https://www.goodwill.org/author/shelly-leer/ Local Goodwills are nonprofits that help people overcome challenges to build skills, find jobs and grow their careers. #PowerOfWork Mon, 28 Sep 2020 20:39:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.goodwill.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cropped-goodwill-site-icon-nobg-32x32.png https://www.goodwill.org/author/shelly-leer/ 32 32 https://www.goodwill.org/blog/shop/goodwill-rembrandt-gets-an-updated-makeover/ https://www.goodwill.org/blog/shop/goodwill-rembrandt-gets-an-updated-makeover/#comments Fri, 25 Apr 2014 14:32:26 +0000 https://www.goodwill.org/?p=30108 Shelly Leer gives an old Rembrandt print new life with some spray paint and a Goodwill frame.]]> https://www.goodwill.org/blog/shop/goodwill-rembrandt-gets-an-updated-makeover/feed/ 1 https://www.goodwill.org/blog/shop/keep-kids-entertained-with-diy-games-from-goodwill/ Mon, 03 Feb 2014 15:32:31 +0000 https://www.goodwill.org/?p=29394 After agreeing to host my nephews and niece for a subzero winter overnight, I began to worry about the entertainment possibilities. I was determined that we wouldn’t spend the evening in front of the television, so I bundled up, got in the car and headed up to one of my favorite Goodwill® stores. I thought we could just do a craft of some kind. I would buy some wooden odds and ends and get out paint, glitter, glue, etc. The wood aisle at Goodwill always supplies my needs, so that’s where I headed. But right before my eyes, I spotted a shelf/coat hanger combination piece made from pine, that had three holes in one side. I didn’t spend]]> https://www.goodwill.org/blog/shop/deconstruct-a-skirt-to-make-these-great-plaid-pillows/ https://www.goodwill.org/blog/shop/deconstruct-a-skirt-to-make-these-great-plaid-pillows/#comments Fri, 06 Dec 2013 20:46:16 +0000 https://www.goodwill.org/?p=27920 Finding skirts and jackets made out of spectacular wool plaid at local thrift stores has become a hunt that I relish. Checking out women’s skirts and men’s sport coats for bright or unusual eye catching plaids is standard procedure. When something stands out, I hold it up and try to imagine it as a pillow, or even as ottoman fabric. Here’s a little secret I discovered a few years ago: pleated skirts have lots of fabric once you remove the waistband. When I came across this very short skirt, with the plaid on the diagonal, I knew it would be the perfect color and pattern for pillows.]]> https://www.goodwill.org/blog/shop/deconstruct-a-skirt-to-make-these-great-plaid-pillows/feed/ 1 https://www.goodwill.org/blog/diy-make-this-halloween-themed-cupcake-stand/ Mon, 28 Oct 2013 20:50:30 +0000 https://www.goodwill.org/?p=27504 In the weeks leading up to Halloween, as people look to get creative and put together the "be-all, end-all" Halloween costume, an area that gets overlooked is housewares. If you’re hosting a Halloween bash, there’s no need to spend lots of money on decorations. It may take a little planning, but if you know what you’re looking for, you can get in and out of there for under $20. Since you never know exactly what you’ll find, it’s a good idea to have a couple of options, and know what items you’ll need to find in order to execute your Halloween décor.]]> https://www.goodwill.org/blog/shop/decorate-your-table-with-diy-fall-centerpieces/ Mon, 30 Sep 2013 21:23:37 +0000 https://www.goodwill.org/?p=27269 As we snuggle into fall, we’ll be spending more time inside rather than out in the yard. For me, it’s a little early for holiday decorating, but a few fresh decorating elements are most definitely needed. I’ve always been a big fan of those long, narrow trays that run down the center of a table with multiple, same height pillar candles evenly spaced. However, the price tags on those long, Asian inspired candle bases can be hefty. Luckily, I keep supplies on hand. My basement is like a less organized mini-Goodwill® store. I went down there to look through some of my collected goodies I routinely purchase for future projects.]]> https://www.goodwill.org/blog/shop/make-goodwill-a-shopping-source-for-dorm-room-decor/ https://www.goodwill.org/blog/shop/make-goodwill-a-shopping-source-for-dorm-room-decor/#comments Fri, 16 Aug 2013 17:33:58 +0000 https://www.goodwill.org/?p=26882 When I first spotted these three items at a Goodwill® near my studio, I thought I’d have two projects to share. I was going to paint the lamp base a shiny silver, add the magenta shade and call it a day. Then, when I thought about painting the walnut lamp base, it didn’t seem right; nor did it seem like it would improve the lamp in any way. After consulting with my next door studio neighbor, who happens to be a talented stylist and designer, we decided on a project that included all three items in a high-impact bedside table arrangement that anyone would be proud to show off.]]> https://www.goodwill.org/blog/shop/make-goodwill-a-shopping-source-for-dorm-room-decor/feed/ 1 https://www.goodwill.org/blog/shop/give-the-gift-of-time-with-recycled-clocks/ https://www.goodwill.org/blog/shop/give-the-gift-of-time-with-recycled-clocks/#comments Fri, 12 Jul 2013 18:17:52 +0000 https://www.goodwill.org/?p=26612 It’s nearly impossible for me to go into my favorite Goodwill® stores and NOT go look at the clock shelf. I guess you could say it’s become my latest obsession. It’s irresistible. There are so many ways to transform orphaned clocks into reworked and restyled fabulous, modern works of wall art. Besides the fact that your own space could benefit from a handmade mod clock, think of how popular you’d be with your friends and family when you start giving these away as your signature gifts! You’ll find oodles of donated clocks at Goodwill stores, as well as all kinds of other found objects to create truly unique, as well as interesti]]> https://www.goodwill.org/blog/shop/give-the-gift-of-time-with-recycled-clocks/feed/ 1 https://www.goodwill.org/blog/weekend-project-a-diy-fathers-day-gift-from-goodwill/ Fri, 07 Jun 2013 21:19:26 +0000 https://www.goodwill.org/?p=26198 If your family is like ours, there are very few things Dad loves more than receiving a handmade gift. Goodwill® has become my go-to source for materials I need to create unique home furnishings and accessories. One item that’s almost always plentiful at Goodwill stores is a selection of picture frames. Can you see where we’re headed with this? What dad doesn’t cherish a family picture? Instead of just popping a photo in a frame, I decided to show you how to combine two common Goodwill items to create a knock-out, custom picture frame that can proudly be given as a truly one-of-a-kind gift this Father’s Day.]]> https://www.goodwill.org/blog/shop/this-mothers-day-get-creative-with-a-one-of-a-kind-gift-from-goodwill/ https://www.goodwill.org/blog/shop/this-mothers-day-get-creative-with-a-one-of-a-kind-gift-from-goodwill/#comments Fri, 03 May 2013 20:24:23 +0000 https://www.goodwill.org/?p=25574 Every time I happily enter a Goodwill store, I think, “I should be blogging for Goodwill® so that I can show people how many fabulous home furnishings they can create from all of these goodies!” I guess I hounded them long enough, because now I get to do just that! Through the years, Goodwill has been my main source for supplies of all kinds. Since we’re all thinking about Mother’s Day, I thought I’d show you a piece of rescued and reupholstered furniture that most people would pass up. ]]> https://www.goodwill.org/blog/shop/this-mothers-day-get-creative-with-a-one-of-a-kind-gift-from-goodwill/feed/ 1