Footstool Makeover

I'm addicted to thrift store shopping.  I can't help myself.  I mean, even if I was just there, there could be something new.  Which means that I bring home random items on a regular basis.  Recently, I found this little gem:

For $3, it seemed like the perfect project to make over.    To make it even easier, the cushion wasn't attached so it easily came apart into two pieces.  I started by removing the fabric and giving the wood a light sanding.

Next, I attached new fabric using the existing tacks and spray painting the frame.  Finally I attached velcro to both the frame and the cushion to hold it in place.  Done!

It makes a great footstool for a regular sized adult...or the perfect seat for a little baby.

Thrift Store Finds

This week I skipped the gym and went to the thrift store.  Best. Decision. Ever.  Here are some things I found. 

First of all, this awesome dress.  I love love love it.  I looked it up and it costs $70.  I got it for $7.  Score!  The one issue is it is slightly too big.  I'm a little nervous to try and take it in myself b/c it has a side zipper.  I could wear it as is but it might look better if it was a little smaller.  Should I pay to have it done?  Any advice?

Next, some great craft supplies.  I found a large embroidery hoop, a bag of sewing notions (lots of lace), and a vintage craft kit to make a stuffed rocking horse.  The kit has amazing fabric in it.  Here's my next question, should I make the rocking horse or use the materials to make something else?

Finally, I found this pretty green and white checked tablecloth.  I'm planning on using it for craft shows.  And also maybe at home.  It's just so cute.

Vintage Recipe Book

I recently found a really fun old recipe book at Value Village.  It has blank pages so that you can fill it with all your favorite recipes.

I love that it has space to put who gave you the recipe.  Particularly now that I am collecting more recipes from family and friends.  Now I can know that it was my mom's soup or my friend Lisa's cranberry sauce.

I stamped my name on the front and embossed it with clear embossing powder.  You can't really tell here but it gave it a nice, raised finish.

Inside, I've started adding my recipes.  I'm slowly copying in the recipes from family and friends that I have saved in email, as well as adding a few favorites from other sources.  I'm even including some notes on special times that I cooked the recipes.

How do you store your recipes?  In a book?  Box?  Maybe on pinterest (I have a lot there myself :)

Thrift Store Goodies

I found some lovey pieces at Goodwill this weekend.  Don't you just love Goodwill?  First off, this adorable canister.  I can't resist a good metal tin and the embroidery pattern and colors on this one make me swoon.

Second, this lovely embroidery piece.  It was in the craft section and is not framed or anything.  I know someone must have worked hard on it and I'll be happy to have it in my home.  I think it may have been intended for Christmas, but I'm going to hang it up year-round.

Have you found any good thrift store items lately?

Thift Store Jewelry Finds

It's been snowing all week so when I finally got out of the house yesterday, my first trip was to Value Village (yes, I prioritize thrifting over groceries).  I found some cute jewelry finds.  The bracelet is for me and I think I will use the earrings to make necklaces.

Have you found anything fun at a thrift store lately?

Thrift Store Find

I've added a new picture to my collection.  When I saw it at Value Village, I just couldn't resist these quirky penguins.  The picture is printed on fabric and is pretty puffy :)

I've added it to the picture cluster in our hall.  The phrase seemed appropriate next to the drawing of Eugene and I.

Thrift Store Find

Check out this awesome piece I found at Value Village a few days ago.  I'm a sucker for embroidered wall hangings and this one seemed like the perfect fit for my new craft room.

I have it hanging above my desk for now.  In the future, I may decide to clean up the wall a bit and hang up even more fun/inspirational items.

Happiness is Homemade

I found this tray at a thrift store on Saturday.  I'm pretty sure I squealed and hugged it.  I love the combination of the cross-stitch and the wood.  But beyond that, it's such a perfect phrase for me.  So today, I thought I would share why I love homemade.

I love making things myself for many reasons.  There's the challenge of seeing if I can do it myself.  Whenever I start a new craft project or try a new recipe, I have no idea whether it will work out.  Then when I'm done, there's the pride of accomplishing something.  It's a chance to learn and experiment.

When I buy handmade, I like knowing that I am helping someone else to embrace those feelings.  Sure, homemade items are usually unique and charming.  But the thing that draws me in is imagining the person who made it, sitting there, crafting the piece.  I imagine the joy they felt when they finished it.

Those are some of the reasons I love handmade.  What about you?

Thrift Store Finds

I had a very successful trip last week to my local Value Village.  Question, are value villages local?  I've never been to one before I moved to WA.  Anyway, it's my thrift store of choice.  Here's what I found last time.

Awesome vintage globe.  I already have a globe that my husband gave me while we were dating, but I just couldn't resist the charm of this one.  Plus, now whenever I need to I can find Czechoslovakia, the USSR, or the Territory of Hawaii.

Next, this fun little vintage place mat set.  They're floral printed with red on one side and blue on the other. 

Finally, these two metal tins.  I don't even know what to do with all my metal tins I've collected.  I just can't resist them and at $0.50, how could I say no?

Have you found anything good lately?  What's your favorite thrift store to visit?

Thrift Store Find

I love thrift stores.  I could spend hours browsing.  I admit, I have a penchant for the tacky.  It's not unusual for me to think, "This is so ugly, I have to have it."  However, sometimes I find something that is actually cute.  Like, these bird mugs.

Cute, right?  I was so excited to find the set of four because they were just loose at Goodwill.  There's a cardinal, a painted bunting, an eastern bluebird, and one bird I'm not quite sure of.  Can anyone identify that blue-ish gray bird in the front?

Silverware Windchime

With sunny days finally happening here in Seattle, I decided to work on a project for our little porch.  I have been wanting a windchime and had seen some inspiring pieces made of silverware.  I picked up a few pieces at Goodwill and made my own!

All it took was four forks and a strainer.  I attached the forks to the strainer with wire and hung it up.  All in all, the project took about 10 minutes and was really cheap!

Handkerchief Suggestions?

Lately I've been collecting cute vintage handkerchiefs.  I look whenever I go to a thrift store and often find one or two.  Now, I just have to decide what to do with them!  I've seen people do things like make table runners or curtains, but I don't think that is an ideal match for our current apartment style.   

Anyone have any suggestions?

Vendor Apron from Pillowcase Tutorial

This project started because I am cheap and lazy.  I have seen other craft vendors wearing these cute little half aprons at shows and have been wanting one.  But I didn't want to pay a lot for it nor spend hours creating one.  After some thrift store wanderings, I came up with this pillowcase apron.  See below for the tutorial.

Start by cutting the bottom 10" or so off the bottom (closed end). 

Next, fold up the cut end twice so that the folded end lines up with the hemmed edge of the open side.  If this is confusing, you can look at the diagram I included at the end.  The reason I folded over twice rather than just folding up once was because it allowed me to skip hemming that edge as well as give the apron a little extra thickness.

Folded Over Once- Need to fold over again.

Now, sew along the two edges as well as two times in the middle; this will give you three pockets.  Just measure your pillowcase to know where the seams should go; I had to measure in about 7" from each side.

For the ties, I used thick ribbon but this is also open to your own interpretation.  I ran the ribbon lightly through a match to seal the ends and prevent fraying.   Then I folded down the edge and sewed it to the front of the apron.

That's it!  I liked this project because it was SUPER short and easy.  It also is open to lots of tweaks and personalization.  Fabric appliques, extra pockets, contrasting edging, etc.  If anyone makes one, I would love to see it, so please share the link in the comments.

Summary Diagram

Card Case Makeover

A while ago, I saw this clutch makeover and have been itching to try it myself.  But I had to bide my time until I found the right clutch.  I've scoured thrift stores for weeks.  Finally, I found this little gem. 

It's not really a purse (I think it may have actually been a manicure kit) but I thought it would be perfect for holding business cards.  I had made a case previously, but still wasn't quite happy with it.  It tended to get a bit bent up in my purse so I thought this sturdy little case would do the trick.

I used mod podge to adhere fabric to the inside and out.  Once this was done, I painted a little birdy on the outside with acrylic paint.  A few sharpie details and another coat of mod podge and I was done!

I'm really happy with the way it turned out.  Hopefully this case can handle the chaos that is my purse.

Thrift Store Finds

Here are a few fun items I found on a recent thrift store trip.  First, there is this really cool ship necklace.  Something about it just makes me smile.

Next, I found this little jug.  I'm thinking of using it for honey because right now we have a GIANT container from Costco and it's not the easiest to use.  I like the green lid.

Finally, a bag of Styrofoam eggs and balls.  These were only 99 cents.  I think I may use them as paper mache bases for making some bird figures.  Exciting!

Do you love shopping at thrift stores like I do?  What are some of your favorite things to look for?

Ottoman Makeover

I recently found a storage ottoman at a thrift store.  It was fairly beat-up, but for $5, I thought it could be a good addition to my home.

My first step was to remove the hardware and the old fabric.  Once this was off, I was able to clean everything up a bit.

I then cut a piece of fabric (I used a thrift store sheet) to fit the top of the ottoman and stapled it on. 

I replaced the hardware and now have a finished storage ottoman.  yay!