Yesterday, we made our way to a local Salvation Army to drop off a load of items for donation. It was so amazing how much we stuffed into our little ‘72 Super Beetle that even one of neighbors who say the pile of junk before we loaded it up said, “You guys fit all of that stuff in there?!”

I had high hopes of finding something wonderful between the Salvation Army and the nearby Goodwill store, but it was such a let down. We’ll have to check out some other areas of town before we find our gold mine.

I did score this nice lampshade in spectacular condition for a whopping $4.50, so it wasn’t a total bust. I think it replaces our ratty old ORGEL shades from Ikea nicely! Those shades that have lasted us through five moves over the last five years. What do you think?

Now, I just need to score another nice lampshade for our second ORGEL lamp and I’ll be a happy lady.

I’m also not sure where I’ll place this “new” lamp yet. I have been moving it around our new place hoping it will speak to me when it’s found it’s home. It hasn’t spoken yet.

This was really fun to make and so easy! I’m already making plans for more, especially since I have a few thrifted jars just dying to become terrariums. I am, however, having a hard time finding succulents small enough to fit into the smaller mouthed jars I have. Where do you get your succulents from? We may go to a nursery this weekend to check out their stash.

If you want to make a terrarium, check out this episode of Decor It Yourself.

Chair on the left is the new addition. Only $7! And surprisingly comfortable!
*side note: Dustin snagged chair on right for $4 back in August. 
Oh, and the ashtray was $6 purchased a few months back.
 

I love this piece. It needs some TLC but I’m loving the look of this old nightstand.
I already replaced the bent up drawer pull with one I had lying around from IKEA.
Not sure if I want to paint it white or maybe try to clean up the existing finish.

Bonsai liked it too!!

We’ve been needing a file cabinet for quite some time.
When we came across this one, we knew it was the one… and for $7.50!
Who could resist?
 

Dustin spotted this piece, and I fell in love with this old kitchen cart
complete with a dish towel bar in the back.
Downside, you can’t tell from the photo,but the DIY spray paint job is horrendous.
Again, do I paint it white, maybe red or even a retro 50’s teal? Thoughts?
This piece we “splurged” on a bit. Can’t recall the exact price, but it was about $20.
 

This lamp I loved when I saw it, with the exception of the gold base
which I may end up doing something about.
Any thoughts? Suggestions on dealing with the gold metal base? 
It also came without a shade… well, we chose to take it without the shade. 
For now, an IKEA shade that I had lying around will suffice. How much? $11. 

What’s on my mind now? How can I get paid to shop at thrift stores for the rest of my life? I just adore it. What’s your view on thrifting? Love it or hate it?
 

Saw this online tool for finding your Ikea style on How About Orange. I had to try it. I love me some time-wasters. ha! According to this quiz, I am Modern Balanced: 40% Modern, 40% Scandinavian and 20% Country. The Modern and Scandinavian is definitely accurate for me, however I was a little thrown off at first glance with the “country” part. I probably would not have categorized myself as that, but when I stopped to think about it I realized I do have a large collection of vintage glass bottles, I adore drinking from thrifted canning jars, I have always wanted to live on a small farm and despite vowing to never put a rooster in my kitchen I do have one small all white ceramic rooster that I do love. 

Try this out and be sure to link to share your results in the comments or post on your blog! 

I just love IKEA fabrics. And, I REALLY love browsing their AS-IS section. A few weeks ago, I picked up 5 Dining Chair covers in this great black and white fabric. Not sure what I would use them for, but I couldn’t resist at .99 cents a piece! 

Well, my cousin had a housewarming party this weekend and I thought it the PERFECT time to use one! So, for about $2 total this 14″ throw pillow was born. Hope to have photos for you soon of her place! Trust me, you’ll want to see it!

Pillow photographed on our “new” orange thrifted $10 chair. Wait til you see the pieces we got! What a steal!

Five paperweights I made using rounded glass chips and bits of magazine, book and dictionary pages. Love how these turned out. Inspired by Big Ass Book of Crafts. Page 219. 

Handheld mirror with a young Frank Sinatra image on the back. Inspired by Big Ass Book of Crafts. Page 230.

Revamped Ikea votive holders. Four holders turn into two sweet little votive holders. Inspired by Big Ass Book of Crafts. Page 207. 

Revamped Ikea votive holders. Four single holders turned into one taller classy votive holder. Inspired by Big Ass Book of Crafts. Page 207.

Can’t wait to see what the next book will be! It’s nice to have a reason to do projects I might not normally have done. Thanks for the inspiration Crafty Daisies!