I like looking in thrift stores, yard sales, and flea markets for “junk” to turn into something cool. Of course, I don’t really see it as junk, but the people getting rid of the stuff often do. I see these places as a gold mine for new projects.

Do you go trash-picking on trash day? Around my neighborhood, it has become a business for many people these past few years. They collected metal to sell for money and recycle whatever they can pick up.

If I see something I can pick up by myself and I could use it, then I would pick up too!

I saw some cute miniature bean bag chairs at the store. I was thinking it would be fun to make one for my little grandbabies. I could make one that looks like a patchwork quilt, using up discarded clothing for the quilted cover.

I love reclaimed wood. It just adds character to any project. I like barn wood and stuff like that, but even fallen trees can be made into cool stuff. I’ve seen table bases made from stumps and table tops made from wood slices.

Do you like stuff like this?

What about natural elements? Reclaiming stuff from outdoors, maybe even in your own yard, to use as decorative items. Make pretty centerpieces from pine cones, dried flowers, smooth stones. Cover a frame or jar with preserved twigs or leaves. The possibilities are limitless.

Did you know that you can make a stool from used plastic soda bottles? How cool is that?

https://frame.bloglovin.com/?post=4246583094&group=0&frame_type=a&context=&context_ids=&feed_order=&blog=1462203&frame=1&click=0&user=0

I really like this idea.

A large metal can, like a coffee can or paint can, is easy to make into a beautiful planter. You can cover it with plaster in a cool design and then paint it. You can tile over it with rocks, beads, pieces of glass or ceramic, and make a pretty mosaic surface for it.

On Pinterest, there are lots of pins where people painted glass jars or cheap vases to make them into nice, decorative pieces. Have you tried this? I tried one small jelly jar just to test it out. Mine didn’t come out very well. I’m going to have to try again.

Have you had any luck with things like this?

I heard about something cool for making quilts. When a loved one passes away, their clothing is used to create a remembrance quilt. I think this is nice idea.