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DIY Monday: Customize an Ikea Chair

I gave individuallity to a plain wood Ikea chair this week, using its rungs to advertise its purpose in life. Above is the before condition of the chair. Somebody had tried darkening the original finish with a coat of stain, then cast it out to the garbage gods. Here’s the after shot: I used Montana... Read more »

By didurkes,
May 23, 2011 at 6:49 am

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DIY Monday: How to Reupholster a Garage Sale Chair Quick

Reader Janine spotted a chair at a yard sale and had to have it, ripped arms and all. It was cheap – $10 – and would fit exactly in the corner of her vintage Lakeview living room. With the chair as a blank canvas, she whipped up a new cover for a found chair and... Read more »

By didurkes,
May 9, 2011 at 6:28 am

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Nate Berkus: House Proud Mr. Goodwill Hunting

I’m a fan of the thrifty style magic of Mr. Goodwill Hunting, so here’s a follow-up clip from his appearance on Nate Berkus today... Read more »

By didurkes,
March 24, 2011 at 3:21 pm

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Make This: A Thrifty Spring Fashion Accessory

from blog.maggiemakes.com Nothing new here, the t-shirt scarf. But easy, cheap and fun to wear.Dig through the Goodwill for graphics that catch your eye, then get cutting and sewing. There’s a million tutorials out there – the best one I’ve seen is here on Just Something I Made... Read more »

By didurkes,
March 21, 2011 at 7:53 pm

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Deco Your Ikea Lack with Interactive Style

DIY Monday! Here’s a way to change three small yard sale finds into pieces with personality. Not rocket science, just the magic of fresh paint. These ideas aren’t new, lots of people have done them before me, but what’s great about each is how it can add a little interactive fun in your space, no... Read more »

By didurkes,
March 14, 2011 at 8:02 am

• 1 comment

New to Chicago: Krrb.com for Secondhand Buying and Selling

If Craigslist is getting too crowded for you, and you don’t want to bother with shipping,maybe you should give Krrb a try. Krrb is a new online marketplace based on the thought that there is probably someone right around the corner from you who’d want what your selling or who’s selling what you want. So... Read more »

By didurkes,
February 14, 2011 at 1:58 pm

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From Gap to Great: DIY Dressing Up a Plain Jane Skirt

Last week, I was thrilled to find a cute herringbone wool skirt at the Junior League Thrift. In beautiful condition, it looked like it had never been worn. I think I paid $4 for it. I wore it once, and when a friend suggested an applique design for the front, I gave it a try... Read more »

By didurkes,
January 31, 2011 at 9:12 am

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Make an Upcycled, Repurposed and Totally Green Rug from Thrifted Sweaters

Two J.Crew sweaters walk into a thrift shop…… I used them to make a new wool runner, Here’s the steps:I started by cutting them apart, running them through the washer and dryer twice to felt. Then I sewed them into stripes. With leftover scraps from the sweaters I added a 3D design by handstitching. I... Read more »

By didurkes,
January 12, 2011 at 1:27 pm

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Secondhand Shabby: Ten Decorating Projects For Thrifty Chicagoans

Especially for you, thrifty Chicago, I’m excited to introduce my Ebook! In an age of big box design, Secondhand Shabby can help anyone create furniture and accessories with personal meaning and style, that are fun to do and live with. The book combines our love of thrifitng with upcycling techniques that both beginners and experienced... Read more »

By didurkes,
November 10, 2010 at 10:21 am

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