Monday, August 17, 2009

Decorating on a Yard Sale Budget



98% of the items on this wall are from yard sales. Some of them started out pretty, while others needed a bit of a spruce up. I always try to look at things and see their potential. Could that ugly gold shelf be painted? What if I took the outdated print out of that frame? Maybe I could make something cool out of those old chippy metal key thingies. Try and see those ugly yard sale items with new eyes. Imagine what a little paint or stain could do to transform them. Do you have a closet or drawer full of things you've picked up at yard sales? They are probably all very different and may not look good together. But if you unify them with, say, the same paint color, you'll have a wonderful new display of like items that will be beautiful grouped together. You'll be surprised what a little imagination and creativity can do to make an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan.




This very gold and very ornate shelf really didn't fit my style. But with some antique white craft paint and a piece of sandpaper, it is transformed into a beautiful display shelf for my nest and chippy bird (see picture above). I painted all the frames a similar color and distressed them a bit to tie the whole arrangement together.





This gigantic "S' came from a yard sale, as is, for $2. The key and bird statue I painted to match. (Note to self...paint that bronze shelf one day!)





This display is a mixture of yard sale, 90% off Hobby Lobby, and Ross. If you don't have a Ross, it's like the cheaper version of Marshals or TJ Maxx. All three of which I looooooove. You can find awesome deals and very unique items at stores like this. You just have to be there at the right time, cause the good stuff goes fast! Find out when they get their shipments and plan your shopping trips accordingly...it's worth it to plan ahead. Although, most of the time I just wing it and happen upon good stuff too. So I guess it works either way!






I found this fun starburst mirror on a stand for $6.99 at Ross. LOVE IT! I usually don't like the goldy gold, but with this...it works. And of course, no picture would be complete without one cutie patootie girl hamming it up in the background. She jumped into my shot at the last minute to say hi to all my readers and I couldn't resist that cute face! Soooooo...



Hi...from Emma.



Oh...and I'm linking up with Kimm from Reinvented for Trash to Treasure Tuesday. Go check out all the fun projects and before and afters. And to make the deal even sweeter...she's having an awesome giveaway for a $25 gift card to Home Depot. Whoo-hoo... gotta LOVE that!
Thanks Kimm!

35 comments:

Jenn said...

See, I just don't have your gift! I wish I had some vision. Tell me, did you have to learn this or can I gain it over time?

Really love the vignette behind the couch.

Jess said...

This must be a "born with" trait. I think my problem must be that I just don't see the full potential in most of the items I skip over. Great makeover on all your finds!

Embellished Bayou said...

You've got some great ideas and examples. I've looked at shopping at garage sales, estate sales, and goodwill in a whole new way since I've joined all you crafty ladies in Blogland!

Kristina P. said...

That starburst mirror is awesome!

Girl with the Curlz said...

Cute finds. I love Ross too. I wish I had one close to where I live.

Unknown said...

LOVE those frames in the arrangement above the couch. Just love the entire arrangement!! You got the gift, girl! Keep inspiring!

Nancy

Ali said...

Love it, and completely envy your thrifting kharma!

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

Gorgeous! (Emma too!) ;) MY fave is the first photo with those beautiful creamy frames against the chocolate brown. So pretty.

Could you Fed Ex me a little bit of your talent, please?

Have missed your posts, but I know it must have been busy with the kids back in school. Love ya!! :)

Jeanette said...

Can you come to Houston and help me? :)

Anonymous said...

I completely agree on the Ross referrals! That store is amazing! I have tons of stuff from there!

Jennifer {Studio JRU} said...

It is amazing what a little vision can do with yard sale finds!!

Gwen said...

I like the way that you think:)

The past few posts that I have done I have realized just how inexpensive the wall art has been. It is a challenge, to see what something could be and make it happen.

mommy4life said...

Beautiful finds. I keep picking things up, but haven't done much with some of them...

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

You find the best stuff Amanda. I wish I lived closer to you and I could go with you to these sales. I haven't found anything good in such a long time!

XOXO
Jen

Lisa B. said...

I love the white frame arrangement on your wall..very pretty!!

Lisa

A Southern Rose said...

I love all of your ideas! Come by and look at yesterday's post. I made something out of junk that I just had laying around. A "Paris" picture. Spray paint does wonders doesn't it!

Hugs,
Lee Laurie

Stacey said...

VERY cute decor!! You are awesomely talented!

Lemondrops Simple Stuff said...

It is very rewarding when you can turn trash into treasure! One of my favorite hobbies!!! You have some great finds! And great vision.

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

You know I love this post. ;)

Anonymous said...

Whewww glad your back and love your goodies!

Christina said...

Love all of your ideas. I also love Ross, but you are right about getting there when the getting is good. I love to search the shelves for treasures.

Love the starburst mirror--awesome price.

EMBELLISH said...

It is such a gift to see a $2.00 item and know that you can make it look like a million bucks. I loved your post.

Melissa Miller said...

Very nice Amanda! Love all of your pretty vignettes and the wall looks awesome. The key is so cool!

Is your Ross different than ours? We have a Ross and Marshalls as well and they are identical in most of the items and prices.
Hmmm....I would love to find an even cheaper version of it.

~Blessings my friend, ~Melissa :)

Unknown said...

OOOh, I am lovin' your reinvented wall art. Here's hopin' you win a gift card to buy some spray paint, 'cuz you've got to be gettin' low! :) thanks for linking up and for the shout-out, friend! love ya

DesignTies said...

Your yard sale finds are fantastic, Amanda! I particularly like your "S"!! I want one!! Well... I want a "B" & "V", not an "S" :-)
Thanks for stopping by DesignTies and leaving such a lovely comment!
Victoria

Laura said...

You did a great job-
Oh the power of paint. It's amazing!

laura

Unknown said...

Your stuff is fab. and you are even more fab. because you can do it all on a garage sale budget. That is my kind of shopping and decorating. Way to go. Take care, JenGlamGirl of Larsenloves.blogspot.com

Andréann said...

Thanks for stopping by and comment :)
To answer your question;
I live in Sainte-Flavie, Québec.
(Google map it, and you'll see how BIG is the river in front of my house!..Yes, just by trying to find the little village... It's by the Saint-Lawrence River so... )

I love the frames!
I'm in a "paint-everything-white" mood lately!

Unknown said...

I love the gold shelf transformation! Good eye!

Its So Very Cheri said...

Great job. Love all the frames-I love that look.

This is my first time to your blog. I hope you will come by for a visit and stay awhile.
Its So Very Cheri I also have a party on Mondays called the Knock Off Knock Out go check out some amazing projects.

Cheri
Its So Very Cheri

Nadir @ Hodgepodge said...

Hi Amanda, I'm new to reading your blog & saw it from Amanda at serenity now. I just love your taste in decor & am inspired to do some yard sale hunting myself for the house I'll be renting w/ the new hubs after our wedding in December. Keep them coming!
Nadir

American Homemaker said...

I love giving thrift store and yard sale items makeovers :) It's so much fun!

Thrifty Decor Chick said...

I loooooove that chocolate wall!! That starburst thingy is awesome.

Anonymous said...

Really you have great talent!!!!i like the way you do 1!!That starburst mirror is awesome!...thanks for sharing..
--
Reenee
Are you scared to be alone at home need security

Jamie said...

So creative! I love it!

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