Tag: Creative

Homing Your Houseplants, the Thrifty Way

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Houseplants are an absolute staple in home décor and this style statement shows no signs of disappearing any time soon. I, for one, am over the moon about this, as houseplants are taking over my home!

However, I wonder if any of you fellow houseplant lovers are familiar with the following scenario as much as I am? You arrive home with another dreamy green friend, only to realise that you’ve run out of pots to home your new shrub and soon discover that a new pot is more expensive than the plant itself!

Well, you can now cast those woes aside. I’m here with a few tips on how you can home your plants the thrifty way, whilst still staying chic and making a décor statement!

Thrift those pots

Check out the homeware section of your local Barnardo’s for some affordable plant pot possibilities. You may find a gem that is perfect just the way it is or you might discover something that offers a DIY opportunity. Either way, you will be sure to find something that does the job you need and doesn’t break that bank.

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Why I Love Volunteering

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Hi team!

So this week I am talking about my time volunteering for Barnardo’s. I spent a lot of time shopping at the Stockbridge Barnardo’s store in Edinburgh. On one shopping trip I saw that they were looking for a Visual Merchandiser volunteer – something I have a huge interest in. Naturally I had to go in and sign up! I remember being very nervous for my first shift, as at the time I was in the midst of depression and found it hard to leave the house at times. Volunteering, even just for my four hour shift each week was a huge step for me and in the end it really helped.

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Pop UP-Cycle Your Clothes With Colour And Cloth

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We are on the road across Northern Ireland’s Barnardos stores to show customers how to re-invent, refashion and reduce clothing waste! 

I am a charity shop addict so when Barnardos and I brainstormed these events, I thought… ‘Road trips around Ireland and charity shopping…what’s not to love?!’  I would say 75% of my wardrobe is charity shop finds and re-inventions.  It’s the thrill of the chase.

We will be taking over the window displays in Barnardos stores and setting up our ‘pop-up’ sewing surgery.  Using shop stock and transforming styles before your eyes! From five-minute fashion fixes to learning new sewing skills, there will be plenty of creative ideas to make your fashion finds one of a kind.

Shirt

Drop in and get involved!

Carrick: Friday 28th July 11 am – 3 pm

I will be re-inventing teen to adult clothing at the Carrick store, I can’t wait to go up a few days before and rummage in the store-room and on the shop floor!

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My Volunteering Experience By Mel

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Wednesday’s, the one day of the week that I can guarantee will be a success. Why? It’s the day I volunteer at Barnardo’s. My friend introduced me to the idea of volunteering about seven months ago and I can honestly say I’m having the best experience!

My manager Leanne and I hit it off immediately. So much so when I heard she was moving stores, I followed her. I was given the exciting role of creating fun window displays to draw the public in. I was given free rein to be creative and this has given me a huge amount of my confidence back. Plus, having a fashion degree under my belt means I can finally put my skills to good use, thank god!

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TUTORIAL: Get creative, up-cycle your old denim!

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Hi guys. As festival season looms, I am going to show you how to up-cycle and breathe some new life into an old pair of jeans – just in time for your summer wardrobe!

For this tutorial you will need:

– An old pair of jeans
– Scissors
– Chalk / Pen
– A stamp
– Fabric Paint
– A sponge
– Iron
– Sandpaper
– A tea towel
– A flat surface to work on

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5 tips for creating a retro brooch collection

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My name’s Susie and I’m so happy to be writing for The Thrift today!  I’ve been writing Second hand susieabout eco-living, making stuff and charity shopping for over 7 years at my blog Second Hand Susie.  I love vegan food, gardening and I’m working on single-handedly bringing home the contents of my local charity shops.

One of my favourite things to collect from charity shops are brooches, here are some top tips to help you create your own collection of lovely thrifted brooches.

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