This is a simple project. One I’d been planning to do for some time, but just didn’t get around to it. Do you have those projects? I’m sure you do. You know, the ones that take no time to actually complete? The ones that you keep putting off? The ones that are so rewarding once you finally just go for it? This was one of those projects!

I picked up these plain white teacups at a local thrift store for under $1 a piece. I knew I wanted to embellish them with some doodles. Originally I’d purchased them to use as vessels for making candles. Since, I am not making candles anytime soon, I decided to use them for a couple small succulents who needed some cozy containers to live in. Perfect!

MATERIALS

Old teacups, bowls, mugs or any vessel in need of a facelift
Paint pens in various colors*
Small succulents
Potting soil
Small rocks or pebbles

*I used Craft Smart paint pens. These are acrylic, non-toxic and water resistant. Ideal for wood, plastic, metal and glass. Purchased at Michael’s.

INSTRUCTIONS

- Wash and dry your vessels.

- Follow directions for paint pen. I had to shake, shake, shake it. Test on a scrap of paper.

- Start doodling! I drew on the teacups without a plan. You can sketch out ideas if you’d like or use a stencil if you aren’t feeling up to freehand. I made mistakes, but that’s ok. Don’t be afraid! Mistakes are beautiful. A lesson I’m learning…

- Let the designs dry. I waited an hour before planting. This was really difficult!

- Place some rocks or pebbles in the bottom of your vessel, and top rocks with a bit of soil in before centering your succulent.

- Hold the succulent in place while packing in soil all around it. Water well, add more soil if needed.

- Now, place you lovely custom planter in a sunny spot and enjoy!

I’m kind of addicted to this project. It’s so simple. What a lovely housewarming gift, no? Can’t wait to make lots more of these! I also plan to doodle on other dishes. It’s so much fun.

Have you tried this? I’d love to see your creations. Send me a link!

Generally, empty toilet paper rolls end up strewn in pieces all over our living room rug after Bonsai (our dog) gets ahold of them. I managed to salvage one for my first challenge for Project Restyle. I decided to make something I could hang by the window. After few snips and hole punches finished off with a simple string it was ready to hang! I love how it turned out. Now, I’m tempted to make lots of them to hang in a cluster. Could be really lovely and fun. We’ll see if I can snatch them up before the dog gets them!

More information on Project Restyle.

I’m currently loving Half Pint Salvage’s lovely upcycled/recycled creations made from salvaged materials. I simply adore the weathered, yet fresh feel of these pieces. I’m so tempted to order one, but I cannot choose a favorite! Head over to HalfPintSalvage.etsy.com to take  a peak at the shop!

How bizarre are these fantastic creations!? Reclaim2Fame specializes in utilizing at least 80% recycled materials to create these wonderful sculptures. Check this shop out. If nothing else, you will be pleasantly amused by the creativity you’ll see. My favorite is LITTLE ONES 24 – FEED ME. I love it!

Never underestimate your trash and discarded materials, just start playing and piecing… who knows what you can create!

Whenever I see old tires on the freeway or anywhere for that matter, I always have this urge to bring them home and revive them into something new… I haven’t done it yet, but these folks have. How cool are these handmade items? Click on the photo if you want more info. All items can be purchased on Etsy. I particularly like the bike chain bracelet from TheInnerWorks. Very cool.

Yesterday, our local thrift shop had a 50% off sale on EVERYTHING. I snagged this pot for about 80 cents. I have a fondness for these colored pots. Currently, I’m using one as a hanging planter seen here. Typically, you’ll find them in bad condition for cooking, but they make wonderful holders and containers for other things! And, I don’t mind the “worn” look at all. It adds a bit of character.

Here, I’ve taken an item otherwise destined for doom and repurposed it into a lovely fruit bowl for our kitchen. Simply remove the handle, and give it a good scrub in hot soapy water. Rocket science? No. Instant cheer added to kitchen? Yes! Who says you can’t buy anything for a buck these days?

Tune in tomorrow for Where We Live Wednesday!

Welcome to the first of many Make It Mondays! Mondays will showcase items I have made be it crafts, art, home decor items, clothing or even food (if it can’t wait until Friday!) Sometimes, handmade items and ideas from other fabulous makers will be featured. Today, I’m sharing a quick 5 Minute Ring.

Tonight, I wanted something simple. After a hectic day full of work, appointments, MAJOR thrifting and a late dinner, I didn’t want to think too hard. I managed to knock out this spunky little number in about five minutes. It took longer to pull the materials together than to actually make the ring! I have been dying to transform these old clip ons into something more wearable for my tastes.

The Project: 5 Minute Ring

The Materials:

- Any clip on earrings you adore, but don’t want to hang from your lobes
- Button Shank Remover, jewelry making pliers
- 2 headpins

The How-To:

1. Remove the “clip on” portion of the earring. Mine was quite simple. The button shank remover easily cut through three tiny metal tabs which held the “clip on” portion to the beading.
2. Slide one headpin through one hole on the right outer edge. Slide a second headpin directly across from the first on the left outer edge.
3. Now begin to twist the headpins together creating the ring shape, but remember to measure your finger early on so it doesn’t end up too small. Be sure to tuck the ends away from the inside so they don’t scratch or dig.
4. Now you’re done! See how easy that was?

You could certainly use a real ring base. I did not have one on hand, but this was a perfect solution. I can always go back and replace it later if necessary.

The possibilities are endless. Get started!

***Check back tomorrow for Trashy Tuesday!

A while back Dustin bought me this lovely hanging plant. I didn’t realize in the hurry to hang it in it’s new home that there was nothing to catch the water. That is, until I watered it the first time and it came pouring out of the bottom! It was a pretty funny moment, trying desperately to catch all the water with cupped hands.

Since then I’ve wanted to find a cute container so I could hang it up again. I never see anything I like, nor do I want to spend any money! Today, I came across this small vintage pot that I’ve been wanting to convert into a planter anyway. It was a whopping $1.91 at my local thrift shop, and the wooden handle simply unscrews. This little plant fit perfectly in the vintage pot! Next, how do I hang it?

A couple days ago I came across Megan’s new book Generation T: Beyond Fashion, and there was a project like this. I have no idea how it was made according to her idea, but I decided to try something similar! I am really pleased with how it turned out. And, I love the little extra bits hanging around the top, it makes me happy.

Hope you enjoy the photos. I guess I went a little crazy! If you want to see more, click here.

I love this shirt refashion! It’s taken me about a year to photograph this and share it… Slacker. I know. Well, I am sharing now, right?! Right. So, both of these shirts were from The Salvation Army in Honolulu (when we lived there). I loved this red t-shirt simply for the geta sandals (close-up image below) on the front! However, it was a little snug for my taste. I believe I saw this project in one of my t-shirt project books, Tease, I believe it was. Well, it’s simple, obviously. Slice up the middle, add in the buttons and collar from another thrifted shirt and…Voila! New fun super comfy shirt! I especially like the rough, unfinished edges that I left on the white shirt, and the red thread is also pretty fun. I love collared shirts, but this one has the yummy comfiness of a t-shirt! Can it get any better? Oh yeah, and my husband has requested one!! Can’t wait to make his and share that too!

The past couple of weeks my favorite thrift store has been very good to me. Take a look at some of the steals we snagged. Some of these we will be revamping, just not sure how yet. Any ideas? 

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?