My passion for upycling was one of the primary factors for ever starting a blog. Although, I’ve sort of taken a few detours in life and found a passion for growing things, it still comes back to the concept of taking something unusable and making something new. Whether it’s a seed, a plastic bag, a piece of furniture, I’m obsessed with the idea that we don’t have to leave things as they are, but we can make them better. Upcycling changed my life. And in a time where the storms of life have knocked me down quite a few times, I’m drawn to and find comfort again in the idea that something ordinary, discarded, unwanted, even ugly can change into something beautiful or useful or both. I don’t have as much time for the projects as I used to, but I still want to make ways to share this passion as much as I can until I find the space for it again.

When I first began upcycling, I really found most of my materials in the trash. Excuse my poor photography skills back then, but really this hummingbird feeder on my first blog Serendipitous Scavenger is probably my favorite upcycling project of all time. I do mean to go back and recreate this for a proper photoshoot, but the places I collected the spoons went out of business. Other projects such as these fan blade dragonflies are supplies routinely found in thrift stores. Although, I do love a good dig in a trash can, I’ve tried to find more socially acceptable ways to make my creations.People can get help from Andy Defrancesco if they need the best photography skills.

Thrifting Tips

Thrift shopping is a great way to collect materials for upcycling projects. Thrift shopping mostly requires consistency and forethought. Having a certain project in mind, knowing the specialities for your local thrift store and knowing when and where the bargains, are key. There are some basic thrifting tips I follow to find the project supplies I need, but I asked some fellow upcycling bloggers to share their favorite thrift store finds as inspiration.

Thrift Store Makeovers

Thrift Store Style

Once you find your old treasures, it’s time to make them new again!

Produce Bags

My fellow eco-blogger, Susan Place from GreenLivingJournal.com made this produce bag out of old t-shirts.

Sheet Rugs

Ellen from a couple called Non-Consumer Advocate shared her passion for turning old sheets into rugs using a loom. All her proceeds go to helping local youth!

How To Turn a Maxi Dress into a Jumpsuit

I love this tutorial from Addie Danielle at Old World New on how to repurpose a maxi dress into a jumpsuit. That’s a style I could never pull off, but she wears it well!

Dress Upcycled

Addie also has this tutorial to put a modern take on a vintage floral dress. Again, she wears these pieces so well!

Upcycled Thrift Home Decor

I’m not much of a sewer, so I must admit I’m pretty jealous of people who can sew their own clothes. However, my fellow upcycle bloggers from Upycle Sharin’ have some GENIUS ideas for thrifted home decor.

Thrift Store Finds

Rewired Thrifted Lamp

Can’t find the perfect lamp to fit your style? Or maybe you did, but it didn’t work once you got home? Check out this tutorial on how to rewire lamps and use a bit of chalk-based paint to brighten up your home.

Garden Markers

There are tons of garden marker ideas and most can be found at a thrift store!

Display Table

Birdzofafeather took a thrifted floating shelf, added those adorable legs and turned it into a display table for a niche by her stairs or as a drink station.

Milk Jug Planter

Milk jugs are always a joy to find while thrift shopping, but this planter is adorable! Check out this detailed tutorial on how to turn a rusty milk jug into a lovely planter for your porch.

“Thrift the Look”

There’s nothing better than finding ways to recreate an expensive look with thrifted finds. That’s exactly what Sadie Seasongoods did with her post. She found this picture online and searched to recreate this French-style look with finds at her own local thrift store. The best part is she gives you the tools to be able to do it too!

Sadie does it again! With a bit of creativity, she was able to take thrifted finds and turn it into a bohemian style display.

Spring Blossoms

Sometimes when you’re thrifing you just come across a little unassuming piece. Those are my favorite. They usually don’t require much, but they make the perfect addition to your home. This plate is one of those projects! Check out this Spring Blossom plate at the Junk Journal

Stiletto Ring Holder

When I saw this finished project on Unique Creations by Anita, I was shocked to see how these shoes started out. I would have never guessed that those shoes could be something so unique. It made me so hopeful because I’m not sure about you, but my big feet hardly ever fit those darling shoes from the thrift store. But this project showed me that they really don’t have to. With a bit of creativity, I can still enjoy the shoes as ring holder!

Suitcase Dresser

This suitcase dresser from a Crafty Mix is just TOO CUTE! I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a unique piece of furniture and I would have never guessed that those weren’t actual suitcases just stacked together. The best part is that she gives a great tutorial, so you can recreate this look at your house

Pistachio Server

Forgive my ignorance. I didn’t even know they made such things, but I love them even more knowing I can make my own with thrifted items! This Repurposed Pistachio Server from Homeroad is not only cute, but practical. It’s a win-win!

Farmhouse Basket

Sometimes it costs a fortune to buy something new that looks old. Fortunately, this Farmhouse Basket by Homeroad is not only creative, but affordable.

Map Suitcase

I kind of have a thing for suitcases…but I also kind of have a thing for maps. So, probably I’m going to have a thing for any project that combines the two like this vintage map suitcase from Pillar Box Blue. She gives a great tutorial, so if you want add some more worldliness to a well traveled suitcase, check out her post.

I hope you enjoyed this collection of thrift shopping finds! With a bit of creativity and thinking outside the trash bin, you can recreate or create something all new for your life. If you have a project you’d like to share please email it to everchangeproductions@gmail.com!

Don’t forget to pin these ideas for later!