09 Dec DIY | Upcycle your thrift shop goodies!
Thrift shop upcycling
Last month has been filled with exciting projects and you know what? a very big dream of mine has been fulfilled: I had the amazing opportunity to lead a DIY workshop, thanks to Orla Collective – a wonderful community project in Luxembourg, realised by Linda and David. (I told you once before. Go check it if you don’t know it yet) I still can’t believe this happened to me, hrhrhr… The DIY workshop was about Christmas – about how to make Christmas mindful and meaningful + about how you can easily upcycle your thrift shop goodies. So, in order to share some of my ideas for making sustainable gifts I knew the thrift shop would be a good start to prepare the workshop.
Thrift shop hunting
I never know in advance what I’m looking for at the thrift shop. I’m just curious and I love surprises. There are always beautiful little treasures hidden somewhere. Keep your eyes open and you’ll find them.
For instance these little beauties here, some simple white porcelain objects:
You think this is boring? Okay, then stop reading!
HA! Curious anyway? Well, that’s good. That’s really good. Just follow your curiosity: it will lead you to creativity annnnnnd to the following DIY-tutorial:
Let’s do some upcycling!
What you need for this DIY:
- your thrift shop findings
- tape + scissors
- porcelain pen or paint,
- brush
- YOUR WILD IMAGINATION
You can do some research (for pattern) before you start painting with the porcelain paint. Pinterest is my favorite tool for creating some moodboards.
When painting stripes, use some tape to cover those parts of your design you don’t want to paint. Make sure to peel off the tape as soon as your last stripe is painted. In that case you can easily clean smudged edges of your design with a cotton swab.
For a cool sophisticated + modern look I recommend to choose a very simplistic design. (which is also easier to paint…höhöhö)
Remember:
After 3 days, the paint will be dry and it will even be dishwasher safe. You don’t need to put your porcelain objects into the oven. (But make sure to read your porcelain paint description for more information about the painting process)
And there you have it. Your own customized thrift shop findings! Wouldn’t this be a unique personalized christmas gift for someone special – a tea lover for instance (or a coffee lover)?
Hope I could inspire you to make your own mindful, hand-made christmas gifts this year. Of course, it takes a little longer than making some random orders on your computer. However, I really encourage you to try it out and you will hopefully make the wonderful experience about how peaceful and relaxing crafting can be.
There are more DIY-tutorials waiting for you. VERY SOON! So stay tuned.
(oh and before I forget. There will be some free special goodies for you.. it’s Christmas time… HO HO HO..)
xxx Lynn