Thursday, October 14, 2010

INDUSTRIAL CHIC

Up front let me say that I love the so-called 'finer things' in life and in my home such as 19th century dishes, velvet, paisley tapestry, lace, etc. But, I'm always in conflict as I love a big hunk of metal junk, peeling paint, and rust, too.

Margo's Junkin Journal
is having a linky party to show off our Industrial Chic. She didn't mention the farm industry, but that is where my background is and what I love to scrounge for!

I love this cultivator thingy - it fits in the umbrella hole of the wicker table on our back porch, then holds a candle perfectly. Check out that green paint that goes with the rusty tips.

Every porch needs a tractor seat made into a stool. My Dad made this years ago, and he used it at his workbench to sit on while repairing farm machinery. That's International Harvester red paint on the seat that has oxidized to orange. The base is made from a pipe and a disc.

These disc spacers are great for elevating pumpkins or pillar candles. All we did was wash them off, and spray some acrylic sealer on them to control the rust. They sit on an old tool box from my Dad's shed.


So, head out to your nearest farm machinery salvage yard where there is a plethora of neat stuff waiting to be discovered.
Here are some of the disc spacers I had to choose from. I wanted them all, but they do weigh a ton. The three I did pick cost $4.00 total.

Before you go salvaging, stop by Margo's
for mega inspiration.

17 comments:

Margo said...

Farming equipment definitely fits the bill. I love disk spacers and wish I could find them around here. They make great candlesticks. So glad you stopped by my party, be sure to visit the other links, I'm getting mega inspired. Thanks for contributing your link.
Margo

shannon i olson said...

wow never thought of farm equp salvage! love your things!! and the tractor seat is fab

Jane said...

I love how you have incorporated your background into some of your home accessories. I love the disc spacers, they remind me of the big, wood spools that I have (except I didn't get them for $4.00 total).
Thanks for sharing your industrial farm chic!
Jane

Shabby Vintage Junk said...

Hello Sally....!

I'm SO envious of your Industrial 'Farmware'.... :o) !!

Thos disc spacers are TO DIE FOR & I LOVE that you have your Dad's tractor seat work bench....! The candle holder is also WAY COOL....!

The pic you show of the Farm Machinery junk place HURT MY HEART....I think I might have to get me to Colorado next visit....!

THANKS for openning my eyes to farm junk....!!!

Take care Lovey & have a WONDERFUL weekend....!!

Cheers from Australia,
Tamarah :o)

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Sally! I love the look of the farm equipmemnt parts...especially those disc spacers! Now to find a place that sells them in Atlanta! lol Happy weekend!...hugs...Debbie

Missy said...

Oh, the farm stuff...our hearts are in the same place! We always had a tractor seat like that too. And my son has his grandfather's tractor seat on a stand out in his tree fort.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

What clever ways you used this neat farm equipment parts. Love that thingy on your outdoor table, and how great that you have your dad's tractor seat he made! This post has some wonderful ideas. Thanks for the inspiration. laurie

Elaine said...

I love that tractor seat. It is so cool and looks really comfortable. I think I would have fun with farm salvage. You did a great job with your finds!

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Save that seat for me!! I would love to come by and take a closer peek at all our treasures!

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

What fun stuff - love it, and the way you've used it is fabulous! Oh, your kitchen in the previous post is just gorgeous. Your farm style table is just what I would like to have! Linda

bj said...

Oh, I remember Mr. Sweet's dad had a seat like that once...now, wonder who has it now?
I love how you've used all this metal.
xo bj

Anonymous said...

Hi Sally! Oh, look at these thingys! Great use of all the metal things!
Hope you're having a great weekend.
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Vee said...

Great tips! I'm beginning to feel very inspired since you are well into the linky list. Love the look of these industrial things. I just saw a tractor seat at the flea market for 40 something dollars. I've got to find on in an old field.

SmilingSally said...

I love the disk-spacers-into-pillars idea.

Tammy said...

I think you are after my heart. You had me at salvage yard- I don't care what kind of salvage I can usually find a neat new way to use it. thanks for sharing, tammy

Anonymous said...

I love the old rusty stuff too, Sally!

Sue said...

I always loved seeing those tractor seats made into a stool! How fun to actually have one that has some meaning for you, too. Those metal spacers DO look like my wooden spools. And unlike Jane, I got mine for a buck or two apiece- big bargain- just like yours! Thanks for sharing your ideas, Sally.
~ Sue