Oh, how I love thrifting and the thrill of finding old items to use as part of crafting projects. The creativity it unlocks and knowing it’s one less thing that’ll end up at the dump.
It’s also something that aligns well with my quest to de-clutter and keep things modern. I figure “Hey if we’re in here doing an update – why don’t we get rid of stuff and decorate while at it!”.
First, a Quick Story
I’ve been spending a lot of time with my grandma recently. She’s still lively but her age is obviously setting in. She hit that “grandma moment” where she’s getting sick-and-tired of all the stuff. So, she’s been pawning it off to the rest of the family or just wants it gone.
Nowadays she’s into a few things:
· Kicking back in her adjustable recliner lift chair and watching her “programs”
· Knitting and crocheting just about every pattern she has in her books
· Working on decorating and upcycling projects to keep herself busy
Her place is becoming something else – it’s not really that picture you get when you think ‘70-year-old grandma.’ She and I have upcycled a lot of the non-antique items. The place is colorful and practical. There’s less stuff so the changes we made are quite an eye-catcher.
Clever Upcycle Projects You Should Totally Do
It got me thinking: Why not keep the money “in the family” by doing these upcycle and deco projects?
Every family does hand-me-downs, but some don’t want old stuff because it looks “too old.” A few, modern changes will have it looking modern and the family is saving money (as a whole).
Which brings me to these upcycle ideas:
· Cabling Deco. Got a few landlines or ethernet cables running along the trim? Bring it up onto the wall and use it to create unique decorations.
· A Touch of Paint. Deep reds, yellows, and purples turn those old, brown pieces new! You could try milk or chalkboard paint to give it some extra flair.
· Ol’ Timey Coverups. Use old photos, maps, or news clippings to cover a piece of furniture, like a vanity or coffee table. It’ll mask the imperfections while creating a “timepiece” without having to resort to sheets of plastic like grandma
· Offset and Re-Trimmed. Transform old photos and displays by giving the frames a fresh coat of paint, stain, or glaze, then off-set how they’replaced on the wall. You could also get some perspex cut to size to give the frame a new look!
· Wheelies. Pull out the drawers of an upcycled vanity and attach wheels for a fun dining cart.
· Log, Log, Log. Take logs or log slices, stain ‘em or leave them rough cut, and add legs to use as tables or chairs (indoor or outdoor).
Hop on over to Pinterest and look at “Upcycled Projects” for even more inspiration!
These projects really lend to keeping the place nice and neat. It’ll have you finding new purposes for old stuff rather than bringing on more things you (probably) don’t need. It’ll give you an excuse to do that dreaded big clean while shifting things around. Double win!
The Therapeutic Element of Turning Old into New Again
It’s all-around fun being able to take a piece of furniture, that’s been with your family, and give it a fresh facelift. The memories are still attached to the piece – now it’s looking a little, less drab. Plus, you get to flex your creative side which is great for family bonding and when you’ve got that “itch” to DIY.
A trip to Goodwill or a local charity, donating what you’ve de-cluttered, is great for giving back to the community (and taxes). And, you may find something neat to upcycle while there!
It creates a home that’s in perpetual change – the old becomes new.
I say give it a try.
Do it at your home or take a trip to over to Nana’s. See if they’d like to work on a fun project. Bring their style into the 21st century. It’ll be fun!
