I often drop off unused clothes or household items at the local thrift shop; but I rarely wander in deeper than the drop box. The reason – if I’m scaling back my “stuff”, simplifying my living space, then why wander the aisles on the chance I’ll bring home more.

But one day, right there at eye level, was a shelf filled with silverplate. Grimy, black and bleak silverplate. And I saw the potential. I bought a few of the larger pieces, brought them home, put them on a shelf and waited for inspiration.

Inspiration finally came for this piece by way of a magazine cover.  The cover was a collage of neutral yellows and greens with pops of black and some grey. The combination was enough to make me get out my wire brush and start cleaning the grime from the coffee pot so I could give this muted color scheme a try.

Here’s the result. And, if you want to try your hand with the design and colors, here’s a link to a download for free instructions and pattern.