July Is The Thriftiest Time Of The Year

Jingle, Jingle, Jingle...can you hear those...um...fireworks ring?

Clearly that's not right, but along with this weekend's Independence Day festivities, I'll be celebrating a little more Christmas in July.

This time, I'm not planning my decor. Nope, I'm making my holiday craft list and gathering supplies, while they're plentiful.

And cheap.


No, I'm not looking for Santas. I'm on the hunt for raw materials.

Oh yes, just like home decor and fashion, there are craft trends, my friends...and once a cute video goes viral on TikTok or Instagram, the idea get legs and then droves of creatives are off and running.

All looking for the same supplies.

Which is why I plan and shop in July.

I admit...I bought these two vintage cuties.

It's the perfect time to thrift for Christmas items I intend to upcycle and makeover.

The shops are packed with new merchandise from all those spring cleaning donations.

Plus, most people aren't thinking about Christmas yet. That means all those items everyone else will be looking for when the holidays roll around, are easy to find, right now.

Exhibit A.

These small lampshades. Aren't they fabulous?


This year, I'd like to make a lampshade tree. Suddenly, they're all over Pinterest and I'm smitten.

Now normally, lampshades aren't terribly hard to find, however, sourcing enough for a tree, in the right size and shape, could prove difficult to do at the last minute.

But in July, they were on the shelf just waiting for me. I picked these 4 up for about $10...and would you look at that delicate beaded detail!


My tree-in-the-making is already glammed up, and the transformation hasn't even begun. 

My second find was on the shelf below.

Two frosted glass shades.

If you saw my post earlier this week, you may have noticed a few mercury glass ornaments.

Right away I thought they'd look fabulous paired with some DIY mercury glass bells.

And lo and behold, two minutes in the door, I spotted these beauties.

I'd say we have a winner folks.

Now, I'm certain that if I were to wait until November to look for these items, I wouldn't have found them, since glass shades have become popular for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas crafts. 

I myself have used them to make:

• Glass Globe Christmas Angels (who I just couldn't pack away)
• Glass Globe Halloween Ghost Lanterns and
  
• A Glass Globe Christmas Tree

As luck...and early shopping...would have it, I was also able to cross a third item off my holiday crafting supply wish list.

Small picture frames.  These littles came in a prepackaged collection for $4.99.


If you've picked up my free guide about my favorite thrift store picks, you know that frames are at the top of my list.

With this pack alone, I see so much potential.

An ornament, a small decor piece to house a printable or handmade sign and, believe it or not a pin cushion.


Any of which would make a sweet handmade gift to pop under the tree.

And speaking of gifts, I was able to source some supplies at Dollar Tree, too. I love making cake stands from their dishes and bowls.

It's an easy and inexpensive DIY and the result is a charming and useful present. My favorite kind.

This pattern was brand new to the store, but already almost sold out. It's an elegant set and for $2.50 I couldn't resist.


The next pair is a little different, they're leftovers from last year.

Buried way back in the crowded shelves, I found this dessert plate and matching bowl.


So sweet, with its Thanksgiving colors and tiny shape, I may just have to keep it for myself.

My last find was unintentional, but still counts, since it's going to help me create something I've had pinned for years.

All thanks to a broken pearl bracelet.


I was putting it on and it just snapped.

It's a total bummer, but if I can't figure out how to fix it, those flat on one side pearls, are going to make a lovely beaded tree or mini wreath.

Of course, for now, I've just been collecting.

Just like my little friend Frederick, gathering colors for the coming fall, I've stocked my craft room with provisions for December.

When I'll snuggle up by the tree.

With my paint and glue gun.

Freezing cold.

And dreaming about Christmas thrifting in July.

😉

Do you have a Christmas craft plan?


Happy Holidays, Friends!