I could just get my shelf back that I gave away several years ago- - - oh well!
ReplyDeleteThat looks great. I have a collection of vintage cameras too. They are currently on a book case shelf, but after we move, I have plans for them, similar to what you have. Thanks for the link to the vintage ads! That's fab.
ReplyDeleteOh Tracy, your shelf looks great! I love how you displayed all your treasures. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend,
Gail
its you for sure....glad you stuck it out and i love how you displayed what you love....fantastic job Tracy
ReplyDeleteThis looks really great! Awesome, professional looking job. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete~Pam
pamspaintparlor.typepad.com
Get out! I love this!! You did a fantastic job (like, magazine worthy) sooo nice!
ReplyDeleteYou are soooo talented Tracy! Beautiful. I want to nominate you for the versatile blogger award. Not sure if you are accepting awards but if so, please drop by my blog and let me know. I will have my post up within 24 hours.
ReplyDeleteMerci et a tantôt!
Love your shelf. We love vintage cameras and have a large collection. I think a shelf like this to showcase a few would be fab. I'll be on the lookout for a shelf now.
ReplyDeleteThis looks incredible. You did a fantastic job and I would pick yours over the others anyday. Truly, I like yours better.
ReplyDeleteI love the way this turned out! PB "knocked off" one of my projects too awhile back...my beach balls!lol Maybe I can find something like this for my "coffee collection". I'm going to check out the vintage ads.
ReplyDeleteWell done! Not only did you do a great job refinishing the shelf itself, but you've managed to show a display of related items in an interesting and eye catching way without looking cluttered. Love the paint color you chose too. :)
ReplyDeleteLove it! Your painting experience sounds like me. Your camera collection is fantastic!
ReplyDeletethat looks awesome, tracy! you have it set up just beautifully!!! better than pb!
ReplyDeleteLove it - I was thinking, where have I seen something kind of like this? Oh yeah, PB! The bad brush marks look familiar - I've been painting too!
ReplyDeleteTracy,
ReplyDeleteI linked in to your post through Under the Table and Dreaming.
I like your vintage camera display much better than the Pottery Barn versions! Good job!
Annie
Found you at Under the table and dreaming. Your shelf turned out beautifully!
ReplyDeleteLooks amazing, much better than the PB!
ReplyDeleteThis is just awesome! What a great way to display your camera equipment. Love the incorporation of the typography & frames, too.
ReplyDeleteI think your cubby looks better than the PB one! Love the cameras too!!
ReplyDeleteI'm here from Sunday Spotlight Party, and it's my first one! Come visit me if you can!
Your awesome!
xxDaniella
Love it Tracey :))
ReplyDeletestopping by via under the table and dreaming~~~
Nice to meet you:)
Happy Valentine's weekend!
Kay Ellen
Tracy - This looks fabulous! Love that Martha color...it is the perfect green. Your display looks like it is right out of a catalog - fantastic job and all of that painting paid off! ~ Stephanie Lynn
ReplyDeleteI love it! The color, the numbers, the cameras--all of it looks great. NICE work!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Pam @ Our Adventures in Home Improvement
Well, I think yours looks BETTER than the Pottery Barn shelf! Great job. And I love your cameras too.
ReplyDeleteWarmly, Michelle
Love this! Can I ask what kind of glaze you use. I have been looking for a good one.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work!
nettedoman@gmail.com
Really clever way to show off your camera collection. The ads give the shelf and lots of interest.
ReplyDeleteTraci
Great! Looks right out of a magazine!
ReplyDeleteYour metamorphosis is absolutely fabulous. I so hope that you enjoy every bit of it.
ReplyDeleteHave a very Happy Valentine's Day!
Truly beautiful display, you did an excellent job!
ReplyDeleteThe shelf looks fabulous! I have a collection of vintage cameras that I want to display in a guest bedroom but I haven't done anything with them yet. Your cubby shelf was perfect and you decorated it beautifully.
ReplyDeleteJane
Now it looks like an heirloom shelf! Great job.
ReplyDeleteHope you'll stop by and see our latest bedroom ideas. Jane
Wow- this looks identical to Pottery Barn's! Great job!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE vintage cameras, my dad has a hugh collection that will some day be mine! Love how you displayed them!
ReplyDeletethis is truly stunning! would love to do something like this with all my camera schtuff. :) Rebecca {simple as that}
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable vignette! So unique.....
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Lisa
Tracy, I just saw this "featured" over at Under the Table and Dreaming! congrats!
ReplyDeleteahhh...this is beyond fabulous! you chose the perfect colors and the continuity of the items you displays is fantastic..love it!
ReplyDeletewww.northerncottage.blogspot.com
Tracy,
ReplyDeleteI wish you could spend a little time at my house. I just love your style. That shelf is amazing. I love the color and your collection. So cool.
Brooke
I REALLLLY love what you have done here. Great finish. But the staging you did, it looks spectacular. Like it is straight from the pages of a magazine!
ReplyDeleteFABULOUS job.
Denise
Extreme Personal Measures
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!!
ReplyDeleteI would love for you to link up to I'm Lovin' It!
http://tidymom.net/2011/im-lovin-it-the-cottage-chick
The photographer in me is GIDDY over this. Love!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous display! You did an amazing job! I'd love for you to come share it at this weekend's party! Hope to see you there!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful post. I have so many cameras. Not so many antique but a lot over time I have used to it's end. I feel like it's such a shame to throw them away. So I keep them in a box in the closet. What a great way to show our hobbies than to show them to the world! Great job!
ReplyDeleteI was SOOO excited you linked up!!!!
ReplyDeleteI just HAD to feature your post in my wrap up post today!! http://tidymom.net/2011/im-lovin-it-wrap-up-2-20-11/
I love your final finish! This shelf looks fabulous and I love all of your old cameras displayed with all your vintage prints and numbers. Perfection!
ReplyDeleteYour frustration and hard work paid off! It's stunning, Tracy! Great job!
ReplyDeleteLove this! Where did you find your letter and numbers from? {I am obsessed with letters and numbers. :)}
ReplyDeleteLOVE this piece! Absolutely perfect!
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love Martha Stewart's little sample sized paints? I use them all the time! This is seriously one of the cutest things I have seen in a while!
-emily
www.nestnestingnested.blogspot.com
what an amazing transformation -well done, love your style!
ReplyDeleteJust fantastic!!! You did a wonderful job!
ReplyDeleteLooks so well put together! Catalog quality display... beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLooks really great!
ReplyDeleteThat is so creative! This can happen when you try a paint technique and doesn't come out exactly the way you'd like it to but that's why paint it awesome because you can fix it so easily. That is how we learn lol......you did a great job on decorating it also.
ReplyDeleteI am so in love with this it's embarrassing
ReplyDeleteTracy, I joined you way after this post but wanted to comment. Your self is so adorable and original! I love the initial D. I have a wall of D's with a few family pics included. I will have to post it soon. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteNice job on the shelf unit - it looks gorgeous! I linked it to my shelves post too today, well done!
ReplyDeleteThat is remarkable. I can't tell you how many of those shelves I've passed by without a second glance! I won't make that mistake again! Your color choice is perfect and the styling is spot on. Fantastic.
ReplyDeleteHi Tracy! You did a great job on the shelf and the camera and photography collection looks really wonderful. I like the "D" and the tripod, and the little old paper pieces!
ReplyDeleteI am following you now!
Happy St. Patrick's Day and Happy Spring!
Linda