Cassie Bustamante

living an ordinary life extraordinarily

Navigation
  • home
  • about me
  • home tour
  • project gallery
  • shop my home
  • Let’s Collaborate

Which Way to the USSR? (A Map Wall in the Playroom); And Something I Won’t Paint

September 27, 2012 by Cassie 68 Comments

Pin3
Share
Tweet
3 Shares

I know it’s a wordy title, but I have a lot to say today!  First of all, I want to share with you what I worked on Monday while the kids were in school.  If you follow me on Instagram, you have already had a sneak peek.

Let’s backtrack to a few weeks ago.  I was out and about running errands, even though I was supposed to be home with my feet up; but I had things I needed to do and figured I would be ok for a couple hours.    On the way home, I spied a “Yard Sale” sign with an arrow.  The car just turned as fast as it could and followed the signs- I couldn’t stop it if I wanted to!  I pulled up to a huge barn sale…. at the end of a huge driveway.  I hesitated, knowing I should probably just go home and put my feet up.  But what if there were loads of treasures I would miss?  What if????  So I hobbled down the long driveway.  I did not find much at this sale, but I did find a huge Rand McNally World Atlas from 1954.  I purchased it for $12, and carried the beast while limping back to my car.  I had been collecting some maps and framed them, plus I had added a couple that were mounted on wood, and was in the process of creating a gallery wall in the playroom.  Well, with this atlas I knew I could create an entire map wall!  I purchased some map pins at Joann’s and got to work!  There was no rhyme or reason, but I did pull out several states and countries that hold special meaning to us.  I just got to work pinning them all up.  Now, I know I could have used adhesive or Mod Podge, but I wanted something less permanent.  I also decided to keep a few that were mounted on wood or in a frame just to add some interest to the wall.  Ready to take a peek? (Bear in mind there is not much if any natural light here).

I love the visual interest it adds to that wall!  I am thinking of painting the door with green chalkboard paint leftover from Emmy’s closet doors.  And yes, we like to organize our crayons by color.  And I think the chairs I am saving for the playroom will tie into this wall beautifully.  Still need to find a table!

I also wanted to share with you today a piece you got a sneak peek of in Monday’s Mohawk rug giveaway post. remember this picture?



Last week I replied to a craigslist ad for a free antique secretary.  There was no picture, but I assumed it would be a glass door hutch atop a drop down desk with a few drawers, and would be a perfect piece to paint.  Well, when I arrived I discovered it was a beautiful oak arts and crafts secretary.   The lady giving it away was wonderful, too.  She told me the story of how it was the the first ever antique piece she bought herself.  She also told me she was moving in with her boyfriend and it was very hard leaving that house.  You see, she had been married and her husband had died from cancer.  The house held many memories and he had put much of his handiwork into the house.  When I left, I gave her a big hug and wished her the best.  (Oh, and she was moving to the area I used to live in and had just joined the gym I used to work at the day before!).  Anyhow, I came home with the cabinet and told Chris there was no way I could paint it, or sell it.  I appreciated her spirit and generosity so much so I was determined to find a place for it in my home.
 
It ended up being perfect for the dining room as a liquor cabinet!  We had a “bar cart” in there, but this piece allowed me to display my grandmother’s glasses which have been in storage.  And I was able to use the bar cart for my grandmother’s beautiful lenox dishes which  have also been in storage!  So now I am calling it a tea cart since it houses tea cups and saucers with the dishes. 😉  So it all worked out perfectly, and now I have a new special piece of furniture which holds things that are special to me….. wine and liquor.   Oh, and Nana’s glasses.
 
Here it is, all decorated for Halloween, too!
 
I had to add a little of my own personality to it, and added these fun brass snail knobs I purchased on clearance from Anthropologie.
Nana’s beautiful glassware….
The kiddos’ Halloween tree…
Sitting atop the left side, I placed the “Class of ’97” (1897) photo I found last week, my “31” also from clearance at Anthro a few years back, and a cool tarnished trophy style cup I found at Goodwill.
Here is a better look at the cup….
 
And here is the bar cart turned tea cart, which now houses Nana’s dishes…
But oh no!  Who is that in my terrarium!!!  It’s haunted….

 
It’s most likely the ghost of the two plants I killed in there…. back from the grave to terrorize me!  RIP plants.
 
So there you have it, a very wordy and picture filled post.  This is what happens when I have a week with a giveaway and two guest posts.  When you actually get me, I have LOADS to say!  Happy Thursday, y’all!

Photobucket

I’m sharing here:
JENNIFER RIZZO

The 36th AVENUEPhotobucket

The Shabby Nest
It's OverflowingPhotobucket

Related

Pin3
Share
Tweet
3 Shares

Filed Under: Dining Room, Playroom

Subscribe for Email Updates!

« Special Guest: Erin from His & Hers
POWW Faves »

Comments

  1. Restyled Vintage says

    September 27, 2012 at 10:10 am

    WOw that cabinet is awesome Cassie, how sweet of the lady to be giving it away! I wouldn’t paint it either, the woodgrain is lovely.

    xx Karen

    Reply
  2. Courtney says

    September 27, 2012 at 11:06 am

    What a beautiful story and so awesome that you found the perfect spot for the secretary, I bet the previous owner is thrilled its found such a good home!!
    I’m loving the map wall too…I’m thinking your kids will be travelers for sure when they’re all grown up!!

    Reply
  3. Catherine says

    September 27, 2012 at 11:28 am

    I love your map wall – the picture of the whole wall is just amazing!

    And that secretary – I completely understand why you wont paint it, its such a beautiful piece, and wonderful that you get to display your nannas glasses.

    Reply
  4. Megan says

    September 27, 2012 at 11:48 am

    That wall of maps is freaking awesome, perfect for the playroom!!! You are too funny, limping around Maryland going to yard sales 🙂 The secretary is darling, the knobs are perfect on it and that glassware is so pretty!

    Reply
  5. Sarah AKA The Thriftress says

    September 27, 2012 at 12:11 pm

    That desk is a major score. It’s beautiful! I would keep it too.

    Reply
  6. The Far Fifty says

    September 27, 2012 at 12:11 pm

    1. Love the maps.
    2. Crayon organization is crazy.
    3. New secretary is amaze-balls.
    4. Snails?
    5. Your house is fun.

    Reply
  7. Ange says

    September 27, 2012 at 12:11 pm

    The wall map is fanmapulous! I love it! The secretary was free? Seriously? What a great piece at an even better price! The snail knobs are fun, I like them on there. Makes it not so serious. Everything is looking good girl!

    Reply
  8. Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says

    September 27, 2012 at 12:22 pm

    That wall is amazing!! So perfect, I love it!

    Reply
  9. Bella says

    September 27, 2012 at 12:27 pm

    WOW map wall!! And green chalkboard wall is going to finish that area perfectly…can’t wait to see it!

    That desk is a keeper! It fits perfectly in your already awesome dining room. I would not paint it either; the color and the grain in perfect.

    Reply
  10. Dana Frieling says

    September 27, 2012 at 12:28 pm

    Can’t believe she was giving that baby away for free! Major score for you. Such fun plans for your map room. It’s looking great, Cassie.

    Reply
  11. Lisa at Shine Your Light says

    September 27, 2012 at 12:32 pm

    That is a beautiful cabinet, Cassie. I love that your home is filled with unique pieces that have stories behind them!

    Reply
  12. Robin @ Happily Home, After says

    September 27, 2012 at 12:40 pm

    I so love maps, old and new, they add tons of color and graphic impact without looking busy. To have a full wall of maps is so crazy wonderful. Hope you didn’t set back your recovery scoring the most recent map addition … if you did that sure is taking one for the team! Now go sit down Cassie 🙂 Sort of seems like you were supposed to be the recipient of that cabinet / secretary … I’m sure it meant tons to the woman passing it on to you that you were in awe of it. Looks great in your dining room too.

    Reply
  13. Katie @ Wildwood Creek says

    September 27, 2012 at 12:52 pm

    Love the map wall! Love how you repurposed the beautiful secretary! What a great find.

    Reply
  14. Angela @ Number Fifty-Three says

    September 27, 2012 at 12:58 pm

    What a fantastic piece of furniture and such a great story behind it! Plus, I love the map wall so much! And I love how it is just tacked up. When I book papered my dining room accent wall I just double sided taped it because there was no way I wanted to be scraping it off if I had gone w/ Mod Podge.

    Angela

    Reply
  15. Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

    September 27, 2012 at 1:11 pm

    So many awesome things here, the map wall, the beautiful new liquor cabinet and a fun haunted terrarium. 🙂

    Reply
  16. Kate O'Leary says

    September 27, 2012 at 1:13 pm

    LOVE the secretary-awesome that you got it got free! And I think green chalkboard on the door would be perfect with the maps.

    Reply
  17. Kate O'Leary says

    September 27, 2012 at 1:14 pm

    LOVE the secretary-awesome that you got it for free. And I think green chalkboard on the door would be a perfect complement to the map wall.

    Reply
  18. Cathy Wall says

    September 27, 2012 at 1:15 pm

    You are a whirling dervish of activity and updates! Everything looks amazing and you mange to scope the best finds. The map wall is off the charts awesome!

    Reply
  19. Kelly says

    September 27, 2012 at 1:18 pm

    Okay, first: the map wall. It needs to be featured in some huge magazine, or at least apartment therapy or something. It is TOO much amazingness!

    The secretary: Whatever. You with your amazing furniture finds. I’ve had ENOUGH.

    And finally: every time you tell a story about finding a yard sale now, I’m worried it’s going to end up with your car in a ditch.

    Reply
  20. Tiffany says

    September 27, 2012 at 1:19 pm

    I love your map wall! Great idea for a playroom.

    Reply
  21. Between Blue and Yellow says

    September 27, 2012 at 1:24 pm

    Love the map wall, and LOVE the new free piece! You got a winner there 🙂

    Reply
  22. Heather Benton says

    September 27, 2012 at 1:37 pm

    Love the map wall – saw a huge old map at the local antiques market a while back but didn’t buy it – darn. Now I wish I did.

    What a great piece for your dining room too. Well done!

    Reply
  23. [email protected] says

    September 27, 2012 at 1:47 pm

    What a treasure, Cassie! You will love it forever…and if you don’t, it can always come to my house 😉
    Love the snail pulls!

    Reply
  24. pam {simple details} says

    September 27, 2012 at 1:55 pm

    Love, love, love the unique look you created with the maps! What a blessing for you and the owner of the secretary, I’m sure she felt so much better having it go home with you! Love your whimsical touch!

    Reply
  25. Dear Emmeline says

    September 27, 2012 at 2:04 pm

    love the maps!
    love the terrarium!
    love the snails!
    love the freebie!
    🙂

    Reply
  26. Dear Emmeline says

    September 27, 2012 at 2:07 pm

    also….if I had crayon storage with enough slots it would be organized by color…like the shirts in my closet and my collection of sharpie markers. yup! 🙂

    Reply
  27. Twice Nice says

    September 27, 2012 at 2:26 pm

    That map wall makes me feel happy, hope it does for you and the kids too! I do seriously have a crush on that terrarium too!

    Reply
  28. illistyle says

    September 27, 2012 at 2:57 pm

    I love your map wall! And the kids’ Halloween tree! It’s so cute! Found you through 36th Ave link party. xoxo

    Reply
  29. { The Painted Home } says

    September 27, 2012 at 3:02 pm

    love that map wall! awesome!

    Reply
  30. Maury @ Life on Mars says

    September 27, 2012 at 3:19 pm

    Your map wall is amazing! I love it! That cabinet is also pretty amazing. It’s perfect for the space and has so much character!

    Reply
  31. The Bold Abode says

    September 27, 2012 at 4:00 pm

    BAM! I’m freakin’ in LOVE with that wall!!! It’s magazine worthy, yo. Seriously. I want to do that in the “office”… I passed up some large maps at a yard sale and now I’m kicking my behind like I knew I would… ugh!

    Oh, and that cabinet? I cannot believe it! It’s STUNNING! Perhaps, I should start looking at the entries that don’t have pictures… WOW!

    Reply
  32. Jessica @ Stay at Home-ista says

    September 27, 2012 at 5:49 pm

    Love hearing all yu have to say! And I agree with Gwen, the wall is magazine worthy, seriously it could be a whole spread, or at the very least, the “I did it” back page (is that HGTV, BHG, Sunset? I can never remember)

    Jessica

    Reply
  33. DecorandtheDog says

    September 27, 2012 at 6:10 pm

    So much awesomeness in one post! Where to start?

    LOVE the map wall.

    LOVE the new furniture and much a touching story.

    Reply
  34. DecorandtheDog says

    September 27, 2012 at 6:10 pm

    So much awesomeness in one post! Where to start?

    LOVE the map wall.

    LOVE the new furniture and much a touching story.

    Reply
  35. Ali Richardson says

    September 27, 2012 at 6:25 pm

    LOVE – IT – ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    the maps, oh those maps! The secretary – gorgeous!
    That ghosty ghost in the terrarium – perfection. LOVE U!!!

    Reply
  36. Nicolle says

    September 27, 2012 at 6:45 pm

    Using the maps like that is brilliant! My hubby adores maps of all kinds – give him a good map and he’s occupied for at least an hour.

    I especially like that they’re not permanently on the wall; you can take them down or rotate out different maps to change up the look.

    Reply
  37. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    September 27, 2012 at 7:13 pm

    You DID have a lot to say!! Your map wall is inspired, Cassie — just think of all the geographical savvy your kids are soaking up! Most kids these days only know what their GPS says. 🙂
    Lovely story about your new piece ~ it was meant to have a new home with you.
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  38. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    September 27, 2012 at 8:37 pm

    That map wall is perfection! And a green chalkboard door would be the cherry on top!

    And I just adore that secretary and agree it must always remain as is! Such a lovely story …

    🙂

    Linda

    Reply
  39. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    September 27, 2012 at 9:06 pm

    Totally LOVE the map wall! And that secretary was one awesome find too! It looks wonderful in the dining room with all your treasures!

    Reply
  40. Rebecca says

    September 27, 2012 at 9:36 pm

    i spy Hawaii on the map wall!

    Reply
  41. Julia @ 551Eastdesign says

    September 28, 2012 at 12:06 am

    I would stare at that wall forever! I love old maps. And that cabinet couldn’t have gone to a better person. 🙂 I’m so glad you cot such a treasure!

    Reply
  42. A Vintage Vine says

    September 28, 2012 at 1:13 am

    The map wall is wonderful!! I have two very awkward sized maps I have never done anything with, thanks for inspiration! The secretary is priceless, the story alone is so sweet, love the way you set it all up!!

    Reply
  43. Rebecca says

    September 28, 2012 at 1:17 am

    That piece of furniture is perfect there, what a great story, and how wonderful you are keeping it and it found such a great house!

    Reply
  44. Craftberry Bush says

    September 28, 2012 at 1:25 am

    AMAZING as usual…you rock each and every time…luv ya bunches girl..xo

    Reply
  45. Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful} says

    September 28, 2012 at 1:44 am

    I can’t even believe that she was *giving* that away! It’s so cool! Especially now that you have all that neat history behind it and your own special touches (c: And just about died laughing over your haunted terrarium, *hilarious*!

    Reply
  46. Hyphen Interiors says

    September 28, 2012 at 1:58 am

    I love the furniture (score!) and the maps are great. Love the colors they add to the space.

    Reply
  47. Jaime Lyn says

    September 28, 2012 at 3:22 am

    I don’t really even know where to start. First of all, I ADORE the map wall. I am kind of obsessed. I LOVE the look and I think you did a perfect job with it! AND second…. wow. How darn lucky are you?!?!? I agree, that is the perfect piece not to paint…. I know that is kind of crazy to say… but it is wonderful, and what an amazing story to go along with it!
    Jaime
    ps thank you SO much for linking up. It means SO much to me.

    Reply
  48. Jaime Lyn says

    September 28, 2012 at 3:22 am

    I don’t really even know where to start. First of all, I ADORE the map wall. I am kind of obsessed. I LOVE the look and I think you did a perfect job with it! AND second…. wow. How darn lucky are you?!?!? I agree, that is the perfect piece not to paint…. I know that is kind of crazy to say… but it is wonderful, and what an amazing story to go along with it!
    Jaime
    ps thank you SO much for linking up. It means SO much to me.

    Reply
  49. Lisa @ Turning Tables says

    September 28, 2012 at 3:52 am

    Yay for map fun!!! I love what it does to the space!! & that secretary = swoon! & what a sweet story xoxo

    Reply
  50. Allison says

    September 28, 2012 at 5:42 am

    Wow! That map wall looks amazing! How fun it looks and what a great teaching tool for the kids, too. That is a great playroom Cassie. Such a sweet story on the secretary and that was meant to be for you. It went to the perfect home and how nice you can display all of your special/ meaningful pieces. I love it.

    Reply
  51. Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers says

    September 28, 2012 at 6:07 am

    Your map walls looks absolutely stunning! I love decorating with maps, I think they add so much character and your wall looks beautiful. And that hutch, wow, what a find and what a really sweet story. Thanks so much for linking up!

    Reply
  52. Jessamie {Bird and Branch Redesign} says

    September 28, 2012 at 1:32 pm

    Ok, I don’t know which is more beautiful, the piece of furniture or your Nana’s glasses! Seriously, that’s a great story!

    Reply
  53. thistlewoodfarm says

    September 28, 2012 at 3:41 pm

    Cassie!

    I LOVE this idea! Seriously! I was about to order a really large map to cover one wall….but this is such a better idea!

    blessings,
    karianne

    Reply
  54. Melissa says

    September 28, 2012 at 5:39 pm

    Your map wall looks AMAZING!!!!!!!! The secretary is gorgeous too!! Great finds!!

    Reply
  55. [email protected] Repurposed Life says

    September 29, 2012 at 2:29 am

    the map wall looks great! I’m happy that you are not painting your new liquor cabinet. Family pieces should not be painted, and although it’s not YOUR family piece, it was somebody’s before that nice lady bought it.
    nice score Cassie!
    gail
    ps I haven’t looked on Craig’s list in forever.

    Reply
  56. Eclectically Vintage says

    September 29, 2012 at 2:57 am

    I’m in love with that map wall – thinking about doing something similar in my powder room! – pinning it I can’t believe you scored that fabulous piece for free – glad you aren’t painting that beauty!

    Hope you can sleep – what with that haunted terrarium and all!
    Kelly

    Reply
  57. The Friend Collective says

    September 30, 2012 at 12:47 am

    I have two boys who would love to have a map wall in their room. This is amazing!

    Reply
  58. Tiffany @ {Living Savvy} says

    September 30, 2012 at 1:20 pm

    I love the new bar cabinet! Those snail knobs are just to die for! Lovely the way you wanted to keep the furniture piece as is… great story!

    Reply
  59. Kara says

    September 30, 2012 at 4:28 pm

    i heart maps. what a fabulous wall! and that secretary–get out. it’s perfect and beautiful and i love how you styled it.

    Reply
  60. Katie says

    September 30, 2012 at 8:14 pm

    This is so awesome Cassie! I bet the kiddos love their room! I love that you left some of the maps in frames! That antique secretary is amazing as well – what an awesome story!

    Reply
  61. Darlene says

    October 1, 2012 at 5:49 pm

    Very nice wall and love the little bedroom table. I love maps too and I’m so sorry to tell you I found that exact same atlas at a yard sale a few weeks ago for 25 cents (and I almost didn’t get it because it was so heavy!)

    Reply
  62. Kacey says

    October 1, 2012 at 6:49 pm

    First, I seriously love your map wall. So creative, you are! (Did I just sound like Yoda? Clearly there is too much Star Wars in our house!)

    And your new secretary cabinet is the best free thing yet! It was made for you, clearly.

    Reply
  63. GirlRural.com says

    October 2, 2012 at 6:34 pm

    I just love your blog and am happy to be your newest follower! I adore the vintage maps and think they’d look great covering a wall in my son’s room. Might have to make that my next project!

    Reply
  64. Fiona, LilyfieldLife says

    October 2, 2012 at 10:45 pm

    Cassie -your map wall is an excellent idea. hope you’ve got Australia up there! your kids must love it. my Jonty is obsessed by maps and the globe.
    Fiona xx

    Reply
  65. Object of Maya*ffection says

    October 4, 2012 at 3:11 am

    That was a SWEET story and the liquor cabinet looks FAB (And I love your Halloween decor)

    Reply
  66. Louise Jozwiak-Fredieu says

    October 1, 2013 at 1:22 am

    Jenn, if you would have painted that antique secretary, i would have passed out DEAD! The wood is tiger oak and absolutely beautiful. From where i sit, the condition is remarkably good. i wonder if it is the original glass. If you can see some tiny bubbles in it somewhere or if it looks a bit wavy, it probably is. I have a tiger oak secretary similar to yours that i bought back in the seventies and paid $750. back then!!! i am so proud that you are the new owner. You deserve it. It was definitely God’s will that it was passed on to you.

    Next, i had so much fun going along with you to the yard sale. The car just taking you where it wanted to go! And you just hobbling along!

    The map wall is so creative. i love it that you did not make it permanent.

    God bless you sweet lady.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Fall in Love Playroom says:
    September 24, 2014 at 1:17 pm

    […] I’ve chosen to make over our playroom.  It’s always been sort of half baked, like many of my ideas, frankly.  This space is in our basement, and is a large finished space, perfect for lounging kiddos.  I started back in 2012 to give it a vintage map inspired look…. […]

    Reply
  2. forest wallpaper door- narnia inspired says:
    October 28, 2014 at 9:35 am

    […] and will be sharing even more later this week.  For now I want to share the wall that was once our map wall.  The maps were cool, but they were a temporary fix and I was tired of pinning them back up all the […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.  We all get one chance at this life, and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Rss Bloglovin

Categories

Disclaimer

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do we store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. We are not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without our permission. This blog uses affiliate links.

Connect

Hi! I'm Cassie.

Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

Recent Posts

Privacy

© 2022 · Foodie Theme Customized by This Bold Girl · Built on the Genesis Framework