Sometimes I go to the thrift store and come away empty-handed, bummed out, and treasure-less. But then there are those magical times when I walk in and immediately have a “near-craft experience”. And by that, I mean I spot a thrifty treasure and know what I plan to do with it…immediately! That, my friends, is what happened when I walked up to this faded orange and black straw tote bag.Read more ›
Yesterday’s Barn Art for Today’s Tool Shed
July 21, 2016 · By · 28 Comments
Funny story…so, while I was out thrifting one day, I came across these two Pennsylvania Dutch hex signs. I didn’t actually know the term “hex signs” at the time, but I snapped them up with the intention of reselling them. People collect Pennsylvania Dutch items…they were in relatively good shape and would be easy to ship, so it seemed like a no-brainer.Read more ›
From Soup to Nuts…and Bolts: Thrifted Pot Lid Bird Feeder
July 7, 2016 · By · 54 Comments
A new month means it’s time for yet another project for The Good Life Blog…I’m a little behind the 8-ball, though…this one went live in June but I’m just getting it up on my own blog now! Anyway…on to the project…Read more ›
Lampshades Repurposed into Hanging Herb Baskets
May 26, 2016 · By · 121 Comments
Years of thrifting and repurposing have taught me a few things- and one of those is that secondhand shops will ALWAYS have outdated lampshades available- in every size, shape, and color imaginable. So, with gardening on my mind (and a quirky idea for my latest post on The Good Life blog), I headed to my local Goodwill.Read more ›
DIY Firefly Lights by Upcycling a Brass Pendant Light
April 21, 2016 · By · 189 Comments
Upcycling vintage light fixtures is a common theme on my blog and this particular project was inspired by the trendy shop, Anthropologie. After seeing their metalwork hurricanes online, I realized how much they resembled a brass chandelier or brass pendant light from Habitat ReStore. That’s when I decided I needed to repurpose one into a copper lantern that held firefly lights.Read more ›
Unique Planters or Wall Planters from Dutch Wooden Shoes
April 3, 2016 · By · 75 Comments
I’ve had a quiet fascination with all things Dutch for most of my life. Between the tulips and the windmills and summering near Holland, Michigan, I suppose it couldn’t be avoided. I also had my own pair of Dutch wooden shoes, and while I no longer have them, I still wanted to upcycle some into wall planters for some front porch decor.Read more ›
30+ Upcycled Garden Décor Project Ideas
March 20, 2016 · By · 63 Comments
It’s no secret that Yard & Garden upcycling projects are some of my favorites- in fact, I’ve made way too many planters, bird baths, and other garden décor pieces to even mention individually!Read more ›
Using Bed Springs to Hold Bird Nesting Material
March 6, 2016 · By · 76 Comments
Creating repurposed and upcycled projects for the yard- particularly birds- is something I just can’t stop doing! But this one is different- I promise. This idea came about from two unrelated thought paths in my head: (1) What could I repurpose to create a holder for bird nest material?, and (2) When will I finally be creative with old, rusty bed springs?Read more ›
Coffee Mug Suet Feeder
February 11, 2016 · By · 152 Comments
It’s a new month which means it’s time for my latest upcycling project to appear on The Good Life Blog! This time, I decided to mix things up a little and do something outside. I *LOVE* a good DIY project for my yard and garden (especially for the birds), but a chilly South Carolina winter can make that challenging. But then I realized I could create a super simple & inexpensive suet feeder (perfect for winter) to hang in my yard…using a common thrift store item: Coffee Mugs!Read more ›
