I Found the 10 Ugliest Thrift Store Items…But Look What I Did With Them!

Hi, I’m Sherry! In today’s video, I upcycle/repurpose some of the ugliest items that a variety of people found for me in area thrift stores. I asked some friends, Goodwill employees, a store owner, my son and his girlfriend, and even a complete stranger to pick out what they considered to be the ugliest things in the store. Today, in ten DIY projects, I transform an ugly lamp, plexiglass panels, a dark wall plaque, a hand painted sliced spindle, a doll desk, a ceramic scarecrow, an aluminum foil owl, a floral vase, a 1990’s oak light fixture, and a 1970’s looking wall spoon into decor that I would be proud to use in my own home. I’m so curious-would you display any of these items in your home? Please, leave a comment and let me know.
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[@CanterburyCottage]

This was such a fun video to make. I sure hope you enjoy it! It turns out that people love to pick out ugly things for me to buy, and I love trying to make them pretty!

[@55delynn]

I absolutely loved the bluebird sconce! Thank you so much for all the great ideas and inspiration!

[@sharonmassey9609]

I enjoyed this video so much! I couldn’t think of anything you could do with that warty looking scarecrow but you did and it was actually my second favorite item. I love lanterns so that was my most favorite item! It made me want to find an ugly lamp two!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much!

[@mmariemarkel7482]

@Canterbury Cottage I'm totally gobsmacked. You have a very talented, creative mind to have turned every ugly thing into beautiful, useful, homey items. I'm creative too, but quite a few of those things had me thinking you couldn't pull it off. Was I wrong. I would have used everything...this IF I had a home. I had a nasty fall @ a nursing-rehab facility recovering from a near death experience from sepsis, a haven't walked since the accident 7 yrs ago. I live vicariously through channels like yours. I used to be known for my curbside shopping hauls and what I created from othe people's trash. I'm so thankful this video popped up in my feed as I was looking for videos to teach me my newest hobby which is beading and jewelry making. You did such an awesome job that you got a new subbie. I am wondering if you are in my birthstone of Illinois? Evanston was where home was for the first 2 yrs of my life. Again, thanks for such an awesome video. I think I gonna go do some binge watching, to find out what else you've been playing with. 😂

[@cherylweso]

At first I thought the lamp-to-lantern was my favorite & then you made The plexiglass that came out of it look phenomenal! And I love the little doll table to planter! Just love it all! What an eye you have!!!

[@ginacrusco234]

You made the loveliest lantern from the most hideous lamp, and that fern wallart is phenomenal!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much, Gina! When my son picked that lamp, I was thinking “seriously?” That is why I put that on my thumbnail/title picture!😜

[@christinemitchell6406]

The lamp was absolutely genius!

[@anotherdayatthefeast8100]

That lamp transformation is genius. I love what you did with the plexiglass as well as the wood base. I also think the mushroom plaque is adorable.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much!

[@debnem413]

Again, I’m standing here with my jaw on the floor! I did really like this video and would definitely watch another one. Thank you for your inspiration and teaching us to find beauty in the “ugly duckling.”

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you, Deb! I really appreciate your feedback. This was a fun video to make, but I wasn’t sure if people who enjoy watching it.

[@angelicag2042]

I enjoyed every minute of this video and your “wizardry “ over the unfortunate “ misfits”. I would watch many more of the “humane rehabilitation “😂 of the unwanted. My favourite? The lamp! Entertaining and educational at the same time. 👏🏼🇨🇦❤️

[@migdaliasanchez171]

I agree with everyone Sherry! You always amaze me with your creativity and you have such an eye for turning ordinary things into extraordinary decor. Love all your videos and please do more of thrifty ugly things turned into something to enjoy. The spoon was also my favorite. Thanks for being Authentically you! 😊🙏🏽

[@anamiller5778]

Hi! All your transformations were terrific. I loved the lamp and the spoon. Please, continue to share thrift store transformations. I really enjoy the uniqueness of all your projects.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much, Ana! I do try to be unique, so I really appreciate your comments!

[@normaanderson3758]

It’s hard to pick a favorite. I loved the lantern made from the lamp base, the pictures from the plexiglass panels, the half-cut spindle and the spoon. I loved them all. You are so talented. You can see potential in everything. I’m trying to learn from you to see things in a different light. Thank you for always showing us something new we’ve never seen before.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, you are so sweet, Norma! Thank you so much for your feedback and those kind comments!

[@IntroducingEmy]

I think the 'doll desk' could also go for a really cute cell/tablet stand if you had kind of a cottage core thing going on.

[@sharonfleshman6961]

It could be a charging station if you could work a cord through the heart cutout.

[@BethHaynes]

Each transformation was so creative & appealing. I loved the lantern & plexiglass, spoon & fern, & the ingenious owl the most. Excellent ideas from a very creative woman.

[@CarolynS.Cooper-io4jw]

My favorite was the framed owl,but the spoon transformation was phenomenal!

[@tammyjohnson7401]

Hi Sherry, my 3 are the lamp, spoon and doll desk. Actually am amazed at how you put a different spin on ugly. YES, I would love to see more videos like this. Take care. Let's Get Started !!!!!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Tammy! I am so glad you enjoyed this “ugly edition.” It was a ton of fun to make, too!

[@sheh4846]

The spoon transformation was genius!!

[@sherryfarrell4031]

That was so much fun! Please do more videos like this! I would use all of them in my home. My favorite was the little bench after it was painted and the cuties were added to it! So, Sherry, you have proven that you CAN make a silk purse from a sows ear! 😄

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Sherry! I am so glad you enjoyed today’s video because I really want to try this again! 😊

[@marilynnde]

I liked the little doll bed with the storage drawer too. I guess that is what it was... Anyhow, it was cute before, but pretty after. I have just the place for it in my home. LOL!

[@lindazee607]

I would love to see another video. What you did in this video proves one woman's trash is another woman's treasure! Pure magic!

[@vickidunkle3698]

Sherri you are a magician! I believe my favorite project was the spoon as well! But all are so amazing! I would love to see this segment as a regular!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, I am so glad you enjoyed this video. It was so much fun to make, but I wasn’t sure if anyone would want to watch it! 😜

[@Katt560]

My favorite was the spindle. It was beautiful and I love that you preserved some of the original hand painted details.

[@sharonsomers5513]

You have such a talent to remake thrifted finds. The lamp transformation was genius.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you! You are so sweet, Sharon!

[@barbaradeja4103]

You have a creative mind. Turning one mans junk into beautiful treasures. Loved the video

[@lindathompson9334]

That was so fun. I hope you do more of these thrift store transformations. My favorites were the acrylic lamp pieces with the transfers. You have a very handsome son, by the way.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much! I will share that compliment with Spencer. He is the son who is helping me with the store, and he loves when people comment on how well items were packaged! 😜

[@jansfield5314]

The Spoon reminded me of a Welsh Love Spoon that a loved one would carve for his sweetheart! I love this the most

[@thechickincharge1073]

Yes, please continue being a magician, Sherry! I would INDEED use everything you made in this video in my home! I can only say WOWZA!! I just kept shaking my head at how your mind works! Right down to the transfers on the plexiglass pieces! Each piece came out so perfect and you felt the vibes of the piece and let that lead you. A+++

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you! This was such a fun video to make! BTW I looked up your channel, but it said you don’t have any videos. I am impressed that you have almost 100 followers without even one video!!!

[@thechickincharge1073]

@@CanterburyCottage I ‘had’ one and when that scare happened about getting fined for what qualified as children’s content literally had me taking down my videos. I do miss it so very much and want to start back again.

[@tinawynn9417]

My favorite was the lantern.. absolutely beautiful!!!! I really liked the spoon as well!

[@Shellie7howard]

I think the “doll desk” is an envelope holder with a place for pens and the drawer for stamps. You always do such a great job!

[@susishearer9531]

Sherry, your mind and creativity never cease to amaze me!! You have a true gift for looking at a hopeless item and giving it new life. I loved the wooden painted lady you turned into the metal bird hanging. Well done as always!

[@charleneblake1146]

Totally impossible to pick a favorite. All of these are so creative and and I love all of them!!!

[@patbarthe1219]

All the pieces are amazing, but I have to agree with you. I too, like the spoon. By all means, I would love to see more!! We can never get enough of your transformations. Thank you.❤

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Pat! I really want to try this again!

[@sunshinevibes4357]

Would I use them in my home? Yes!! Loved all these projects!!

[@terrihart2133]

Your "ugly" projects are no longer ugly at all. That frame reminded me of a morale mushroom as well. The lamp was awesome. I don't believe your creative mind would ever get stumped. You are an original artist. I love your transformations.❤

[@susanhonkoski7706]

Yes, yes, yes, please do another video showing these transformations! Believe or not I loved the small vase that you added the bright pink flowers to. When you white waxed the outside of the vase, my heart leaped!!! Perfect, I said out loud!🤭 so enjoyable to watch you create!!! Thank you again.🙋🏻‍♀️❤️

[@sandragambill6722]

I always look forward to your videos because you have such creative ideas and good taste, but this time you really out-did yourself! I wish I had your gift of making such beautiful creations from items that were no longer that appealing. I like all of these creations and it is so hard to choose a favorite, but I think the things you made from the old spoon plaque were my favorites. Yes, I would love for you to make more videos from challenges like these!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Sandra! You are so very kind! I so appreciate your feedback. I had fun making this video, but I wasn’t sure if anyone would enjoy an ugly duckling video.

[@lateknightcreations]

Wow. The lantern is a great makeover. The spindle is beautiful. I love what you did with it!!!

[@happystamper62]

Oh my!! Great transformations, Sherry! My favorite is the chunky vase and the mushroom plaque! Every time I watch you use printed images I want to say "Use a sponge applicator to sponge some brown or gray ink lightly around the edges to give it a more aged appearance!" I make cards and that's what I do for my vintage styled images! It just adds a little more dimension and frames it! :) Loved this video!!

[@marcellabrisboy7915]

Never disappointed in your creativity and you can take ugly things and turn them into art.

[@lisaritchie3123]

You absolutely amaze me! That lantern turned out PHENOMENAL, of course! Everything you made is just beautiful!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, Lisa, you are so sweet! Thank you! 😊

[@Kimella777]

Wow great flips❤😊I think the little desk looked like a old fashion phone table with a place for phone books in the drawer. ❤😊

[@CanterburyCottage]

You’re right! I guess dolls need phone tables, too! 😂

[@laurawatkins9399]

I would love to see more of these transformations! My favorites were the spindle candle holder and the mushroom plaque!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Laura! I am so glad you enjoyed this video because I really want to try this again!

[@tamaraatkinson940]

Fantastic! Yes, please do more ‘ugly duckling’ makeovers. I think the vase you sort-of liked was my favorite. It looked so pretty with those peonies. Not only are these types of projects fun and satisfying, they make use of items destined for the landfill.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Tamara! I am so glad you enjoyed this video. It was a lot of fun to make, too!

[@51Lorie]

Well Sherry, I'm amazed as usual! Of course, I would use ALL of those pieces in my home. My favorites were the wooden wall hanging that had the ladies face on it and the one that was the ugly spoon, but, they were all well done. It just goes to show that anything that appears "ugly" can be given new and beautiful life! So much fun to watch the transformations!

[@kat7011]

My favorites were the “ugly” vase and the fern shadow box. Thanks for sharing your creativity! 💜

[@PaisleySzuSzu]

You did crazy good on everything even the mushroom plaque how ever that frame wouldn't live here :) I wanted to thank you for sharing your images. When the seed packet bunting you made was gone already in your store. I made two with your idea and images. One for my porch and one for my fireplace. Everyone who sees them loves them. You're so talented Thanks for sharing

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you! You are so welcome for the printables. I don’t like to pay for images that I can find for free in the public domain, so I am happy to share them with you. I am so glad that you made the garland-it was one of my favorite projects this year.

[@caregiver1418]

I simply loved the Owl and Spoon crafts. I'd definitely display them in my home.

[@christine1373]

I Love all of them, even the mushroom!! I have one burning question for you: Do you do a happy dance after each project is finished?? I sure would! Love this video so YES to more. When I watch you transform items I always think “Huh, I could’ve done that to…….instead of getting rid of it!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Christine! My craft room is in the basement. When I finish a project, I put it on the dining room table upstairs until I finish the video and take the final photos. I usually go into the dining room several times over a few days and admire them. 😜 I think we always tend to like the things we make ourselves, so I like to look them over several times and decide if other people will like them, too.

[@darkangelkate3950]

Oh yes what you did with the ugly lamp was amazing. Both the lantern and the plexiglass panel's.🎉

[@Southeastgeorgiapeach]

Hi Sherry. Your magical powers know no boundaries! Every one of these “uglies” are now beautiful. My faves are the lantern from the lamp and the spoon decor piece. But I really like all of them. Great video.

[@sandrastaton19]

I would use all of them in my home! You are so, out-of-the-box creative, and such a pleasure to watch. Thanks for sharing these projects on your channel.

[@susanmccoy1992]

I am once again astounded at your creativity! I would definitely use all of those projects in my home!

[@wendymoses1118]

The lamp transformation was my favorite!!

[@rosemarybravo5348]

You certainly have a great eye on how to make beautiful projects out of the No so pretty ones. Great job 👏👏

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much, Rosemary! 😊

[@cyndybeller1306]

Everything turned out wonderful. I did cry a little about the spindle; she was so cool!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you, Cyndy!

[@mitzimitchell6813]

Ok. For the first one with the lamp: GET OUT OF HERE. LOVE IT!!!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you!!!!😊

[@mistyharriman2398]

I love the spindle makeover with the bird, it is stunning!

[@kerstindrost5610]

The plexiglass transformations was my favourite. What a fantastic video! Again!

[@monicakimsey5664]

Just wanted you to know that I lost track of the number of times I literally said “Wow” during this video. 😮

[@CanterburyCottage]

Wow! That is so sweet, Monica!

[@Figgyplum]

Me, too!!

[@joannecooper4592]

You knocked it out of the park on these! So creative!

[@CanterburyCottage]

Oh, thank you so much, Joanne!

[@nancypeteja6560]

The 1st lamp, the plant desk, the blue bird spindle, the spoon( without the ribbon, it hides the pic), and the mushroom pic...those were my faves!!

[@janetdavis5619]

Those ugly pieces turned out adorable! You are so clever Sherrie!😍

[@nancysnell7428]

I think the lamp the best, but the spoon was really cute too. I would love for you to do another.

[@juliacockroft8745]

The floral on plexiglass is absolutely stunning.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you so much, Julia!

[@kimberlyscrivner9373]

My favorite was the spindle. I love it! My second is the spoon. Always fun to watch you transform things.

[@cindydavis597]

I am amazed by your creativity. I would not have thought any of these would end up so pretty. Thank you.

[@Earthy-Artist]

It's 🍄 'mushroom plaque' for the win I love it! I would certainly like to see more 'ugly' transformations.

[@pamelaspooner7183]

You are very creative and I’m sure your ability to see beauty all around you instead of trash is rewarding. Items are not my style , but I applaud your ability to repurpose and inspire others to do the same.

[@mauriemartin6080]

The spoon was my favorite by far. The lantern, 2nd. Seriously, you can turn anything cute!!

[@chellepitts6677]

I absolutely LOVE what you did with that hand-painted spindle piece!! I want it! Haha….glad you kept the little painted daisy flowers in the blue part and the addition of the bird with the same daisy flower looks like it has always been there…perfect!!! And how amazing and so VERY glad you used that “ugly fake spoon” as a frame! Now, THAT was a beautiful transformation! You always amaze me with your creative eye!

[@mitzimitchell6813]

Yep. Love the fern box.

[@phyllisgrossetti4511]

Your are one creative and innovative designer. I cannot believe how you transformed these ugly ducklings into swans. The lamp was amazing and the large spoon was a genius idea. ❤

[@dianekuzirian7742]

All the projects were brilliantly transformed. I love them all!😊

[@lianneneima6385]

I would love to see another transformation video. I loved the fern picture from the ugly spoon. It was gorgeous.

[@donnagoodwin4542]

The mushroom plaque was spot on , my fav

[@gailsackett3355]

Brilliant on the plexiglass transformation!

[@karapedersen1927]

I loved the the spoon frame transformation it was definitelymy favorite, but also liked the lantern and the mushroom.

[@serenakoleno9338]

Loved them all, but the doll desk was my favorite as I love miniatures. The spoon off the plaque reminds me of a clock pendulum. Thank you for all you do, so fun to watch.

[@sherriweibert3311]

Loved everything! As a young adult I didn't have a lot of money to decorate my home. One of my favorite past times was to head to the thrift store and find items I could deconstruct or transform and make into something useful or cute like the things you made. I enjoyed the challenge and the problem solving involved. 😊 I absolutely love your esthetic!

[@susantwitchell163]

The spoon is my favorite project....but then I really like everything you create.

[@SueHawkins6816]

The spindle and the owl are my favorite transformations. I would didplay either of them in my home.

[@brendacejda7069]

The black vase with embossed flowers is a legitimate antique! I know that style isn't appreciated by some, but I have several pieces in that series and really like them "as is." Your videos are very interesting, and I appreciate the level of detail you provide. Thank you!

[@CanterburyCottage]

I had no idea it was an antique! I wouldn’t have waxed it if I had known!

[@MickeyC321]

Yup, the mushroom and owl are my two top favorites. Great ideas and fun!

[@carriealexander-lagrange2630]

So creative! I loved the lantern and the “doll desk” makeover!

[@angelinekilborne34]

My favorites were the ugly spindle snd the vase with the peonies. Enjoyed all of them.

[@fleurjardin1012]

My favorites were the mushroom plaque and the spindle. You have such an amazing eye for what something can become!

[@jannyedens1254]

Absolutely beautiful pieces my favorite was the lamp bace turned into a lantern ❤

[@vickiehughes9798]

LOVE what you did with the lamp, beautiful. Plexi glass just stunning. I really love the desk too, you did a great job on all of these. Very inspiring!

[@arlenelamont5610]

Your creativity is amazing. The ugly spoon was my favorite. But the owl was a close second.

[@paulaspirito7698]

Amazing! This was so much fun to watch! And your creativity appears boundless. Thank you for sharing.

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you, Paula! I am so glad you enjoyed it because I really want to try it again!

[@joannsnyder6667]

Sherry… genius. Just genius! It amazes me that you have the perfect items in your stash to fit whatever your mind dreams up! Like the spoon that fit perfectly into the oval frame! Loved everything…as usual😊

[@robynbohbot3709]

Sherry your talent and eye for vision is astounding! I loved each of the transformations.

[@annemalone8292]

Thank you, amazing, as always. You really elevated the vase by calming down the colors and love the peonies. The spoon - wow!

[@marisawhite5381]

Love the Plexiglas wall hangings and the spoon!

[@rebekahaguillon4475]

Amiga, I loved the "vintage spoon frame " loved the fern poster and artificial ferns, perfect for an indoor patio. Also the transformation of the spoon. Muchas gracias.

[@honeybee1969tc]

Your lamp turned out phenomenal after making a lantern out of it. The transfer looks gorgeous on plexiglass! Love the floral desk. Gorgeous! I loved the vase. It wasn’t ugly at all to me. It was quite nice! Everything is beautiful after you put your touch on it!

[@cleopatrasleeps]

That "spoon" was my favorite!

[@SarahsOctoberHome]

Sherry, I am so happy we have become friends.🥰 I always find inspo from your ideas!😍

[@CanterburyCottage]

Thank you! I am so glad that we became friends, too! I love watching you and your girls every week!❤️

[@veronicapreciado2325]

Enjoy watching make over ugly objects couldn't pick 1 favorite liked them all ! Luv to see more fun videos like this !

[@pambeecy5475]

Oh my goodness, I am in awe of your talent!! I think my favorite is also the wooden spoon along with the beautiful fern artwork you made with the frame. So much fun to watch your transformations!

[@mitzimitchell6813]

Wooden fence. Very nice.

[@marlenomahony8649]

Sherry, imaginative, beautiful and inspiring as always. Thank you. I love them all.

[@debrabell2604]

I was impressed by how many items you made from that ugly light. I think the little bench and spoon are my favorites. Great job!

[@dianeknott3655]

This was so much fun, Sherry. I hope you do more of these. We all have "ugly" things in our homes that need some inspired changes! 😄

[@glendawidmer5167]

I love the spoon project and the little house.

[@tiedyedsouthernfried3137]

I really do love the transfers on the plexiglass. Those looked phenomenal!

[@carolweiss8795]

I loved all the ugly thrifts but my favorites are the lantern and the fern picture. Please do more ugly thrift flips!