10 Ways to Upgrade Common Thrift Store Finds

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published May 7, 2015

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I love to browse the thrift shops in my neighborhood, but sometimes find myself stuck on the creative possibilities of an item. I know it has potential but am equally aware that if I don’t have a clear cut idea that I want to execute, it will likely end up in a pile in the back 0f my closet. With this in mind, I rounded up a few DIY upgrades for items I come across frequently.

Honestly WTF (Image credit: As linked)

1. DIY Upcycled Vintage Plates from Honestly WTF

Easier than it looks, the addition of a bug motif takes precious floral plates from sweet to seriously cool.

2. Vinyl Quote Globe DIY from No Biggie

The blogger used a Silhouette to cut out the letters, but any pre-made vinyl decal should work just as well.

3. Paint Dipped Brass Candlesticks from Inspired by Charm

While brass candlesticks are beautiful on their own, this DIY gives them a fresh and modern spin.

4. DIY Cake Stand from Green Wedding Shoes

Thrifted finds like this quirky little owl are the perfect way to add character to a handmade cake stand.

5. DIY Thrift Store Art from Scott Erickson Art

This simple but high impact DIY gives thrift store art a second life.

6. DIY Painted Baskets from The Marion House Book

There is always a giant pile of baskets at my local thrift shop and this project has convinced me its time to try my hand at a painted version.

7. Book Letter DIY from Handmade Mood

Turn a pretty vintage book into a monogram with this project (power tools required.)

8. Painted Spot Teapot from Gingered Things

A simple painted handle in a vibrant color is enough to take a white teapot from basic to seriously eye catching.

9. Painted Trophies from Gym Gab Blog

Colorful spray paint transforms trophies into sculptures with a serious dose of quirk.

10. Badminton heart from Blossom Kids

A retired racket is made into wall art with the help of a little embroidery thread.

From the Archives:

10 Easy-to-Find Secondhand Staples (and How To DIY These Thrift Store Finds)
10 Common Thrift Store Finds (And Ways to Use Them for DIY Projects)
5 Ways to Update Thrift Store Art

Re-edited from a post originally published 5.7.15-NT

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