5 Quick & Easy Thrift Store Makeovers

by Vernichel // created by v.

3 Materials

$20

1 Hour

Easy

While I wouldn't consider myself a "shopper," I do enjoy browsing thrift stores, flea markets and the occasional yard sale. How about you?

The draw to thrifting for me is the satisfaction derived from turning unwanted items into something of value and purpose again. (Of course, the discounted prices are a plus!) Friends often ask what I look for when thrift shopping and what I do with the items I buy. If you're curious, too, this is a fun post filled with thrift store makeover examples.

For starters, here's my most recent thrift store haul. I spent about $18 in total for these everyday items.

Note: The framed artwork was an easy makeover, but not so quick, so I'm going to share that project in an upcoming post -- stay tuned!

MAKEOVER 1: TOTE BAG TURNED DOOR DECOR

Last summer I used a wall-mount mailbox filled with faux florals to create a lovely piece for the front door that could be easily changed out for any reason or season. This straw tote bag works in a similar way, but with the bonus of including a natural fiber to complement the flowers.

To make this piece, I fitted the bottom of the bag with styrofoam blocks. Then, I inserted an array of faux florals (some new, some recycled) until I reached a carefully orchestrated look of natural chaos. I shortened one handle with a zip tie to hang and tucked the other inside the bag.

While I could have simply rocked this bag with a flowing sundress at the beach, I think it works even better as a delightful decoration. Don't you?

MAKEOVER 2: SILVER CREAMER BECOMES FLOWER VASE

One of the tips I learned about arranging fresh florals is to vary the vessel. When I saw the little claw feet of this creamer dish I knew it would make a charming display for fresh-cut flowers from my garden. The question was: would it come clean?

Since I didn't know if it was really silver and I wanted to avoid scratching the surface with anything too abrasive, I first gave it a good scrubbing with dish soap and a sponge. A little elbow grease got a good deal of the black tarnish off.

Next, I used a commercial silver polish that works for a variety of metals and continued scrubbing with a soft cloth. A stiff brush helped to remove the built-up tarnish at the soldering joints. I think the cream did an excellent job of restoring this dish to its former brilliance! Can you see me now in the reflection?!

Another tip I learned about arranging flowers is to cut the stems short. This vessel works perfectly for that! I love having these happy little dahlias on my desk.

MAKEOVER 3: WICKER BASKET PLANTER

Looking beyond the traditional terra cotta pot, wicker baskets make fantastic flower pots and thrift stores have loads of them. This one was likely a waste basket in its previous life since it’s lined with plastic, which works wonderfully for transforming into a planter.

I am using this basket outside, so I gave it two heavy coats of waterproofer to extend its life and poked a few holes in the plastic to allow for drainage and air circulation.

My neighbor graciously gave me one of his big, beautiful hostas this spring. I divided it and will eventually plant them around the tree in the front yard. Until then, it’s a stunner housed in this wicker basket.

The basket needed only a small amount of the waterproofer so there’s plenty left to protect other baskets, wind chimes, lanterns or painted rocks for the garden, too.

To see the final two thrift store makeovers, please visit the blog at the link below. They include:

MAKEOVER 4: SERVING BOWL FOR A DISH GARDEN

MAKEOVER 5: LAVENDER HEART WREATH

If you enjoyed this collection of thrift store find makeovers, please subscribe to the blog to receive updates on DIY crafts, home improvement, recipes and more! Thanks so much for reading! — v.

Enjoyed the project?

You can do it! Saved to your projects

Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.More info

Frequently asked questions

Have a question about this project?

Ask a Question

Comments

Join the conversation

2 comments

Vimarhonor on Jul 02, 2018

Great post, phenomenal photography!

1 Reply
- Vernichel // created by v. on Jul 06, 2018
  
  Thanks so much, Vimarhonor!
  
  Like