CLICK HERE TO READ PART ONE
Mirrors. I love finding good mirrors to makeover! Here are a few I’ve found at thrift stores and painted:
Baskets. I see baskets in just about every thrift store I go to, also. And did you know that they’re super easy to paint? Here’s how I painted a picnic basket from the thrift store.
Jewelry Cabinets and Boxes. If you read my blog you’ll know that I buy LOTS of jewelry cabinet and boxes! Here’s what they start out looking like:
But take a look at the jewelry cabinets AFTER I paint and update them!
{{{ Also read 10 Tips for Jewelry Cabinet Makeovers }}}
Wood Trays. These are really cheap at thrift stores and so helpful to have in the kitchen, coffee table, bathroom, or craft room for rounding up smaller items. I love this wood tray with decoupaged music by Ella Claire! She bought it for $3!!!
Costume Jewelry. I buy lots of old jewelry, even (or ESPECIALLY) if it’s broken. You can usually get it really cheap. Often a whole jar full for $5-20.
Vases. I don’t think I’ve EVER bought a new vase. And remember that glass can be painted. I painted this simple 25 cent glass vase with chalk paint.
More Things You Should ALWAYS Buy at Thrift Stores
Napkin Rings. Sometimes I find these in good shape. Other times I buy them to update with paint, beads, or fabric.
Vintage Silverware. There are so many options for old silverware! Of course, you can eat with it. Lots of people stamp on it. And recently I saw this project on Meegan Makes that I LOVE! She dipped cheap silverware into paint. I can’t wait to try that.
Cast Iron. This seems to be getting harder to find. At least in our area. But there’s nothing like cooking with cast iron. And most of it can be cleaned if you’re willing to put in a little elbow grease!
Casserole Dishes and Pie Plates. I buy pie plates and tins all year long so when my hubby goes on his baking spree at Christmas we can give pies away without worrying about getting the dishes back. Same with the casseroles. Send a meal over to a family in need and tell them to just keep the dish or pass it along to someone else.
“Ugly” Art. My hubby gives me a hard time about my “ugly” art but I love finding paintings by amateur artists and paint-by-numbers.
Vintage Luggage. These are great for extra storage. I’ve also painted a suitcase as a chalkboard and we used a small vintage suitcase to hold cards.
Shutters. These can be used as a headboard, jewelry organizer, or just wall decor. I also have a pair that I use to display jewelry at shows. Read the story of how I found the pair of black shutters hanging on our dining room wall for FREE.
Wood Coat Hangers. I find these all the time for 25 cents. I’ve collected enough to fill our coat closet plus I made special hangers for all Jordann’s bridesmaids last year.
I hope you enjoyed reading my list. Thanks for reading and let me know what you always buy at thrift stores!
CLICK HERE TO READ PART ONE
If you liked reading about my thrift store projects, check out these articles, too:
‘Til the next project,
Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim
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Meegan says
Thank you for including my painted flatware. It was so fun.
You have SO many ideas that I have never thought of before!
ducttapeanddenim says
Sure, Meegan! I still have this on my list of things to try. Love your blog!
Barb says
Loved this article! I do buy cast iron and restore it/clean it at flea markets, etc. and I buy lots of picture frames to repaint or sand, etc. Chalk paint is a quick way to dress up an old frame or to paint anything! Thanks for these great ideas. I love vintage suitcases!
ducttapeanddenim says
Thanks for sharing! I wish I could find more cast iron. It’s scarce around here!
Ann says
I LOVE your blog , I also check out thrifts shops, I also pick up some great things at church rummage sales
so I’m always on the look out for things to repurpose. keep up the good work . Ann
ducttapeanddenim says
Thanks!
Miriam says
Thrift stores are amazing fabric stores! When looking at sweaters, shirts, jeans, tablecloths and curtains, think of them as pre-shrunk fabric for all your craft projects and home decorating projects.
ducttapeanddenim says
Great point!
Eva Mahoney says
My husband would kill me if I bought all the stuff you mentioned. I see so many cool things at the T-store and my mind reels with what I can do with it but sadly I know my limitations and my lack of space to store it all. But good to know.
ducttapeanddenim says
lol… I’m glad you know your limitations, Eva. It is probably best not to buy EVERYTHING on the list. I live in a small house and I have to think, “If I buy something, that means I have to get rid of something else!” Which causes me to donate a lot to thrift stores, too!
Nanette Ettinger says
Nice list of things you like to purchase in thrift stores. Visit the Happy Dragon Thrift Store next time you are in Los Gatos, CA. I volunteer there and I have a blast!
Judy says
Make sure you don’t buy made in China cast iron
Jenna says
I just started thrift store shopping and your website has really helped me refine my projects. I find all sorts of things in thrift stores in my area. It is so fun!
ducttapeanddenim says
I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks for letting me know!
Linda says
I like to get yarn, books and so many other things at thrift stores.