Fall decorating does not have to cost much. Sometimes it starts with a single dollar bill and a good eye. That is the story from @CandyThrifts, who says she did not expect to walk into the Habitat store in Ocean Isle, North Carolina, and find a beautiful frame for only $1.
She shared a short tour of the shop and the project that came out of it. The result, she says, is a chalkboard with a small pumpkin display that she loves, and the whole thing began with that one frame.
From a $1 Frame to a Fall Display
According to the creator, she had an idea the moment she saw the frame. She took it home and made it into a chalkboard, and then she built a small pumpkin display from it. In her words, she had an idea, got it home and made it into a chalkboard. She does not walk through every step in her short upload, but the finished piece is what excited her most.
It is the kind of project that fits the season. A chalkboard lets you change the message as often as you like, from a simple welcome to a favorite fall saying, and a few pumpkins around it turn a plain frame into a cozy corner for a mantel, shelf or entry table.
A Tour of the Store
She also took a moment to show off the shop itself. She says the Habitat store in Ocean Isle has great deals, a jewelry section and plenty of items you can upcycle. If you are in the area, she suggests stopping in to check it out.
Along the way, she names several ideas for giving ordinary pieces a new purpose. She points to a beautiful bowl that could hold popcorn or a floating candle, and a simple glass tray that would work on a vanity or in a kitchen. She mentions silver plated pieces, and says she is fond of one that has been taken apart and used as a basket and a plant holder. She also describes a hooked fruit basket that can be reused as a plant display.
Beyond that, she lists what else the store offers. There is an amazing book section, mystery bags, vintage items, blue and white pieces, and an outdoor area with bikes and patio furniture. Her tour trails off there, but the message is clear. A thrift store with this much variety can keep a decorator busy for a long time.
Why Habitat Style Stores Are Worth a Visit
Stores like this one are often run to raise money for a good cause, and they commonly sell donated furniture, home goods and building materials. Selection changes constantly, so a shop that had nothing special last month may have exactly what you need this week. Prices are usually lower than at a regular home store, which is why a $1 frame is not out of the question.
If you have never browsed one, plan to go with an open mind. Walk the whole store, including any outdoor space, before you decide what to buy. Items that look odd at first glance, like an old tray or a mismatched basket, can become the best part of a project.
How to Make Your Own Chalkboard Frame
Her finished project may inspire you to try something similar. While she does not share every step, here is a general way to turn a thrifted frame into a chalkboard.
Start by choosing the right frame. Look for one with a sturdy back and a clean, simple shape. Check that the glass, if there is any, is not cracked. If the frame has a picture or print inside, you can take it out and paint right over the backing, or replace the backing with a thin piece of wood or cardboard.
Next, clean everything. A damp cloth and a little mild soap will remove dust and grime. Let the pieces dry completely. If you plan to paint the frame itself, a light sanding helps the new paint stick.
Then apply chalkboard paint. Use two thin coats rather than one thick coat, and let each coat dry according to the directions on the can. Many crafters also prime the surface of a chalkboard by rubbing the side of a piece of chalk across the whole board and wiping it away. This helps stop your first message from leaving a ghost mark.
If you want a more rustic look, paint the frame in a soft cream, sage green or warm white, and lightly sand the edges after it dries. A little distressing gives the piece the look of a farmhouse find without any extra cost.
Finally, add the pumpkin display. Small faux pumpkins, mini real pumpkins or even thrifted wooden ones can be arranged in front of or beside the board. Mix sizes and colors for interest. If you have a few leaves, a bit of twine or a small vase, those make easy finishing touches.
Thrifting Tips for Fall Decor
A few habits can help you shop for seasonal decor on a small budget.
Shop early. Fall items can show up in thrift stores before the weather cools, and the best pieces tend to go fast. Check often and keep an eye on the shelves that hold frames, baskets and trays.
Think about use, not just looks. A frame is a chalkboard, a tray is a vanity organizer, a bowl is a candle holder. The more you practice seeing items for what they could be, the more you will find.
Set a small budget. When single items cost a dollar or two, it is easy to fill a cart. Decide how much you want to spend before you go, and stick to it.
Keep your supplies simple. A can of chalkboard paint, a brush and a few pumpkins are enough for this project. You may already own most of what you need.
Check the back and the corners. Before you buy a frame, make sure the joints are tight and the hanging hardware works, or that you can add some yourself. A frame that wobbles will frustrate you later.
A Simple Pleasure
There is a quiet joy in a project like this. A frame that might have gone unnoticed becomes a piece you made yourself, and it costs less than a cup of coffee. The creator says she loves how it turned out, and it is easy to see why that feeling is worth chasing.
The next time you pass a local thrift shop, step inside and look at things the way she does. You may find a bowl that wants to hold a candle, a tray for your vanity, or a dollar frame that is just waiting to become part of your fall display.
