Upcycling Hacks That Made Us Want To Raid The Closest Thrift Store

Who's ready for another round of amazing upcycles?! I know I am! Nothing gets my creative juices flowing more than seeing others turn discarded, secondhand items into something fresh and new.

So sit back and enjoy the ride, because these crafty bloggers are about to show you how thrift store hacking is done!

1. DIY Upcycled Thrift Store Artwork

eHow | Charlotte Smith

It doesn't matter where you live, any thrift store you walk in to will have enough old artwork to fill the tackiest gallery in the world.

But instead of bypassing that part of the store like you always do, grab a few pieces the next time you're there!

eHow | Charlotte Smith

Charlotte Smith of eHow put together a simple tutorial outlining three different ways to upcycle outdated thrift store art, and this is one of them.

2. DIY Glowing Snowballs

100 Things 2 Do | 100 Things 2 Do

Who wouldn't want to work with a product called diamond dust? Doesn't it just sound too fun and pretty to ignore? Pair it with some Mod Podge and you'll have yourself a magical DIYing session — guaranteed.

Shelly, the crafty mind behind 100 Clever Things 2 Do used a container of diamond dust to transform some glass globes into whimsical holiday decor. 

100 Things 2 Do | 100 Things 2 Do

To see them come together from start to finish, head over to the blog and check out her tutorial.

3. DIY Modern China Artwork

Florence Finds | Florence Finds

Sets of china may not be at the top of every couple's wedding registry anymore, but that doesn't mean it should go to waste on a thrift store shelf.

Take a page out of Florence Finds' book and give some beautiful, vintage dishware a fresh, modern look using nothing more than a Sharpie. 

Florence Finds | Florence Finds

The design possibilities are endless with this one, so definitely let your imagination take charge with it!

4. DIY Flower Basket Wreath

Sadie Seasongoods | Sadie Seasongoods

You can't share a list of amazing upcycling hacks without including at least one idea from Sadie Seasongoods. And this time, I decided to share one of her many wreath projects.

Wreaths don't have to be circular and they don't have to be a giant ball of flowers and foliage.

Sadie Seasongoods | Sadie Seasongoods

As you can see, Sadie managed to create this beauty by stuffing a secondhand bag with packing peanuts and artificial flowers. Pretty easy, right?

5. DIY Gumball Machine Fish Tank

Instructables | wold630

My cousin had a fish tank that looked like an old gumball machine when we were kids, and I thought it was the coolest thing ever.

If that sounds like something you'd be a fan of, you're going to love this clever idea by Instructables user wold630. 

Instructables | wold630

It's a hack that'll require a bit of time and patience, but it's obviously worth it! The only suggestion I would make is adding some sort of pump and filtration system to the tank, so that your scaly friends can live long, happy lives in their upcycled home.

6. DIY Bird Bath

Sadie Seasongoods | Sadie Seasongoods

Also from Sadie Seasongoods, this bird bath idea is something that anyone can pull off, so there's no reason you can give for not trying your hand at it.

The only materials you'll need are an old lamp, a large glass dish, and a tube of adhesive that can withstand the elements.

Sadie Seasongoods | Sadie Seasongoods

Any lamp base and dish will do, which means most thrift stores should have exactly what you need to get the job done.

7. DIY Suitcase Vanity

Hometalk | Karen Rae Lvine

What was once a plain, old suitcase is now the prettiest vanity imaginable — and a few containers of chalk paint and good, old-fashioned creativity are to thank for it!

Hometalker Karen Rae Lvine used basic materials and her imagination to turn her thrifty vision into a reality. 

Hometalk | Karen Rae Lvine

Wouldn't this look amazing in a Victorian home or an old farmhouse bathroom?

8. DIY Painted Wood Bowls

Design Improvised | Design Improvised

For those looking for an upcycling project that doesn't require a lot of time or dedication, painted bowls are the way to go. Most thrift stores have more wooden bowls in stock than you'll ever need, so the first step is picking out the ones you like most!

Once you have your stash, grab some multi-surface paint and a collection of fun stencils.

Design Improvised | Design Improvised

And feel free to take design and color palette inspiration from Haeley of Design Improvised.