Showing posts with label thrifting finds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thrifting finds. Show all posts

Monday, July 01, 2024

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Embracing Change: Why I'm Choosing Unbranding | on the creek blog // www.onthecreekblog.com

Hey there, Besties! 🌟

As we dive back into our journey together, I'm thrilled to share a transformative approach that's reshaping how I connect with you all—welcome to the era of unbranding on On the Creek!


What's the Big Deal About Branding?

In the world of blogging and social media, branding is seen as the golden rule. The idea is simple: find a niche, pick a consistent theme, and stick with it. This could be anything from a specific color palette to a particular writing style or a focused topic like home improvement or thrifting. The goal? To create a recognizable identity that attracts and retains a loyal audience who knows exactly what to expect.


Why Branding Has Been King

Branding helps to establish credibility and authority. It makes a blog or social media profile instantly recognizable, which is crucial in a sea of endless online content. For a blogger, a strong, consistent brand can be the difference between being a memorable voice in a niche community and just another webpage.

Embracing Change: Why I'm Choosing Unbranding | on the creek blog // www.onthecreekblog.com


But Here's the Twist...

While branding can be powerful, it can also be restrictive. It can box creators into a single dimension, limiting the exploration of diverse interests and the natural evolution of personal or creative growth. This is where unbranding comes into play, offering a breath of fresh air for those of us who thrive on change and variety.


What is Unbranding?

Unbranding is about stepping away from the rigid confines of traditional branding. It's a dynamic approach where flexibility and spontaneity lead the way, allowing me to explore many themes and styles without being tethered to a specific brand identity. Each collection of posts on my Instagram will be a new adventure, showcasing varying designs, themes, and stories that reflect the changing tides of my creative passions.

Embracing Change: Why I'm Choosing Unbranding | on the creek blog // www.onthecreekblog.com


Why Choose Unbranding?

This journey is inspired by life itself—unpredictable, ever-evolving, and rich with new inspirations daily. Just as we evolve, so should our creative expressions. Whether it's a newfound love for a bold font, a sudden shift to minimalist aesthetics, or a deep dive into rustic home decor, unbranding allows these passions to surface naturally and authentically in our shared space.


The Beauty of Creative Freedom

By embracing unbranding, I'm not just changing the layout of my posts or the style of my visuals. I'm adopting a philosophy that celebrates growth and change. It's about letting each series of posts reflect where I'm at that moment—be it revamping a corner of our home, uncovering gems at local thrift stores, or turning our garden into a haven of tranquility.

Embracing Change: Why I'm Choosing Unbranding | on the creek blog // www.onthecreekblog.com


Join Our Unbranded Journey

I invite you to join me on this unbranded path as we throw the conventional playbook out the window and let our creative spirits soar freely. With each post, we'll explore different facets of our lives and interests while staying true to the heart of our journey together.


Stay tuned for what promises to be a captivating mix of stories, tips, and inspirations that will keep you coming back for more. Let's make our blog a testament to the beauty of change and the endless possibilities that come with embracing our true selves.

Monday, August 24, 2020

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Awesome & Unique Items Found At The Thrift Store | On The Creek Blog

Items found at the thrift store over the weekend!

We did a little thrift shopping over the weekend & I picked up a few cute things!

I've been a little more picky with what I buy lately.  I have worked on enough projects to have a decent idea of things I want to get into & what to leave alone.  Of course, every project is different & there are always surprises!  Something that seems simple might end up being quite time consuming!

Here's my latest thrift haul!







Wednesday, July 22, 2020

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Farmhouse-style end table makeover | on the creek blog // www.onthecreekblog.com

Hey there, Besties! 🌟


You might recall the magic I worked on an old dining bench, right? Well, guess what? I had its twin - a charming end table - waiting for its moment of transformation. I initially toyed with the idea of creating another bench, but this time, I craved a simpler project. And so, the journey of giving this end table a farmhouse-style makeover began!

Farmhouse-style end table makeover | on the creek blog // www.onthecreekblog.com

The Adventure Begins: Prepping the End Table

The makeover kicked off with this endearing end table. Oh, those legs! They had a charm that tugged at my heartstrings. Cutting them down for our bench project was a tough call but necessary.


I tried detaching the top before painting, but it was a stubborn little thing! So, painting first, it was, and later, with some help from my dear husband, we managed to remove the top.


Farmhouse-style end table makeover | on the creek blog // www.onthecreekblog.com
The Magic of Crackle Paint: Achieving a Distressed Farmhouse Look

I'm no stranger to crackle paint, having used it on several pieces (like our dining benchchair planter, and solar chandelier). This time was no different. The process started with a dark brown base coat, mimicking a rich, dark stain. Next came the crackle layer. And finally, the top coat was applied when the crackle was just tacky enough. The result? A beautifully distressed finish that screams farmhouse chic!

Farmhouse-style end table makeover | on the creek blog // www.onthecreekblog.com

Crafting the Perfect Top: A Journey to Home Depot

The original top was far from perfect - not solid wood and riddled with imperfections. So, off to Home Depot, we went in search of the perfect board to craft a new top. The process was surprisingly straightforward - one board, a few cuts, and voilà! We opted for nails to secure the boards, adding to the antique feel of the piece.

Farmhouse-style end table makeover | on the creek blog // www.onthecreekblog.com


Sanding and Distressing: Giving Life to New Wood

Our trusty miter saw is a bit dull and didn't leave the cleanest of cuts. So, sanding was essential to smooth out the rough edges and unify the look. But the fun didn't stop there!


We unleashed our creativity with a chain and hammer to age the new boards, diligently working to distress the wood. The goal was to give it a seasoned, lived-in look, and we nailed it!


Staining and Sealing: The Finishing Touches

I mixed Jacobean and Special Walnut for the stain to create a custom shade. It was the perfect blend to complement the crackled base. After applying several coats of polyurethane, our end table was not just transformed but reborn.

Farmhouse-style end table makeover | on the creek blog // www.onthecreekblog.com

Farmhouse-style end table makeover | on the creek blog // www.onthecreekblog.com


The Thrill of the Sale: A Surprising Outcome

With the end table complete, curiosity got the best of me, and I listed it on Facebook Marketplace. Selling pieces always gives me butterflies - will others love them as much as I do? To my delight, the table found a new home within an hour! 🌟

Farmhouse-style end table makeover | on the creek blog // www.onthecreekblog.com
Farmhouse-style end table makeover | on the creek blog // www.onthecreekblog.com


What's Next? More Projects, More Stories

This quick sale has sparked a fire in me. Our basement is brimming with furniture, begging for a second chance. I'm more excited than ever to roll up my sleeves and dive into these projects. And you know what? I'm bringing you along for every step, every brushstroke, and every joyful discovery.


Stay tuned, Besties, for more tales of transformation and creativity. It's not just furniture we're reviving; it's the spirit of making a house a home. 🛠️🌱


Monday, January 20, 2020

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Awesome & unique items found at the thrift store! | On The Creek Blog

Some items found at the thrift store over the weekend!

Wednesday, December 04, 2019

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A Christmas scene made with items found at Goodwill! | On The Creek
Some Christmas thrift finds!

Friday, July 26, 2019

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Thrifting Finds! | On The Creek Blog
Here are some things I found while I was thrifting recently!

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

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Thrifting Finds | Rustic/Primitive finds from Goodwill!

Here are some recent thrifting finds!

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

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I picked up a table & bench when I went thrifting over the weekend!


See what I picked up when I went thrifting over the weekend!

Monday, June 10, 2019

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Rustic wood headboards from the Habitat For Humanity ReStore!
Check out these amazing rustic wooden headboards I picked up from the Habitat For Humanity ReStore!

Thursday, June 06, 2019

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A chippy/rustic/distressed heart candle holder!

A heart candle holder gets a chippy & rustic makeover using chalk paint!

Tuesday, June 04, 2019

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An old frame gets a chippy white transformation!

A super easy chippy white paint makeover for an old picture frame!

Wednesday, April 03, 2019

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Vintage board game repurposed as rustic wall art in a log home living room | on the creek blog // www.onthecreekblog.com
Hey Besties, 🌟


Guess what? I stumbled upon the cutest, most rustic-chic treasure ever, and I just have to share it with you! Picture this: an old, lovingly worn board game transforming into the most charming wall art you've ever seen. 🎨🌿
Vintage board game repurposed as rustic wall art in a log home living room | on the creek blog // www.onthecreekblog.com

So, here's the backstory. A few years ago, during our annual family yard sale (you know, the one where we all get together and turn our lawn into a treasure hunter's paradise?), I wandered over to my neighbor's sale. He was moving and had his life's collection up for grabs. This neighbor, bless his heart, had been a fixture in the neighborhood forever, so you can imagine the gems he had!

Now, let me sidetrack for a second with our little yard sale tradition. Ever since that one year when my grandma's car decided to take a little break (literally!), and my husband and I dashed off to rescue her during our sale, we've made it a thing to peek at other yard sales. That time, we found this epic roll of Christmas wrapping paper - a never-ending story of festive cheer for just $5! Note to self: I must do a whole post on that magical roll!
Vintage board game repurposed as rustic wall art in a log home living room | on the creek blog // www.onthecreekblog.com

Back to the board game - it's got this perfectly played-in look like it's been part of a million family game nights, which only adds to its charm. It's vibrant yet fits so cozily into our living room decor. When we first moved into our log home (yes, very few drywall moments here!), I hung it up against a white-painted wall, and let me tell you, it's been a conversation starter ever since!

And oh, if you look closely, you'll see it's sharing wall space with my wooden pineapple piece - another story for another day!

So, besties, what about you? What are some of your favorite thrifty art finds? I'm all ears and can't wait to hear about your adventures in upcycling and home decor!

Stay inspired and keep turning the ordinary into extraordinary! 🌍✨🖼️ 
Vintage board game repurposed as rustic wall art in a log home living room | on the creek blog // www.onthecreekblog.com

Monday, March 11, 2019

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Vintage wood pineapple with removable lid and leaves, a unique thrift store find. | on the creek blog // www.onthecreekblog.com

Hey there, Besties! 🌟

I've got to share this slice of my thrifting life with you – and it's all about a charming wood pineapple that totally captures my heart! 🍍✨
Vintage wood pineapple with removable lid and leaves, a unique thrift store find. | on the creek blog // www.onthecreekblog.com

Vintage wood pineapple with removable lid and leaves, a unique thrift store find. | on the creek blog // www.onthecreekblog.com


You know me, right? Thrifting isn't just a hobby; it's my lifestyle! Our home is like a gallery of thrifted treasures. From the cozy nook in the living room to the quirky lamp in the hallway, each piece has a story, and more than 99% of them started their tale in a thrift store. 🏡💖

Now, let me tell you about this adorable wood pineapple with a removable lid and leaves. It's not just a piece; it's a conversation starter! I stumbled upon this gem while out and about on my thrift adventures.
My love for thrift shopping blossomed with the Habitat For Humanity ReStore opening in our area. Picture this: we had just gotten our new, larger home, and the ReStore became our go-to spot for all things home improvement. It's amazing how a place can inspire and fulfill your needs, right?

From there, my journey took me to yard sales – and oh, the joy of town-wide sales! Every yard sale sign is like a beacon, calling me to discover the next unique find. And let me tell you, this pineapple was one of those unforgettable finds!
Vintage wood pineapple with removable lid and leaves, a unique thrift store find. | on the creek blog // www.onthecreekblog.com

Vintage wood pineapple with removable lid and leaves, a unique thrift store find. | on the creek blog // www.onthecreekblog.com


I first shared this pineapple on my Instagram, and the love it received was overwhelming! So, here I am, giving you the full scoop. It's been with us for quite some time, a pre-house treasure. Its unique design with the removable lid and leaves adds such character. Yes, it's missing a leaf, but hey, that's the beauty of thrifted items – perfectly imperfect!

This pineapple adorned our den, which we recently transformed into our primary bedroom. Now, it's found a new home on a quaint desk under our staircase, looking cuter than ever!
Vintage wood pineapple with removable lid and leaves, a unique thrift store find. | on the creek blog // www.onthecreekblog.com

So, Besties, stay tuned for more thrilling thrift tales! I've got a trove of finds I'm just itching to share with you. Because what's joy if not shared, right? 🌈💕


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