By Shelly Thompson
Many times we get a glimpse of the big makeovers from entire rooms to painted and reimagined furniture. Not as frequently, do we see the small treasures that are repurposed. This occurred to me a few weeks ago as I made my purchase of a few small treasures...there were a few people who laughed at my 'junk'. Now, on their behalf...the items were crusty, rusty, worn, and well weathered...making them all the better in my mind. I never take comments on my purchases personally, because I seem to purchase a lot of things that nobody else really wants. While I may not have exact plans for these treasures when I purchase them...and yes, I may have a storage unit that is full of things I KNOW I can use someday...more often than not, these small treasures turn out adorable and are usually the first things to sell at my shop.
By the time you have finished reading this I would guess you'll think of things you've passed by, or maybe have stored in a closet, that you can repurposed into something fun...turning your small treasure...into a conversation piece. If it's a vintage piece, all the better if you have some knowledge of where the piece came from. When I know the history of a piece, that usually seals the deal for me if I am undecided whether to purchase it. Many times, my repurposed treasures get to spend some time in my home for me to enjoy them first before they go to the shop. If your heart is really into vintage, you have a special appreciation for the places these items have made their journey from, and those before you who used them. Repurposing any type of vintage piece, small or large, makes you a keeper of other peoples stories. It's something I hold dear when I begin to look at how something can be reused into an item that someone will love. However, I also repurpose new items...into fun treasures. I personally prefer vintage, but it's fun to repurpose what other's consider 'junk' into something fun that often calls attention to itself over other things in the room.
Don't make the mistake of thinking that because your decorating style is modern you can't add a hint of vintage or rustic charm. Adding in small pieces gives an eclectic feel. Mixing a little vintage with modern or even MCM style gives it a little warmth and adds contrast. That's one of the amazing things about small repurposed treasures, they go easily in many style decors.
Below are a few of my finds sharing ideas of how I've reused/repurposed small things to help you get started thinking like a treasure hunter...don't let anyone tell you it's 'junk'...because you can absolutely turn it into a treasure!
By the time you have finished reading this I would guess you'll think of things you've passed by, or maybe have stored in a closet, that you can repurposed into something fun...turning your small treasure...into a conversation piece. If it's a vintage piece, all the better if you have some knowledge of where the piece came from. When I know the history of a piece, that usually seals the deal for me if I am undecided whether to purchase it. Many times, my repurposed treasures get to spend some time in my home for me to enjoy them first before they go to the shop. If your heart is really into vintage, you have a special appreciation for the places these items have made their journey from, and those before you who used them. Repurposing any type of vintage piece, small or large, makes you a keeper of other peoples stories. It's something I hold dear when I begin to look at how something can be reused into an item that someone will love. However, I also repurpose new items...into fun treasures. I personally prefer vintage, but it's fun to repurpose what other's consider 'junk' into something fun that often calls attention to itself over other things in the room.
Don't make the mistake of thinking that because your decorating style is modern you can't add a hint of vintage or rustic charm. Adding in small pieces gives an eclectic feel. Mixing a little vintage with modern or even MCM style gives it a little warmth and adds contrast. That's one of the amazing things about small repurposed treasures, they go easily in many style decors.
Below are a few of my finds sharing ideas of how I've reused/repurposed small things to help you get started thinking like a treasure hunter...don't let anyone tell you it's 'junk'...because you can absolutely turn it into a treasure!
Vintage shoes
Vintage shoes and shoe molds (or lasts as they're called) can ALWAYS be given new life. Often, I'll find one shoe (I always wonder what happened to the other one!) they're usually really inexpensive, and with a little love, cleaner, and some imagination...its new purpose shines through!
Adding these vintage game pieces spelling Shoe Mold to this wooden shoe mold really set it apart. It was in pretty bad shape when I got it, but a little wood oil and clear coat and it showed it's deep wood grain.
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There was only one of this shoe. It's an 1878 Victorian era shoe. It needed a little leather oil and it looked amazing. It retained it's worn look, but with a new sheen. It works great as a faux plant holder.
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This pair of 1920 shoes are well worn, showing off the journey they made when they were used. They now get decorated with vintage paper and flowers respecting every step they've made.
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Many shoe molds make the perfect card holder, or photo holder. Sitting on top of a small stack of books, these add a vintage element without overtaking other decor.
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These little baby shoes look adorable placed with baby photos or books.
Vintage Shutters
These shutters came from a late 1800's farmhouse. They had lived out their life and were on the curb. But...they got reused in many ways!
The original state of the shutters was really rough and in very dirty condition.
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A thorough cleaning revealed an amazing green color. I lightly sanded and distressed them with a little stain for depth.
Various other pieces of the shutter that were not able to be repaired became signs like this GARDEN sign.
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A pair of the shutters was actually purchased by a customer to use. This shutter became a letter and photo holder. The bottom left piece of the shutter became a picture frame. Using old pieces from a game the letters were glued to it and another piece of the shutter placed for the back to hold the photo. It was sold to a customer who absolutely loved it!
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Rustic metal boxes
This rustic metal box just needed some creativity to make it fun and hold great displays!
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Filled with vintage gardening items and a pair of vintage shoes, this metal box became an amazing fun item filled with small treasures. This can be easily changed out seasonally or simply hold family photos and memories.
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Rethink regular items
With some chalk paint and a little sanding, this jewelry holder became a fun floral mannequin with a hook to hold something small. This piece could be hung on a wall, or sit on a table. What items do you have that a little paint would give them a whole new look?
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Display your small treasures using small vintage suitcases and cloche's
If your style is not really vintage, but you'd like to show off a few small vintage pieces, or family treasures, using a small suitcase, or a cloche is the perfect way to incorporate your items into a nonvintage decor. And, it's so fun to change these out as often as you want.
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The really unusual...
Sometimes, you have to really think outside of the box with your creativity...but it's so much fun when the idea finally works out!
This vintage metal spiked brush was the perfect item to hold photos.
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This Model T luggage rack was repurposed as a holder in the hallway.
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This rustic John Deere tractor license plate holder was reused in this table centerpiece. It would make a great frame also!
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This was a shiny iron metal house that had no character. But, after applying some white chalk paint and sanding to distress it, the piece looked aged. It was perfect to hold a plant and another fun find...the postcard placed in a frame!
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Never pass up a unique light fixture! This 1910 light fixture is a prefect holder for plants and birds for spring, and can be changed seasonally.
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This is such a fun piece. It's a 1930's metal doll bed with amazing detailing. It makes the perfect 'garden bed' filled with plants and a few fun items!
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These are just a few ways to repurpose unique finds. Repurposing items is truly unlimited. Use your imagination and have fun creating! We would love to see your transformation repurposed items for our Facebook page, or an issue of For your Heart and Home. Click here to email us your photos!