12 brilliant projects you can do after visiting the thrift store

Shopping at thrift stores is a fun activity in and of itself: never knowing what you are going to find, saving tons of money, and that feeling of satisfaction when you find the perfect item for your home. What could be better?
It's great when you find ready-to-use items at thrift stores, but what's even better is finding objects to recycle and make your own. This list is the best ways to turn thrift store finds into one-of-a-kind objects. With a little time and imagination, you can spend a few dollars and make something that is priceless.
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1. Teacup fairy garden
Inject a little imagination into the room with this fairy garden in a teacup. You almost expect to see a winged friend peeking out from behind the miniature table! A cup, a bit of glue and a few fanciful notions from the hobby shop are all it takes to make a little magic. Gather the kids together and let them piece together a fairy garden of their own. Get the full tutorial here.
2. Makeshift ironing board
For many of us, our laundry room can end up feeling cluttered or cramped. With large machines, the bottles of soaps and soaks, appliances and clothes to launder, even a large room can feel small. An easy way to free up floor space in your laundry room is a compact ironing board that is easy to store and petite when in use. You can quickly turn a wooden TV tray into a space-saving option for an ironing board. Get the full tutorial here.
3. Framed succulents
Succulents are a refreshing way to add a little green to your home or to liven up your garden with minimum effort. Organize them into a beautiful display by creating this frame you can find at a thrift store.
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4. Farmhouse containers
Kitchen containers can get pricey when you go to name-brand stores. Instead, try this DIY by Twelve on Main. Buy some cheap glass jars from a thrift store and paint over them for a rustic, farmhouse look.
5. Tray makeover
Scratched-up wooden trays are a dime a dozen at thrift stores. Next time you see one, buy it and visit Erin Spain's blog to learn how to turn it into a fabulously chic coffee table tray.
6. Chalkboard tray
If having friends over for drinks on a Friday night is your idea of the perfect weekend activity, you have probably run into the problem of where to place drinks. A serving tray is a necessity for any cocktail party or get together. Pairing chalkboard paint with a posh silver tray is a classy way to add personalization to sophistication, plus it provides a place for guests to rest a drink. Get the full tutorial here.
7. Rope basket
Creative storage is an absolute must for keeping an organized house. But instead of using things such as plastic containers or old baskets, add your own creative spin. This thrift store laundry basket has been revamped with rope to make cute book storage for the living room. Get the full tutorial here.
8. Bucket face-lift
Skip spending extra money on decorations for your next barbecue or party. Give a thrift store bucket a face-lift so it serves double duty as both decor and a place to chill drinks. The extra pop of color will liven up the room and draw guests’ eyes to the food and beverage table. The best part about this project is that it uses napkins and materials found in most craft closets, helping keep costs down. Get the full tutorial here.
9. Serving tray
This tutorial by Sadies Seasongoods transforms a plain, wooden cutting board into a classy serving tray. Just imagine how impressed your significant other would be if you appeared with breakfast in bed on this refurbished piece.
10. Painted baskets
An easy way to transform old baskets from a thrift store is to give them a coat of your favorite color of paint, as shown by Homemade Ginger. Many baskets already have intricate designs within the weaving, so if you paint certain sections, you can end up with beautifully colorful designs such as these.
11. Bench
This project takes thrift store crafts to the next level. Here, you will find a set of wooden crates that have been transformed into a soft and stylish bench. It's also not difficult to make. Get the full tutorial here.
12. Old dresser makeover
Don’t know what to do with that boring old dresser? Overhaul it into a chic and sophisticated statement piece. A coat of gray paint paired with acrylic legs and crystal drawer pulls instantly adds class. However, the unquestionable highlight is decorative molding outlining the drawers. Get the full tutorial here.
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