Last year, I upcycled a coffee mug tree into a tabletop Christmas tree. At the time, I had set aside the remaining “arms” or wood spindles for another project. Well, I’m happy to say that I’m FINALLY upcycling those coffee mug tree arms now. And I’m turning them into wooden spindle ornaments !Read more ›
Vintage Picnic Basket as Storage for Christmas Magazines
December 28, 2017 · By · 26 Comments
This, my friends, is what I like to call a “Post-Christmas Christmas Project”, if that makes any sense. It all started with this vintage picnic basket that I found on a thrift store shelf. I thought it had the cutest shape (like a small suitcase) and I chuckled over how dainty it seemed- compared to normal picnic baskets. It was, in fact, not much larger than a magazine (length- and width-wise, not depth-wise). And that’s when I decided it would be PERFECT for my endless collection of Christmas magazines.
Chamberstick as a Christmas Candy Dish
December 17, 2017 · By · 51 Comments
Truth be told, I didn’t know the word “chamberstick” before this project and blog post came about. You see, I stumbled up one, and then another chamberstick in the span of a single weekend- at two different thrift stores. I purchased them both thinking that I would figure out a project for these “old time-y candlesticks with handles” (which is what I Googled). Read more ›
Exotic Christmas Ornaments from Florentine Coasters
December 14, 2017 · By · 13 Comments
Vintage Florentine pieces are pretty common at antiques shops- you know what I’m talking about, right? The gold painted pieces like trays, jewelry boxes, etc.? Well, for years I’ve admired Florentine coasters and always secretly thought about turning them into Christmas ornaments. I just couldn’t bear the thought of purchasing a perfectly good, full-priced set and doing that. Read more ›
Nordic Christmas Tree from a Coffee Cup Tree
December 8, 2017 · By · 29 Comments
There I was at the Goodwill Outlet (aka, “The Bins”), staring at a coffee cup tree. It was on top of the pile, likely tossed there by someone who scoffed at its missing arm. But me? I grabbed it…broken treasures are my favorite finds. And this coffee mug holder for a Christmas project. My plan? To transform it into a Nordic Christmas tree for a fun, minimalist change of pace.Read more ›
Plaid Wreath with a Clothespin Bag
November 30, 2017 · By · 31 Comments
A few months back, I found a clothespin bag at a local thrift store. I definitely didn’t NEED it but I couldn’t exactly pass it up, either. Right away, I had this vision of a unique Christmas wreath for my front door. Read more ›
Mason Jar Lid Ornaments with Vintage Christmas Wrapping Paper
November 26, 2017 · By · 28 Comments
A few years ago, I made these DIY Wreath Ornaments using the bands from canning jars after I bought a set of mason jars to use as drinking glasses. I had no intention of making another kind of mason jar lid ornaments, but then thrifting fate intervened. Earlier this year, I came across a bag of canning jar lids, in various sizes, colors, and brands, and I couldn’t bear to leave it behind. Read more ›
Upcycled Christmas Wreath Ideas
November 12, 2017 · By · 20 Comments
Last year, I put together a collection of repurposed and upcycled DIY Christmas ornaments– because who doesn’t love creating fun and unusual ornaments for their tree? Well, I feel the same way about Christmas wreath ideas…incorporating vintage or whimsical elements to give your door festive character! And while DIY wreaths are fun no matter what time of year, I just have a special soft spot in my heart for the winter holiday kind.Read more ›
Displaying Vintage Christmas Postcards in a Rotating Photo Frame
December 22, 2016 · By · 30 Comments
Back in January of this year, I was thrifting at my local Habitat ReStore and spotted a rotating photo frame that was in excellent condition. I put the frame in my cart and filed away this Christmas idea for a later time…and finally, FINALLY, that time is now. I would use it to display some of my vintage Christmas postcards!Read more ›
Repurposed Ornaments and Christmas Ornament Crafts
December 18, 2016 · By · 25 Comments
As a December 26th baby, I feel a special connection to Christmas- even if a birthday at this time of year is pretty underwhelming. Coupled with my love of repurposing and upcycling, it should come as no surprise to anyone that combining the two (upcycling and Christmas) is something I look forward to each year. And while I haven’t done that many of them, repurposed ornaments using upcycled materials are an exceptional favorite holiday craft.Read more ›
