This, my friends, is what I like to call a “Post-Christmas Christmas Project”, if that makes any sense. It all started with this wicker picnic basket that I found on a thrift store shelf. I thought it had the cutest shape (like a small suitcase) and I chuckled over how dainty it seemed…compared to normal picnic baskets. It was, in fact, not much larger than a magazine (length- and width-wise, not depth-wise). And that’s when I decided it would be PERFECT for my endless collection of Christmas magazines.
Upcycling a Wicker Picnic Basket into a Magazine Box for Christmas Magazines
December 28, 2017 · By · 26 Comments
Buffalo Check Decor for Autumn
September 21, 2017 · By · 40 Comments
This project, my friends, was driven entirely by my obsession with one of Funky Junk Interiors’ most recent stencils. She created a Buffalo check stencil for her Old Sign Stencil Shop (affiliate link) and I have been dying to try it out. I decided to create some Buffalo check decor on a wood tray from the thrift store using her stencil. I thought it would be lovely as rustic cabin decor to use for my autumn decorating!Read more ›
Tablecloth Weights / Tablecloth Clips from Horse Brass
September 7, 2017 · By · 38 Comments
I don’t exactly know why, but when I think of anything horse-related, I imagine it in an autumn setting. I can’t really explain why this is, and maybe it makes no sense…but when I think of horses, I think of plaid blankets, leather accessories, and crisp Fall air. So, when I spotted these horse brass at a thrift store, I decided they were destined to be used in an autumn project. Read more ›
Repurposing T-Shirts into a DIY Cat Cave and Handmade Cat Toys
May 15, 2016 · By · 47 Comments
Your old t-shirts (or perhaps a favorite tee that has a stain or no longer fits) are absolutely IDEAL for upcycling into a DIY Cat cave and a few simple cat toys. I love using repurposed clothing in projects, but I rarely recycle t-shirts. But for this pet tent and kitty toy projects, the jersey knit fabric of t-shirts is positively ideal.Read more ›
Repurposing a Silver Candelabra into a Jewelry Tree
February 25, 2016 · By · 81 Comments
I’ve upcycled a LOT of thrift store finds into jewelry storage and organization projects over the years. Probably because I have such an affinity for vintage costume jewelry – give me flashy rhinestones over diamonds any day of the week! And while most of my jewelry organizers have been “quirky”, none of them would be considered “elegant”. That is, until I found a silver candelabra at the thrift store and decided to repurpose it into a jewelry tree stand.
Suet Feeder in a Coffee Mug
February 11, 2016 · By · 173 Comments
I love to feed the wild birds in my yard all year long, especially during the cold winter months. So I decided to make a suet feeder that would keep them fat, happy, and healthy through the cold winter. And to keep it extra interesting (and very Sadie-esque), I decided to try my hand at making homemade bird suet that I would pour in a coffee mug.
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Wooden Pendant Necklace from a Vintage Tennis Racket
January 19, 2016 · By · 82 Comments
I didn’t set out to make a wooden pendant necklace when I lopped the heads off of vintage tennis rackets for my Christmas cross stitch project. But, crafting kismet took over right from the start. Here, allow me to explain and show you what I mean.
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Fall Table Runner with Flannel Shirts and Lace Ribbon
October 13, 2015 · By · 149 Comments
Back in early Spring when I created my Dyed Doily Table Runner, I was already envisioning an autumn version- with doilies dyed to look like chrysanthemums. AND, I even bought some vintage doilies that had orange and gold hues for the Fall table runner. I was *convinced* that that was the plan. But as time marched on, I started envisioning a cozier version – one that used flannel shirts and lace ribbon.Read more ›
Upcycling an Antique Floor Lamp with Small Solar Lights
September 1, 2015 · By · 96 Comments
While perusing an estate sale on half-price day, I came across this antique floor lamp that was positively gorgeous. The wiring was shot but it was otherwise in well-loved but decent shape. I didn’t care about the electrical issues, though – as I knew right away it would become backyard decor! All I needed to do was clean it up and outfit it with small solar lights / solar lanterns.
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Cast Iron Umbrella Stand by Upcycling a Garden Urn
August 18, 2015 · By · 62 Comments
Once upon a time, I headed out to my local Habitat ReStore. They had arranged several random items outside, and one in particular caught my eye. It looked like it was perhaps a garden urn (but I wasn’t entirely sure). Either way, it was held together with caution tape and I wondered if I could transform it into a cast iron umbrella stand.Read more ›
