thrift store find – Dust Bunnies and Dog Toys

Today I’m sharing a simple upcycle project that took over a year to get just right. It started when I spotted this decorative finial at the thrift store the winter before last. It was only a couple bucks and super heavy. I’d seen similar shaped pieces sell for much more like this one and thought I could create a knock off version with this piece. Here’s the quick before picture I remembered to snap just before the makeover began.

I used some grey spray paint I had on hand to give it a new look. It was definitely an improvement, but I thought it still needed more texture. I put it out on the deck to see if any ideas came to mind, but then got busy with other projects and never did more to it last summer.

This spring, as I prepped items for the yard I decided to give it another makeover while I was white washing some terracotta pots. I gave it a quick dry brush with the same white paint and instantly fell in love with the look it created.

Now it looks like it’s made of concrete, just like the inspiration example! It adds just the right amount of style to this corner of the deck where it compliments the potted plants.

And because it’s so heavy it can stand up to the dogs, so it’s placement here is also strategic. It keeps them from jumping off the deck onto my plants in the flower bed below. Pretty and functional all for a few dollars and a little paint. That’s my kind of makeover!

The best thing about thrifting is that you often find pieces that can be reworked into something new. Usually that involves a coat of paint or major altering of the original item, but every once in a while you stumble upon a super simple upcycle that requires barely any effort. That’s exactly what happened with my new vase. The mason jar style and the green tint to the glass are what caught my eye at the thrift store. But it had a different purpose when I first saw it.

It was a lantern for a small votive candle! I didn’t originally intend for it to be used as a vase but when the Hubs brought home flowers and I needed another large container for a second bouquet this new treasure was on the counter and the idea was sparked. I simply pulled out the votive holder rack, filled it with water and plopped in the flowers. That has to be the quickest upcycle ever – literally 30 seconds flat!