Thrifting is more than a budget-friendly way to shop—it’s a doorway into creativity. With just a few secondhand items and a little imagination, you can transform the ordinary into something beautiful, functional, and totally unique. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or simply curious about upcycling, the right project might just be waiting on a shelf at your local thrift store. Here are our top 5 DIY ideas using Thrift Store finds, inspired by some incredible video content, that proves upcycling isn’t just good for the planet, it’s also downright fun!
1. Turn Plain Finds into Home Décor That Suits Your Personality
Thrift stores are full of overlooked gems like vases, trays, and ceramic bowls. While their original colours might not suit your aesthetic, their shape is what really counts. With a little paint and imagination, these everyday objects can become statement pieces in your home.
Here’s how to do it:
- 1. Shape over style: Choose items with bold curves, clean lines, or sculptural elements—even if they’re outdated or chipped.
- 2. Clean thoroughly: Wash with soap and warm water to remove dust, grease, or sticker residue. Let it dry fully before painting.
- 3. Apply a base coat: Use a primer if the surface is slick or glossy. Then apply acrylic or spray paint in your desired colour. Matte white or beige gives a minimalist look; terracotta tones create a Mediterranean feel.
- 4. Add personality: Use painter’s tape to create geometric patterns, or dab with a sponge for texture. Try stencils for intricate designs.
- 5. Seal for durability: Once dry, use a clear sealer to protect the finish and make it wipeable.
Watch Nancy transform a thrifted planter into an Italian-style pot using matte paint and sponge detailing. You don’t need that exact item—any piece with good shape and potential is fair game.
2. Make Mosaic Art from Broken Dishes or DIY Kits!
Don’t toss that chipped plate! Broken doesn’t mean useless. Pieces of old ceramics or tiles can be repurposed into colourful mosaics. Some thrift stores can also carry craft kits or housewares like plates, cups, bowls, vases, or trays, so you might find everything you need in one visit.
Here’s how to do it:
- 1. Break or gather your materials safely: Wrap old plates, tiles, or mugs in a towel and gently tap with a hammer to create small pieces. Always wear gloves and eye protection.
- 2. Plan your design: Arrange your broken pieces on the surface first (a tray, mirror, tabletop, etc.) to map out your pattern or design.
- 3. Glue the pieces: Use tile adhesive, craft glue, or Mod Podge to glue each shard in place. Let it dry completely.
- 4. Grout the surface: Apply grout with a spatula, pressing it into gaps. Wipe away excess with a damp sponge while it’s still wet.
- 5. Finishing touches: Allow the project to cure for 24 hours. Once dry, gently buff the surface to remove haze and reveal your mosaic masterpiece.
Watch Anna as she thrifted a DIY mosaic tile kit and created an eye-catching one-of-a-kind piece.
3. Sew Something New from Secondhand Fabric or Clothing
Secondhand fabric is everywhere, you just have to know where to look. Oversized shirts, curtains, pillowcases, or sheets are full of potential to become gorgeous DIY projects with minimal sewing skills required. You can turn thrifted fabric into stylish accessories, home décor, or wearable pieces—no need to be an expert.
Here’s how to do it:
- 1. Find large, usable fabric: Look for vintage sheets, men’s dress shirts, or curtain panels with fun prints or textures.
- 2. Choose your project: Try a simple tote bag, scrunchie, or pillow cover—perfect beginner projects that use straight stitches or fabric glue.
- 3. Cut and prep: Wash your fabric first. For a tote, cut two equal-sized rectangles. For a scrunchie, cut a long strip (about 4” x 18”).
- 4. Sew or glue: For a tote, stitch or glue around three edges then add straps from ribbon or leftover material. For a scrunchie, sew or glue into a tube, insert elastic, and close.
- 5. Add finishing touches: Embellish with embroidery, patches, or fabric paint for a custom feel.
For Earth Day, watch Kayla make a beautiful piece using only thrifted dress shirts and scrap fabric to create a fashionable and entirely upcycled project.
4. Upcycle Outdoor Décor with Thrifted Teacups and Plant Pots
Want to bring character to your patio, garden, balcony, or windowsill? Head to the kitchenware aisle for teacups, mugs, and bowls! These ordinary pieces can be transformed into quirky planters, bird feeders, or rustic garden décor.
Our community creators have used thrifted finds to make bird feeders, plant holders, and garden markers—all personalized, affordable, and earth-friendly.
Here’s how to do it:
- 1. Make a teacup bird feeder: Choose a matching cup and saucer, glue them together (upright or on a tilt), and attach string or chain to hang from a tree. Fill with birdseed.
- 2. Try a twine-wrapped planter: Pick a plain pot or container and use hot glue to wrap jute twine tightly around the outside.
- 3. Paint for personality: Add patterns, quotes, or plant names using outdoor-safe paint pens or acrylic paint sealed with a clear coat.
- 4. Create a cluster: Mix and match different pots or mugs for a fun, mismatched look on your patio or porch.
- 5. Keep it practical: Make sure all planters have drainage holes (you can often add these carefully with a drill).
Watch Nancy as she turned a floral teacup and saucer into a bird feeder in under 15 minutes proving even delicate items can find new life outdoors. She also upcycled a planter pot using craft supplies she thrifted to suit her aesthetic.
5. Create a Vision Board with a Thrifted Frame
Whether you’re goal setting, manifesting, or just want to surround yourself with inspiration, a thrifted picture frame or corkboard can become the perfect backdrop for your vision board. You can even find fun décor paper, cards, stickers, or other stationary items at our stores to add to your vision board.
One DIYer used a simple picture frame and string to build a rotating board of affirmations, goals, and visual inspiration. It’s meaningful, beautiful—and made entirely from thrifted goods.
Here’s how to do it:
- 1. Find your base: Look for a large picture frame or corkboard in the home section. Size doesn’t matter, just find one that speaks to you.
- 2. Add a background: Use fabric, scrapbook paper, or painted cardboard to create a backdrop.
- 3. String it up: Attach twine or string across the frame with staples, thumbtacks, or tape to hang clippings.
- 4. Pin your pieces: Add affirmations, photos, magazine cutouts, or quotes using clothespins or paper clips.
- 5. Update regularly: Refresh your board each season or whenever your goals shift.
Watch Vanessa build a vision board with nothing but a $2 frame, some yarn, and magazine cutouts. It’s simple, meaningful, and entirely thrifted.
Small Finds but Big Possibilities
These top creative DIY projects show just how much potential hides on thrift store shelves. With a bit of creativity and a few tools, secondhand items can be reborn into something beautiful, functional, and uniquely yours.
Each DIY not only saves you money—it keeps waste out of landfills and supports sustainable living. Whether you’re crafting for fun, function, or personal growth, there’s always something new to discover at your local thrift store.
Ready to Start Your Next DIY Adventure?
Visit our store locator to find a Salvation Army Thrift Store near you. Explore thriftspiration and stay on top of the latest fashion trends.
Let your creativity guide you and happy thrifting!
Looking for thrifting inspo?
We’ve got great thriftspiration, including seasonal style ideas, different ways to wear the same item, and home decor trends.
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