Thrift Decorating for Under $5.00

Barb Tobias walks you through her step-by-step process for creating a fabulous holiday centerpiece.

Click here to watch the video.

Thrifty Christmas Decorating

I know, I know.  It’s just November…I mean the Thanksgiving stuff isn’t out and my holiday meal isn’t even organized. Yet, here I am planning my Christmas decorations. My rationalization is this … it takes me a month or two to orchestrate the festive bedecking of my home in the spirit of frugal yet chic décor.

I enjoy this creative holiday endeavor, and dive into producing grand arrangements with gusto.  After all, I am a collector of orphans … the savior of parts … creatively piecing together all the unloved odds and ends that others unconsciously toss away. And how I hem and haw over each selection, lovingly turning them into cheerful masterpieces … for little to no money.

I begin by sorting through all the holiday finds I’ve collected from garage sales, flea markets, consignment shops and thrift stores. The sorting and grouping of each “orphaned” item eats up quite a bit of time as I contemplate the potential of each piece, figuring out how it might be used to fashion a stunning display.

This year I pieced together a lovely holiday centerpiece crafted out of four random castoffs.  Wonderful chrome stand that once held a globe … I presumed.  Not sure what I would do with the piece, I snatched it up for a mere $2.00 after being drawn to its height and heft. After the purchase I was concerned that I might not find a lantern that would fit effectively within the ridged top. Hey, it was worth a try, and for two bucks … come on!

I’ve learned, from my years as a hopeless thrift-a-holic, that patience eventually pays off.  And, sure enough … a couple of months later, I was delighted to find a cracked-glass hurricane.  I placed my new acquisition on my holding shelf where it sat until this holiday season.

Once I started my holiday decorating I was most anxious to see if the globe would fit into my tall, stately stand. As I slid the lantern into place I was delighted to find that it fit perfectly!

I finished up creating my Christmas centerpiece by twisting two random greenery vines, twisted them about the base and placed a fresh pine-scented candle (another garage sale find) within the globe. Now I had a centerpiece worthy for the most festive table … for under $10.00!

Greenery and garlands, collected throughout the garage sale season, are lavishly draped over mirrors, mantels and bowls.  These festive ropes are regularly decorated with odd flowers, berries, balls and candles.

When the spirit moves me I add a bit of holiday humor, frivolity and personality to each room.  Notice the elf hitching a ride on a San Francisco motor bus, while a precious doll holds a bouquet of holiday splendor in an adjoining guest room.

Creative buying throughout the year, when holiday items sell for pennies on a dollar, can make lovely additions to a home during the holidays…cheap yet chic decorations that defy the sharp eye of the most discerning guest.

Barb Tobias, America’s “Thrift Talk” Diva, is an author, a dynamic speaker, and the entertaining mistress of thrift. This radio and TV personality renovates lives, homes and wardrobes by sticking her curious little nose into other people’s “thrifty business.” After a lifetime of turning trash into treasure, Barb shares her secrets for finding deals, repurposing before tossing and reconstructing the tattered in her new release, Tossed & Found. Her “tell all” book is not only a journey of personal transformation, but teaches a newly frugal nation how to purchase, purge and profit from thrift.

Clutter Magnets … And, their thrifty solutions!

Think of your home as a walk in the forest.  Do you walk through an orderly, sun dappled landscape covered with fern and fauna, gazing up at towering trees with playful wildlife scampering past? Or, is your walk a study in navigation … through debris, fallen trees, broken branches and tangled undergrowth?

We all want that serene, organized home that is a pleasure to walk through.  However, if you are anything like me, you’re probably suffering from an abundant collection of junk that insists on invading your spaces. I’m talking about all those areas that somehow collect clothes, shoes, bags, keys, receipts, toys, books…you get the picture.  Hang on to your tiaras ladies … there is a cure.  But, there’s also a price to pay!  Yep, swallow that yucky medicine if you want to feel better about yourself, your home and your time.  Realize that creating a tidy home is a paltry sum to pay considering the benefits.

Okay, you thought that this “Thrifty Diva” was simply about saving money!  Ah ha!  I’m also about saving you time . . . and, maybe, just a bit of your sanity! Here are my thrifty time-saving tips that will keep you from being overwhelmed by the clutter in key areas of your home:

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When we arrive home, tired and hungry, we tend to drop our parcels at the nearest flat surface then rush off to our closest to change into something comfy, or to the refrigerator to grab a snack…all the while leaving a trail of clutter in our wake.

By taking a few minutes to stow brief cases, purses, baby items, mail and wallets in attractive storage units, strategically placed at our entryways, our access areas will always be “visitor’ ready.

Now, when I suggest storage units, I’m not talking about red, white and blue plastic store-alls!  Think… design savvy…get creative with leather storage units, an antique armoire, a fabulous desk or a chic credenza purchased from your neighborhood thrift store.

This storage-friendly wall was done for under $100!

Bedrooms

The bedroom should be a place of tranquility…a serene place where eight hours of every day is spent in peaceful repose. Instead, one often finds a sea of topsy-turvy items within its chaotic walls. Here are a few thrifty tips that will help to keep this area in tip-top shape:

Closets: Watch out!  Some closets are dangerous to open for fear of getting caught in the dreaded “clothes avalanche.” Although hiring a company to rebuild closet interiors can be expensive, inexpensive organizers can be found at most home improvement centers.  Build storage areas all the way to the top to store seldom used items, while creating layered hanging areas for long and short items.  Finally, create low level shelving, underneath hanging areas to organize shoes and folded items.

Nightstands: Hit your local garage sales or thrift stores and purchase two nightstands that have one to three drawers. (Diva tip: They don’t have to match …enjoy their unique separateness!) These will serve to organize and conceal items that detract from your bedroom’s décor. Place your prescriptions, remote controls, flashlights, books, eyeglasses and candles within your new-to-you nightstands rather than on top or scattered around the floor. Now, decorate the tops with attractive lights, alarm clocks and the occasional vase filled with flowers.

A clothing stand:  Since chairs and chaises become convenient repositories for hastily tossed clothes, buy a clothing stand that will hold your tired threads until the next morning.  Refrain from using the reading area as a catchall for your discarded items as they can amass a mountain of clutter very quickly.

Drawers: somehow the old addage out of sight, out of mind applies to these sneaky disaster centers. Thrift stores abound with a myriad of drawer organizers. Grab a bunch of dividers to keep socks, underwear, sweaters, sweats, under garments, pajamas, and scarves all neatly organized.

Kitchen

People naturally gravitate to the kitchen. Not only is it the family gathering place, it’s also a convenient dumping spot for purses, shoes, homework, art projects, backpacks, and toys and games. Reserve this collective area for preparation and meal time. If the front and rear entry ways have convenient storage areas, insist that the family use these areas to unleash their stream of belongings.  Otherwise, make it a rule that the family drops their possessions in their respective bedrooms.

Keep a tidy handle on these pesky areas:

• Refrigerator
• Pantry
  • Stair-step stackers
  • Rotating rounds
  • Hooks
  • Shelving
  • Laundry center
  • Cupboards
    • Dishes
    • Pots and Pans
    • Drawers
      • Silverware
      • Junk drawer

Bathroom

Since bathrooms a typically small, it is essential that these areas be kept free of clutter.  Countertops that are strewn with toothpaste, perfumes, shaving gear and hair products prove to be not only unsightly but like any clutter, add to the heap of hidden stresses that affects our quality of life.

Resale shops abound with storage units that will effectively and attractively store linens, cosmetics, soaps, bath toys and medicines.

Office

It is a proven fact that an organized work space contributes to one’s ability to focus on the tasks at hand and increases productivity throughout the workday. A serene and well organized office is not only more pleasant but often stirs creativity as well.

Thrift shops abound with items that can turn your office into a neat, professional business center:

• Phone stations equipped with a pen and notepad
• Whiteboards for reminders and creative thinking
• Computer station
• Desk with a good supply of drawer dividers
• Shelving or storage units

The Laundry Center

Depending on where your laundry center is in your home, put some thought into storing your detergents, laundry and ironing supplies in an attractive unit. If possible build or create a folding and hanging area to simplify the wearisome laundry task.

Recycle Center

Create a storage center that separates bottles, cans, plastic and paper so that recyclable items can be readily sorted on trash day.

Garage and basement

The garage, basements and attics are probably the biggest clutter magnets.  These are areas that can easily accumulate a mountain of junk because they are out-of-sight, out-of-mind areas.  Once an organizational process is put in place it is up to the adults to enforce that everything has a place and it is returned to that spot … every time. Create areas for tools, charity donations, mementos, seasonal décor, gardening equipment, and car care.

Barb Tobias Featured on CBS4 and Brooke’s Bargains

America’s “Thrift Talk” Diva has been very busy the last few months with 2 Diva Sales, the launch of her Fashion and Decorating Consulting and speaking events. Last month, CBS4 Denver caught up with Barb to chat about her lifestyle and her thrift style.

Link to Brooke Wagner’s Blog – Brooke’s Bargains

http://denver.cbslocal.com/2011/07/06/tossed-found-thrift-talk-diva-dishes-on-getting-cash-and-fab-on-thrift/

Thrifty Holiday Decorating Tips

 

I am a hopeless thrift-aholic … saver of parts … collector of broken stuff … savior of discarded orphans.

I love to put together all the unloved pieces that people throw away to make creative masterpieces.  And, no season brings more opportunity than the Holiday Season.

I begin my Holiday decorating by purging and sorting.  First I pull out all my Christmas finds and begin the process.  One pile is a group of “orphaned” items that will be used to fashion holiday displays.

This year I made a splendid centerpiece from odds and ends collected throughout the year from various thrift venues…garage sales, flea markets and estate sales.  Earlier in the year I found a solidly built chrome stand that once held a globe … I presumed.  I wasn’t sure what I would do with the piece, however I loved the height and heft of it and snatched it up for a mere $2.00.  I was a little concerned that I might not find a lantern that would fit effectively within the ridged top, but felt it was worth a try. 

 

 

 

I’ve learned, from being a hopeless thrift-a-holic for over thirty years, that patience eventually pays off.  And, sure enough … four or five months later, I was delighted to find a cracked glass hurricane.  I placed my new acquisition on my miscellaneous shelf where it sat until this holiday season.

After I had sorted all my items I was anxious to see if the globe would fit into my tall, stately stand. As I slid the lantern into place it was the perfect fit!

Next I got busy creating my Christmas centerpiece.  I took two random greenery vines, twisted them about the base and placed a fresh pine-scented candle within the globe. Now I had a centerpiece worthy for the most festive table … for under $10.00!

 

 

 

Greenery and garlands, collected throughout the garage sale season, are draped over mirrors, mantels and bowls.  These festive ropes are often decorated with odd flowers, berries, balls and candles. 

 

And finally, I enjoy decorating with some holiday humor … adding a little spice and personality to my rooms. Often, décor pieces that adorn my home year ‘round, are decorated with a bit of holiday whimsy.

Rid Your House of those Pesky Clutter Magnets … in Time for the Holidays!

With the holidays fast approaching unexpected drop-ins are sure to catch you unawares if your home isn’t tidy and presentable.  Certain areas of our homes just seem to attract clutter. In order to keep from being overwhelmed by these overflow areas, follow these tips to keep target areas tidy … and your sanity intact!   

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When we arrive home we tend to drop our parcels and head for the bedroom to change into something comfy, or to the refrigerator to grab a snack.  Taking a few minutes to stow brief cases, purses, mail and wallets in attractive storage units, strategically placed at both the front and rear entries, will keep these areas “visitor’ ready.   

Closets

Yikes!  Some closets are dangerous due to the dreaded “clothes avalanche.” Consider rebuilding the closet interiors with the many organizers found at home remodeling centers.  Layered hanging areas and shelving help to minimize the need to shove clothing items into poorly designed spaces.

Nightstands

Select nightstands that have one to three drawers to conceal items that will certainly detract from your bedroom décor. Store prescriptions, remote controls, flashlights, books, eyeglasses and candles within nightstands rather than on top or on the floor.  The tops should be decorated with attractive lights, alarm clocks and the occasional vase with flowers.

Bedroom chairs or chaises

These wonderful reading centers are also convenient repositories for all those hastily tossed clothes.  Refrain from the urge to toss clothes simply for convenience sake.  You will be surprised how quickly a mount aim of clothes can accumulate. 

Drawers

Drawers are typically hidden disaster centers.  The old adage out of sight, out of mind aptly applies to these concealed caverns. There are a myriad of drawer organizers and dividers that help to keep socks and underwear organized.  To stay ahead of the game, divide drawers into categories; sweaters, sweats, under garments, pajamas, and scarves.    

Organize all the areas of your office so that your work environment is pleasant and you can be creative and productive. Categorize the office by:  

• Phone Station
• Cords
• Desk
• Drawers
• Storage stations

 

Kitchen

The kitchen is where the family gathers.  It is also a dumping spot for homework, art projects, backpacks, purses, shoes, toys and games.  Designate areas where the family must place their belongings like a bedroom, craft room or den.  Keep the kitchen for cooking and enjoying family meal time.   In addition organize the kitchen into these areas:

• Refrigerator
• Pantry
  • Stair-step stackers
  • Rotating rounds
  • Hooks
  • Shelving
  • Laundry center
  • Dishes
  • Pots and Pans

Bathroom

This area will store a myriad of family items.  Buy or build storage units that will effectively store linens, cosmetics, soaps, bath toys and medicines.

The Laundry center should be arranged so as to have room for detergents,  supplies, a folding area, hanging and storing area, ironing board and the laundry tub.

Recycle Center

We that recycle need to be commended on their part in helping to keep our planet environmentally clean.  However, erecting a storage center that separates bottles, cans, plastic and paper is a necessary step in keeping this strategic area organized.  In addition, when trash day comes, it takes no time at all to place the sorted items in their proper containers.  

The garage, basements and attics are probably the biggest clutter magnets.  Each area should be organized according to tools, mementos, gardening equipment, and car care.

Smart Women Decorate with Thrift

The value of living the life of “RE”

One Tuesday night, Barb Tobias taught a Colorado Free University Class, Smart Women Decorate with Thrift, and students s learned and shared their experiences in the wacky world of thrift.

We created Vision Boards on decorating. Unlike the standard Life Vision Board, the decorating version uncovers our affinity for colors, textures, elements and styles. It is amazing how each board morphs into a profile that not only reveals our personalities but expresses our passions.

Students learned a bit about themselves, and learned how to surround themselves with décor that reverberates with their creative ideals.

• And, they learned the art of RE:
• To REpurpose rather than toss.
• To REfinish rather than pitch.
• To REnew rather than to throw out.
• To REvitalize rather than to chuck it.

And, if all else fails, and they would just as soon get rid of it, they learned where to send their “ love donations.”

• Charity Centers
• Churches
• Shelters
• Charity Drives

Repurpose On Purpose

 

To repurpose means to use an object for something different from its original purpose.  This creative process is not just rewarding, it is addictive.

When I am browsing through a thrift shop or scoping out a yard sale, everything I look at has endless possibilities. Some people refer to the process of looking at things differently as having an ‘eye’ for decorating.   I simply call it creative adornment.

I’ve made candlesticks from the bases of lamps, wall hangings from table tops and table tops from wall hangings.  I’ve covered interesting pictures with glass and used them as trays or vanity tops, and used architectural pieces, signs and windows in between pictures to make an interesting wall.

This wall assembly boasts two items that were repurposed and slipped into a picture arrangement; the shabby chic 1900’s church window hangs in good stead along with a coveted family heirloom…the original dressmaker’s shop sign that hung above my husband’s grandmother’s shop in Denver.

Individual expressions are as endless as they are personal.  I might use a wonderful old porcelain basin or pitcher as a planter while a scarred and dented antique birdcage might find its way to my porch to hold an array of trailing vines and flowers. I have even cut a peeling garden post into varying sizes and grouped them together to form a table top arrangement topped with scented candles. 

Thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales or tag sales are ripe with abundant possibilities and unique finds. Start examining them with a new eye. 

In a friend’s home there is an amusing surprise at every turn. She loves to bring outdoor items inside.  Here she uses a freshly painted metal awning as an architectural effect over an inside door.  In addition, a bright checkerboard hangs as an object of interest on the wall next to the door.  

And finally, one of my favorites, in Sonia’s guest bathroom, a rusted and peeling wrought iron fence was turned sideways and functions beautifully as a magazine rack…and conveniently sports a pair of reading glasses, a courtesy for the Baby Boomers.

Creative people have been repurposing for decades. I am often reminded of Scarlet O’Hara and her desperate attempts to repurpose an old set of curtains in the movie, Gone with the Wind.  She stripped the windows of their coverings to make a new dress and hat so as to appear unaffected by the ravages of the Civil War.

Although I would not suggest that your curtains become your next holiday gown, I am suggesting that you keep your mind open to new possibilities, and perhaps scale new heights in Diva decorating.

It is fun and frugal to generate a new look from an old item.  So if you are on a budget think about going green and repurposing all of the worn and weary items that are clogging up the beauty and individuality of your home.     

Take a thoughtful walk around your home and think of ways to repurpose items that are worn or dated, or those things that you have simply grown tired of.  Think, “How I can use this for purposes very different from its origin? Have fun. Get creative. Think outside the triangle!