Book Decor with Reader’s Digest Books

Book Decor with Reader’s Digest Books

For several years, I’ve wanted to upcycle some of the Reader’s Digest books that I often see at the thrifts. The ones from the ’50s and ’60s have these gorgeous patterned covers that are little works of art. So, I finally put a few to good use as book decor by pairing them up with some old photographs.Read more ›

Antiquing and Thrift Shopping in Charleston, SC

Antiquing and Thrift Shopping in Charleston, SC

Several years ago, I visited Charleston, SC to explore their “secondhand scene” – the best antiques, vintage, architectural salvage, and thrift stores that I could find. I published the post and sadly didn’t return for several years. But, that all changed a few weeks ago when I had the chance to visit again! Read more ›

Pirate Sign as Nautical Wall Decor

Pirate Sign as Nautical Wall Decor

I always have to check out the selection of cabinet doors whenever I’m in a Habitat ReStore. I can typically resist grabbing anything from the pile of usually-plain doors. But on this particular day, there was a bevy of intriguing blue and white doors for the taking. They had a very nautical look and I decided to transform one into a pirate sign to use as nautical wall decor.Read more ›

Starfish Decor from a Lighted Star Christmas Tree Topper

Starfish Decor from a Lighted Star Christmas Tree Topper

While working on my recent Thrift the Look: Beach Cottage blog post, one of the most challenging elements to find was a large starfish. I didn’t want to buy a real/dried one from a craft store, so upcycling one was my best bet. I just wasn’t sure what I’d find that could become the starfish decor that I needed.Read more ›

Clever Ways to Use Food Waste and Kitchen Scraps

Clever Ways to Use Food Waste and Kitchen Scraps

I almost exclusively blog about upcycling and/or buying secondhand. But, I yearn to expand my knowledge of related ways to be a smart consumer and reduce waste. Mindful consuming, upcycling / secondhand shopping, and looking for ways to reduce waste all fall under the same umbrella. And every time I hear about how much food is wasted in the USA (and elsewhere, I’m sure), I just feel so discouraged. So, I thought it would be beneficial if I did some research into food waste solutions for my own kitchen.Read more ›

Beach Cottage Decor from the Thrift Store

Beach Cottage Decor from the Thrift Store

My “Thrift the Look” blog hop challenges are one of my favorite things to do. And this time around, the theme is Cottage Decor. Any version of cottage decor was up for grabs, but I chose to work on a thrifted version of beach cottage decor or coastal cottage decor.Read more ›

Password Book from a Vintage Address Book

Password Book from a Vintage Address Book

Here we go again with another upcycling idea of mine that probably doesn’t warrant a blog post. But I’m doing one anyway! I was at my in-laws’ mountain cabin and my mother-in-law mentioned that she needed a password book from an office supply store. I didn’t actually realize that a password organizer was a “thing”, to be perfectly honest.Read more ›

Decorative Garden Stones from Copper Molds

Decorative Garden Stones from Copper Molds

Years ago, I made a mosaic stepping stone that featured an outdoor key hider underneath it. More recently, I had a hankering to try playing with concrete once again. But this time, I decided to use some copper molds from the thrift store to make some decorative garden stones.Read more ›

35+ Upcycling Ideas for Industrial Decor

35+ Upcycling Ideas for Industrial Decor

One of the more recent home decor trends that I never get tired of is Industrial Decor. Not only do I love the rustic, almost masculine feel to the elements (reclaimed wood, metal, worn leather), but if you think about it, industrial home decor is a product of upcycling. But upcycling on a grander scale. Read more ›

Painting a Wooden Music Box to Look Like Painted Bedroom Furniture

Painting a Wooden Music Box to Look Like Painted Bedroom Furniture

Whenever I find a wooden music box on my thrifting adventures, I get excited. I love listening to the plinky sounds from the music box (if it still works) and trying to “Name that Tune”! So, when I found this little music jewelry box on the Goodwill shelves, I was immediately smitten.Read more ›