Live the Scavenger Life, 18 Tips and Tricks

Live the Scavenger Life, 18 Tips and Tricks

I’ve been creating and sharing at ScavengerChic for over 10 years now.  If you’ve followed me, you’ll notice I use many of my materials over and over again and the same tricks and techniques. I might as well list some of them so you too can start living a scavenger life.  It’s all about reusing, repurposing and recycling.

 

Free Wood

If you’re ready to live the scavenger life you’re going to have to embrace it and let’s face it, wood is expensive.   Dismantling a pallet takes effort  but you’re saving a tree,  you’re saving your wallet, and you’re getting wood already with a patina.  Follow the link I’ve shared and you’ll find how I dismantle a pallet.

I’ve also rescued my brothers fence boards, raided old garages, found wood in junk piles and wood piled next to a dumpster.  Wood is way too expensive to just let it head to the dump.

What can you make from pallet wood?  Well I’m glad you asked, check out my pallet wood gallery here and here.

Make your Own Corner Molding

Like I said, wood is expensive.  If you do a lot of woodworking at some point you’ll need some corner molding.  If you have a 2×4 and a table saw you have your own source for corner molding.

Perfect Lines with Painters Tape

If you love the idea of painters tape but hate the bleed then you need to know this hack.  It does involve one extra step, but it is so worth it.

Stain didn’t Cover

At some point you’ll come across a piece where the stain you’re using just doesn’t cover, whether it’s from a change in wood or a drop of glue, the difference is obvious.  It may be time to break out the paint to cover the affected spot.

Also, don’t use an expensive palette when  a ceramic plate will do.

Transferring Pictures

I love painting signs on old doors, plywood or pallet wood.  Sooner or later you’re going to want to transfer a picture or design onto your wood and you don’t quite trust your artistic skills.  Do not go out and buy carbon paper when you already have a pencil handy.  You can also use pastels, chalk or charcoal.  Click on the link for the how to.

Save Your Bits

Save all your rusty bits and pieces.  Eventually, hidden inside those rusty bits, you’ll find the perfect inspiration.

This was my bin back in 2015 and the start of a junky birdhouse.  Since then I’ve probably doubled my stash, if not more and created a bunch of junk angels, junk owls, junk fish…if you can think it, you can create it.

Rethink Leather Jackets and Belts

Old leather jacket with holes? Don’t throw it out.  Old belts, don’t throw them out.  These leather pulls are from an old jacket.

These candle holders use old belts for hanging.

Stop by your local Thrift Store

Stop by your local thrift store on a regular basis.  No, you won’t find something every time.  Just think of it as the thrill of the hunt or waiting for a fish to take your bait, it just might take all day. Sometimes all an item needs is a quick refresh to make it your own. Go in the store with a BOLO list (be on the lookout for) but keep your eyes peeled for hidden treasures.

Heirloom Pillows

Use old hand me downs to create one of a kind personalized pillows.  Above, you’ll find a pillow created from old letters and mementos.  I’ve also created a pillow from my dad’s old sweater and from my grandmother’s crocheted doilies.

Use Those Rubber Gloves

I’ve been refinishing furniture since I was in high school. It was not unusual for me to have stained fingernails on a regular basis.  I believe that’s what my husband first noticed about me :-D.  Luckily he was not turned off and he also knew that I was the type of girl who was not afraid to get my hands dirty.  Nowadays, I have a box of rubber gloves  on hand for when I’m staining.  They work great as long as I remember to use them.

Rusty Tools Repurpose

You see a shovel , I see an owl.

You see a rake, I see a multipurpose hanger.  Save those old rusty tools!

Don’t Buy, Borrow

You don’t have to own every tool.  If you don’t use a tool on a regular basis, borrow. I would suggest that you always have a drill on hand and at least  one kind of electric saw.  I have 4, a miter saw, jigsaw, table saw and scroll saw.  I love them all.

Personalize Artwork

Very little of the things decorating my walls are  actually things I’ve bought.  Most are photographs with frames I’ve created or artwork I’ve painted.  If I get tired of a piece, I just replace it.  Personalized artwork does not need to be expensive.  You can even start with your kids art.  Who doesn’t love that?

Here is a bunch of wall decor to get you started.

DIY Coffee Tables are the Sturdiest

 

Nothing works better than a handmade coffee table, with lots of reclaimed wood that you’re not afraid to put your feet up on. If it’s a square box, it has future coffee table potential.

You can find all 28 of my coffee tables here.

What does Nature have to Offer

If you’ve run out of things that inspire you inside, head outside for sticks, leaves, shells, driftwood, and even dried flowers.

The oyster shell lamp was made from found shells and a thrift store lamp.

Projects from Nature

Find free Graphics

If you’re in need of vintage graphics and images check out The Graphics Fairy.  She has over 7000 images waiting to be downloaded and tons of projects including crafts, coloring pages and transfer methods.

The building graphic over the workbench above was found at the Graphics Fairy.  This reminds me, I really have to clean up my workshop. It doesn’t quite look like that anymore. 🙄

Free Fonts

Just as you can find free graphics on the internet , you can also find free fonts.  Yes, the 100 or so fonts that came free with your computer just might not be enough.   Check out  fontspace.com for one to get you started. Fontspace claims to have 160,000 fonts.  I’m sure one will work for your project.

Wood Putty

Have you ever used the premixed wood putty and when you come back to use it on another project it’s all dried out?  I use Durham’s wood filler all the time.  It comes in a powdered form, just add water and mix to a  thick paste.  Only use as much as you need and you’ll never come back to dried up wood putty again.

 

I’m sure I missed a lot of tips but that should be enough to get your started. And now that you have all your tips and tricks ready and you’ve collected all your junk, start creating and start living the scavenger life.  It’s not hoarding if you put it to good use. 😉

Until next time, stay inspired.