There’s an excellent thrift store right around the corner from where I live called Casey’s Closet. It’s owned by my neighbor’s son and his wife. In my opinion, it’s one of the best I’ve found in quite a while.
They have everything you could think of: clothing, furniture, dishes, books, records, etc. A “quick trip” can quickly turn into a few hours of searching (and a blown paycheck)! There’s that much good stuff! And, with an eye for “creative re-use,” you can turn items that need some love into something extraordinary.
This side table is a good example. Purchased for under $10, it’s not something that most people would look at or imagine in their house.
It took me a little time to figure out what I wanted to do with the table, but I got excited once I decided: a “sea-inspired” makeover!
I started by mixing interior latex paint in a sea-foam green color with plaster of Paris and a little water to make my own chalk paint for the exterior. For the inside, I decided on an unexpected turquoise blue.
A dramatic and pleasing makeover already, don’t you think?
I wanted to paint an octopus draped over the side to add visual interest from every angle as a final touch. I started with a template to help keep the proportions in line with the size of the table, traced it in pencil, and started painting in white.
After the outline dried, I went back with the green paint and added details to bring these octopi to life.
What I love about this piece is it can be used for so many things:
- As a front entry table to store shoes and socks when you walk in the door
- As a pet bed (for cats or small dogs – not my big beasts!)
- Add extenders to the bottom and use as a bedside table to store books to read before bed
I’m sure there are more, but these are a few ideas off the top of my head.
I sold the table to a lady who was so excited to use it in her sea-themed home. I love creating a custom piece that can’t be bought at any big box store – creative re-use at its finest!
Nowadays, I stock my booth at The Mercantile, Plant City with my creative re-use pieces. Along with other vendors at the Mercantile, our talents shine so many creative and different ways. So be sure to follow them on Instagram, or Facebook, to see what’s currently available. Even better? Stop by in person to check everything out! They’re located in the historic area of Plant City at 208 South Collins Street, Plant City, FL.
What do you think? Have you flexed your own creative re-use muscle to transform thrift store finds into unique pieces for your home? If so, tell us what you worked on!
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You’re savvy “biz” friend,
Summer
