• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
House of Hawthornes
  • DIY
  • Gardening
  • Decorating
  • Thrifting
  • Recipes
  • Seasonal
menu icon
go to homepage
  • DIY
  • Gardening
  • Decorating
  • Thrifting
  • Recipes
  • Seasonal
  • 🛒 Our Amazon Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • DIY
    • Gardening
    • Decorating
    • Thrifting
    • Recipes
    • Seasonal
    • 🛒 Our Amazon Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Upcycle And Repurpose Projects

    100 Creative Home And Garden Upcycling Projects

    Published by Pam Kessler | 193 words. · About 1 minute to read this article. - 48 Comments

    Today, our Thrift Store Decor Team is assembling a collection of our favorite home and gardening upcycling projects for the year.

    Most of our projects involve repurposing items from thrift stores, with the occasional "Hey, I found this rusty old thing in the garage" project thrown in.

    We hope these ideas will spark your imagination and help you see the amazing potential in crafting and decorating with thrift store finds!

    (Psst - You can view each project by clicking on the link below the photo highlighted in blue. The link will open on a new page, so you don't lose your place here.)

    Looking for creative ways to repurpose thrift store finds? Discover 100 unique and budget-friendly DIY ideas to transform secondhand treasures into stunning decor and gift ideas for the home and garden. Get inspired and start crafting today!

    My Favorite Projects From My Own Site, House Of Hawthornes:

    This first set of projects is from my own blog. Normally, I pick out my ONE favorite project from the year, but this year's been a tough one. I have a few that I absolutely love.

    Upcycled DIY Water Feature

    Solar powered water fountain made into a planter!
    I'm combining my love of gardening with my love of vintage enamelware bowls with this solar-powered water feature project.
    The spa-like sound of the fountain was amazing to listen to in the evenings and the flowers had grown to cascade over the edges of the bowl so perfectly! When summer finally came to an end, I had a hard time putting this one away for next year.
    View More Details

    Vintage Porcelain Enamel Table Repurpose

    Vintage enamel kitchen table combined with a Singer sewing machine base.
    Whenever you can take two broken pieces of furniture and marry them together, it's always a day for celebration.
    The porcelain enamel kitchen table was in poor shape but came back to life with the help of an antique Singer Sewing Machine base!
    View More Details

    Painting Longaberger Baskets (Yes You Can)

    Longaberger mail basket with leather handles.
    Boy howdy, who knew painting baskets would be such a hot topic?
    A lot of people have strong feelings about their Longaberger baskets. They cost a lot of money back in the day and were hot collectors items.
    But with more and more of them ending up in thrift stores 30 years later (I see them here in Ohio ALL THE TIME), I decided to try my hand at rejuvenating one that had seen a lot of wear and tear over its lifetime.
    And yes, I did paint it!
    View More Details

    My Favorite Thrift Store Upcycles From The Thrift Store Decor Team

    Boho Planters From The Recycling Bin

    Boho planters created from items from the recycling bin.
    Photo credit: Sadie Seasongoods
    Sarah from Sadie Seasongoods shows how to upcycle items from the recycling bin into fun and colorful planters! Such a cute project made from things you'd just normally throw away!
    View More Details

    Create Designer Style Metallic Gold And Clear Glass Vases

    Three vases with gold accents setting on an end table.
    Photo credit: Petticoat Junktion
    These stylish vases were created by Kathy at Petticoat Junktion. They only take a few minutes to make, but give these common, everyday thrift store vases a whole new look!
    View More Details

    Thrift Store Art Makeover With Mod Podge

    A thrift store makeover using a piece of artwork and frame. This artwork is depicting a lake with trees along the edges.
    Photo credit: Our Southern Home
    Christy from Our Southern Home has taken a piece of thrift store artwork and given it a whole new life with just a few standard craft store supplies. Plus, the Mod Podge protects the artwork. Since she was hanging this over a bed, that was a much safer alternative than heavy glass that might break and fall onto someone's head.
    View More Details

    Antique Ice Box Refresh For Gardening Storage

    Vintage ice box turned into a gardening storage area.
    Photo credit: Shop At Blue
    This antique ice box was repurposed into a garden storage area for the patio. How innovative Sue from Shop At Blue is!
    View More Details

    How To Make A Succulent Letter Planter Arrangement

    Photo credit: My Uncommon Slice Of Suburbia
    I'm a sucker for succulent planters (lol) and this one from Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice Of Suburbia is a fun one.
    View More Details

    Two Toned Side Table

    Blue and white side table from the thrift store.
    Photo credit: My Repurposed Life
    Don't overlook furniture at thrift stores just because it looks dull or "dated." Gail from My Repurposed Life shows how, with a little paint, a piece can be brought into the 21st century.
    View More Details

    Here are the rest of the 100+ repurposing ideas all in one place!

    100+ Budget-Friendly Upcycling Ideas

    You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

    Click here to enter
    pin arrow
    Love thrift store makeovers? 🎨✨ Discover 100 creative and budget-friendly ways to repurpose secondhand finds into stunning home decor and unique gift ideas for the home and garden!
    « Repurposed Santa Mug Decor | Dollar General Craft
    Rub On Transfers For Repurposing Thrift Store Finds »
    219 shares
    • Facebook
    • X

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. wplace art pixel converter

      September 14, 2026 at 6:31 pm

      I really appreciate how this collection celebrates imperfect finds—the broken porcelain enamel table paired with a Singer base and the rusty ice box turned into garden storage are great examples of looking past flaws. The Longaberger basket painting tip is timely, too, since those keep showing up in thrift stores. For anyone planning a painted or mosaic-style upcycle, a tool like wplace art pixel converter (wplace art pixel converter) could help visualize the pattern before committing to the project.

      Reply
    2. take care of shadow milk

      September 14, 2026 at 6:26 pm

      I love how Pam highlights the enamelware water feature and the painted Longaberger baskets—it’s refreshing to see thrift finds get a second life with such practical creativity. The succulent letter planter and the antique ice box garden storage are also clever ideas that show how ordinary objects can become charming garden accents. After a long upcycling session, the interactive pet sim take care of your own shadow milk at take care of your own shadow milk is a fun way to unwind.

      Reply
    3. glitch gif generator

      September 14, 2026 at 6:20 pm

      I really appreciate how this roundup goes beyond the usual painted-furniture ideas—the solar-powered water feature made from vintage enamelware and the antique ice box turned into garden storage are especially clever. It’s a good reminder that thrift store finds don’t have to stay in their original form to be useful. For anyone who likes documenting their makeovers with a bit of digital flair, the glitch gif generator at glitch gif generator can add a fun twist to before-and-after photos.

      Reply
    4. scooby doo creepy run

      September 14, 2026 at 6:13 pm

      I really enjoyed this collection of upcycling ideas, especially the porcelain enamel table repurposed with a Singer sewing machine base—it’s a great example of how two broken pieces can become something beautiful again. The painted Longaberger basket was another standout, since it challenges the idea that classic items can’t be refreshed. When I need a quick break from DIY projects, I like to play a casual game like Scooby Doo Creepy Run at scooby doo creepy run to unwind before heading back to the craft room.

      Reply
    5. stunt bike extreme

      September 14, 2026 at 6:10 pm

      Love the mix of projects here—especially the painted Longaberger basket and the antique ice box turned garden storage. It’s inspiring to see how thrift store finds can be given new life with a little paint and imagination. After a long crafting session, I sometimes take a break and play stunt bike extreme at stunt bike extreme to unwind.

      Reply
    6. soflo wheelie life

      September 14, 2026 at 6:03 pm

      I love how this roundup shows that even worn-out thrift store pieces—like those painted Longaberger baskets or the enamel table paired with a Singer base—can be given a fresh purpose. The mix of garden projects and indoor makeovers is inspiring, and the tip about using Mod Podge on artwork feels genuinely practical. If you ever need a lighthearted break from DIY, soflo wheelie life at soflo wheelie life is a playful option.

      Reply
    7. ETHAN

      September 13, 2026 at 2:05 am

      The solar-powered water feature is a particularly practical idea because it combines a discarded vintage bowl with a garden feature you can enjoy throughout the season. I also like the reminder that worn furniture should not be dismissed as dated; thoughtful paint and a useful pairing can give it an entirely new purpose.Random Movie Generator

      Reply
    8. ETHAN

      September 13, 2026 at 2:04 am

      The solar-powered water feature is a particularly practical idea because it combines a discarded vintage bowl with a garden feature you can enjoy throughout the season. I also like the reminder that worn furniture should not be dismissed as dated; thoughtful paint and a useful pairing can give it an entirely new purpose.Random Movie Generator

      Reply
    9. ETHAN

      September 13, 2026 at 2:04 am

      The solar-powered water feature is a particularly practical idea because it combines a discarded vintage bowl with a garden feature you can enjoy throughout the season. I also like the reminder that worn furniture should not be dismissed as dated; thoughtful paint and a useful pairing can give it an entirely new purpose.Random Movie

      Reply
    10. random movie generator

      September 13, 2026 at 2:03 am

      The solar-powered water feature is a particularly practical idea because it combines a discarded vintage bowl with a garden feature you can enjoy throughout the season. I also like the reminder that worn furniture should not be dismissed as dated; thoughtful paint and a useful pairing can give it an entirely new purpose.

      Random Movie

      Reply
    11. How to Blur Your Video Meeting Background (Zoom & Teams)

      September 12, 2026 at 11:34 pm

      What a fantastic collection of upcycling ideas! It's amazing what you can create with a little imagination. This is perfect for sprucing up a home office too, especially for those video calls. How to Blur Your Video Meeting Background (Zoom & Teams)

      Reply
    12. pnas journal impact factor 2024 official

      September 12, 2026 at 8:47 pm

      What a fantastic collection of upcycling ideas! I'm always looking for creative ways to repurpose items. It reminds me of how journals like PNAS also evolve. PNAS journal impact factor

      Reply
    13. Ethan Miller

      September 12, 2026 at 6:51 am

      I really enjoyed the boho planters from the recycling bin idea - turning everyday throwaways into something colorful is so smart! I tried a similar small planter refresh last weekend and took a quick puzzle break with minute cryptic between coats. Thanks for rounding up so many creative upcycling ideas!

      Reply
    14. Elena Morris

      September 12, 2026 at 2:36 am

      I love the two-toned side table idea - giving dated thrifted furniture a fresh look with paint is so inspiring! I refreshed a small nightstand last weekend and kept a queensanswer guide open for color inspiration between coats. Thanks for rounding up so many creative upcycling ideas!

      Reply
    15. Olivia Bennett

      September 12, 2026 at 1:50 am

      I love the vintage porcelain enamel table repurpose idea - giving two broken pieces a second life is so clever! I tried a similar thrifted side table refresh last spring and had songfinderbylink playing in the background while I sanded and painted, it made the whole afternoon so much more enjoyable. Thanks for rounding up so many creative ideas!

      Reply
    16. Maya Collins

      September 12, 2026 at 12:30 am

      I loved the vintage porcelain enamel table repurpose idea - giving two broken pieces a second life is such a clever approach. I tried something similar with a thrifted side table last month and it turned out great. Taking a quick brain break with word500 between sanding coats keeps me focused. Thanks for rounding up so many creative ideas!

      Reply
    « Older Comments
    Newer Comments »

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Pam. Let me show you how to create a budget-friendly home you'll love using repurposed thrift store finds, easy DIY & craft projects, and seasonal flower gardening tips.

    More about me →

    Gardening Ideas

    • 5 Simple Tips For Growing Clematis Vines
    • Growing Black-Eyed Susan Vine
      How To Grow Black-Eyed Susan Vine
    • How to store peonies - pink peonies in a vase setting on a white wooden table.
      Storing Peonies To Bloom Later
    • Plant combinations for container gardens.
      Favorite Plant Combinations For Container Gardens
    • Summer Shade Container Planter using begonia, coleus, polka dot plants, ferns and other plants that can be taken in the house in the fall.
      Create A Lush Summer Shade Container Planter
    • Tips on how to grow peonies. Everything from soil conditions to USDA Plant Hardiness Zones to ants. Includes how to cut peonies for flower arrangements.
      How To Grow Peonies - A Complete Guide
    • squirrel repellent
      Homemade Squirrel Repellent Recipe
    • Homemade spider spray using natural ingredients.
      Homemade Natural Spider Repellent

    Reader Favorites

    • How To Make A Barn Quilt
    • How to make window art with glass plates from the thrift store for a mosaic look.
      Window Art With Glass Plates
    • Easy Homemade Candles In Granny's Candy Dish
    • Clean Silver With Baking Soda And Aluminum Foil

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Us
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Web Stories
    • Blog

    Shop

    • Amazon Favorites
    • Shop The Look

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up For Emails & Updates

    Categories

    • DIY
    • Gardening
    • Budget Decor
    • Thrifting
    • Recipes
    • Seasonal

    Please use appropriate safety precautions when attempting projects. All projects are attempted at the reader's own risk.

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 House Of Hawthornes, LLC