July Blog Hop - Thrift Store Upcycle Craft Challenge

Find a thrift store item $20 or less for a makeover to share.



I love participating in craft challenges with these lovely bloggers!


The Boondocks Blog
Purple Hues and Me
My Husband has Too Many Hobbies
Across the Boulevard

We have a great thrift store about 2 miles from our house.  Usually I look for clothing or sheets to use the fabric.  A craft challenge is a new way for me to shop.

I came home with three items. 

Sunflower Yellow Tote Bag $4

Soft Green Vase with Frog $1 and change

Round Grimy Tray $1 and change

Even with tax, I spent less than $10.  While there are plans buzzing around my brain for all three, today we are talking about the round tray.  It had some kind of greasy, fuzzy film on it, so I thought it was plastic and tossed it into the dishwasher.  After a good cleaning, though, I realized it was actually wood!  

Score!

I was super surprised and grateful how easily it sanded to a very pretty grain.  Here is where my idea waffled, as I considered keeping that pretty wood pattern.

Nah...  Let's paint.  

Do you see what I see?  Since I am currently a co-host for Christmas in July Linky Party, I want to sing that Christmas song, "Said the Night Wind to the Little Lamb.  Do you see what I see?"

Using a saucer and a plate, two circles were chalked.

Do the colors help you see it?  ;-)  All the paint was in my stash except the Forest Green.  It was found ON SALE for $1.  Woot woot!

It's time to mix colors and blend the edges.

Just an FYI...  Both sides were painted the same colors with the same technique.  (If you can call my skill level a technique)

Seeds were drawn with a black paint pen.  At this point, I was lovin' it and thought about stopping, but really wanted practice with my shiny new DIY cutting machine.

My first attempt with vinyl turned out OK!  It's not quite centered, but I am happy with the results.  I used too much of the transfer tape, so struggled with the lining up the edges.  Live and learn, right?

More vinyl for the inside.  Again, it's not quite centered, but I am still pleased with my first try!

What a great challenge!  My total spend for this project was $2 and some change plus some really wonderful creative time on the back patio.

Currently my slice of sweet watermelon summer time is hanging on the front porch as a wreath, but it would also be perfect for serving drinks or holding candles.  How would you use it?  I totally see me painting it again for other seasons.  Any suggestions?  I love hearing your ideas!

;-)  -Marci