It’s been a while since I created a bird project for our yard…so I decided to combine this year’s Log Cabin theme with an outdoors project. Since we always have nesting wrens and chickadees at our house, I had a birdhouse idea that I just couldn’t shake.Read more ›
Making a DIY Birdhouse from a Vintage Bank that Looks Like a Log Cabin
March 2, 2017 · By · 52 Comments
Mums the Word: Straw Tote Pumpkin Planter
October 6, 2016 · By · 120 Comments
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 ›
Hanging Herb Garden using Small Lamp Shades as Metal Hanging Baskets
May 26, 2016 · By · 121 Comments
Lamp shades are a pretty common item at thrift stores, in every size and shape you can imagine. So, I felt a compelling need to come up with an upcycling idea for them, starting with these small lamp shades that I found at Goodwill. I had this niggling feeling that lamp shade frames could be repurposed into metal hanging baskets for a hanging herb garden…
Read more ›
Firefly Lights by Upcycling a Brass Pendant Light
April 21, 2016 · By · 190 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 Decor 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 ›
