Spring into Creativity with Upcycled Art!
Thrift stores are a treasure trove of affordable, unique clothing and household goods. Many of these items are great as-is, but you can also put your spin on thrifted goods by repurposing them for craft supplies!
Need some crafting inspiration? Get your creative juices flowing with these five creative spring craft ideas you can make using Goodwill finds:
Try DIY tie-dye
Tie-dye loungewear became wildly popular in 2020, and it looks like the trend is continuing in 2021. But instead of paying top-dollar for brand name tie-dye outfits, you can make your own clothing from Goodwill!
Grey and white t-shirts from Goodwill
Pick up a few white or light-colored cotton t-shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts, sweatpants, or shorts and add some flair with colorful dye. Or, try the ” reverse tie-dye” method using dark-colored clothing and bleach. There are many different techniques you can use to create different patterns of spirals, circles, and stripes in your finished pieces. The advantage of DIY tie-dye is that you’ll end up with a totally original masterpiece that’s unlike anything you could find in a store!
Wall art from Goodwill
Painting from Goodwill
Repaint thrift store wall art
Looking for unique and budget-friendly home décor? Try upgrading thrift store wall art! You can find framed paintings, canvases, wooden signs, and more at incredible prices in thrift stores like Goodwill. Use acrylic paint or paint markers to modernize outdated wall art with geometric patterns, typography, or bold designs. The possibilities are endless!
” Dipped” glassware
Give clear glassware a pop of spring color with pastel paint! Thrift stores like Goodwill always have a great selection of glassware ranging from vases to wine glasses to jars. To create your own paint-dipped glasses, you’ll need spray paint, painter’s tape, and clear enamel spray paint.
Glass jar from Goodwill
Pink and clear vases on display at Ohio Valley Goodwill store
Wrap the painter’s tape around the part of the glass that you don’t want to be painted (usually the top half of the glass). Then, spray light coats of the paint to coat the glass. Let the paint dry between coats. Finally, add a coat of clear enamel paint to lock in the color. When dry, the glasses are ready to use!
Makeover thrift store mugs
Coffee mugs are another item you can always find at thrift stores like Goodwill! Plain mugs are perfect for craft projects and make great gifts for friends, family, teachers, and coworkers. You can easily personalize a mug with your own design or a favorite quote using permanent markers.
First, look for a few white or solid color ceramic mugs at Goodwill. You can usually find mugs for $2 or less! Using permanent markers (black or dark-colored markers work best), add your artwork. Let the mugs dry for 72 hours, then place them in a cold oven while it heats up to 400 degrees. Leave the mugs for one hour, then turn the oven off and let the mugs come to room temperature. This ” bakes” your design onto the mug and prevents it from fading!
Upcycle crafts to save the planet!
Ohio Valley Goodwill is your go-to for craft supplies for all kinds of creative projects. When you shop at Goodwill and upcycle gently-used items instead of buying brand-new supplies, you’ll save money and help to save the planet at the same time! Upcycling gives items a new life and prevents them from ending up in local landfills, keeping our communities beautiful.
Reuse, Upcycle, Sustain with Goodwill!
By choosing to thrift shop at Goodwill, you’re also supporting our mission to change lives through the power of work. Our innovative donation-resale model generates revenue to fund job skills training and employment services for individuals with disabilities and our nation’s veterans. To find your nearest Goodwill store, visit our locations page. With 19 retail stores in and around Greater Cincinnati, there’s bound to be a convenient location near you!
P.S. If you try any of these fun spring craft projects, we’d love to see! Tag us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
