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08 March, 2009

Metamorphosis Monday...or...White-Washed Chargers

Welcome to Metamorphosis Monday brought to you by our hostess with the mostest, Susan at Between Naps on the Porch! Be sure to visit her blog to see changes she has made in her beautiful home and to see the list of this week's participants!


I was wandering through Big Lots the other day, when I spied these white-washed rattan chargers...gorgeous! Let's check the price...woah!! Excuse me! I thought we were in Big Lots! Can you read it?? It says $3o...that's for one!!


Well...wait a minute...here's a sign. Let's see...what??? On sale for $21??? Each??? Have they lost their minds??? That's when my little wheels started turning...


I remembered that my friend Linda at Nina's Nest had told me about the rattan chargers at Walmart so I hurried right over. Hey, they look exactly the same...only difference is that they are not white-washed!


And...a huge difference...they are only $3.86 each!! Much Better!!


And look...there are even square ones at the same price! So four of the round ones jumped right into my cart before I could stop them!!


I spread them out on newspaper and made a mixture of one third paint (latex) and two-thirds water. Don't ask me how I came up with that amount...I don't know. It was rattling around in my brain from watching hours of Home and Garden Television, I think! lol


Once I started working, I realized that I couldn't stop for pictures. It was soaking into the rattan quickly and I was having to white-wash at lightning speed to keep it even. Here is the end result! I am pretty pleased with them! I made them a shade whiter than the ones at Big Lots because I think I like that better...more white and less gray looking.



I think I will get a lot of use from these! Here's one on my breakfast room table holding my "chocolate" Easter bunnies and a vase of tulips.


And here is one with one of my Spode Blue Room plates! Oh, I really like this! You will be seeing these in some upcoming tablescapes! And...just in case you liked them better the other way...don't worry! I went back to Walmart and bought another set to leave plain!! lol
Thanks for dropping by to see my little metamorphosis! Be sure to swing by Susan's to see more before and after projects!

71 comments:

  1. Salut Debbie! Je suis la première! Après avoir vu ton blog, j'ai un gros problème...je voudrais quelques "chargers" en blanc! Quoi faire???? Je pense qu'il faut aller encore à Walmart pour en acheter quatre! Tu dépense mon argent! lol Linda

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  2. oh you made me chuckle, loved your story. My husband always tells me that im like the Ikea commercial "start the car" when i find a deal. You did an amazing job on the whitewashing and the deal
    hugs
    janet

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  3. What? No way Big Lot? You did a wonderful job! They look better than the ones at Big Lots! I love the bunnies. They look beautiful with your blue dishes!

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  4. Hi Debbie! I laughed because I think we have all followed Gollum's lead and headed to Big Lots! Did you happen to see the blue stemware with the etched butterflies on them? They were half price so I bought 6...they were $5.00 each on sale and I couldn't resist! But I'm like you...some of that stuff was way too expensive for a place like Big Lots! I love Wallie World don't you? They've really got some nice stuff! I buy all my towels there...they've lasted longer and stayed softer than any of the dept. store kind I've gotten! Your chargers look better than the ones you passed up! God Bless! Lauralu :)

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  5. I LOVE them, Debbie!! Great thinking! I like those so much for spring that I might have to white wash some of them myself. I always enjoy your blog so much. Thanks!

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  6. Hi Debbie,
    Hey Deb, great post! i can't believe what big lots wanted for theres, your made over ones look better1 Very Creative, Cindy

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  7. Debbie, good for you. I also have been to BL a lot lately and couldn't believe the prices. I guess I am just getting too use to GW. lol Yours look gorgeous and I do love them with your beautiful blue Spode dishes. Your chocolate bunnies also look great with the tulips and the white. You did a great job on the white wash. Hugs, Marty

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  8. Wow, girl...you are one smart cookie! I think Big Lots is getting too big for it's britches lately. I was shocked at the pricing I saw recently on their "Echo" line of products. Your chargers turned out BETTER than the expensive ones!!! Way to go! They look great! I like them a shade whiter, too...yours are perfect! Susan

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  9. Wow, I can't believe that price at Big Lots! Yikes. So glad you found what you needed at Walmart. I love what you did with them, the white is fantastic.
    ~Michelle

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  10. Hi Debbie! Oh, can you believe that Big Lots! That's way too much. I like yours more and by you painting them, they look awesome.
    Be a sweetie,
    shelia :)

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  11. Debbie - Isn't it grand when a plan comes together and WORKS!!! You did a fantastic job at accomplishing what you wanted..you've given me a few ideas!

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  12. Debbie,they look great.I am going to see if they have them in my walmart or something similar,just love the white washing idea.I loved seeing your easter touches too,makes me feel like searching for some easter decor for my place.
    (((hugs)))Cyndi

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  13. Guess what I added to my Walmart list! Yep! Great idea!

    Susan

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  14. Wal-Mart here I come. Love these. Thanks for sharing.

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  15. I agree that I like yours more than the Big Lots version. No Big Lots near me, but we do have Walmart!! I have to steal your idea because those are just gorgeous. Thanks for sharing it!

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  16. Debbie, you are so creative. I never would have thought to do that. This is the reason I read all these great blogs about decorating! You are an inspiration! I especially like the Easter bunnies on the white-washed charger.
    Have a great week!
    Wendy

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  17. Great idea! I wonder if I can sneak those in m house without my husband noticing....

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  18. You're so clever! I really like the whiter shade of yours too. Okay, I'm sold - it's on my shopping list! ☺

    PS They should give you a commission on all the chargers you sell for them with this post! ☺

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  19. Oh now this is something even I could do! I love the impact it makes with your dishes! Love 'em Debbie! :-) L~

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  20. *** Debbie, you're a DARLING to share this terriffic "learning experience"!!! After hearing so much about BL (remember, we lived in Germany for many years, so I didn't KNOW about alot of these places upon returning!), I finally WENT to one ~~~ & I had such a ball! Didn't go back too much & then did recently (per our Gracious Gollum!), & I could not BELIEEEEVE the GALL of ANY of their prices! Susan's right~ they HAVE gotten TOOO BIG for their BRITCHES (well, so have I, but not T-H-A-T way, darn it! Grins!)~~~THANKS SOOO MUCH for sharing & SHOWING!!! Warmly, Linda

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  21. I love those, they look great with your plates!

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  22. I can't believe the price of the Big Lot's ones but you found a reasonable solution and I think yours really look better -- and you got all 4 for just a little more than one!

    Great job -- and the Spode looks great against the white!

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  23. I haven't seen those at my WM, but I will be going there tomorrow to look for them. Thanks for sharing a great idea!
    Nina (Bettye)

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  24. Wow what a great and inexpensive alternative to those pricey ones! Thank you for sharing!

    blessings
    mary

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  25. Debbie, I cannot believe some of the prices I have seen at Big Lots lately. I even had to ask one of the workers if I was reading the prices correctly.

    You did a wonderful job with the whitewash. Your chargers look even better than the Big Lot version. You are going to get a lot of use from those beauties.

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  26. These are great,Debbie. I think I need to make a trip to Wallyworld!

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  27. Debbie, You did a great job with these! I loved them with the Spode China too! Great job! ;) ~CC Catherine

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  28. Debbie, this is brilliant! Those chargers look great! Maybe you should get some more and sit in the parking lot at Big Lots and sell your painted chargers for $20!! laurie

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  29. I LOVE a resourceful girl!! They look great with the blue and white china. You should take Lauries's advice about the parking lot!

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  30. What is up with Big Lots anymore? Do they think they are Nordstrom's or something? Everything is priced ridiculously high there. But, now WallyWorld is right up my alley for bargains, too.
    I love what you did with those chargers. I am thinking I'm going to have to get some for myself. I like the square ones alot, too. Did you know you can buy spray paint at WalMart for $1 can? I get it there all the time to change out the look of other wise buys I make. I got some ugly green flower pots at Michael's for $1 each and sprayed them white. They look like a million bucks!
    Thanks for sharing your metamorphosis with us. Have a great week. :) Brenda

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  31. Hi Debbie.. thanks for stopping by French Lique today! I'm getting so much done these days... I may even have time to whitewash some rattan chargers now! LOL... guess we'll be seeing a lot of those in upcoming Tablescape Thursdays... I['m thinking rede white and blue picnic... ;) have a wonderful week. Hugs... Dixie

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  32. oops... my typing fingers did a little walking on that last sentence... but you get the idea!

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  33. Great deal and you made them so pretty, Debbie!...Christine

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  34. How pretty Debbie!
    Love the idea of painting them white.

    I thought Big Lots had super great prices? HMMM....;)

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  35. I like the white better too. Your blue and white plates look so pretty on the white rattan. Good job.

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  36. Perfect make-over!
    blessings,
    kari & kijsa

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  37. I love Big Lots for their bargains BUT $30 for those chargers and they had the gall to put them on sale at $21??? Have they lost their minds - those are department store prices! But it looks like you came out way ahead. By the way, love those chocolate bunnies!

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  38. Hi Debbie...What a clever girl you are! I'm wondering what's up with Big Lots myself... they used to have REAL bargains...but not so much now...;-) Bo

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  39. Debbie, these look fantastic. I actually like them more than the ones from big lots. What a creative solution. I haven't been to BL in years, was thinking about going next weekend, but perhaps not at those prices! Great job, can't wait to see these in a tablescape. Hugs, Kathy

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  40. I can't believe that Big Lot's price. Glad you were able to do a thrifty version. I love them with the Blue Spode!!! :D Jewel

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  41. Guess where I am headed today.....WALMART! Your chargers turned out great! Have a great day!

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  42. Debbie, you are a genius. A genius I say! I'm off to Walmart now!

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  43. Great job, Debbie. That was a smart move, they look great.

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  44. Very cute! It's amazing what a little paint can do!

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  45. Debbie: These look great! I am going to Big Lots at lunch! Your layout is soooo pretty. I love the colors.

    Lou Cinda :)

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  46. Debbie, what fun! I agree that your chargers look better than the chargers from Big Lots. I have never been to a Big Lots and am not sure if there is one close to me. After reading about Gollum's finds there I have been wanting to go. But now I think I will just stick to WalMart. Guess what is on my WalMart shopping list now?

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  47. Way to go, love this money saver!
    Linda Q

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  48. I never shop Big Lots, having tried it once and found nothing but junk. They must have gotten very uptown!

    I like your solution very much, and it certainly makes more sense. Very pretty with the Spode.

    Scribbler

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  49. $3.86 was WAY BETTER! A girl could have a heck of alot more charges of all shapes & colors for that price. :) I bet it was hard to get that paint even. Thanks for sharing

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  50. Hey girl I must have been at Walmart the same time you were because things were jumping in my cart too! Love those chargers! They look awesome!
    Blessings,
    Debbie

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  51. WOW! Great job! I love how the whitewashed charger loks with the blue spode.

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  52. So these painted up well? I have been wanting to do this, but have not wanted to be the first. I have not been able to find chargers the color I want, but thought if I buy these and spray paint the color I want.... sky the limit to as much storage space that I have. :D Thanks for sharing!

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  53. How very clever of you ... they look lovely! Now, go back and purchase the square chargers and do something else spectacular!

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  54. Debbie, you are so funny. I laughed so hard when you said 'rattling around in my brain from watching hours' of HGTV. I know exactly what you mean :) Thanks for sharing with us, looks like the race is on to Wal-Marts across North America. I will definitely be checking out some Canadian Wal-Marts and hoping they have them too!

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  55. Hi Debbie,
    I love those chargers especially with the Blue and White. I will definitely use that! I enjoyed reading the post in French...it has been a long time, but I think I understood. I was just in Quebec and I was surprised at how their French differed, as well as, their accents. I met someone from Paris and his accent was in stark contrast. I cannot remember if you are a Francophile and a plate addict, but I thought you would find it interesting.

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  56. I read another post you did..I think it was a print you got at Big Lots and I thought I need to go there. I had no idea they had such high end things. Although the $21 chargers wouldn't have found their way into my basket either. I am impressed and inspired to go to Walmart and copycat your idea!
    Thanks for sharing...

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  57. Thrifty, crafty and they look amazing! KUDOS!

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  58. Your chargers look just wonderful! You did a fabulous job and what a deal. I think I will head over to Walmart :>)

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  59. Lovely! You did a great job! These redo's are so much fun to see!

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  60. That is a great idea.Must think about that when I want to change something

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  61. Debbie what a very clever girl you are..and Whats up with Big Lots..way too much for those chargers...yours look wonderful girl..I hate to abeit but I brought more dishes the other day..Guess I'll have to hide them behind my drpaes...no room left at the Inn..ha ha!! have a great day dear friend...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

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  62. Hi Debbie....First...I thought Big Lots sold cheap crap...what was with that price?? Are they crazy...and you gotta love the Walmart. I know alot of people would'nt even think to go inside one but once you get past the fact that your cashier might be covered in tatoo's and its a women our age....you can usually find some really good buys....

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  63. There you go girl............I know we were in big lots a few wks ago and right up by the front door they had a large ben full of throw pillows on SALE.$25.00.I said what???The clerk even greed with me.This is Big LOts,not Neimans.Sheesh?????????I could not believe it.
    Anyway,you7 got what you wante and easy on the pocketbook too,...Anniepoo

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  64. That was brilliant and the results of your creativity is beautiful! Big Lots this time became A Whole Lot!

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  65. These are lovely. You did good.

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  66. Nice work, Debbie! They look beautiful. What is up with Big Lots these days anyway? Prices are going out of site.
    As for the cheddar biscuits, I haven't been to a Red Lobster in years, so I don't remember the biscuits. But these are goooood!

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  67. EVening, Debbie! Oh, thank you so much for coming by to see my little pillows! How's Baby Kitty? Is he back from his golfing expedition? :)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  68. Hey Girlfriend...

    Girl, aren't you the creative one!!! I just love your white-washed rattan chargers!!! I hope you don't mind but I think I'm going to be a copy-cat...I've always liked the rattan but really didn't want the natural color...white-washing them would be perfect! Thanks for the idea!!!

    Okay...what's up with Big Lots? $30 for a rattan charger??? Eeeekkks!!! I've seen pieces of furniture in Big Lots cheaper than that...hehe!!!

    Have a terrific day, my friend!
    Love ya,
    Chari

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  69. Debbie, something weird is going on... I always try to check your blog when I see you have posts rolling up, but for some reason I didn't see this. Now, this has happened before. I think my blogger thing is flukey! I love your posts, and yours is one of the blogs that I race to read. I just came over here on a lark, and you have a post from several DAYS ago! HUH??? Maybe it's me, but I'm staring to wonder. This happened with another blog I frequent, too. Hmmmm...

    All of that being tediously said, I love what you did with these. And what is going on with Big Lots??? That price is outrageous. They had these at Target for half that price, at least. And believe it or not, I STUPIDLY passed on some of these when they were at (are you ready?) Dollar Tree two or three years ago! I went back, and of course, they were MIA. I had bought them at Target and didn't think I needed more. HAH! Glad you told me about the ones at Wal-Mart. I will have to be sure and check these out. :-)

    Sending much love your way. I think I am going to try and do some yard work today. Finally got a little sleep.

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  70. I'm sure the staff in your home appreciates how ingenious you are. Cash saved is cash earned for kitty treats! LOL You did a fantastic job, and I grinned like crazy when I read that you went back and bought them again. Who knows what color you'll end up doing next! I'm thinking I could use black. :-)Well, I'm sold, heading to walmart right after I hit the send button.
    Enjoy your week!
    Penny in Dunwoody, GA

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  71. Hi..
    Nice blog..
    Congratulation..
    ☆ Martinha ☆
    =)
    http://travelandtrips.wordpress.com/

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Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment! I appreciate my wonderful readers!... Debbie