Why should you treasure hunt for second hand?

Thrifting is great because:

1. it’s eco-friendly #1 — saving items from the landfill
2. it’s eco-friendly #2 — reducing how much is made in the first place
3. it’s budget-friendly
4. unique decor vs. mass-produced
5. I love creating
6. I love clear and creative ideas

Yes! These rather gaudy, dated Christmas village houses can be made over into beautiful sleek modern decor. 

I chose the go with glossy white houses, adding some metallic green to wreaths, garlands and trees and then piling on some glittery snow.

But these same house can become more whimsical and charming.

If you are into the gingerbread craze, Jen with Midwest Life and Style used similar thrifted houses to create these incredibly charming gingerbread houses.

Remember these? String ornaments from the 50’s and 60’s. 

I’ve passed by so many of these over the years, but when we were cleaning out my sweet mother-in-law’s house, I came across a whole load of these that I don’t remember ever seeing her use — I think they predated my entry into the family.

They were in pristine condition and I knew I could do something fun with them.

I just didn’t realize how simple it would be! Literally a bit of leftover chalk paint and 20 minutes later, I had ten upcycled Christmas ornaments. 

Loved them so much I went back and did many more.

What a beautiful way to remember such a lovely lady. We even refer to them as Mago’s ornaments (her grandmother name).

Nativity Sets come in all shapes, sizes and colors!!!

Some are so beautiful, and then . . . well, you know!

The old sets, or partial sets are typically readily available at most thrift stores and often at estate sales.

But look at what a little spray paint followed by a wash of basic crafting acrylic paint can do! Amazing transformation, right?

I bet you’ve seen wreaths made with vintage sheet music for years now. 

But my friend Michele [Vintage Home Designs] used sheet music in her gift wrapping. Plus she used sheet music in her Christmas table displays.

Embellishment under a clear salad plate, and as a placemat!

HINT: I’ll be making a garland with sheet music (probably in July) so have some vintage sheet music on hand to join me.

Old light fixtures can be found everywhere — even on a neighborhood curb ????!

I picked up this pair, planning to repaint and add some gold detailing.

But once I paired then with reclaimed wood for lamp posts, I loved them in their current aged, faded shape.

TIP: Add battery operated puck lights for a great way to add light where you have no power. So easy and so budget-friendly!

A quick break in the action: Do you love Christmas, all the decorations and family traditions? How about your Christmas stockings, could your way of hanging the use a refresh? How about styling them? How about a larger Christmas stocking display? Don’t worry — I’m sharing all my secrets to make it fast, easy and cheap!!! Just sign up for my guide:

Thanks! I Look Forward to Making Christmas Memories

Now back to our thrifting list:

My upcycling bestie, Cindy [Reinvented Delaware]  made a very simple tree for her front porch using an old tomato cage as her frame, clippings from her yard and fabric left from another project.

I loved her process of having the fragment of an idea, a rough vision and then making it happen. 

Cindy walks us through it in this YouTube video, and also in this tomato cage tree blog post

How’s this for a touch of holiday magic?!!!

Sometimes simplicity is the best!

Yes, it’s another of Cindy’s holiday upcycle ideas. So simple, she hasn’t even done a post about these doors, but they are featured in this post along with several other fun ideas.

Excuse this quick pause: Are you enjoying these ideas? Please consider joining this creativre community by subscribing here:

Thanks bunches! Now back to your Thrifting Look For List–

Great for making stars, snowflakes, signs, Christmas houses, Christmas trees and more. 

I made this sign from some reclaimed wood that someone else was throwing out.

These churches and charming houses from amazing Do Dodson [Do Dodson Designs] remain favorites of mine!!!

How about these trees created by Michele of Vintage Home Designs. Yes Michele’s vision knows no boundaries. From sheet music to ironstone to silver!

Both are awesome examples of creating Christmas decor with things you already own or collect.

Similar concept, but this time Cindy [County Road 407] made a wreath with her collection of platters and trays. You could do this with transferware saucers and dessert plates too.

I hope this post has inspired you! I hope when you stop at an Estate sale or drop into a thrift store you give interesting things a second look. You try to imagine it in a new light.

Don’t hesitate to share something I overlooked. It’s so much fun to support and encourage each other. If you see something and want another set of ideas, send me a picture, maybe together we can come up with a fresh idea that fits your family and your home.