Embroidery hoops are one of those things that are easy to find at thrift stores and yard sales, aren’t they? And they have just so many applications! Obviously, cross stitch and embroidery come to mind right away. But there are a LOT of other embroidery hoop crafts out there that are worth mentioning, especially for upcyclers like you and me.Read more ›
100 Repurposed Projects for Your Home and Garden

And just like that…2021 is coming to a close! It’s been a transformative year for me, personally- my first book was released (!!!) and we bought a house here in the Charlotte area. But it’s certainly been a challenging year once again. So, I won’t dwell on this past year’s low points But, I *WILL* spend a little time looking back on some of the repurposed projects that my friends and I (The Thrift Store Decor Team) came up with throughout the past year.
Decorative Coasters as Upcycled Gifts

Coasters are one of those things that check off a lot of boxes, aren’t they? They’re not overly expensive and serve a pretty important purpose for those of us with furniture that we care about. Decorative coasters are also easy to personalize to your unique tastes AND they fit the mold of a “general gift”. And let’s face it, this is the time of year when “gifts for anyone” can really come in handy.Read more ›
35+ Upcycling Ideas with a Thanksgiving Aesthetic

Even though I’ve assembled collections of upcycled Fall Decor projects in the past, I realized that I hadn’t done one for Thanksgiving ideas. Sure, there’s a lot of overlap, what with pumpkins and fall leaves. But getting that Thanksgiving aesthetic often means the inclusion of other symbols- turkeys, cornucopias, etc. So, I decided that another round-up of upcycling ideas was warranted!Read more ›
Repurposing Projects for Old Technology

Whether you realize it or not, thrift stores are full of old technology. And by old technology, I mean all sorts of things- old computer parts, VHS tapes, typewriter tables, and even photo albums. The relics of old technology are as discarded as the tech itself, which makes them ripe for repurposing projects, if you ask me!
35+ Upcycling Ideas for DIY Bags

Accessories are, by far, my favorite form of fashion. Specifically, I love unusual jewelry (vintage or upcycled), scarves, and bags (thrifted or upcycled). So, it’s not exactly surprising that I have quite a few blog posts for accessories. I might actually have more tutorials for DIY bags (or upcycling bags into something else) than any other accessory.Read more ›
150+ Summer DIYs and Thrift Store Makeovers

If you’re anything like me, then you’re looking forward to a MUCH more exciting summer this year than last. From visiting family to spending time with friends, this summer holds so much more promise. And if you’re looking for some ideas for DIY summer decor or summer DIYs for your porch or back yard, then I think you’ve found the right blog post.Read more ›
150+ Upcycling Ideas for Garden Projects

It’s that time of year again, when those of us in the Northern Hemisphere start to feel the excitement of Spring. The days get longer, the yard gets more colorful, and all of a sudden, EVERYTHING YOU OWN starts looking like a planter. So, the Thrift Store Decor Team decided to pool all of our garden projects into a single collection of upcycling ideas for your yard, garden, and patio.Read more ›
Recycled Paper Crafts for Vintage Ephemera

Paper is such a great craft supply, isn’t it? Easy to source with innumerable variations, it’s definitely an unsung hero in the world of DIY, even for upcyclers like me. I especially love vintage ephemera, such as old letters and vintage sewing patterns. And there are plenty of recycled paper crafts that use those and other paper bits, as well.Read more ›
Easy Upcycling Ideas for House Storage and Organization

Getting your house organized and under control is always a good idea. But the weeks following the holiday hoopla is my favorite time to really focus on it. And, of course, I use all kinds of repurposed items to get organized. And I thought you, too, might be looking for some easy upcycling ideas for house storage and organization.Read more ›