About Thrifted and Gifted
Contact:
mandytanna@gmail.com
Scroll down for more information...
So this is a quirky idea - how did it all start?
It all started with a pile of pre-loved picture frames left over from an earlier project. I considered just binning them but then my conscience got the better of me and I decided to have a look for ways to use them.
I found a YouTube video called something like ’20 Ideas for Repurposing Picture Frames’ and turning them into trays was one of them.
Most of the frames had come from what we in Australia call Op(Opportunity) Shops. If you are in the UK you’ll know them as ‘Charity Shops’ or in the USA as ‘Thrift Stores’ and I could have just re-donated them but the video had got my creative juices flowing.
I made a prototype for my own use just to see how it could work and this was the result:
Designed to match my existing decor, the pink background was a remnant of fabric left over from making cushion covers and the green card was a piece I found on the discount shelf of a local craft store.
I painted the frame to match the card and bought some black gate-style handles to complete the design.
Other design ideas followed, resulting in a large collection of ready-made trays that make their appearance at various craft fairs. I have also undertaken various commission made for specific occasions.
Over the years, I have widened the range of products to make use of fabric and yarn scraps left over from other projects and anything that would normally be destined to be discarded. Before throwing anything away, I ask myself…
WHAT COULD I MAKE OUT OF THIS?
Where do the components come from?
I have always been a recycler and if I need to replace something in the house my first port of call will probably be the local Op Shop rather than a big retail store.
I decided at the outset that my trays would be made from thrifted, recycled, reclaimed, repurposed, discontinued and sometimes handcrafted components. I’ve continued that philosophy with the new non-tray items added to the collection.
I source these in a variety of places and have acquired an encylopaedic knowledge of Op Shops, Salvage Yards, discount stores and the like in the greater Adelaide area.
Of course friends who are having a clear out of cupboards, garages and the like will often ask me to come and look over stuff they are about to throw out and these donations are gratefully accepted.
Some of my favourite Op Shops…
