5 Quick & Easy Thrift Store Makeovers

While I wouldn’t consider myself a “shopper,” I do enjoy browsing thrift stores, flea markets and the occasional yard sale. How about you?

For me, the draw to thrifting is the satisfaction derived from turning unwanted items into something of value and purpose again. (Of course, the discounted prices are a plus!) Friends often ask what I look for when thrift shopping and what I do with the items I buy. If you’re curious, too, this is a fun post filled with thrift store makeover examples.

For starters, here’s my most recent thrift store haul. I spent about $18 in total for these everyday items.

serving bowl: $4.25 | framed artwork: $4.25 | tote bag: $4.00
silver creamer: $2.25 | heart wreath: $2.25 | wicker basket: $1.13

Note: The framed artwork was an easy makeover, but not so quick, so I’m going to share that project in an upcoming post — stay tuned!

Makeover #1:  Tote Bag Turned Door Decor

Last summer I used a wall-mount mailbox filled with faux florals to create a lovely piece for the front door that could be easily changed out for any reason or season. This straw tote bag works in a similar way, but with the bonus of including a natural fiber to complement the flowers.

To make this piece, I fitted the bottom of the bag with styrofoam blocks. Then, I inserted an array of faux florals (some new, some recycled) until I reached a carefully orchestrated look of natural chaos. I shortened one handle with a zip tie to hang and tucked the other inside the bag.

While I could have simply rocked this bag with a flowing sundress at the beach, I think it works even better as a delightful decoration. Don’t you?

Makeover #2:  Silver Creamer Becomes Flower Vase

One of the tips I learned about arranging fresh florals is to vary the vessel. When I saw the little claw feet of this creamer dish I knew it would make a charming display for fresh-cut flowers from my garden. The question was: would it come clean?

Since I didn’t know if it was really silver and I wanted to avoid scratching the surface with anything too abrasive, I first gave it a good scrubbing with dish soap and a sponge. A little elbow grease got a good deal of the black tarnish off.

Next, I used a commercial silver polish that works for a variety of metals and continued scrubbing with a soft cloth. A stiff brush helped to remove the built-up tarnish at the soldering joints. I think the cream did an excellent job of restoring this dish to its former brilliance! Can you see me now in the reflection?!

Another tip I learned about arranging flowers is to cut the stems short. This vessel works perfectly for that! I love having these happy little dahlias on my desk.

Makeover #3:  Wicker Basket Planter

Looking beyond the traditional terra cotta pot, wicker baskets make fantastic flower pots and thrift stores have loads of them. This one was likely a waste basket in its previous life since it’s lined with plastic, which works wonderfully for transforming it into a planter.

I am using this basket outside, so I gave it two heavy coats of waterproofer to extend its life and poked a few holes in the plastic to allow for drainage and air circulation.

My neighbor graciously gave me one of his big, beautiful hostas this spring. I divided it and will eventually plant them around the tree in the front yard. Until then, it’s a stunner housed in this wicker basket.

The basket needed only a small amount of the waterproofer so there’s plenty left to protect other baskets, wind chimes, lanterns or painted rocks for the garden, too.

Makeover #4:  Serving Bowl For a Dish Garden

Thrift store finds are also great for DIY experimenting. They’re inexpensive and expendable so if your project doesn’t work out as you hoped, you can easily cut your losses. This bowl was one such item. I bought it with the intent to (1) drill a hole in the bottom and (2) paint it — both things I had yet to DIY.

First, I drilled a drainage hole with a 1/2″ glass and tile bit. I used water as a lubricant, took my time, and let the drill do all the work. Here’s a good video reference for drilling holes into ceramic.

Second, I painted the bowl with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Duck Egg Blue and Old White (because who doesn’t love chalk paint?!).

I used a light whitewash to highlight the raised details and am quite smitten with how it came out. I decided against sealing it in an effort to maintain the chalky finish. It’s kept inside and I’m careful when watering so I’m hopeful it will last.

I tucked in an enchanting assortment of houseplants — a fittonia, parlor palm, maidenhair fern and ivy. I think the variations of green and pop of pink are gorgeous. Wouldn’t it be lovely sitting on a bedside table or given as a gift?

Makeover #5:  Lavender Heart Wreath

You can save a few dollars by buying grapevine wreaths second hand. Check that it’s in good condition, and will remain so after removing whatever decorations are on it. Here’s a good example: this heart-shaped grapevine still has its store tag attached. The decorations were easy to remove with wire snips, leaving a clean grapevine.

It was the perfect candidate for a lavender wreath I’ve been wanting to make for awhile. I used faux lavender I already had, but am now considering re-creating it with actual dried lavender for its lovely scent.

Well, that wraps up this collection of quick and easy thrift store makeovers. Which one did you like the most? Would you like to see more of these collections?

I hope I was able to provide you with some inspiration to enjoy thrift shopping and repurposing, too! Thanks so much for reading!  — v.