See My Best Thrift store Treasures

It’s that time of year! So many people are trying to manage all the new things that they acquired during this season of gift giving. Sadly that often means things need to leave in order to fit it all! Well, that means many treasures can be found in thrift stores. ‘Start the car!

Where I get my ‘Art Supplies’;

I get great satisfaction from using things that would possibly end up in the landfill. I strive to make practical things with somewhat of an artistic flare. It is not always about saving money, but it does help. Often the fact that they were quality items makes the outcome much more unique at a fraction of the cost.

There are so many things that can be made with leather. It’s sad that an animal has already lost it’s life for their hide, so making sure it gets used forever is important. The leather jackets get given away just because of style but have so much potential left in all the yardage.

Suedes and furs are equally valuable. Often they are not priced very high \\ since there has been less acceptance of wearing fur.

Lovely Soft Leather

Many of the jackets I’ve found are a soft subtle quality leather that is so perfect for making mittens. It is easier than trying to buy leather hides from sources. Mostly the garment leather is also thin enough to sew with a regular sewing machine; bonus!

My sewing machines are older domestic ones with metal parts so they handle sewing quite well.

With some planning there’s no limit to how unique or creative you can be. Who would think this Leaf Purse was once a jacket in it’s prior life?!

Shearling is Amazing!

Shearling is a suede hide that has the fur still attached. This makes for quite the amazing possibilities; you may know the love of Uggs!

The luxurious hide can make so many warm lovely Shearling slippers or mitts.

Virgin Wool Blankets:

Those old linen closets are getting cleaned out and sadly those old wool blankets find their way to thrift store. I am a person who appreciates natural fibres; I love the ability of wool to be used for so many art forms.

Almost anything goes:

Once you discover that you have the power and talent to change those plain items into amazing new pieces of art there’s no stopping you!

Chose whatever motif you like, simple or more detailed…

Angelus Leather paint is perfect way to paint leather. ‘Don’t limit it to only painting shoes, any leather leather item can be transformed.

Bags and Purses Galore!

Those expensive bags seem to lose favour way too early! Many invested hundreds of dollars into these bags and usually there is no damage but a few light scratches. Think of these as a blank canvas…,

Redesign, reinvent, repurpose or ‘Re-Purse’ it! How can you go wrong?!

Now comes the big question; what would you love on your bag? Yup, I have a weakness for natural elements and the marvellous Maple leaf!

Leather in Another Form!

Keep your eyes open and don’t limit yourself. It is so mind-baffling what can be found around the corner. Leather can come in all kinds of forms! This monogrammed Leather Suitcase has become a terrific table! I wonder who had perhaps used it to start a new life in another country… Will our ancestors have some of those questions with what we leave behind?! Hmmm.

Lovely Vintage Quilts

Why buy fabric at the store when you can buy some with a history?! It is truly by luck to find something quite wonderful, but that’s what makes it so much fun

That practical side of me always seems to want some way of being useful as well; make a Quilt Jacket! ‘Add a bag because you just need to use the leftovers…

What treasures have you found?! I think there’s enough for all of us!