Hoarder?
There are some who think thrift shoppers are hoarders, surrounded by piles of “treasures.” My husband might be one of those people… but I see it a little differently.
To me, it’s a pile of opportunity that just hasn’t happened yet.
Of course, it doesn’t take long for a thrift haul to turn into a growing stack of potential projects. The kind you mean to get to… someday. This year, I decided it was time to start working through mine.
I’ve always loved the thrill of the hunt—finding those forgotten pieces tucked on a shelf, just waiting for a little attention and a second chance. A good cleaning, a creative touch, and suddenly they have a whole new story to tell.
And honestly… that might be my favorite part.
IFirst Project: Thrifted Vase Turned Pottery
First up, I took a simple thrifted glass vase and gave it a whole new life as “pottery.”
The idea actually came to me while I was shopping at Kohl’s for luggage. I walked past a display of pottery vases—soft, worn finishes with florals gently wrapping around the sides—and immediately thought, I can do that… and I already have what I need.
That’s when the IOD Paint Inlays came to mind.
I have quite a few inlays that have been opened and not fully used (tell me I’m not the only one!), so I started digging through my stash. The Delft Traditions Noir felt just right for this look—classic, a little moody, and perfectly vintage-inspired.
For the base, I used DIY Paint in Tarnished Pearl to create that soft, creamy, off-white tone. I actually used paint from the bottom of the jar where it had thickened a bit—added just a touch of water and embraced every bit of that chunky, imperfect brushstroke. That texture is what really starts to sell the pottery look.
Next came the inlay. I applied it using DIY Liquid Patina and let all those beautiful wrinkles and imperfections happen naturally. That’s the magic of paint inlays—they do the hard work for you and give you that timeworn, vintage character.
Now for my favorite part… making it look like real pottery.
I added DIY Layered Chocolate around the top rim and let it drip down the sides, then repeated that around the base. With a light mist of water, I encouraged those drips to move and soften just enough. It created that aged, slightly imperfect finish that feels like it’s been around for years.
To finish it off, I sealed everything with DIY Clear Wax.
And I have to say… I think it’s beautiful. The kind of piece you could tuck into a corner with a few stems and it just feels right.
Now the only problem? I have to talk myself out of buying every glass vase I see and opening up every paint inlay I own just to try it again.
As I’ve been working through my little pile of “opportunities,” I can’t help but wonder… have these early months of the year had you doing the same?
January always feels like the month for organizing—though somehow it also feels like it has about 231 days in it. February rolls in, and if you’re anything like me, the stir-crazy starts to set in after being tucked inside from those below-zero days. But then March arrives, bringing little hints of change. The air feels softer, the birds sound a bit happier, and those first brave flowers begin pushing up through the soil.
Spring is finally here… and I don’t know about you, but I’m more than ready for what the next few months will bring. A fresh season, a few new projects, and plenty of simple, beautiful moments to enjoy along the way.