DIY (Do-It-Yourself) projects are all the rage right now! They are fun but are also great ways to save money while decorating. Did you know you could save even more money by finding the items for your DIY project at a second hand store? Here at the Arc Store we have a ton of possibilities. Keep on reading to see some ideas and get some inspiration!

 Here are 4 items that can be found at a second hand store for your next DIY project:

Picture Frames

This is one secret most people don’t realize. Second hand stores are gems when it comes to finding cool frames. Some of them may need a little work or might be a color you don’t like but that’s the whole point of your DIY project right? There’s nothing a little paint can’t fix.

Potential DIY projects for frames you find:  

• Make it into a chalkboard
• Make it into cool vignette bookshelves
• Create a jewelry display
• Create an earring holder 

(Photo Source: Restore Interiors)

Lamps, Vases or Glass Knickknacks

A good saying to remember when it comes to buying things at a second hand store is: “A little bit of paint can do wonders.” You need to have an imagination when it comes to something like this. For your first shot, take a risk and just paint something to get a feel for the magic it can do. Something can instantly go from shabby to chic as soon as the coat of paint makes an appearance. Give it a try!

Here are some projects to consider:

• DIY colorful lamps
• Revamp plastic statues

Furniture

The possibilities here are endless. It just depends on what you need in your home. Buying your furniture at a second hand store is the only way to go when doing a DIY project. It’s one of the great ways to save money and you get to be creative!

Here are some ideas:

• Turn a nightstand into a super cute dog bed
• Repurpose an old chair
• Paint a bookshelf
• Turn a coffee table into a bench

Board games

I bet you’ve never thought to buy used board games at the second hand store, right? Most likely you haven’t because there could possibly be some pieces missing and you won’t find out until you attempt to play the game. Well, problem solved—turn it into a DIY project such as these Scrabble drink coasters. What a great way to save money! You can even customize them to say whatever you want.  

 (Photo: Gourmet Gal)

Just remember these tips when you are searching for these items for your DIY:

• Check your local second hand store often because new items come in everyday
• Be open minded
• Be creative
• Have some projects in mind before you visit a second hand store so you can keep an eye out for things.
• Don’t get ahead of yourself—start a project and finish it, then move onto the next

You’re probably super excited to get started on your next DIY project and use some of these ways to save money, huh? Perfect! If you’re in the area of Chico, Paradise or Oroville, California head on over to the Arc Store to start finding different pieces for your DIY project!

Have you done a DIY project before? What’s your favorite one you’ve done or have seen? Comment below!

You can also download our $5 coupon to bring with you when you start shopping for your DIY project.