We love going to the thrift store, and who doesn’t? There are so many cool items that can be found there, and all they need is a little paint and TLC! Scour your local thrift store for a chandelier and transform it into an expensive-looking antique!

The first thing you need is the chandelier of course! Check your local thrift store, or find one on Craigslist!

Begin by sanding down the chandelier, removing all traces of paint. Take a can of spray paint and give the chandelier 2-3 coats of paint. Allow it to dry between coats.

If you want the chandelier to look like it has real candles, you can add silicone dipped light bulbs for a realistic effect.

To soften the nutmeg brown paint, whitewash over the wood and metal areas. You can do this by watering down white paint, brushing it on, then wiping it off. To complete the look, add a coat of brown glaze to give it an old world look.

To finish the look, you can add these cute wooden danglers to hang from the chandelier. These were found at a rummage sale, cut in half, and painted the same way as the chandelier. They were attached by inserting a screw with an eye at the top.

The final step is to rewire the chandelier if needed and hang it up! Hang it in your living room, or above your dining room table! It’s the perfect finishing touch to any shabby home!

Photos and idea: Reloved Rubbish.

We love terra cotta pots, and who doesn’t? They are so versatile and work well in any garden. But, sometimes the new pots are just a bit too orange, and would look better if they had an ‘aged’ look. Those aged terra cotta pots for sale are just a bit too expensive, so here are 4 ways how to do it yourself!

1. The Yoghurt Method

First, soak your pot in water for about 15 minutes. Take it out and using a foam brush, brush on yoghurt in uneven directions. Let the pot sit outside in a cool, moist place for 4-6 weeks. The final effect will be a green patina effect.

2. The Lime Method

Mix equal parts garden lime and water in a bowl until you get a paste. Brush on the mixture onto the pot until it’s completely covered in a thick layer. When dry, use sandpaper to smooth out the pot, and be sure to rub some areas more aggressively than others for a natural look. The final step is to seal the pot with 3-4 coats of a matte sealer. This gives pots a white, chalky look.

3. The Moss and Buttermilk Method

Head to the woods and gather some moss. Remove as much dirt as you can and tear it up into small pieces. In a bowl, combine buttermilk and moss pieces and mix. You can now brush the mixture onto your pots, and when finished, place the pot in a shaded place. You should soon see moss start to grow onto the pot.

4. The Clay Soil Method

Rub the soil over the pot, and add water as needed if the soil doesn’t stick. Then, place the pot in a shaded area for at least 1 month. Get out a wire brush and brush the pot to create a textured surface.

Photos: Canadian Gardening, Mother Earth Living.