Wishing for shabby chic creativity

I have to say I am SO jealous of people who have the time, inclination, creativity and eye for refurbishing/refinishing pieces of furniture. I tip my hat to each and every one you out there who can take an old, sometimes sad-looking armoire or chair, see the potential it possesses and then act upon it. I'm full of grand visions and ideas, but have zero creativity or follow through; it's been a horribly sad realization for me. Lol.

I would characterize my desired style as shabby chic, and I say desired because my apartment is a work in progress (s-l-o-w progress) towards becoming a shabby chic home. I love the elegant, yet comfortable feel that the shabby chic look has, and whenever I show a friend a picture of a truly shabby chic-ed room she never fails to say, "Oh, that is so you!" It's definitely an Erin style! But, it can be an expensive style as well, which is why I pout over my lack of creativity. Thrift stores, garage sales, flea markets, etc all have those hidden treasures in them that are just waiting for the right person, with the right eye and skill to shabby chic-ify them! Why oh, why can't that person be me? Hmmm...I just might be looking at my 2010 New Year's resolution.