Another thrift find that made it into the gallery wall…..

My Thrift Strategy……..

One regular thing I keep my eyes peeled for on my trips to the thrift store are picture frames, or any kind of framed art.  If I like the frame or the mat, I consider it.  If the frame looks like it would be friendly to a paint job, I consider it.

Then, the price.  That has to be cheap.  For me, it has to be really cheap.  I walk past some great stuff at some really great prices sometimes.  I seriously walk in most times with a couple bucks.  If nothing hits me for that, I go home no worse for the wear.  It’s always fun to look.  I don’t always have to get something!

The one above was actually $1.71, and it was marked in a color that was on sale 30% off that day.  There’s another tip.  Check the daily specials.  Something is always on sale at the thrift store.  And, they have clearance stuff too!  Who knew.

Now, for the makeover…..This little find was in a distressed frame….shabby chic!  I like distressed white things.

The print was fun.  It was colorful, with flowers and butterflies…….a bit too girly for my house (BOY ZONE).  However, the back was framed professionally or commercially however you want to look at it.  So, I did a little frame surgery and it turned out not nearly as difficult as I thought it might be. 

It looked very much like this frame above on the back. So I broke out the needle nose pliers and pried off the hanging thing.  I didn’t remove the staples, just bent them back.  Once that was done, I carefully cut out the brown paper backing and took it apart patiently being careful not to rip anything.

Then I printed off this cool J.  Popped it in.  Cleaned the glass really well making sure no stuff got in it from taking everything apart.  Put the original backing on.  Bent the staples back over.  And, done!  I left the matte in place, because I liked the color.

Have you given a new purpose to anything laying around your house lately?  Or maybe a cool thrift find………..I always love to hear your stories.  Share anytime!

Happy Monday or is it Tuesday?!?

Don’t forget one of my favorite places……Simple Design.

They share great thrift finds every Monday!

Someone’s castoff became my Upcycle on a recent trip to Georgia to visit family this spring.

Botanicals.  I’m seeing them all over.  And, I love them.

Clean.  Nature-y and Classic.  Plus, educational art for the kiddos…..they usually have latin on them and stuff.

My House

Ballard Designs is all about them.

A great aqua botanical print….from an Etsy shop

Martha

Martha again

I think between the combination of my love of plants and all things green is where I find myself drawn toward Botanicals.  What about you?

Don’t forget to check out all the Thrift Hauls at Simple Design.