Spring is the perfect season to hit refresh — not just on your home, but on all those forgotten or underappreciated thrifted treasures waiting for a second chance. There’s something extra special about transforming pre-loved items into personalized, seasonal decor that fits your space and your style. It’s one of the many reasons I love what I do — and I hope it inspires you to get creative, too!

In this week’s blog & video, I’m sharing three easy and fun spring thrift flips using a combination of decoupage, DIY Paint, IOD transfers, and even a little watercolor magic. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or just curious about starting, these 3 spring thrift flip projects are a great way to bring a bit of new life into your home without breaking the bank.

This pedestal artboard was a hidden gem I found on a thrifting adventure. I could instantly picture it as something special — and with a little time and love, it became one of my favorite pieces. I used Roycycled Botanical Masterboard decoupage paper on one side and Roycycled Paintable Floral Decoupage Paper on the other.

I applied both papers using Liquitex Professional Matte Medium, a decoupage staple in my craft room. To make the paintable floral side extra special, I prepped it with Daniel Smith Transparent Watercolor Ground, giving me the perfect surface to layer soft washes of yellow and green watercolor paints.

• Used watercolor layering for a delicate spring floral effect
• Added a paint inlay for texture and interest
• Highlighted the edges with DIY Paint’s Golden Ticket for a soft shimmer
• Stamped the pedestal edges using IOD Countryside Memoir for a finishing detail

This project reminded me how satisfying it is to mix multiple mediums — and how beautiful things happen when you don’t overthink it. The combination of techniques gives it depth, dimension, and so much personality. Definitely a keeper!

Next up — this quirky little ceramic bunny that came pre-decorated with old book pages. He had a slight yellowing on one side (possibly sun damage), but instead of covering it up, I decided to lean into the aged aesthetic.

I brushed on DIY Paint’s Dark & Decrepit, which worked beautifully as both a glaze and a sealer. The antique effect it created was exactly what I was hoping for. For a splash of spring, I added a floral piece from the IOD Wild Bloemen transfer set. The rounded shape made transfer placement a little tricky, but it was worth it!

• Worked in small sections to control the glaze and avoid over-drying
• Applied a two-dimensional transfer to a three-dimensional shape using pressure and care
• Sealed everything and added a green satin ribbon to finish the look

Honestly, this flip was one of those “trust the process” moments. It was simple, quick, and just needed a bit of creativity to elevate it into something totally display-worthy.

Last but not least — a pair of plain white IKEA pitchers that were practically begging for a makeover. These were metal and minimal, which made them the perfect blank canvas for a soft spring-themed update. I used more transfers from the IOD Wild Bloemen collection to dress them up.

Applying transfers to a rounded, glossy surface can be a little finicky, but with patience and careful pressure, the results were gorgeous.

• Gently rubbed and burnished the transfers onto the curved surface
• Used backing paper to burnish avoids any 'grippy-ness' your fingertips may have.
• Keep it simple to avoid over-cluttering

I wouldn’t recommend washing these pitchers (they’re best as decorative pieces), but they look amazing with dried flowers or displayed on a shelf. A little transfer goes a long way to turning plain objects into eye-catching accents.

Here are a few tips I’ve picked up over the years that can help make your upcycling projects smoother and more rewarding:

• Always clean your surface thoroughly before applying paint, paper, or transfers.
• Use quality mediums like Liquitex Matte Medium or DIY Paint to ensure good adhesion and lasting results.
• Don’t toss your scraps — leftover decoupage paper, transfer bits, and ribbon ends can be repurposed later.
• Trust your instincts. Some of the best ideas come mid-project when something unexpected pops into your head.
• Don’t worry about perfection. Handmade pieces have charm and character — that’s what makes them special.

Every item you flip adds to your skills, confidence, and unique style. Plus, there’s something magical about seeing an old item come to life with just a few tweaks and creative touches.

All three of these thrifted spring flips reminded me of why I love this work. There’s joy in the transformation, satisfaction in the process, and pride in the result. It’s about more than just pretty decor — it’s about creativity, sustainability, and telling a story through your pieces.