Exquisitely Unremarkable

My Summer Thrift Store Finds And Freebies

2026-06-18T13:44:10.874-04:00

For as long as I can remember, shopping for second hand items has always given me a thrill.

Long before it became a trend to share what I thrifted vs how I styled it, I was thrifting.

And styling.

Like many of you, I'm sure.

Thrifted Botantical Print Makeover with Ribbon Trim

2026-06-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, my daughter and I made an impromptu stop at the thrift store.

Where I found this lovely botanical print on the wall.

It was $7, a bit more than I wanted to pay for this second hand piece of art, but I just couldn't leave it behind.

Something about those red flowers made me smile the minute I saw them.

The frame was a mess, painted in a haphazard fashion, but I was ok with that. It'd be a simple fix.

DIY Glass Flag Plates

2026-06-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

In my neck of the woods about a week before Memorial Day, American flags start popping up all over the place.

They line the streets and they're hung from homes in all shapes and sizes.

Then, once Memorial Day passes, the flags come down and they don't go back up again until early July in honor of the fourth.

However.

This year seems to be a whole different ball game.Read More of This Article

Not My Mother's Sausage And Peppers

2026-06-02T11:40:12.979-04:00

I've never really been a big cook.

I'm not bad at it, the process of preparing food has never exactly been high on my list.

Oh sure, I like to eat. I just prefer it when the food magically appears at dinnertime, like it did when I was young.

I'd come home from work or school and my mom would have a lovely meal prepared.

There was nothing to buy, plan or prep. The fridge was always packed and a hot meal was served every night.

Of course, now I'm the mom...and most of the meal prep falls on me.Read More of This Article

Simple Floral Table Makeover

2026-05-30T12:27:37.961-04:00

Last weekend, it rained.

A lot.

So rather than celebrating the unofficial start of summer at the beach, I was in my kitchen.

Crafting.

And you know what?

It was glorious.Read More of This Article

DIY Patterned Clay Pots

2026-05-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

Lately, I've been playing with clay.

I don't know why it's got such a hold on me, but boy oh boy, is it fun.

There's something about grabbing a chunk of it, mushing it into a ball and then rolling it out that just feels good. Creative.

So when I was at the store the other day and saw this pack of floral patterned sheets, I grabbed them.

And I knew exactly what I was going to do with them.

You see, I have quite a collection of small clay pots in my craft stash. They're very versatile, so whenever I spot them at the thrift store or at yard sales, I grab them, too.

In the past, I've aged them with paint for a vintage vignette on my Easter mantel.

More recently, I decoupaged one, to make a flower pot pin cushion.

Well, today, I'm sharing a clay pot makeover that will actually be used in my garden. Fancy that!

And like I said, it all started with clay...making it a clay on clay kind of day.

How To Embellish A Clay Pot With Clay Patterns

First, I gathered my supplies:

Air Dry Clay
Patterned Clay Sheets or Clay Rollers
Clay Pots - mine were about 4"
Rolling Pin
Parchment or Wax Paper
Scissors
Paint - I used chalk paint
Sealer - waterproof is best, mine is water resistant

I began by breaking off a piece of clay, large enough to cover the area I wanted to decorate in one piece.

These sheets are super forgiving, so you can keep stamping to cover a really big piece of clay or a piece just large enough for the rim. So you definitely need to know what your design is before you get started.

I shaped the clay into a ball, warming it up a bit in my hands, then I flattened it with the rolling pin.

I wanted it to be very thin, since it was just going to be an accent on the pot. Like a second skin.

If it wasn't large enough to cover the pot in one piece, I laid it down again and rolled some more.

The fun part was choosing a pattern and adding it to the clay by pressing it down, rolling over it and lifting it away to reveal the flowers and vines.

My plan was to cover just the top part of each pot, to add the contrast of pattern and texture to the otherwise flat surface.

So I just laid the clay over the rim of each pot and pressed it into place, making sure the clay only slightly overlapped itself.

I didn't want a hefty, noticeable seam, so I used my scissors to clip away any extra.

Then I used a bit of water on my finger to gently smooth over those seams, and the edges, where the clay met the pot.

If any of the pattern was smudged in the process, I simply pushed the textured sheet back over the clay in that area and it was perfect again.

I positioned the clay straight across on one pot and on an angle on another. I also used two different patterns.

The sheets were reversible, so I had six to choose from.

Once the clay was dry...and I mean really, really dry...like 3 days later...I painted it.

I could've gone with a bold color, like I did with my clay rose vase. However, we all know how that turned out. I had to redo it, so it fit my decor and my style better.

So this time, I stuck with my gut and used a warm Buttercream Chalk Paint for a sweet cottage look right out of the gate.

Lastly, I coated the painted clay with a sealer.

I used my tried and true Dixie Belle Satin Sealer. It's not truly waterproof, meaning you can't drop it in a bucket of water, but it's water resistant enough.

I've used it for outdoor DIYs before and it's held up beautifully.

Besides, it's the clay I'm more concerned about, but honestly these pots will be either in my covered porch or under the patio umbrella.

Of course, only time will tell.

In the meantime, though, wow.

I am in love with these little charmers and Buttercream was the perfect choice for the delicate look I was after.

And it allows the flowers to pop, without competing for attention.

Yet it still manages to highlight the pattern and elevate the look of those plain terracotta planters.

In simple, elegant style.

Thanks to a little bit of clay.

See, I told you it was fun!

😉

When was the last time you played with clay?

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Wait! Before you shuffle off...it's time for another installment of the Do It Over Designers Hop and you definitely don't want to miss this one.

It's all about The Garden! So you'll definitely want to stick around and see what my super talented friends have to share this month.

The Apple Street Cottage
Birdz of a Feather
Little Vintage Cottage
Pandora’s Box
Purple Hues & Me
Sum of Their Stories
Unique Creations by Anita
Vintage Style Gal
Exquisitely Unremarkable (that's me!)

Happy Garden Hopping, Friends!

Are You A Homebody?

2026-05-19T16:36:46.817-04:00

Recently, I was having a conversation with a friend, discussing all the #homebody posts I've seen popping up on Instagram.

Have you seen them?

Quotes about the joys of staying home, often coupled with soft music or videos panning quiet gardens and dreamy decor.

My feed is full of them.

Probably because I stop to view them all.

Clearly, I relate.Read More of This Article

Romantic Cottage Style Textured Vase Makeover

2026-05-13T06:00:00.007-04:00

Thrift store makeovers are funny.

99 out of 100 times, I'm super happy with the transformation.

A huge hit. Better than anticipated.

And frankly, I'm rarely disappointed.

However.

There have been times when after a while, the shine wears off and I need to makeover my makeover.

Ever happen to you?Read More of This Article

Charming and Cheap: Creative Ideas For A Dreamy Cottage Garden

2026-05-11T16:59:00.004-04:00

We opened our pool this weekend and, honestly, it was the best Mother's Day present.

Once that awful green cover is removed and that gorgeous blue water comes into view again, it signals the beginning of the unofficial summer season, which is my favorite.

But around here, it's super short.

That's why as soon as the warm weather and sunshine arrive, I try to spend as much time as possible outside.

And while I adore the beach, and try to go almost every day, I'm a true homebody. This little 1929 bungalow is my haven.Read More of This Article

Adding Wooden Trim Under A Farmhouse Sink

2026-05-08T15:53:00.002-04:00

Be careful what you wish for...

That's a saying I heard around my house often, growing up.

My beautiful mother was the eternal optimist, but she also had a very practical side.

And a great sense of humor.

I don't remember asking for that ugly space when I wished for a sink!

So...when she wanted us to really consider the scope of what we were wishing for, that phrase was uttered in a serious tone.

When she thought our wants were a little nuts, she said it with a touch a sarcasm.Read More of This Article

Cake Tin Decoupage Makeover

2026-05-05T11:42:00.008-04:00

The other day I was looking for something in my crafting stash when I came across this old, white, topless tin.

It's the bottom half of a container that held a really yummy cake we received at Christmas from one of my husband's vendors.

Too pretty to toss, I added it to the "someday I'll do something with it" pile and forgot all about it.

Then in February, I stumbled upon it and decided to use the lid to make a very charming DIY clock.

But that bottom was returned to the old pile again since I had no idea what to do with it.

However, this time, as soon as I saw it, I knew.Read More of This Article

My Dreamy, Drop In Farmhouse Sink

2026-05-02T10:17:00.004-04:00

Today’s the day, folks.

The big day when I reveal my small kitchen makeover.

It's an update I’ve waited over 20 years for...and now I'm ready to share it with the world.

If you've been following me for a while then you know that when we first moved into our 1929 beach cottage, the kitchen was basically unusable for a modern family.

So we put an addition on the back of the house and created a new one.

And I got to design the entire room from scratch.Read More of This Article

The Fastest Way To Get Rid Of Ants

2026-04-24T10:24:00.020-04:00

I'm generally a low tox kind of girl.

The switch started a long time ago, mainly due to my worsening allergies.

So over the years, I've become more conscious of what I choose to put in and on my body or use around the house.

These are the only ants I want in my house!

I don't wear perfume or use anything with a fragrance.

And I clean with vinegar and lemons whenever possible.

I try to find a natural solution to whatever problem I'm trying to solve...and when I can't I look for the least offensive product.

Because let's face it, sometimes all natural isn't really an option, but I like to get close.

That's how I found the most effective way to get rid of ants in my house.Read More of This Article

DIY Decal Pitcher Makeover

2026-04-08T07:00:00.027-04:00

I'm a huge fan of upcycling.

There's something about taking an old, thrifted or discarded item and giving it new purpose.

New form.

And new life.

Of course, that's not new news.

I share my thrift store transformations often.

However, what may not be as obvious, is the fact that, very often, the same item will receive multiple makeovers while in my possession.

I get bored or come up with a fresh take and I dive in. Again.Read More of This Article

April Flowers, Showers And A Whole Lot Of Rugs

2026-04-06T16:44:00.003-04:00

This weekend, April showed up in all its glory in my neck of the woods.

Yes, I know we were technically several days in, but Saturday and Sunday were quintessentially April.

There were showers and flowers.

And Easter!

When I was little, Easter was probably my second favorite holiday of the year.Read More of This Article

DIY Faux Sugar Egg For Easter

2026-04-03T10:42:00.011-04:00

I'm a big sale shopper.

Especially when it comes to craft supplies.

Sometimes, I catch a promotion and buy them before a holiday, with the intention of using them to decorate right away.

Other times, I pick them up on clearance, with the hopes of using them the following year.

Unfortunately, a lot of times what really happens is they get added to the craft closet...never be seen again.

Well, this year, I decided it was time to remedy that. My goal is to dig into all those sale purchases and finally make the time to make the crafts.

And this uninspired, plastic diorama egg is on the docket for today.

It stands 10" tall and I grabbed it way back in 2023, when I made my DIY Designer Easter Eggs.

It's been tucked away for 3 years, sharing space with these napkins.

Too long. So I put on an old movie - The Great Lie, with Bette Davis and Mary Astor - and got busy.

I started by separating the layers of my floral napkin...careful to remove both backing layers from the printed one.

Sometimes that third layer is a tricky, sticky one.

Next, I covered the entire exterior of the egg with Dixie Belle Satin Sealer.

I like it better than Mod Podge. Yes, it's more expensive, but lasts longer, is thinner, doesn't smell and I just find it easier to work with overall.

I used a large brush and applied it in thin, even strokes, so it wouldn't puddle up, soak the napkin and cause it to rip.

Then, I carefully laid the napkin on the egg.

And with a gloved hand, I smoothed the it down over the surface.

I made sure to bring the napkin all the way to the edge of the opening and tucked in inside a bit.

It took three napkins to completely cover the plastic. I slightly overlapped the areas where they met and tried to match the patterns as best I could. Since my napkin was pretty busy, like the ones I used on my decoupage candles, it didn't matter that much.

While I waited for the outside of the egg to dry, I separated the pink gingham napkin for the inside of egg.

Then I repeated the same steps to apply it.

Once all that boring white plastic was covered up, I needed something to mimic the icing that sugar eggs usually have around the opening of the diorama.

For that I decided to use some trim I had leftover from my lace valance. I thought its dainty scrolled loops would be a sweet accent - if you'll pardon the pun.

To secure it in place, I used a hot glue gun and my trusty finger protectors.

To cover the area where the two ends of the trim met, I dug through my scrap ribbon pile, pulled out a bit of green gingham and made a bow.

That was also secured with hot glue.

Of course, on its own the egg was so cute, but it definitely needed something to peek at inside.

Again, I reached into my craft stash and pulled out some tiny ceramic bunnies, I'd picked up long ago on sale, as well.

I added a bit of shredded paper and some moss to the bottom of the egg and tucked them inside.

I have to be honest, I wasn't expecting this one to turn out as cute as it did.

I don't know if it's the color of the napkins, the twirly trim or those happy little bunnies, but I think this is one of my all time favorite spring DIYs.

And trust me, over the years, I've made a lot of Easter crafts.

It looks almost good enough to eat, decorating my kitchen this spring.

A definite treat for my eyes.

Best yet, it didn't cost me a dime and I was able to clear out some space in my craft drawers.

Makes me wonder what other potential is hiding in there.

😉

Stay tuned!

Oh and Happy Easter, Friends!

Easter Bunny Table Runner to Pillow DIY (Easy Cottage Style Upcycle)

2026-03-28T07:00:00.003-04:00

My husband and I are pretty boring weekenders.

Our predictable Saturdays usually include a walk on the waterfront, a few hours down at the beach, game night or dinner with friends and of course a few DIYs around the house.

And if we're really feeling adventurous, we might hit the local odd lot store to poke around.

It's almost as exciting as thrifting, because you truly never know what you're going to find.

For example, a few weeks ago I was wandering down the kitchen aisle and found this darling spring table runner for $7.99.Read More of This Article

How To Make A Scrap Ribbon Bow

2026-03-26T11:03:00.013-04:00

Have tons of old ribbon in your craft stash? Short pieces and mixed patterns? Why not use them to make a lovely, scrap ribbon bow for a wreath or gift package. Here's a quick how to and inspiration for your next DIY.

Last week, I ended up at Hobby Lobby, looking for a few Easter napkins and walked out with this wreath.

Isn't it fabulous?

So bright, so cheerful.

So perfect for spring...and 40% off to boot.

Score! Except.

It didn't have a bow.Read More of This Article

DIY Outlet Cover Picture Frame

2026-03-11T07:00:00.004-04:00

Have you seen that trend where someone takes a baby proofing outlet cover, hot glues it to the back of a picture and sticks it into the outlet to cover it up?

Well, like most ideas, it's not really new.

Just one that's been reinvigorated thanks to the magic of TikTok.

Now, I'm not usually a trend follower, but this DIY has been on my list for years.Read More of This Article

21 Festive Easter DIY Decorations, Crafts and Dessert Ideas

2026-03-10T00:04:00.007-04:00

When I started blogging, exactly 13 years ago this month, I decorated for very few holidays.

Oh sure, I had a heart wreath for Valentine's Day, a Jack-O-Lantern for Halloween and Christmas was always a big event.

But overall, seasonal and everyday decor was my primary focus.

However, after a few years online, exposed to all the wonderfully creative holiday decor ideas out there, I jumped in with both feet.

And began creating my own decorations for just about every holiday on the calendar.

Including Easter.Read More of This Article

Is March A Lion Or A Lamb

2026-03-02T12:11:00.006-05:00

When I was teaching kindergarten and first grade, the daily calendar activities were very important business.

So much could be taught in those precious morning moments.

From reading, writing and math.

To the all important topic of weather.

Lots to unpack there...especially in March.

Like the old saying goes, it's often in like a lion and out like a lamb.Read More of This Article

How to Use a Sewing Machine for Beginners – Easy Towel Apron

2026-02-28T10:54:00.004-05:00

Over the past 13 years or so, I've shared a lot of fabric crafts and DIYs.

Everything from curtains and furniture skirts to pillows and more.

And invariably every time I do, someone says, You're so talented, I wish I could sew.

To which I always reply, Trust me, if you can drive a car, you can use a sewing machine.

And I mean that. 100%.Read More of This Article

How To Use Window Shrink Wrap To Stop Drafts

2026-02-25T14:16:00.004-05:00

Lately, I've been leaning into crafty home decor and thrift flips.

Those tend to be my favorite kind of DIYs.

Vine covered clocks. Whimsical pin cushions.

The pretty projects.

However.Read More of This Article

DIY Tin Top Wall Clock

2026-02-11T07:00:00.307-05:00

During the holidays the most delicious cake arrived on our doorstep.

It was a mouthwatering apple spice crumb cake that had everyone fighting for slices.

Everyone except me.

You see I was more interested in the metal canister it came in.Read More of This Article

February At The Beach

2026-02-02T13:23:00.008-05:00

Oh February, how do I love you?

Let me count the ways.

Um, actually, maybe that's not the best way to play this game.

You see, I'm not really a fan.

In my neck of the woods, it's generally too cold, too dark, too snowy and I feel too crunchy and dry all over.

Although, to be fair, that's not really February's fault, I mean we're only two days in. It's really winter as a whole that bums me out.Read More of This Article