One of my subjects for this project is a Craiglist cast-off. I found this oak coffee table / entertainment stand that was in need of some superficial love.
The top was worn, it was missing trim and pulls, and was oh-so DIRTY. But hey, it's solid oak and just needs some TLC, right?
DIY TIME
First, my sander came out to play and we made that top fresh again. Raw wood is so beautiful to me. Just look at that grain! 
To give the table a coastal feel to suit beach decor, I turned to the sunbleached stain we used on our master bedroom floors and on an antique bedroom set.
Here it is, all gussied up and ready for some waves. It has sold from my shop, but there is always more goodness on the way.
The sunbleached top has a cooling effect and lets that gorgeous grain shine through.
I painted the cabinet a basic white and distressed for a time-worn effect. Since it was missing pulls, I wanted to create a beachy feel by using rope instead. I just enlarged the holes and knotted the rope on the inside. Perfect!
This project didn't quite quench the need for sand between my toes, so I took it up another level.NEXT STEPS
Remember my free vintage Morris rocker? I know several of you told me to repair it and make it come back to life, but it was badly damaged and would have taken a lot of reconstruction to get it going. Finally, it is time to make use of the parts for my budget beach decor.
During Christmas, I put the springs to use as rustic tree toppers, and now it was time for the arms to find their purpose. What do you see when you look at that arm?
I see a whale. Yup. So I grab my drill and spade bit to create an eye.
Don't they look fishy already? hee hee hee.
Then, after painting them a base coat of blue, I use my hand-painted sign tutorial to create a whimsical beach directional.
Those arms turned into this: A whale of a sign, don't you think?
These too have sold from my shop, but if you're interested in a custom sign, just let me know. Adding beach decor to you home doesn't have to break the bank. I just takes a little DIY and you'll be feeling coastal in no time.
In addition, pin and share my budget beach decor to inspire others too! ♥
MORE FUN
Want to know what happened to the rest of the rocker? Here is what became of one of the rockers that wasn't broken...a hand-painted "antiques" sign.
However, if you want to see what became of the base of the rocker, come see my repurposed creation.
All I have left to repurpose are the spindles and the back rest - projects coming soon. In the meantime, later on this week I will be giving this brown beast a makeover - come here to see!
Now for some more Trash to Treasure fun, check out what my friends did with these:
 Confessions of a Serial DIYer |
 Girl in the Garage |
 Bless'er House |
 Artsy Chicks Rule |
Also, more of my projects for you like my DIY beach decor:
