"U" is for United House Wrecking

Shop: United House Wrecking

Stamford, CT

If you're looking for old architectural salvaged items that are truly unique and have tons of character this is the place.

Mantels and more mantels.

Stained glass:

 Tons of beautiful doors:

 Newel posts:

And lots of corbels:

I've seen many DIY projects using corbels.

The cutest campy nightstands from Layla at The Lettered Cottage:

Or go big with your own version of Restoration Hardware's corbel glass desk:

They always have a selection of plumbing fixtures:

And hardware of all sorts:

I've mentioned UHW before when I bought the solid brass hardware for this armoire makeover:

And this old type tray made into a Christmas countdown is also from UHW:

Of course I did have a purpose for my visit, these twisted spindles are now mine:

Stay tuned as they make their way into something similar to this:

image from rhbabyandchild.com

And lastly the cutest vintage scooters right at the checkout counter:

Next time you're in the Stamford area definitely stop into United House Wrecking, it's worth a visit.

Disclaimer:  I was not compensated in any way by UHW for writing this post, I simply enjoy their shop and hope you do too!

"C" is for Counter Stools

Bar stools become counter stools:

Head over to Pretty Handy Girl where I'm sharing how to cut down your standard wood bar stools to counter height:

And I'll also show you how to paint the star pattern on the seat:

Thanks to Pretty Handy Girl Brittany for allowing me to contribute.

"L" is for Lazy Susan (tabletop)

Build: divided lazy susan

Make a tabletop divided lazy susan for less than one-third the cost of the inspiration version.

"Z" is for Zippered Pouch Roundup (25+ ideas)

Sew: 25+ diy zippered pouch ideas

I finally pulled together most of the zippered pouches I have shared on the blog so readers have one easy reference page.

All the styles, fabrics and variations complete with links to the tutorials. 

"O" is for Ottoman Tray

Build: parquet pattern ottoman tray

Build your own parquet patterned ottoman tray with handles.

"C" is for Croquet Food Labels

Buid: mini croquet mallet food labels

Summer is just around the corner and these food labels or table placecards would be perfect for a backyard BBQ or special event.

Pie anyone?

"W" is for Wood Bead Necklace

Craft: wood bead necklace

Easy kids craft: painted wooden beads strung onto leather cording makes a great teacher appreciation gift or Mother's Day gift too!

I borrowed this idea from Laura Parke at A Girl Who Makes and did the craft with my son's Montessori class.  

His class has kids ranging in age from 3 to 6 and all the kids were able to complete the necklace with little or no help.

If you don't mind painting the beads ahead of time this project is great for a school class.

And it's even one necklace you just might be able to actually wear out in public!

"A" is for Armrest Pincushion

Sew: drop cloth armrest pincushion

A quick and easy gift made using drop cloth and blue gingham binding.

"S" is for Scripture Sign (and a winner)

Paint: scripture sign

A special request from Megan for her boys bedroom, a slightly modified version of a verse from Luke:

"G" is for Giveaway #2: The Handbuilt Home

Giveaway #2: Ana White's The Handbuilt Home

Surprisingly Random House sent me another copy of Ana's book and since I already have a few copies I'm giving away one copy to a lucky reader.

This book is packed full of projects you can build yourself, for your home with your own hands.

I can attest as I have built a few pieces from the book myself and have many more pages earmarked.

The cutest kids step stool on page 92:

The kids adirondack chairs on page 179:

The Farmhouse headboard on page 136:

For a glimpse inside the book click here.

This giveaway will be open until April 29, 2013 at 12am and only shipping to a US or Canadian address.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"B" is for Birch Log Votives

Craft: birch log votive holders

Create a simple, natural looking votive candle holder using birch logs and prefilled votives.

Or make 50:

"T" is for Teacher Appreciation Gift

Craft: teacher appreciation pencil holder gift

Make a teacher appreciation gift that's useful for both teachers and the students.

A wood pencil holder filled with pencils for students to borrow:

"K" is for Kids Bookend Kit

Build: kids bookend kit

Build with your kids and make a personalized bookend.

Get the full tutorial over at Pretty Handy Girl.

And when you're done building let the kids paint their new bookends: 

Or build the bookend then give it as a gift along with a set of acrylic paints and a few brushes:

Stop by Pretty Handy Girl for all the details and as always lots of diy projects.

I'm linking up to:

Sawdust Throwdown @ Sawdust Girl
SAS @ Funky Junk

Nifty Thrifty Sunday @ Nifty Thrifty Things

That DIY Showoff @ The DIY Showoff

Tutorials & Tips Tuesday @ Home Stories A to Z

The Scoop @ Lolly Jane

Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage

Share Awesomeness Thur @ The 36th Avenue

Pretty Things Thursday @ Scissors & Spatulas

Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring

Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

Furniture Feature Friday @ Miss Mustard Seed

SAS @ Just a Girl

Remodelaholics Anonymous @ Remodelaholic

inspiration board @ Carolyns Homework

Sunday Showcase Party @ Under the Table & Dreaming

Weekend Bloggy Reading @ Serenity Now

"P" is for Polka Spot Table

Paint: kids play table makeover

A little paint and stain gives new life to this little kids table and chairs:

"S" is for Sequined Monogram

Sew: sequined monogrammed pouch

Every little girl (and big girl) needs some bling on their monogram.

These pouches are for 5 year old twin sisters Catherine and Margaret: