We all want our homes to look like a million bucks… just without the price tag. Thanks to an innovative Family Pathways customer and creative staff, we have some gorgeous DIY projects that won’t break the bank but will look like the beauties found at high-end shops.
Princeton Thrift Store shopper Debbie Rothstein has a knack for spotting a diamond in the rough. She recently transformed a few #thriftstorefinds into beautiful holiday décor.
“This was a dark brown tray purchased at the Princeton store. Sanded it a bit, painted it, distressed it and added a few do-dads. It turned out pretty good,” Debbie said. We agree! Williams and Sonoma level good!
“Grabbed this mirror in Princeton. The frame was dark-colored, so I got out my paintbrush, then sanded and distressed…and stuck some greenery on it and bow. It’s ready for Christmas.”
“This tray had an old faded needlepoint under the glass. I took the tray apart, sanded it, repainted it, distressed it. I found a Norman Rockwell picture on a calendar and replaced the needlepoint with it, put the thing back together and this is what I ended up with….I bought the tray for $2. Winner, winner, chicken dinner!
Speaking of chicken dinner… Debbie transformed classic soup bowls to candles with some wax and wicks purchased from a craft shop. They are not chicken soup scented.
Decor for the DIY novice
If you’re looking for something at beginner-level easy, check out the upcycled patio pots at the Family Pathways Administrative Office in North Branch.
Family Pathways Volunteer Manager scored lovely wooden flowerpots last summer, which brightened the front door of the North Branch office during those sunny months. But once the flowers died and the flakes began to fly, Brooke was at a loss.
With less than $20 of goods that can be purchased at any of our Thrift Stores, Brooke and Thrift Store Marketing Manager Shawnda added a holiday touch to bring the summer flowerpots into winter.
Using an artificial wreath as a base, the ladies centered an artificial mini Christmas tree in the middle of the pot. Cute holly garland was used to fill in some of the empty space around the tree. Add some plastic, shatterproof ornaments, and voila! Summer patio pots are now ready to greet winter visitors. There is now one at each side of the front entrance.
What are some of your favorite DIY and upcycle ideas? If you’d like to share your crafts and projects like Debbie did, email [email protected].
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