Why I Thrift, Reason #4: More Creative
This post is part of a five part series entitled, "Why I Thrift," beginning with Why I Thrift, Reason #1: To Save Money.
I like to think of myself as a creative person, even though there are so many who have greater talent. This is an additional reason that I like thrifting. By it's very nature, thrifting encourages creativity. You find things you weren't expecting, learn to use finds in creative ways, and generally be creative in finding, using, or re-purposing your finds.
For example, I was shopping one day and found these adorable floral shower curtains. They looked so charming and full of cottage style, but I didn't have any need for shower curtains. I couldn't pass them up, so I brought them home.
When I got home I realized I had the perfect use. In my studio, I have a wall of oddly short closets with bi-fold doors. The doors were awkward space hogs, plus not very cottage-y, being wood colored.
I took them down, hung up a curtain rod ($10 from IKEA) and hung the shower curtains using some clip rings I had leftover from the old housel. Voila! Cute, functional and full of cottage style!
So the very process of thrifting generates creative thinking. As a result, your space tends to reflect that creativity. In my home, I have green salvaged windows hanging in my entryway. The front room is filled with thrifted finds, but the windows in particular tend to elicit the compliment that I must be quite creative. It's nice for people to notice that.
What about you? What thrifted item shows off your creativity the most?
Comments (62)
I like to buy things at thrift stores so I can make them my own and I don't need to feel too bad if I goofed it up. Also many thrift stores give to a good cause, so that helps too!
Thanks for sharing.
Posted by Cinj | March 24, 2008 3:03 PM
Posted on March 24, 2008 15:03
Angela, that is a perfect reason to thrift (we call it op-shopping) as in opportunity shopping and I guess that is just what it is.
Your curtains were a stroke of genius.
Posted by Jodie | March 24, 2008 3:33 PM
Posted on March 24, 2008 15:33
You might like my corner.. Not really "cottage" but all thrift.. it was my last post..
xxoo, b
Posted by bitterbetty | March 24, 2008 3:36 PM
Posted on March 24, 2008 15:36
Lovely! Such a great idea!
Melissa
Posted by melissa @ the inspired room | March 24, 2008 5:43 PM
Posted on March 24, 2008 17:43
What a wonderfully beautiful solution. Love that fabric too and the curtain is perfect.
You really are a skilled thrifter Angela. You have a great eye for this.
I guess I'm a "thrifter in training" and your blog is always an education. Another fun project!
Posted by Lisa | March 24, 2008 6:52 PM
Posted on March 24, 2008 18:52
I use an old window frame and screen hung on the wall over my sewing machine with a magnet to hold my sewing instructions.
Posted by Tara | March 24, 2008 7:18 PM
Posted on March 24, 2008 19:18
Hi Angela! One of my greatest creative thrift coups was sort of the opposite of yours: I couldn't find a shower curtain I didn't hate, and was making do with just the liner, when I suddenly had a rush of brains to the head (in the immortal words of a friend's mother) and hung up an Indian cotton coverlet as a shower curtain. Of course, it didn't have holes for the shower curtain rings, but I solved that problem by using yellow, blue, and purple plastic hair clips (all colors in the coverlet's design) to attach it to the top of the liner. Voila! It looked fantastic, too!
Posted by our friend Ben | March 24, 2008 7:23 PM
Posted on March 24, 2008 19:23
I totally agree with you Angela that thrifting is a way to show off creativity. When I read your "about me" description of yourself on your blog, you describe yourself as someone who is a bit of a magpie when it comes to decorating. While I find that a bit hard to believe (I love everything that I see you do on your blog and am n awe of your talent), I totally see myself in that description. I love to be creative but truthfully, when it comes to my work, there are some hits amongst the many misses!! Like most people, my family watches our money. When there is a miss, it means that I have spent our hard earned money on a failed project. As this happens, I can loose my confidence about creative projects and go through phases where I won't attempt anything in case of failure. By thrifting, I am able to make mistakes with my creativity. If it doesn't work out, it's no big deal, I've only spent a few dollars on the project. Thrifting provides a way for me to explore my creativity.
Posted by Jill | March 24, 2008 7:24 PM
Posted on March 24, 2008 19:24
What a beautiful use for those curtains. I bet you get happy just looking at them!
Posted by Jona | March 24, 2008 11:41 PM
Posted on March 24, 2008 23:41
It helps to have a great eye. And, you have two!Can't wait for your next post.
Posted by Barbara Jacksier | March 25, 2008 4:36 AM
Posted on March 25, 2008 04:36
What a great idea, Angela! It not only looks great, but is a perfect solution for your problem.
I started thrifting a couple of years ago, not only because it gets the creative juices flowing, but also to save some money. I also think it's a great mental exercise to think "outside the box" and come up with innovative ways to use our finds.
Yesterday I was at Costco and snagged some wooden wine boxes. ( I checked with management first and was told that employees grab them all the time and if not claimed, they are thrown out!)
They are both sturdy and embellished with engraving of the vinyard's logo. I'm thinking storage boxes ( both horizontal and stacked like a book case), planter boxes with attached legs, or even salvaging just the wood for future projects! Lots of possibilities, which is the fun part!
Marilyn
Posted by Marilyn | March 25, 2008 7:25 AM
Posted on March 25, 2008 07:25
Now THIS I love. What a fabulous idea, it looks wonderful.
Posted by Liz | March 25, 2008 8:02 AM
Posted on March 25, 2008 08:02
They look great! Fabric adds such softness to a room. Great Job!!
:-) Rosie
Posted by RosiesWhimsy | March 25, 2008 11:17 AM
Posted on March 25, 2008 11:17
Hallo Angela
And a happy green spring, beautiful idea, green is the color of this month.
We just posted our Green Post on
http://kullervilla.tradgardsblogg.se
Hug Kullervilla
Posted by kullervilla | March 25, 2008 12:03 PM
Posted on March 25, 2008 12:03
This is a perfect example of "buy what you love and find a use for it later"...so pretty! My favorite thrifted items are those that I can use for storage...you have to put your stuff somewhere and it might as well be somewhere fun.
Posted by julie | March 25, 2008 12:11 PM
Posted on March 25, 2008 12:11
Very clever. You always seem to find solutions!!
- Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife
Posted by the farmers wife | March 25, 2008 12:48 PM
Posted on March 25, 2008 12:48
Beautiful, easy, practical and smart...as always...just as it should be...
Yuu have both the eye and the feeling to make the best...
I often thrift because things are beautiful and I may be have use for it... and so I have almost always...in some way ... =)
~ Annie
Posted by Annie | March 25, 2008 1:38 PM
Posted on March 25, 2008 13:38
Just too fab, girl! They are perfect. I sure wish I had found them first. Lucky girl.
Posted by Jen | March 25, 2008 2:39 PM
Posted on March 25, 2008 14:39
I am a thrifter also. I love the curtain idea, very pretty pattern.
Posted by Anonymous | March 25, 2008 3:57 PM
Posted on March 25, 2008 15:57
Oh, those are so pretty! I love to thrift, but I don't feel that I am as clever as you in "repurposing" as they say. I can't really think of anything I have cleverly reused. But you have inspired me to keep an eye open for some pretty rose fabrics at garage sales so that I can sew a pillow like the one in your tutorial. I just love seeing what you are doing in your home! My favorite part in any magazine is the "before and after," and that is what I love about your blog!
Posted by lindenhaus | March 26, 2008 9:33 AM
Posted on March 26, 2008 09:33
It definitely does take creativity to turn thrift finds into cool things. I don't have such a talent for that. I think it's one of those things you have a natural genius for and I envy it.
Posted by Angelina | March 26, 2008 11:47 AM
Posted on March 26, 2008 11:47
don't those look like a shabby chic design...I have the same thing on my bed in sheets...look so pretty and what a nice idea to spruce up the old studio. Happy Spring!
best,
carol
Posted by carol eldridge | March 26, 2008 3:11 PM
Posted on March 26, 2008 15:11
Angela,
These curtains are darling. I am a fellow thrifter who up until now I have made a living at it. I am going to take a break for awile so I can spend more time at home with my daughters. Anyways, it is amazing the treasures you can find the new directions it can take you. I find inspiration all of the time. The hunt never gets old. I will post some of my finds as I get further into my blog. I love yours and am delighted I have found you.
Heather
http://cottagedreaming.blogspot.com
Posted by Heather | March 26, 2008 7:19 PM
Posted on March 26, 2008 19:19
Very pretty and I like the change in wall color too. I always enjoy reading your blog and seeing what you have come up with.
Posted by Teresa | March 27, 2008 6:08 AM
Posted on March 27, 2008 06:08
Beautiful pattern on those shower curtains. I like to have the opportunity to be creative too. It's something I'm hoping to do more of.
Posted by Mrs. B | March 27, 2008 10:36 AM
Posted on March 27, 2008 10:36
Oh how I love thrifting. Never leave something pretty behind because eventually you'll find a purpose for it. That is my motto on thrifting.
Blanca
Posted by Blanca | March 27, 2008 12:57 PM
Posted on March 27, 2008 12:57
Oh, girl, you know how I feel about thrifting & yardsaling! So many treasures, I have to leave many of them behind, as there is not enough room in my house to keep bringing them all home. But I do still sneak in a few here & there as I retire some old treasures to make room for the new.
I just posted about an urn I recently repaired...paint is our best friend!
Hope you are well!
Rhoda
Posted by Rhoda | March 27, 2008 2:24 PM
Posted on March 27, 2008 14:24
Thank you so much for the comment on my blog. I took the picture off because I am a dork and don't really know the "blogger" rules. I left a link up to your site though. You are very creative and thrifty.....fun to check out your site each day.
Posted by Kambria | March 27, 2008 3:17 PM
Posted on March 27, 2008 15:17
Hi Angela:
My most recent post is on a thrift find my parents found at an estate sale and passed on to me, I am happy with the results if you'd like to hop over! This was a great idea for your room!
:0)
Tara
Posted by Tara | March 27, 2008 3:28 PM
Posted on March 27, 2008 15:28
A vast improvement on the doors. You create something warm and inviting from someone's discarded items. How great is that.
Posted by Alison | March 27, 2008 10:22 PM
Posted on March 27, 2008 22:22
I wanted to tell you that I did a post about drive bys on my blog and linked back to yours. Hope you don't mind!
Posted by Mrs. B | March 27, 2008 10:59 PM
Posted on March 27, 2008 22:59
Hey Angela. I know i´m late but i put some green photos on my site anyway. :)
Posted by TuijaR | March 28, 2008 12:41 AM
Posted on March 28, 2008 00:41
Love the curtains! So much prettier than bi-folds.
I have sliding closet doors and would love to replace them with fabric panels.
Kimberly :)
Posted by Niesz Vintage Home | March 28, 2008 5:54 AM
Posted on March 28, 2008 05:54
How clever--and pretty! I always enjoy your blog. -Julia :-)
Posted by Hooked on Houses | March 28, 2008 2:39 PM
Posted on March 28, 2008 14:39
I love the thrill of finding something at a good price. Those are so pretty I wouldn't have been able to pass them up either and such a clever solution!
Manuela
Posted by The Feathered Nest (Manuela's) | March 28, 2008 3:39 PM
Posted on March 28, 2008 15:39
Simply beautiful!
Who doesn't love a dash of pink & black here & there... and everywhere!
Pearl
Posted by aStorybookLife | March 28, 2008 7:40 PM
Posted on March 28, 2008 19:40
What lovely curtains and how well you used them. A big improvement on those doors! BTW I was surprised to find that they were shower curtains, they are really very pretty. And another good buy at Ikea I see for the curtain pole. ;-)
You love design I know so, I think you should come over to my blog and see the ultimate in garden design if you have the time.
Have a great weekend!
Posted by yolanda elizabet | March 28, 2008 11:54 PM
Posted on March 28, 2008 23:54
Hi Angela!
Something for you at Annalunda - hope to see you soon :) ~ Annie
Posted by Annie at Annalunda | March 29, 2008 2:13 AM
Posted on March 29, 2008 02:13
Girl, does the creativity ever end with you? You are good let me tell you - REAL GOOD! Love what you've done with the cottage curtains - wow!
Hugs,
Rose
Posted by Rose | March 29, 2008 5:41 PM
Posted on March 29, 2008 17:41
Thrifting is such fun. I have also had a great a time redecorating and renovating thru Craigs List, ebay, etsy, and Freecycle! If you are willing to look a just a little beyond the obvious... just slightly outside the box...there are amazing ways to re-interpet just about anything!
Nice post...the "curtains" look great!
Carol
Terra Nova Design
Posted by Carol Soules | March 29, 2008 8:54 PM
Posted on March 29, 2008 20:54
Hey Angela,
I would have to say it's my garden. My house is homey, but not truly cottagey. You know, it has the warm log cabin look. My bedroom is peach though, and my bathroom is very cottagey.
Ah, my garden. I feel my most creative there. I feel able to do almost anything, and if I don't like it, I rip it out. I also love garden art, and I find it thrifting.~~Dee
Posted by Dee/reddirtramblings | March 30, 2008 6:04 AM
Posted on March 30, 2008 06:04
Out blog hopping and found your blog. What a great use for those pretty shower curtains! I, too, love a good thrift find.
Love, LOVE the green windows in your hallway!
Posted by kacey | March 30, 2008 10:07 AM
Posted on March 30, 2008 10:07
Hi Angela~
I am so sorry I missed your "green" post...I hope you have a winner. Next time, Im in!
While I was perusing your blog, I noticed you like insulators. I have 3 of the same colored ones you do.
They are interesting and getting harder and harder to find! Also, you did a great job on the closet makeover. I am a cottage lover and salvage junkie too too, and will often find ways to re-purpous old windows.My current project- a greenhouse!
I hope you have a great day!
xxxoooRuth
Posted by Ruth | April 1, 2008 5:02 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 05:02
Such a gorgeous, creative use for a shower curtain! It just makes that room!
So sorry I didn't get in on your green post. I was planning on it, then things got crazy around here again. Can't wait to see what everyone else did though!--and I may put my own green one up soon just for fun!
Posted by Jennifer P. | April 1, 2008 10:40 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 10:40
Wow! They look gorgeous. You sure have a creative streak in you.
Posted by learning_the_ropes | April 1, 2008 12:43 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 12:43
Really beautiful fabric and good idea! I have used thrift store fabric (bedding, and even dresses at times) for pillows or other small fabric projects too.
Posted by Julie Size | April 1, 2008 1:09 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 13:09
I am 100% behind you in the thrift shopping. I grew up going to thrift shops. Our mother would take us there when others where going to department stores for their clothes. And they never knew we had second hand clothes.
And now, I can't seem to stay out of them. I go sometimes 2-3 times per week. Sometimes I don't find anything and other days I score.
For those that don't like them it's our gain.
Glenda
Posted by Glenda | April 1, 2008 4:45 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 16:45
Love it! I took big doors off a cabinet in a small half bath and put curtains in. I made the curtains and a valance. It can be seen here if interested.
http://hustlehag.blogspot.com/2008/03/abc-wednesday-i.html
Posted by Sharon | April 1, 2008 7:13 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 19:13
Hi Angela I have finally had a chance to come by for a visit not that I am home again. Your "reasons why I thrift" blogs are great and I see by the number of comments that there are alot of others who feel the same. I was just remenbering yesterday how kind and welcoming you were to me when I first began to blog last Nov. and how you sent me that package. That was so thoughtful of you.
Hope everything is well with you.
Rhondi xo
Posted by Anonymous | April 2, 2008 1:56 PM
Posted on April 2, 2008 13:56
I just went to the thrift shop today and found a great rolling duffle bag that will be turned into a storage bag for the jack for our car. I hope to have some of the material leftover to make a little handy-dandy junk holder bag also. :) The closet door curtains are beautiful. :)
Posted by cindy | April 2, 2008 2:10 PM
Posted on April 2, 2008 14:10
Hi Angela, I have an award for you if you want to stop by and pick it up!
:) Jen R
Posted by Jen Rizzo | April 2, 2008 8:25 PM
Posted on April 2, 2008 20:25
What lovely fabric those curtains are. Very pretty! I'm really into thrifting as well. My latest excuse is that thrifting is being green!
Posted by Cece | April 4, 2008 10:08 PM
Posted on April 4, 2008 22:08
Hi Angela!
I miss you...hope everything is ok... if you are interested we have a lottery at Annalunda!
~ love Annie
Posted by Annie | April 5, 2008 3:23 PM
Posted on April 5, 2008 15:23
Hi Angela,
Hope everything is okay. I miss your posts. Love the thrifting series. I'm just starting to get into it myself. Why clutter up the world with more stuff?
Lorrie
Posted by Lorrie | April 5, 2008 5:43 PM
Posted on April 5, 2008 17:43
Hi Angela,
I am wondering also if everything is okay too!! I hope so we in blog land miss you, although I should talk I cannot always do many posts either!
Posted by ellen Crimi-Trent | April 7, 2008 9:03 AM
Posted on April 7, 2008 09:03
I´m so worried.... what has happened??? Miss you Angela! Love and positive energy from Annie
Posted by Annie | April 7, 2008 1:01 PM
Posted on April 7, 2008 13:01
I LOVE thrift/yard sale finds. I think it is the thrill of the hunt!
Posted by Diana @ PleaseSir | April 13, 2008 12:13 PM
Posted on April 13, 2008 12:13
Wow! Those are gorgeous. How could anyone pass those up?
Posted by Knitsational | April 27, 2008 9:17 AM
Posted on April 27, 2008 09:17
Beautiful! I love thrift shopping! But still there are times I'll pass up something, because I don't know where I'd use it. I'll get home and go that's it but it's to late.
I guess the best rule for me, if you like it buy it.:)
Posted by Theresa N | May 25, 2008 3:30 AM
Posted on May 25, 2008 03:30
The shower curtains are lovely! Very airy looking!
You came up with the perfect idea for them. Great job.....Cindi
Posted by Cindi | May 25, 2008 2:48 PM
Posted on May 25, 2008 14:48
Wow!! So pretty!! Love 'em!!
Michele
luvkittysmeowmail@gmail.com
Posted by Michele | May 31, 2008 4:10 AM
Posted on May 31, 2008 04:10
I just had to read your articles on Thrifting :) I also love to thrift store shop. It first started as a way to save money but now I enjoy the thrill of the hunt :) Just this week I was able to purchase several pieces of silver-plate flatware, an old red & cream vintage sifter and 2 vintage tea towels for $2.50! I love what you did with the shower curtains :)
zokiemichael(at)sisna(dot)com
Posted by Sharon D. | May 31, 2008 3:35 PM
Posted on May 31, 2008 15:35