Make It Monday How to Create High End Art for a Few Dollars

Today's Make it Monday project is super easy, costs less than $10, and can be varied in so many different ways to fit your decor and home style.

*This post contains affiliate links which means that if you choose to buy something from my link I might receive a small compensation at NO EXTRA COST to you.

I started with some fake tropical leaves that I got at the thrift store. I used some of these to inspire my front porch makeover that you can see in my previous blog post. You can buy similar leaves at the craft store or you can get some HERE.

A touch of gold and a frame and 20 minutes and you have a piece of art that definitely looks high-end and custom created.

Fake leaves, a frame, background fabric or paper, paint and glue are the items you will need to create this project. Keep reading for the easy how-to plus ideas on variations for this idea.

Thrifty Thursday Tropical Front Porch

I am not a theme decorator. I have styles that I use in my home, but not themes. But, for summer I decided to decorate my front, covered porch with a tropical feel. It is definitely an eclectic tropical theme as I pulled together a lot of different styled elements, but it does have a fun, tropical vibe that screams, drink a pina colada right here.

Keep reading to see what came from a thrift store, garage sale, and the side of the road. Get tips on how to tie unlike things together and how to use what you might have to create a cohesive, user-friendly porch space.

Make it Monday Boho Hanging Vase

Today's Make it Monday project involved me learning right along with you as I had never made something like this before. The idea was born out of some necessity and some out of my desire to have more plants in my sunlit entryway. I started with a growler from the thrift store (or get one from your favorite brewery) and some macrame cord.

A little makeover for the growler and some macrame tying or knots and I have a boho, hanging vase.

This is a perfect addition to my entryway and is a great place to start some citronella clippings that actually broke off while I was replanting my large citronella plant.

Keep reading to see how to create one of your own and ideas to personalize it.

Make It Monday Tennis Racket Guard Shelves

Today's Make it Monday project came to me when look at some plant shelves that were shaped in a trapezoid. Ding, ding, ding...I could make something somewhat similar from vintage wood tennis racket guards. 

I just happened to have a couple in my stash and knew instantly how to turn them into fun, wall shelves. 

These are super similar and add so much personality to a wall space. Keep reading to see how you can make your own tennis racket guard wall shelves. 

Thrifty Thursday Vintage Bamboo Coffee Table

Today's Thrifty Thursday post is really all about me😁, or about a recent thrift store find that I love and am keeping. But, I am sharing thrift store decor tips and what you should look for when thrift shopping. But, back to me...or my find, a lovely, vintage, 1940's or 50's, bamboo coffee table. Here is the before:

And, with less than 45 minutes of work, here is the after:

It is the perfect addition to my sunroom. Keep reading to see how I brought this back to life and TIPS for choosing great decor at the thrift store.

Upcycling a Curbside Find

When hubby says he grabbed something FREE curbside I have to admit, sometimes I am not that enthusiastic. He does great 65% of the time. Unfortunately, that doesn't erase the cringe moments of some of his finds from the memory. However, this time he did well with a solid, heavy duty, end table that he found.

This isn't any priceless treasure, but it wasn't nasty gross, and the price was right. Once I started sanding it, I sanded through the veneer quite quickly so I decided paint was going to be the makeover product choice.

Keep reading to see how easy this upcycle was and to see how to mix a traditional look with something more casual.

*This post contains affiliate links which means that if you choose to buy something from my link I might receive a small compensation at NO EXTRA COST to you.

Thrifty Thursday How to Recover a Chair Seat With a Curtain Panel

I while back I shared this thrift store chair on my Instagram and Facebook, asking readers to help pick a fabric to recover it. I gave them four choices. I had sanded the vintage chair to remove the rough, aged varnish and finished it with a clear coat.

And while I agreed with the winner of the survey, I still wasn't thrilled with any of the choices so I sat the chair in the laundry room to wait for new inspiration. And that inspiration came this week with a Pier One curtain panel from the thrift store. (I found this vintage dish, Hall pottery??, the same day and liked it with the fabric.)

So today's thrifting tip is, always look at the ALL of the linens for fabric sources--tablecloths, curtains, sheets, scarves. If it can be washed and you love it, get it! The fabric can be used in so many places. I loved the vibrant colors and the eclectic boho pattern--summer sofa pillows are next with this fabric. But, first the chair:

Keep reading for the how-to!

Thrifty Thursday Wood Bin Upcycle

Today's Thrifty Thursday project is a simple upcycle and a testament to the power of paint. I found this wood bin at our local Restore. It is solid wood, but it had a very scratched top and was quite orange. 

I knew I could make it over and use it next to the vanity in our Air BNB bathroom.

I gave the wood bin a good sanding, sanding the top completely. I removed the hinged top and cut it down two inches so that it would fit in this spot in the bathroom. I then painted the base with Wise Owl One Hour Enamel. It is the same paint I used on the vanity that I bought for $25 on FB Marketplace. I used the primer first and then painted two quick, thin coats. This is not an affiliate link, but I do really like this paint and this color. You can buy it from my friend Tina HERE.

This bin opens up and has a plywood back with holes in it. I think I will use it for a hamper for guests to put towels and sheets in when they leave. Another thought is it is a great place to store extra towels.

I left the top natural and finished it with a clear, brush on poly. (affiliate link) I like this TRIPLE Thick one that you can get HERE.

I am using a thrift store wine rack for rolled guest towels. It will be easy enough for guests to lift it up to get in the bin.

The mirror is from Ross and the light is from Lowes. The wood towel hooks are from Amazon HERE and the HERE is the shower curtain you can see in the mirror.

I am still looking for a counter height metal cart or metal topped shelf for the right side of the vanity. There are a couple bathroom outlets on this side and I want a metal item for guests to sit hot curling irons on. 

This thrift store piece was a perfect and useful addition to the bathroom and is a great example of how thrift store furniture can be freshened up with a little sanding and paint.

Make it Monday Easy DIY Plant Hanger

Today's Make it Monday project couldn't be easier. It only takes a couple supplies, an old leather belt, some rope or jute or macrame cord,

and 30 minutes or less to create a fantastic, sturdy plant hanger.

I definitely will be making more. Keep reading to see the quick how to on this fun and useful project.

Thrifty Thursday How to Create a Summer Centerpiece

I am ready for summer days--long hours of bright sunlight, vibrant colors in nature, casual and laid back days. Honestly, summer has not quite arrived in Montana and won't for awhile. I do realize the first official day of summer is more than a month away. BUT, nonetheless, I am preparing for it and one way I bring the seasons into my home is with a seasonal centerpiece for my kitchen table. 

Everything except the geranium (which was given to me from our local nursery) in this boho, eclectic summer centerpiece is from the thrift store. 

Keep reading for step by step directions on how YOU can put together a centerpiece from thrift store finds that fits your style.