In my neck of the woods (the Carolinas), relics of old industrial textile mills are common at vintage stores and thrift shops. So, it’s no surprise that I run across these types of thread cones at one secondhand store after another. I’ve already repurposed some for a Christmas project, but this time, I decided to upcycle a few into candy corn decorations for some cute Halloween decor.Read more ›
Candy Corn Decorations from Thread Cones for Cute Halloween Decor
October 18, 2018 · By · 25 Comments
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 ›
Upcycling an Old Washboard into a Chicken Wire Frame as Primitive Decor
June 29, 2017 · By · 56 Comments
Whenever I stumble upon an antiques mall that has a “Clearance Section” I am like a heat-seeking missile with one goal in mind: to find a broken vintage treasure (on the cheap!) to become my next repurposing project. And so, when my eyes fell upon this old washboard that was missing the actual washboard, I knew it was a moment of crafting kismet. It seemed destined for upcycling and would be perfect as primitive decor.Read more ›
Get Out the Vote – Upcycling Campaign Buttons and Vintage Ribbons into a Patriotic Wreath
June 23, 2016 · By · 48 Comments
If you live in the States, then you may have noticed that it’s an election year. There’s an awful lot of anger and ugliness associated with it, so here’s my attempt to diffuse the bitter divide with a bi-partisan upcycling project. Washington may not be able to cross the aisle, but Sadie can! And I’ll be doing it with vintage pins / campaign buttons from old elections into a patriotic wreath for Get Out the Vote!Read more ›
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.
Read more ›
Birdcage Decor from a Light Cage / Industrial Light
March 24, 2015 · By · 72 Comments
Have you ever noticed that an industrial light or light cage (especially the daintier ones) kinda-sorta resembles a birdcage? Well, as soon as I made that connection I decided to test my theory by upcycling a light bulb cage into birdcage decor for some Spring home decor.Read more ›
Library Card Catalog Drawer Condiment Set for a Hot Chocolate Bar
March 10, 2015 · By · 51 Comments
I’ll be the first to admit that THIS project…is not really a project. It’s more of a famous store hack idea that I turned into a hot chocolate bar. Here, allow me to explain a little further…Read more ›
Industrial Floor Lamp from a Surveyors Tripod
January 22, 2015 · By · 61 Comments
A couple of years ago, a local store had a FANTASTIC “yard sale” which was more like a fancy flea market. At this sale, I bought two things- a pretty antique picture frame and a very cool, very trendy vintage surveyor’s tripod. And making an industrial floor lamp was at the top of my to-do list with that wooden tripod.Read more ›
EmbROADery: A Summer Road Trip Keepsake
September 23, 2014 · By · 82 Comments
It probably comes as no surprise that Jon and I are road trip junkies. Living in Upstate South Carolina gives us access to much of the southeast and mid-Atlantic… and vacations often have a junkin’/Sadie-blogging aspect. Plus, driving our car allows us to fill it up with vintage and thrifted treasures. So marrying our love of road trips with my love of vintage road maps inspired this fun and easy project. Read more ›
