- Trash to Treasure Thrift Store Transformations
We joined some other bloggers to share some trash to treasure thrift store transformations.
We don’t mind that it’s chippy, old, faded, rusty, or worn, We love the story behind it, the history within it, and the patina on it. – Unkonwn
Welcome to the “Thrift Store Throwdown” Challenge where we joined some fellow Junkin bloggers to take some thrift store “junk” and turn it into treasure!
My blogging friend Ashley from 3 Little Greenwoods sent me a wonderful thrift store package (pictured above).
The cigar box I will probably use for storage but I may add something to it at a later date, and the crate will be a future project….stay tuned!
Today, I wanted to focus on the trifold screen and the plaque.
The trifold screen was something I knew would be a fun piece to work with and the plaque I thought was something most people would just walk on by.
My Thrift Store Transformation Projects
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First up, the screen~
The finish on it was already rough so I didn’t need to sand it.
I decided to spray paint it with CHALKBOARD PAINT……EASY PEASY in just a few coats. I even spray painted the hinges cause I am lazy like that. #mommaaintgottimeforthat
(Lightly spray a coat at a time, letting each coat dry before you add another. Use as many coasts needed until the surface is covered.)
Next, I added some MINI DECORATIVE CLOTHES PINS by hot-gluing them to the board (after it was fully dry-which didn’t take long in my case).
With a CHALKBOARD MARKER, I added the “Family Memories” lettering.
Finally, I attached some photos and memorabilia.
The thrift store cost of the screen was $4.04. I already had all the materials used to create this so the transformation didn’t cost anything.
THRIFT STORE PLAQUE PROJECT
I wanted to remove the metal saying as I thought it wouldn’t be easy to paint the two different materials.
This was actually a lot simpler than I had thought it would be. It actually peeled right off.
If you have one that won’t peel off, lay it out in the sun. After it has warmed up, take a putty knife, and try to slowly remove it.
If needed, sand any residual glue off.
I then painted the plaque with WHITE CHALK PAINT. This had about 4 coats on it, letting it dry between each coat.
I then stenciled the NO. 4 using BLACK CRAFT PAINT.
Finally, I distressed, using sandpaper, to give it a farmhouse look.
The plaque, at the thrift store, was a whopping 88 cents! You can’t even buy a piece of wood at the craft store for that. To purchase a naked wood plaque with Amazon is $6.41.
Again, I had the rest of the supplies for this project cause I love to use what I have, when possible!
OFTEN OVERLOOKED ITEMS AT THE THRIFT STORE
BLOGGING FRIENDS THRIFT STORE TRANSFORMATION POSTS
Thrift Store Transformations
We joined several bloggers in a thrift store transformation party. You will love seeing these discarded items come to life.
What a great reuse on this project!
Simple and elegant and perfect for spring.
This is such a fabulous transformation!
We love a cool trash to treasure piece.
Thrift Store Throwdown: Challenge Accepted! | White Cottage Home & Living
Thrifted farmhouse home decor pieces.
This is such a vibrant art piece now.
I love the transformation of this table.
Thrift store find becomes a fun teacher's gift.
MORE DIY POSTS
Here are a few more posts we think you will enjoy:
- Farmhouse Thrift Store Tray Makeover
- A Thrifted Picnic Basket Makeover
- Thrifted Upcycled Cupcake Stand
Thanks for stopping by today. Our goal is to help make the most with whatever you have by sharing budget-friendly, time-saving, and reusing/DIY ideas for all parts of your home. If you enjoyed these thrift store transformations, we would appreciate a share on any social media: Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Plus, don’t forget to follow us as we share even more ideas on each account.
Love that you peeled the front of the plaque off to make it a clean slate. I will be keeping an eye out for similar things when out thrifting because you spot on when you think of the cost of wood! Great idea!
Carol, It’s such a cheap find. Most people don’t want them anymore.
Oh wow! 88 cents—and look how stylish it is now. I’m adding little plaques to my list of things to look for when I’m out treasure hunting. Thank you for the great idea–and thanks again for organizing the Thriftstore Throwdown. I had a lot of fun. Have a great week! ~ Courtney
Courtney, I know..88 cents!! What a bargain!
Those are such great transformations! I really love the chalkboard screen. It would even be super cute to use as a backdrop for a party table!
Randi, Oh yes, that would be great. I still have the back I can do something with too 🙂
Great transformations. I love the No. 4 sign. Very creative.
I love that it’s so cheap and a great way to reuse it so it doesn’t end up thrown away 🙂
Great updates! I am going to be on the lookout for little plaques like that now, such an easy (and cheap) upcycle!
Stephanie, Right? So cheap!!!!
Wonderful transformations! The chalkboard screen might be cute used at Christmas to display cards.
Paula, that is a great idea!!!!!!!!!
What a great transformation! The chalkboard screen is amazing!
Rachel Teodoro recently posted…Embroidery Hoop Chandelier {What I Made in My Thrift Store Challenge}
Rachel, I love simple and chalkboard so it seemed like a good fit 🙂
Deborah,
I think you rocked them both! Love the “chalk board!” and how awesome is it that you had everything else that you needed! Great work!
Jeannee
Jeannee, Yeah I tend to keep a bunch of stuff on hand (maybe too much). 🙂
The chalkboard screen is simply darling! Could be used for recipes too! And I agree with you on the wood plaque…can’t buy wood for that price! Great upcycles! Fun Fun Fun!
Thanks Sue! I always tend to the simple projects. I love that idea for recipes!
Great use for the screen. It was so odd before now it’s perfect and has so many uses. I like the idea above of using it for recipes or Christmas card. And the plaque came out pretty cute too!
Jenny Kavanagh recently posted…DIY Decorative Concrete Sign Art
Thanks Jenny, Since I can change the chalkboard wording I can use it for so many things. Thanks for stopping by!
Deborah, I saw ‘found’ your site and this GREAT idea on Instagram! I would LOVE to join (if you do again) and/or also host one myself (sharing your site for the great idea, of course). Love the ideas everyone came up with and agree, I’d have a hard time returning them… hee hee
Laura, It really was a great time. Keep on the look out to see if we do it again. There are several groups out there that do them. I just started my own and got a group almost instantly. Oh, and we don’t return the items after the transformation.
I love the square sign!!!
Kirstin recently posted…Recipe: Blueberry Zuchinni Bread
Kirstin, Thanks my friend!!
I’m guilty of always walking past these plaques. That silliness stops right now!!! Love what you did with it Deborah. And the screen re-purpose is pretty awesome too
Michelle recently posted…Comment on Upcycled Ammo Box into a Kitchen Cupboard – DIY by acraftymix
Michelle, Thanks so much. These plaques are always so cheap (or free). Hopefully you will find one you can play with. I think I want to do a decoupage next.