Paint chips are one of the most underrated items at a home improvement store. They are literally giving them away! They are FREE! They have an obvious purpose - choosing a paint color - but what do you do with them after you're done painting?

I am a "hoarder" of many things (just ask Dan!), old paint chips is one of them. Using paint chips in artwork is one of my favorite things to do. Not only is it awesome crafting paper (durable, vibrant, and doesn't fade), it's also the easiest way to coordinate with your house; they're YOUR colors!

Do you have old paint chips? Recycle them into some artwork! Make a bold geometric design or use a hole punch to silhouette a favorite figure. 

The other day I stumbled upon someone who shares my love of debris. I met Steven on an online yard sale group, and I will be stalking him from now on! He was selling barn wood planks that he had removed from a barn that was to be demolished. Dan and I met up with him on Sunday to take a look... Wow. He had barn doors, barn planks, barn signage, barn boxes, barn hinges, barn gates... I was in trouble. I wanted it ALL. Each and every piece was packed with character, and I couldn't help but imagine the stories they could tell.

As we looked through his truck, Steven described the way that old barns were usually dealt with: land-owners don't want to spend the time to take the barns down responsibly, so instead these barns get burned or buried into the ground.

"I save pieces of American history from being lost and forgotten about. Barns and farm buildings are so majestic and peaceful that they deserve so much more than being burnt down."
~Old American Barn

If you like to decorate with unique pieces that are chalk full of character, go and "like" his page right now! Your barn wood dreams are just a quick drive to Culpepper away!