Turning Thrift Store Junk into Treasure: 8 DIYs to Inspire You
That is, I frequent thrift stores and love bringing home the treasures I find there. But every now and then, I pass by something that I think is garbage and later kick myself for not buying it to turn it into something awesome. There are some amazing things you can do with the items you find in thrift shops. Over the years, as I have perfected the thrift (OK, so maybe not perfected) I have come up with a few tips and tricks to help me be more efficient when shopping at thrift stores. 1. Go for the Supplies! Sure I wasn’t looking for them, but they often spark ideas for something I can use for a DIY or around the house. Finding supplies makes me giddy! If my idea can easily be used for a baby shower or party I might be throwing, I will usually buy them all! 2. Check the Outdoor Area
At the thrift stores I go to, they will often place larger items like chandeliers, desks, and bookshelves out in the outdoor area with all of the sporting equipment and plastic furniture. Don’t ask me why! Make sure you check that area if you don’t see what you’re looking for in the main area of the store. You might be passing by your DIY soulmate. 3. Know What You’ll Do Before You Buy It
I cannot tell you how many times I have bought an item — or 10 — and then got home and there they sat for months on end because I couldn’t think of something to do with them. I have a rule for myself when I am thrifting: If I don’t know what I am going to do with it before I buy it, leave it at the store! Items can often spark an idea when you first see it; I call it “DIY at first sight”! But if the sparks aren’t there, move on. There’s no sense in wasting time and money on something that you are unsure about. Now that we have those tips down, here are some pretty amazing and inspiring ideas you could easily make with your thrift store finds! Just dye them either tie-dye or dip-dye — whatever helps you cover those pesky stains. Snag a bunch and make them into something special, like these pretty mirrored ones. I love them.Get the tutorial at Paper N Stitch here This transformed desk is amazing! If I saw that table at the thrift store, I probably would have passed it by, but this would have me kicking myself for not buying it. It's amazing what some TLC can do. Get the tutorial at Paper N Stitch here This one makes me laugh. I love it. We all see those old house phones at the thrift store. Genius. Dart boards might be a little harder to come by, but if you can find one in your thrift store, get it and give it a facelift. Add your own numbers and colors to make it your own. So fun!Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed here These are so fun and cute! If I could find a small, round pair of sunglasses, I would totally make them for my little girl. Just try and get a pair that doesn't have seriously scratched-up lenses and you are good to go! Get the tutorial at Funky Time here
