4 Thrift Store Upcycling Ideas

Easy Thrift Store Upcycling Ideas with Video Tutorial

If you read this blog you know that coming up with Thrift Store Upcycling Ideas is my thing. I love to treasure hunt at second hand stores. In act, that is why I started this blog years and years ago! Today, I want to share some of my favorite thrift store transformations.

In this video, you will learn:

• How to Turn Thrift Store Spoons into Hooks
• Instructions for Upcycled Wooden Bar Stools
• How to Gold Leaf an Old Statue
• How to Transform an Old Folding Chair

Below you will find the materials list along with some affiliate links to recommended products that I used in each project. You will also find a link to the full detailed instructions if you need them. Let’s get started! First up, watch the You Tube video.

4 Thrift Store Upcycling Ideas Video

Thrift Store Spoons Turned Hooks

I can almost guarantee that there will be utensils for sale at any Goodwill or Salvation Army near you. I see them all the time. The best part is that they are inexpensive. With a little DIY magic, you can transform them into something pretty cool!

Here’s What You Need

Time: 2-3 Hours

Materials:

• Spoons
• Old Towel
• Mallet
• Hand Torch
• 5 OZ. Butane Cylinder
• Heat Resistant Work Gloves
• Sand Paper
• Paint
• Paint Brush
• Spray Paint (optional)
• Industrial Strength Glue

Get the full tutorial and instructions here: Thrift Store Spoons Turned Hooks

Upcycled Wooden Bar Stools

These old wooden bar stools are also easy to find at your local thrift store. You may even have a friend who wants to get rid of them. I have made over these stools twice for my craft room. The ones you see in this video are the most recent.

Here’s What You Need

Time: 1-2 Hours

Materials:

• Wooden Stools
• Half Yard Fabric
• Fabric Scissors
• Spring Green Rustoleum Spray Paint
• Metallic Gold Rustoleum Spray Paint
• Staple Gun
• Painter’s Tape
• Newspaper

Get the full tutorial and instructions here: Upcycled Wooden Bar Stools

How to Gold Leaf an Old Statue

When thrifting with upcycling in mind, it’s important to not pay attention to color. Rather, you want to pay attention to the shape. Old, ugly statues and knick knacks are abundant on thrift store shelves! Here is a way to update them for your home décor.

Here’s What You Need

Time: 1-2 Hours

Materials

• Statue
• Gold Leaf
• Gilding Adhesive
• Ramekin or Small Dish
• Paint
• Painter’s Tape
• Gilding Brush

Get the full tutorial and instructions here: How to Gold Leaf an Old Statue

Transform an Old Folding Chair

This one is one of my favorite furniture upcycles I have done. In fact, I’d love to find more so that I can make a set. I love this one because it easily sore and looks great when I pull it out for extra seating when I entertain.

Here’s What You Need

Time: 2-3 Hours

Materials

• Old Chair
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Paint
• Paint Brushes
• Fabric
• Staple Gun
• Clear Glaze
• Scissors

Get the full tutorial and instructions here: Transform an Old Folding Chair

I hope these four tutorials inspire you! As you can see, there are many hidden treasures at thrift stores just waiting to be upcycled. If you’d like to see more DIY videos, please check out my YouTube channel. I have over 100 so far!

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