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Girl in the Garage®

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Celebrating 10 Years of GITG (Plus Giveaways!)

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Exciting news, friend – this week Girl in the Garage® turns 10 years old!  Back in September 2012 I published my first project here, and now there are over 450 articles and tutorials.  I never could have imagined how much this space would feel like a peaceful, welcoming home in this crazy online world.

Let’s take a quick trip through some milestones from the past ten years and then have a giveaway below!  🎉

Painted armoire makeover by Girl in the Garage

Here’s the very first project I shared on GITG in 2012 – a thrifted TV armoire into clothing storage. I added shelves and baskets inside for clothes. The outside has paintable wallpaper decoupaged on the panels and the inside has colorful fabric decoupaged inside the doors. Excuse the poor photo quality, ha!  See the post here.

Refinished furniture booth at the antique mall - Girl in the Garage

In 2013, I rented a booth in an antique mall. This meant I could do lots more projects, have somewhere to take them instead of filling up my house, and make some money! And now I teach other people how to run a successful antique booth. Learn about my very first space here.

Selling at a vintage market - Girl in the Garage

In 2016, I had my first space at a vintage market. It was a whirlwind day but amazing! Now I had another place to sell my creations and meet new people, both buyers and fellow vendors. Learn all about my first market experience and advice here.

Amazing Furniture Makeovers book by Jen, Girl in the Garage

In 2019, my book Amazing Furniture Makeovers: Easy DIY Projects to Transform Thrifted Finds into Beautiful Custom Pieces was released worldwide. To date, it’s now sold almost 8,000 copies! I am so proud of all 25 projects in this book and all the hard work that went into it. Read more about Amazing Furniture Makeovers here (and enter to win a signed copy in the giveaway below).

Annie Sloan chats with Jen, Girl in the Garage live on Instagram

In 2020, I got to chat with Annie Sloan, creator of Chalk Paint®, live on Instagram.  She’s been one of my painting idols ever since I started painting furniture, and it was a fun and surreal experience.  Annie has such a kind and welcoming spirit.

In these past 10 years I’ve turned a small hobby into a booming business, made lifelong friends online (some whom I’ve been lucky to meet in person), authored a book, and created two online learning programs with hundreds of students (Furniture Makeover Academy and Vintage Vendor Academy).  It’s literally the perfect “job” where I get to be creative, inspire others, earn some money, and still attend field trips and allll the sports games for my three boys.  Definitely feeling blessed.

*But it wouldn’t be a celebration without presents, right?  In honor of 10 years of GITG, I’m doing 10 giveaways!  Enter below and I’ll choose 10 winners at random to each win one prize package.  Packages will vary but may include:

  • Signed copy of my book Amazing Furniture Makeovers
  • Girl in the Garage tote bag
  • Girl in the Garage tape measure
  • Starbucks gift card
  • Amazon gift card
  • Stencils
  • Patterned napkins for decoupage
  • Decorative nailhead tacks
  • Appliques for furniture or decor projects
  • Paper flower kits
  • Pens
  • Fabric zippered pouch
  • Other crafting supplies

Giveaway is open Tuesday 9/20/22 – Friday 9/23/22.  Winners will be chosen and notified via email this weekend and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.  Winners must be 18+ years old and have a US mailing address. Enter through the giveaway form below – good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Honestly, this site wouldn’t exist today without all of your support and kindness through the years.  Your comments, emails, likes, and shares mean so much to me.  Any small gesture to show you’re following along and feeling inspired by my projects really lifts my spirit and makes my day. THANK YOU!!! – Jen, Girl in the Garage

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Katie Sanchez says

    I never forget the day we ran into Scott, our new neighbor at the time, and he mentioned your amazing work. I immediately started following GITG and have been obsessed at seeing all of your beautiful work! Also, caught some of the interview with Annie Sloane at the time! Truly talented XoXo

  2. Nancy S says

    Just found GITG, and am enjoying seeing the transformations! This blog was featured on another blog I follow, and loved seeing the skill and confidence you exhibit. Thanks for showing us “How It’s Done”!

  3. Terry Granger says

    Thanks for all of the great ideas. I look forward to seeing your blog each day it appears. I really like the idea of getting different ideas as I do my own pieces of furniture. Thanks again, and congrats on 10 years of success!

  4. Renee Zemanski says

    Congrats!! You’ve come a long way! I used your tips from your Vintage Vendor Success Guide to set up my own vintage and upcycled furniture shop. Love your blog, too! Thanks for the opportunity to celebrate with you!!

  5. Michele says

    I love your site! I have learned so much from your tips and stories. Congrats on your anniversary and I look forward to many more.

  8. Fran Blunt says

    I have been following you since 2016. Discovered you on Pinterest and through Christy James. I call you, Christy, Denise and Do Dodson my Gurus.

    Love you all!

  10. Nancy says

    Congratulations on 10 years! I’m not sure when I first subscribed to your newsletter. I know it was before 2019 because I bought your book when it first came out. My first chalk paint project was a 2-piece china hutch. I wanted to update it to look something like an antique armoire I’d seen on Pinterest. The first step was to take out the glass inserts and replaced them with 1/4 plywood. I added some embellishments to the doors and then painted both pieces with pure white AS chalk paint. I used 7 parts of regular wax to 3 parts of black wax to add depth and age. The result was just what I was looking for! Thank you for continuing to inspire me.

  11. s mills says

    I stumbled onto you & I feel so lucky to have DONE SO!
    I have taken such pleasure watching a master at work!
    Can’t wait until I too, get a garage & get started with all your videos to teach me!

  13. Pam says

    Congratulations on 10 years success. It is always important to do something you love and you can tell you love what you do.

  15. Carol says

    I don’t know when I started following you. I stumbled upon your work on Pinterest and became a follower. I was around for the release of your book, and welcomed the Academy. It’s been terrific having you as inspiration, and giving me courage to do projects. Congratulations on 10 years!!! Keep the inspiration coming.

  17. Noelle says

    Congrats on your 10-year anniversary! I have been following you for four or five years now, I first came to your GITG from another decorating blog…not sure how I found that one! I always enjoy your posts!

  18. Kimberly Seemann says

    Congratulations! What a fun and ambitious career path. I love updating my furniture pieces and getting great ideas from you. Finding a loving home for your special piece you’ve dreamed of creating, is the icing on the cake!

  20. Ann Marie Wilson says

    Oh congratulations on 10 fantastic years. I’ve just recently discovered your site and I’m absolutely loving it. I’ve up cycled items years ago but have now retired and got back into reviving old items and watching your projects has given me my mojo back. I have got 4 old dining chairs a writing desk , a wine rack and old garden benches waiting some inspiration. Please keep up the fantastic work and inspiring us all

  21. Suzanne says

    Congrats! Have been a groupie for a while! Love your blog and the book – I’m a sucker for some good before and afters and yours are some of the best! ♥

  22. Dawn Ziccardi says

    Congratulations!. I ordered a copy of your book during the pandemic. If I were to win another copy, I would give to my sister.

  26. Naomi Shelton says

    Ten years! Good for you, Jen! I honestly don’t know how long I’ve been following your blog. I tried to look in my archives to see how far the dates go back but couldn’t find anything earlier than 2019. And I don’t remember how I found your blog. I know I do have your book, Amazing Furniture Makeovers, but haven’t really used it for any projects, although it’s on my “bucket list” of things to start doing. Anyway, I’m thrilled for you at your success with your business and wish you many more years of creativity and blogging. Thanks for all you share with us and for offering the Giveaways.

  27. MaryAnn Smith says

    I have followed your blog for about two years. I was looking for furniture redo ideas and stumbled on you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

  28. Janet says

    I’m not sure how long I’ve been following GITG but I think I found you through Confessions of a Serial Do It Yourselfer on the Trash to Treasure days. I have your book that I purchased and it is a great inspiration. Thanks for teaching me!

  31. Bonnie Sagmoe says

    LOVE refinishing furniture and making it mine! You have done some beautiful pieces. Congrats on the 10 years and wishing you many more.

  32. Janice says

    Hi Jen,
    I love reading your posts- they are so inspiring! I teach a boy scout merit badge for sustainability- reusing/repurposing/recycling. I use about 75 slides to ask the boys to figure out what the item is made from, they really get into it! Some of their parents come up to me in a few months to show me pictures of what the boys have made them for presents. I recycle/repurpose furniture too. I recently took an older (’70’s) oak (read orange) desk and painted it a muted red with a black top. I am going to use it as my sewing table and changing table for my soon-to-be Grandson! Keep up the great work!

  34. Deb C says

    I don’t remember how long I’ve been following you, couple of years maybe? I’m sure I found you going down the rabbit hole looking for ideas 😁. I do enjoy your makeovers, still haven’t tried painting a piece on my own yet but the courage is slowly building, LOL! Congratulations on 10 years of creativity and thanks for the chance to win!

  35. Kathy says

    Love love your items you do. I tried to enter your giveaway but there’s no a choice to pick for give away ..going to try and enclosing photo of what my choices are..where do you get your paper napkins at? Thanks and congratulations!! Nope can’t enclose photo..

  36. Kerin Brown says

    I am so happy to have found your work! It makes me feel very accomplished whenever I “upgrade” a find – thank you for sharing your talent.

  37. Susie Wilcox says

    Congratulations on 10 years! I love following DIY Furniture “re-doers”. I learn so much. Blessings on the next 10 years!

  38. Mary Ann Hilson says

    I always enjoy watching your videos. You explain every step and make it seem possible for me to do it also. Thank you, Mary Ann

  39. Claire says

    Congratulations from Australia. I feel like I’ve missed out on all those years but so glad I can scour your website for ideas, I only found you in the last 6 months maybe.

  43. Deanna mueller says

    Congratulations on 10 amazing years. I first found you, at least, 7 years ago as I was beginning my own business. Though I am no longer in the furniture business, I still love it as a hobby and love following your ideas and tips. Thank you for 10 great years.

  44. Rhonda Ouchida says

    Congratulations on ten years! I started following you in 2017. I purchased your book when it came out and signed up for the VVA course. You have been a fabulous inspiration for me ❤️

  46. Sheila Pack says

    I’ve just discovered your blog, congrats on the first ten years! I look forward to following your posts going forward, it’s going to be fun! I’m a photographer (primarily weddings and portraiture) but enjoy seeing what creative makeovers can be done on thrifted pieces. (I also LOVE thrift shopping!)

  47. Amanda says

    I’m not sure how long I have followed you, or even how I found you, but I’m so glad I did! Congrats on 10 years!!

  49. lesley says

    congrats! i have been following for 4-5 years. i ran across a pin and began following you on FB and P right away.

  52. Lorie says

    Congrats on 10 years!! I love receiving your emails and checking out all of the amazing projects you share!!!

  54. Patty Smith says

    Congratulations on your successful 10 years! I have learned so much from you these past 4 years from you and can’t wait for what you come up with next.

  55. Fiona says

    Congratulations! What a wonderful accomplishment. I love reading your blog and am one of many people who is constantly inspired by you!

  60. Cathy Bizri says

    I look forward to your blog and wonderful creations each week. I have been following you for several years. I have gotten so many ideas and tips from you, Thank you for sharing all you do.

  61. Lola Fields says

    I’ve followed you a long time but I don’t think it’s been 10 years. I have enjoyed your post and have gotten many ideas from you.

  63. JoAnn Moran says

    Congratulations on ten years. I’m impressed that you found a way to use your creative gifts while prioritizing your children. I love your blog. You’ve inspired many of my projects. I think I found you on Pinterest about a year and a half ago while looking for ideas to paint an old dresser for my guest room. Thanks for the inspiration and guidance.

  64. Kathy E. says

    I’ve been following your blog for a few years at least and likely heard about you when following a group blogging project . I’ll always be a happy follower!

  65. Pat Grajewski says

    I discovered your blog through Confessions of a Serial DIY’er blog. So glad I did. Your tips and techniques are very helpful. Thank you for sharing.

  66. Melissa says

    Congratulations! I have found your show tips very helpful and have enjoyed so many of your furniture re-dos.

  67. Stephanie Mudd Carrico says

    Congratulations on 10 years. Can’t really say when I first visited, but have been a fan for many years. You are one of the best DIY bloggers, keep it up!

  68. Ginny says

    I have no idea how long I’ve been following along but have enjoyed them! I believe I came across your blog from Christy at Confessions of a Serial DIYer. Congratulations on your ten years and here’s to another ten!!!

  69. Mother Deer says

    I have enjoyed reading your posts over the years. Congratulations on your ten year anniversary 🙂

  75. September Whisenant says

    Congratulations on 10 years, that quite the accomplishment! I first found you through Christy’s blog several years ago.

  78. Susan March says

    I like seeing and reading how you change something old to something new. I’ve certainly learned a great deal. Thank you.

  81. Cyndel says

    Happy anniversary. I found you through Christy James’ “Confessions” site and am glad I did. All the best for another 10 years.

  88. Cheryl Atkinson says

    Congratulations Jen!! That an amazing milestone. I have you to thank for so much inspiration and for teaching me all about renting a booth. Thank bnb you for the chance to win g.j our book!!

  91. donna woods says

    Congratulations on ten years! I first found you on pinterest….I don’t even know how long ago. I think I was looking for some pointers on how to refinish something. Love your ideas and can’t wait to see future projects.

  93. Sara says

    Congratulations on 10 years Jen! To do what you love and love what you do is a blessing :). I’ve been so inspired by you in my own blogging journey!

  145. Linda says

    Congratulations Jen on 10 years! I hope the next 10 years brings to us more inspirations! I have your book from Amazon “Amazing Furniture Makeovers” & learned a few things from your online Furniture Academy class.

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