Book Review – Big Thrift Energy

If you’re anything like me, the idea of scoring a treasure at a thrift store is pure magic. Big Thrift Energy by Virginia Chamlee captures that exact thrill of the hunt, making it impossible not to dive into the world of thrifting. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, Chamlee’s insights are a game changer.

What I love most about this book is how Chamlee doesn’t just teach you how to find hidden gems—she shows you how to give them new life. From reupholstering vintage chairs to transforming old fabrics into something beautiful, Big Thrift Energy is packed with upcycling ideas that will make you see every second-hand item as a potential DIY masterpiece.

If you’ve ever walked into a thrift store and felt overwhelmed, Virginia’s tips will make you feel like a pro. Her friendly, down-to-earth style makes this book easy to follow, no matter your experience level. Plus, it’s not just about shopping for cool stuff—it’s about embracing the art of making something old feel brand new again.

As a fan of all things recycled and upcycled, this book is right up my alley. Whether you’re looking to decorate your home, find unique clothing, or simply get inspired for your next crafting project, Big Thrift Energy is an absolute must-read. You might even find yourself flipping thrifted items for profit, which is a win-win!

Get your copy of Big Thrift Energy here: Big Thrift Energy on Amazon and let the thrifting adventures begin!

Happy crafting,

Shellie

You know that thrill when you find an old, rusty piece of junk and immediately see its potential? That’s exactly the vibe I got reading the tutorial from A Pretty Happy Home on turning a vintage milk can into a side table. It’s one of those simple yet satisfying projects that blends upcycled charm with real functionality—and adds a whole lot of character to your space.

First off, there’s just something magical about milk cans. They’ve got history. You just know they’ve lived on a dusty farm porch or sat beside a barn door through decades of seasons. In this project, that history gets to shine—literally—after a little elbow grease and creative thinking.

What I loved about this makeover is how unfussy it is. The milk can wasn’t scrubbed within an inch of its life or made to look overly polished. Instead, it got a respectful refresh: a little cleaning, a bit of clear coat to protect the patina, and a sturdy, round wood top to complete the transformation into a DIY farmhouse side table.

The wood top itself was made from leftover pieces—hello, recycled wood projects—which gives this whole DIY an extra eco-friendly touch. It’s a small win for the environment and a big win for anyone who appreciates budget-friendly home decor that doesn’t look cheap.

You don’t need fancy tools or a woodworking shop to pull this off. That’s the beauty of these repurposed furniture ideas—they’re accessible. And they let the vintage pieces speak for themselves. This one, in particular, looks just as good next to a cozy armchair as it would on a porch with a cup of tea and a warm breeze.

The final result? A rustic milk can side table that’s equal parts practical and nostalgic. It’s got that collected-over-time feel that you just can’t buy from a big box store. And as someone who loves giving old things new life, it absolutely inspired me to go digging through the nearest antique store (or maybe my parents’ shed) to see what I can rescue next.

If you’re looking for easy upcycled decor projects, or a way to add authentic farmhouse style without breaking the bank, this tutorial is a perfect weekend project. Honestly, this is the kind of piece that guests will ask about, and you’ll get to say, “Oh, that old thing? I made it.”

And you will say it with pride.

Have you read?