Do you Freecycle? I have realized lately that a surprising number of people haven't heard of Freecycle. Started in 2003, the network promotes reuse and "keeping good stuff out of landfills." Over 9 million members are a part of over 5,000 groups worldwide. There's a great article about the history of the organization here.
Wanna see what I got this weekend?
This armoire. Yep, an armoire. For Free! Don't you just love it?!!! The couple who gave this away just got a big flat screen TV, so they didn't need the armoire any more.
You may remember me rambling at the beginning of the year about being so over the armoire that we have in the living room. Well, this pretty red beauty will now take its place, and I'll have an extra armoire to use in the new studio/Abby's bedroom when she heads to college in a few weeks. For Free.
And it's RED! My favorite color! It might not stay this exact shade of red, because it needs a little touch up, so I might as well repaint it. My new wash boiler (thank you Sally for being the first person to tell me what it is!) will look great on top of here.
These knobs might need to be replaced with something awesome from Hobby Lobby. They are all half off this week. Although I kind of like these tassels, too --
And these. Both sets are napkin rings.
I can tell that I'm going to have so much fun restyling this again and again. Tonight we begin the task of switching everything out, and rewiring the TV, DVR and stereo. That sounds like Not Fun, doesn't it.
I could have furnished several homes with the items that were offered in the 6 months that I have been a Freecycle member. Just this past week, two bookcases, two more entertainment units, a twin bed with a white iron frame, a sofa, numerous lots of clothing, sports equipment, lamps, canned goods and body products were offered to Freecyclers. It feels good to offer something you can't use, and find someone who can. Right before Christmas I was able to give a cute coat and umbrella to a girl whose home had just burned down. She had lost everything, it was cold and rainy, and thanks to Freecycle, the coat was one more thing that she didn't have to try to replace. And now that I have gotten the armoire, I have a whole stash of things to give away, to keep the good energy going!
It's easy to sign up; just go to Freecycle.org to become a member. If a group doesn't exist in your area, you can start one. I hope you'll be inspired to give it a try, and see what you can get, and what you can give.
Thanks for stopping by to see my new armoire! I'm joining Brenda at Cozy Little House for her first Tweak It Tuesday. Congratulations, Brenda!
I'm also joining Kim's Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style, and Yvonne's Tutorials Tips and Tidbits at StoneGable.
WOW! I had no idea you could do this. I'm checking it out right now, even though I can't go out. You lucky girl you! I so love that piece, and the inlaid sections inside of the doors are really pretty! Thanks for joining, Andrea!
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula-Pruitt | July 30, 2012 at 02:44 PM
How exciting! I have never heard of Freecycle, and it sounds like a wonderful program! My favorite color is red!!! Adore you armoire and would certainly like a change a snagging something link that, plus I have things that need to be done away with!
Thanks for the information.
Posted by: Honey | July 30, 2012 at 03:34 PM
WOW! I adore that red armoire. Good find!
Posted by: Dixie Redmond | July 30, 2012 at 03:43 PM
What a wonderful idea! I haven't heard of Freecycle either--but it sounds great! Love the red--my favorite color for accent. . .
Posted by: The Farmer's Daughter | July 30, 2012 at 05:21 PM
Love the FREE armoire. And, the wash boiler does look great on top. Thanks for giving me the 'shout out'. I'm old enough to remember the good old days, so am full of useless info!! Enjoy your new treasures. Sally
Posted by: salmagundi | July 30, 2012 at 07:10 PM
What a stunning piece and free ... how cool.
Fondly,
Glenda
Posted by: Glenda Childers | July 30, 2012 at 11:02 PM
Your armoire is gorgeous! ! I haven't heard of Freecycle either! But I just checked it out and it is in our area! Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful information!
Posted by: MariaElena | July 31, 2012 at 07:22 AM
wow.. Free.. thats spectacular. I am thrilled for you~!
Posted by: Sonny | July 31, 2012 at 03:21 PM
Free! OH, my this is a wonderful armoire and it looks so huge! I'm very proud for you and the way your dressed her up - gorgeous! :)
Have fun and I wish I could get some Free! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Posted by: Shelia | July 31, 2012 at 07:04 PM
Love Freecycle.
Cool tassels.
Posted by: trek | July 31, 2012 at 08:02 PM
Andrea, are you kidding me?? That armoire is amazing! I've heard of free cycle but didn't know you could get stuff like that! I definitely have to check it out...thanks for sharing!
Susan
Posted by: Must love junk | July 31, 2012 at 08:43 PM
great deal! I have something similar to this one that i paid 400 for. i converted the inside to shelves and i keep my linen's in there
Posted by: west furniture revival | August 01, 2012 at 12:53 PM
I am a free cycle a holic :) I love it and get stuff all of the time. It is so fun to get things use them for a while and then a lot of times I repost them so I can get new free stuff.
Summer has been great due to lots of people moving - I got a coffee table, dresser, sofa table, recliner, and other household items and decor all for free.
Posted by: Lynn | August 01, 2012 at 04:32 PM
I have never heard of Freecycling. I'm heading over and seeing what I can find at their website! Oh my that beauty of an armoire found a a wonderful home. Love how you styled it!
Great punch of color too!
Posted by: Yvonne @ StoneGable | August 01, 2012 at 07:07 PM
This is an EXCELLENT tip!!! I have never heard of it, but you can bet your bottom dollar I'm going to hustle right on over to the site and check it out. I hope there's something in our area! I have a lot of things that I would love to give, and I'm always on the hunt for fun new (well, new to ME, anyway!) stuff! You've also inspired me to consider painting the armoire in our family room. It's just a regular old brown. I'm not really good with a paintbrush, but I bet I can bribe...uh, manipulate...uh, goad, uh, blackmail, uh, CONVINCE my best friend to help me out! :-) GREAT tip!!!
Posted by: Alycia Nichols | August 01, 2012 at 08:21 PM
I've heard of Freecycle, but never been involved. I have to say I'm impressed. Your armoire is gorgeous. I love how you have styled it too.
Posted by: Grace @ sense and simplicity | August 01, 2012 at 10:02 PM
My Freecyle over here in Arlington, was e-mails all day of people asking for stuff. I did it for about 4 days and then I couldn't take it anymore and had to delete my account.
It sounds like yours is amazing!
So glad to see you on here. I've missed your posts, but I know you want to enjoy the precious time with your daughter.
Just don't do what I did. Mine went to UNT. I cried all day Sunday. Friday she was home for the weekend. :)
Posted by: Katie Mansfield | August 02, 2012 at 07:26 AM
I love the concept of Freecycle. The city we live in has two Curbside Giveaway Weekends each year. I love it. Now people are catching on and will put something out at the end of their driveway with a free sign on it, even if it isn't the Curbside Giveaway weekend! Your armoire is beautiful, and I'm a "red girl" too! :)
Posted by: Tanya@TakeSix | August 02, 2012 at 07:29 AM
That is just beautiful! I think you should leave it red. And what a great throw on it. It is just perfect. What did you do with the inside?
Posted by: Pat | August 02, 2012 at 07:38 AM
I have never heard of this organization! What a gorgeous armoir and how wonderful to pay it forward!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
2012 Artists Series
Posted by: Karena | August 02, 2012 at 08:15 AM
Gorgeous--what a great find! I love how you decorated it as well.
Posted by: Athena at Minerva's Garden | August 02, 2012 at 06:45 PM
Love the red armoire. An amazing free find. I also like the cute tassels on the knobs.
Posted by: Leslie | August 06, 2012 at 08:06 PM
hello! I just came here via CLH tweak it tuesday... I love Freecycle and have gotten several things from there, as well as, gotten rid of things too! I live in the country...so the county I live in being so large...time is everything for us Freecyclers here.
I love your red armoir! It looks wonderful, you got a good thing going with Freecycle!
Pat
Posted by: Pat | August 06, 2012 at 11:01 PM
WOW she is a beauty!! I have never heard of this before. Love the pretty vignette on top too!
Posted by: Martina | August 07, 2012 at 08:40 AM
Hi, I just found you through Savvy Southern Style and I just love your blog.
This red armoire is fantastic and I love the vignette you've displayed on top.
I hope you have a lovely week.
Sincerely,
Melinda
Posted by: Melinda | August 07, 2012 at 09:54 AM
It's a beauty!
Posted by: Dayle | August 07, 2012 at 11:33 AM
The red armoire is great and you're going to enjoy it I'm sure. The top will provide a place for a frequently changed vingette. Tell us about that beautiful throw. It looks like red toile. Did you make it yourself?
Posted by: Connie Bishop | August 07, 2012 at 03:00 PM
I'm a huge fan of freecycle. I love your new red piece!
Posted by: Danielle | August 08, 2012 at 07:58 PM
That's a pretty cool piece for free. Love it.
Posted by: Rosemary | August 08, 2012 at 08:36 PM
What a great score! The freecycle in my area is not very active and I've never seen anything as awesome as this. I went to pick up a vintage wood ironing board and had to go up a sketchy driveway and no one ever answered the door!! I messaged the guy back and he said he would bring it to me if I gave him my address. Um...no! SCARY! I never messaged back. Just like Craigslist you have to be careful and use your best judgement. Kudos to your awesome find!
Posted by: Jessica @ Dear Emmeline | August 09, 2012 at 09:42 AM
How cool is this? Love the vibrant RED!
Just signed up to be a follower and receive e-mails.
Enjoy your week
Leann
Posted by: Leann | August 09, 2012 at 10:56 AM
You are so lucky!!!!! I can't believe yougo that for free! I love the red....it is so rich looking.
blessings,
karianne
Posted by: thistle | August 20, 2012 at 12:15 AM