Three Thrift Store Throwaways saved by a keen eye
This has been a thrifting season of seeing the unexpected right before my eyes- from the return of the humble duck motif of my childhood-
To the dime a dozen oak dining chairs made elegant at August Haven–
The retail world has been ripe with impressive makeovers and unlikely reincarnations.
So when I recognized a few uniquely repurposed items that were not only giving “second chance” they were making me do a double take- I couldn’t help but call attention to them.
Here’s 3 examples I’ve collected for your consideration.
The Mystery Makeover
Earlier this year I was admiring a set of candle holders at the Antique Acres Barn Sale and trying to imagine what they could have been in a former life. I had crouched down next to them and had a whole conversation about the possibilities. Were they new or old? Some kind of hybrid? More Hobby Lobby enamelware meant to appear vintage?
Who knew a few months later I would spot this old cooking stove at Bottlehouse Antiques in Shawano and see almost the exact item I was questioning. Although slightly different- the overall shape, open bottom and translucent but iridescent windows definitely had me doing a side by side comparison.
As pretty as the original one was, I am a sucker for the green color of the ones still intact. It makes me wonder if there is a myriad of other fun colors out there hiding in these old grills, perhaps left behind in scrap yards.
A Colorful Can
At first glance this is just a cute and quirky candle holder. Then I realized how ingenious is was to take an old can, remove the top and bottom and use it as a lampshade. There have been so many times over the years when I have seen tins in antique stores with cool graphics and colors but really couldn’t imagine how I would decorate with them. This adds height to a short can and gives it a dual purpose.
Sail Away
While this may not be your typical repurposed item it certainly has a bit of a craft-made look to it. Imagine the fun of creating this for a kids room out of a favorite childhood bed sheet and a piece of driftwood gathered from a waterside adventure. Back Porch Gatherings elevates this idea, as they do most of their reclaimed pieces, and in their showroom it presents as an artistic sculpture. Having saved more than my fair share of fabric scraps, worn out flannels or bedding from better days- I like that it could easily be made from a salvaged piece, a thrift store find on it’s second life. Something that is both collected and sentimental – the best combination!
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