Thursday, August 27, 2009

The Whole Hole Picture

When I was a senior in high school, I bought some matching shelves, primarily so I would have storage for my doll collection. The dolls were kept behind the glass doors, and the rest of the shelving was perfect for books and other things. Here is a partial picture of two of the three shelves that have doors on the bottom (that you can't see). They have been through every single move with us as a married couple, from college to military moves.

The third shelving unit does not have doors on the bottom and is just open shelving. When we lived in New Jersey and I was mere days from giving birth to Caboose, which puts us at late 1999 or very early 2000, I had a wonderful idea.

Get rid of the stand that the television sat on, put all three shelves together, and hacksaw the middle out of the back so the television could poke out. Because back then did they have flat screens? And if they did we never expected to have one.

Hubby was smart enough to humor his very pregnant wife.

The three shelves have been used just like that for the last nine years. It was pure genius.

Until we got here and have a flat screen over the fireplace.

I put that shelving unit in the garage sale we had recently for $10. Nobody bought it. So I decided to bring it in the house and then take the back off. We thought the unit was probably sturdy enough that the back wasn't adding too much to the stability anyway.

We got the piece almost in the corner where we wanted it, and I said, "Okay, let's take off the back." To which Hubby said, "Why don't you just put a picture over it?"

Now why didn't I think of that!

I went to one of many large local Salvation Army stores last Friday while Caboose was at a Sunday school party (before the whole airport pick-up disaster and Ikea trip). I never really find good stuff there, but this time I did. I found a Grandma Moses print. You might remember I showed you a few weeks ago a very large Grandma Moses cross-stitch I did many years ago, so I like the looks of her work.

I had to take it out of the frame it was in. It was attached to a thick board so I couldn't trim it, so when I went to Michael's to buy a frame (on sale) I also bought a mat to cover up the damage around the sides of the print and make it fit a ready-made frame. The picture has been sitting in the floor waiting for the perfect home.

I used the Command Picture Hanging Strips I have grown to love and hung the picture over the hole. That was the perfect home.

I think I'll put my afghan on one of the shelves below when I'm not using it, plus any others I make. I'll have to find something to put on that top shelf, and I'm thinking maybe a tray or basket tray on the shelf by the hurricane.

It took Hubby and me together to figure out the perfect solution, and I'm very pleased with the outcome.

I guess I'll keep him around a little longer.

This post is linked to Show and Tell Friday hosted by Kelli at There is no place like home.


22 comments:

Betsy Brock said...

We cut a hole in several shelves so the electrical cords could go through the back, but I don't think we ever did one for a TV. Wow...the picture was the perfect solution! Smart hubby! ;)

Rechelle ~Walnuthaven Cottage~ said...

The picture really was the perfect solution and you are able to enjoy this piece for many more years. What a history it has and I'll bet it could share lots of wonderful stories if it could only speak :0)
I hope you have a fantastic day and thanks for sharing!!!

Gee said...

Oh you can keep so many things. Thanks for sharing and have a nice weekend.

Brittany said...

great idea!!

Susan B said...

What a good idea using a picture! Very practical. Thank you for sharing.

Susan said...

Great solution! The picture looks perfect there.

Hootin Anni said...

I love the idea of storing your afghan on the shelf...it'll give it a beautiful contrast!!

My show n tell is about the symbol of Native Americans today...the kokopelli.

Have a great weekend.

Cindy said...

Very nice. It looks lovely there. I never would have thought of it, but it looks just right.
We have cut many a hole in bookcases, too.
Cindy

The Old Parsonage said...

I love transformations throughout the years. You and he must make a great pair!

Please stop by The Old Parsonage anytime, I love Company!

Enjoy
Leann

Ronnica said...

Wow, that makes a big difference!

Carla said...

How smart, and SO simple!!

Love Bears All Things said...

I have a set of similar book shelves that I bought from the owner of the condo we bought in PA. It has moved numerous times now. We are using one shelf for a TV in Honey Bear's study. Aren't you glad no one bought it at the yard sale. I think your idea of a painting was perfect.
Mama Bear

marie said...

What a perfect solution ~ I love the picture hanging there, and the candle is great accent. I'm sure you'll have fun filling it up.

Great re-do!!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Hi Kayren! Just stopping by to say hello and thank you for visiting my blog. I have really enjoyed your place here and meeting you and your family :) I agree that the picture was a great solution to the back of your shelves.. It looks perfect!

Anonymous said...

Ok had to get myself a google account to leave a comment...

WOW great use of imagination! BTW thanks for stopping by my blog

www.homeschoolblogger.com/TheFarmHouse/

and leaving a comment I sent you a email via your link here on the towel dresses to address the question you had about them.

Jeannie

Tracey said...

Looks very nice! Good thinking on your hubby's part!

Mrs. Teapot said...

Great idea with the picture frame... way to go, hubby!

Blessings,

Gattina said...

Congratulations ! that looks really great ! Good that nobody bought it, lol !

Mrs.T said...

What an absolutely genius idea! The picture looks absolutely perfect in that spot. I love it when ideas work out like this... even better than we could have imagined.

Thanks for sharing and for stopping by my kitchen table, too.

God bless.
Mrs.T

Anonymous said...

yes i do think the picture idea is much better than the hole or back off! nice job!!

Jean Stockdale said...

What a great solution. Yes my birdhouse would look perfect in your house on your shelves!! Thanks for stopping by an leaving a comment. Drop by when you can.

I host 5 Things Friday every week so come by and play. Blessings.

Lora @ my blessed life said...

That's a very good idea, Kayren! I love it when you can repurpose something that you like but have outgrown the original use.

 
Designed by Blogs by Sneaky Momma