I  have been known to find “art” in the most unexpected places.  I was designing a showcase home, to show how furniture and wall art can be made by using everyday items; thrown out items; stuff that was found at  the curb; or in thrift stores.  I didn’t have far to go for this design plan….

Have you ever been to a Pick & Pull?  Oh boy, first be sure you wear your grungy clothes and shoes, bring gloves and I didn’t know this, but be aware that prices are not cheap for many items.  That was my biggest surprise.

I wandered up and down aisles of discarded cars, smashed up cars, and parts laying on the ground.  It was eery walking around all of those car shells…. what stories they would tell-not good ones in most cases.

As I turned a corner, I saw this awesome sculptural piece of metal just sitting in the middle of the aisle like it was saying, “hey, here I am, just what you were looking for!”    I had no idea what part of the car it was, it was heavy, but I could still carry it, (oh, btw, you have to carry everything out yourself!)  The piece had beautiful rusty patina, and I thought it would serve perfectly as a side table base.  Now, if I could just carry it to the check out counter!

I also found I think it was called an air cleaner that was metal, and I thought I could turn that piece into a wall art design.  So, I dragged my pieces to the checkout counter, had a bit of a sticker shock (I was very naive to costs, I thought being a junkyard it would be pennies to the pound or something similar…..oh no, more like $’s to the pound)  Anyway, I was happy with my purchases and now to get to work on creating my vision.

I started with the air cleaner.  I don’t have pictures of the process, but I can briefly tell you about it.  The air cleaner was black already, but I cleaned it up and spray painted it black again just to keep any rust at bay.  I found a round piece of mirror at the Dollar Store and glued it under the opening that was in the middle, then positioned it on the wall with the “arm” facing up so I could put some dried floral, then hung a tassel to complete the look.  This piece was for my client’s entry where we hung metal siding on one indented wall, then had a bench with custom pillows. He was thrilled- he loved the whole industrial look especially since being a race car driver, having car related “art” was what he had hoped for.

I also used some large coiled springs from his garage to place on both sides of the fireplace.  I inserted  large glass vases to hold floral sprigs.

For the side table, I found out that I had picked up a crankshaft from a car, and by turning it on end vertically, I was able to put a round glass top and bolt it on to a wooden round disk, found at Home Depot that I stained a dark brown.  I had cleaned up the crankshaft removing the grease, then sprayed it with a satin clear coat spray.  Super simple, and so interesting looking.  Being a small table, this table fits just about anywhere.  I love how something so industrial works inside a home.  This table would be perfect for a Man Cave, or set as I have it, in a corner next to a chair.

Pick and pull parts from lots of sources to create unique items, and “Rev” up your decor!
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