As an upcycler, I absolutely LOVE incorporating vintage treasures- especially ones in disrepair- into my garden decor. And I am by no means alone- using antiques or secondhand items as garden planters or garden pots is so popular, that big box stores are stocking their shelves with “new made to look old” garden items. But save yourself a trip, head out to your garage or shed, and you may just have the perfect piece to use. Read more ›
Using Barnwood to Fix a DIY Birdhouse
January 9, 2019 · By · 29 Comments
Several years ago, I saw a “junk shop” decorative birdhouse in an antiques shop. And while I didn’t make the purchase, I never forgot how cute it was. So, when I found this broken DIY birdhouse while thrifting, it seemed like I had been given a second chance at a junky birdhouse. I just needed to fix it up and I already had the right piece of barnwood to do it!Read more ›
Tissue Box Cover Bird House
July 19, 2018 · By · 18 Comments
This wooden tissue box cover is one of the last things I snapped up at a favorite thrift store before it closed. And yes, I’m still a little pouty that the shop is gone because it was SO close to home and provided me SO many projects. But, anyway- I liked the solid construction of the tissue box cover but didn’t have a project in mind. On a whim, I challenged my Facebook page pals to give me ideas on what to do. There were several suggestions, but my favorite came from my friend, Clair (who hosts Blues Moon Radio), who suggested a bird house.Read more ›
25+ Upcycling Ideas for Plant Markers / Plant Labels
April 22, 2018 · By · 1 Comment
Repurposing and upcycling random items from the thrift shop, that junk drawer in your kitchen, or even your yard into plant labels or plant markers is one of the easiest (and most creative) projects I can think of. The possibilities are truly endless- from wine bottles, to small frying pans, to wooden spoons, and beyond. Read more ›
Upcycling a Barbecue Fork into House Signs or Garden Plaques
March 21, 2018 · By · 38 Comments
Ok- I will fully admit that this is a truly zany idea of mine! There I was at the thrift store, looking for inspiration on the shelves. I was going to move aside this barbecue fork (to avoid getting jabbed!) when it dawned on me that the barbecue fork could BE the inspiration I was looking for. What if I transformed some BBQ tools into house signs or garden plaques? In other words…What if I used it as a stake instead of for steak?Read more ›
How to Build a Potting Bench that is Portable for a Small Yard / Garden
July 6, 2017 · By · 91 Comments
Every Spring and Summer, my Pinterest and Facebook news feeds are filled to the brim with big, beautiful potting benches! Whether constructed from pallets or old doors, or even a genuine vintage potting table, they are stunning and, well, LARGE. But, here’s the thing- I’m a gardener on a very small scale…I simply don’t have the space for the classic potting bench. So, I set forth to create something on a smaller scale…Read more ›
Wooden Shoe Trees Upcycled into Plant Labels / Plant Markers
May 11, 2017 · By · 58 Comments
After successfully sowing herb seeds in thrifted muffin tins…and then transplanting the seedlings into larger pots displayed on a vertical shower caddy, I’m wrapping up my three-part Upcycled Herb Garden series today! And what, pray tell, could my third part be about? Plant labels or Plant Markers, which seems like a perfect way to wrap up my three-part series.Read more ›
Vertical Herb Garden with a Standing Shower Caddy
April 20, 2017 · By · 47 Comments
Last month, I introduced my three-part upcycled herb garden series with Part 1- by sowing herb seeds in rusty, thrifted muffin tins / pans as starter pots! But several weeks have since passed and it’s time to bring you Part 2, which involves another repurposed thrift store find: A standing shower caddy.
“Ensconced” Organization for Gardening Tools
April 13, 2017 · By · 64 Comments
A couple of years ago, I made a simple repurposed clip board for our gardening/work gloves– both of us had a bad habit of flinging them off in the garage and struggling to find them the next time we needed to wear them! And let me tell you- having the clip board has been a life (and glove) saver! So, when I found these outdated bucket sconces at a thrift store, I decided make something similar for my gardening hand tools.Read more ›
My Upcycled Herb Garden, Part 1: Muffin Pans
March 30, 2017 · By · 56 Comments
Real Life Confession- I love the idea of gardening more than I love actual gardening. Can anyone else relate? I also look forward to summer Saturday mornings with girlfriends as we bop from farmer’s market to farmer’s market.
BUT. But…I still enjoy having planted herbs around as the weather warms up! So, this year, I’ve decided to do a three-part herb gardening upcycling series…starting with today’s post: Part 1- Muffin tins!Read more ›
