Truth be told, I didn’t know that this kind of small wooden basket was called a Clam Hod when I first spotted it. All I knew was that I spotted a certain shape that I could tease out and turn it into a pumpkin basket. After buying it and bringing it home, I figured out its name (i.e., clam hod) (with a little help from my friend, Maliasmark).Read more ›
Best Upcycling Ideas and Repurposing Projects by Sadie Seasongoods
Sailboat Decor from a Weaving Shuttle
July 26, 2020 · By · 31 Comments
One year ago, I had gathered up the materials I’d need for this project. I had a couple of weaving shuttles and clear vision for transforming them into decorative sailboats. But right as I was getting started, an email appeared in my inbox.Read more ›
Antique Diving Helmet from a Light Fixture
July 9, 2020 · By · 40 Comments
For the first time since very early March, I went thrifting. Now that we’ve moved to a state with stricter rules, I finally felt more comfortable to go inside a thrift store. So, I headed to Habitat ReStore, where I found a series of eyeball lights in their section of light fixtures. But as I stared at them, all I could see was an antique diving helmet!Read more ›
American Flag Decor with a Buffalo Plaid Stencil
June 10, 2020 · By · 54 Comments
I’ve made several projects with a buffalo check stencil, but they were always meant for end-of-year decor for the Fall and Winter. So, I’ve been yearning to use that same stencil for a warm-weather July 4th project, perhaps inspired by a picnic tablecloth. But then I started thinking about using the buffalo plaid stencil to create some American flag decor.Read more ›
Faking a Cloisonne Vase
May 13, 2020 · By · 73 Comments
Florist vases are a staple at most thrift stores, aren’t they? On one of my thrifting excursions (many, many months ago), I came across a shelf that was exploding with them. And for whatever reason, I started wondering if they could be painted to look like a Cloisonne vase.
DIY Greeting Cards from File Folders
May 6, 2020 · By · 15 Comments
Spring and early summer bring a plethora of family holidays and birthdays in my world. But the last thing I want to do right now is linger in a grocery store looking for the perfect cards for everyone. So, I decided that DIY greeting cards were the route to take this year.Read more ›
Braided Bracelets from Vintage Handkerchiefs
April 26, 2020 · By · 38 Comments
Making my own jewelry has been a staple in my life for about as long as I’ve had motor skills. I’ve obviously graduated from the friendship pins and bracelets of childhood. But, this project is nearly just as simple, using some vintage handkerchiefs as the main ingredient.Read more ›
How to Designate Your Yard as Certified Wildlife Habitat
April 22, 2020 · By · 18 Comments
As an animal lover and biologist (on paper), it’s no surprise that our yard is very wildlife-friendly. Not only do I love to watch the birds and other critters, but our indoor cats do, as well. Many of my upcycling projects were made specifically for backyard habitat, including feeders, baths, and houses. I learned about designating one’s yard as Certified Wildlife Habitat many years ago, but wasn’t sure how well-known that program was.Read more ›
Telephone Sign on a Small Cutting Board
April 15, 2020 · By · 11 Comments
Long-term quarantining is, quite honestly, the best thing that has happened to my garage in a long time. It’s the only thrift store I have access to and I’m uncovering things I’d long forgotten about. And one of those things was a small cutting board. I decided it was the perfect piece to make a telephone sign.
Upcycling a Decanter Tantalus as an Herb Saver
April 8, 2020 · By · 16 Comments
As you know, my garage is the only “thrift store” I have access to right now. So, it’s been fun for me to discover all of the treasures that I’d collected but not yet upcycled. When I came across this wooden caddy, I did a little research and discovered that it’s a decanter tantalus. That means it’s a lockable liquor holder, but I decided it would be perfect as an herb saver.Read more ›
