Adventures! part 2

Two weeks ago, the same day I visited Muse Art & Design, I went up to check out The Rebuilding Center on Mississippi. I wasn't sure what to expect. I had a vision in my head that was somewhere between a thrift store and Home Depot.

Which wasn't too far off the mark. It's a huge warehouse divided into various sections. The cabinets were to the North, the doors to the South, the plumbing, lighting, tile, etc. in between. And then another warehouse across the alley to the West with trim, floorboards, brick, countertops. And all of it was donated or salvaged. Some of it was new and left over from building and DIY projects (LOTS of backsplash tiles), and some of it was ripped out after a remodel (there was a full set of kitchen cabinets, maybe 12 pieces, frosted glass doors and all).

I found a few things, some mirrors that I considered getting, but even though the prices were great, I had only intended to look and not buy. One of my "bosom enemies" (to quote Louisa May Alcott) is impulse purchasing. When I got home, I thought of quite a few places I could put the mirrors, but I wasn't broken up about it (pun intended). However, these cabinet doors I should have gotten, as I had the space in my car and even an idea for a project:

I'm sure they're gone by now.

The idea was to strip 'em down, repaint or stain them, join them at the middle to make them one piece, and then put a mural or mosaic behind it. It would look lovely over a twin bed (and I do have a daughter who is getting too big for her current bed). Maybe I will go back soon with that in mind. I am sure these are gone by now, but that doesn't mean there aren't other awesome doors or windows or mirror frames that would work just as well. And it changes all the time. It's kind of like a treasure hunt.

One of the best parts was that in just about every aisle there were tutorials from a local Do-It-Yourself-er on how to repurpose the materials. Someone had made a birdbath from an old ceiling light - the kind shaped like a dish. Another person had used an old sliding pocket door as a canvas for an awesome mural.

I have never watched Dr. Who, but I did see a set of blue doors that reminded me of a TARDIS. Should have taken a picture, but oh well. Bet those are gone, too. Some old doors had mail slots.

I can't quite put into words how I felt. From the cashier singing "Ain't No Sunshine" (she had a gorgeous, rich voice) to the passionate volunteers to the entry made entirely of rescued wood (doors, beams, 2x4s, floorboards, etc), I was totally blown away. I felt humbled, awed, excited, but even these words don't quite hit the mark. I'm getting goosebumps remembering it. I can't wait to go back.

Have you ever visited The Rebuilding Center or some place similar? What was your experience? Did you buy anything? What did you do with it? Leave a comment - I love hearing new ideas!