Transform Thrift Store Figurines Into Adorable Decor With A Simple Upcycling DIY

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Porcelain and ceramic figurines, people or animals, are an often spotted item amid thrift store shelves, coming in a variety of sizes and styles. While some are in great condition, others can exhibit signs of age and wear like chips, cracks, fading, and discoloration. They can still be a wonderful addition to your décor, especially if you can use them in ways that upcycle them into entirely new pieces. There is an ingenious way to use a figurine and a small frame to create a cute DIY picture frame using just some small art and adhesive.

You can create a frame with a secondhand figure from a thrift store or one you may have at home and aren't sure what to do with. It's especially great for reusing broken pieces or passed-down popular vintage figurines from relatives in a functional way in your home. You can also completely customize your new frame to fit your space, from more sculptural pieces to fun novelty figures that add vintage charm to retro or whimsical interiors.

You can leave the figurine in its original finish or modify it to fit your décor before adding your frame by painting it with acrylic or chalk paint. You could also give it a metal look with Rub 'n Buff or use a textured stone-look spray paint. For a chic and modern upcycle, use rich matte black paint all over the figure. Choose a small frame that allows enough of your figure to remain visible to see it peeking from behind. You could also add a smaller frame on a larger piece of decor you should never overlook at the thrift store. Fill the frame with a small piece of art, a photo, decorative paper, or a bit of ephemera like a playing card or postcard. Use a tube of E6000 adhesive or a glue gun to provide a liberal layer of glue around the perimeter of the frame. Or, if the location of the frame is more convex, affix it from the center of the frame. Press it in place firmly against the figure until it stays in place and allow it to fully dry.

Customize your thrifted ceramic figure by adding other three-dimensional accents like ribbon, greenery, or flowers around the frame. This works for figures and frames of any size, including miniatures, children's toys, dolls, and other décor items. It's also a perfect use for single vintage animal salt shakers without their mate. Or add a frame between two shakers. You could also use planters and mugs in the shape of novelty characters or animals in a similar way, using the recess for plants or to hold items on your desk.