Transform An Overlooked Thrift Store Item Into Eye-Catching Decor

Any thrifter who knows their stuff knows the thrift store is full of hidden treasures, but there is one item that's often overlooked: figurines. They're cute, they're nostalgic, and for many of us, they don't quite fit into our homes. But with an easy thrift store flip that can make your home look more expensive, you can turn this glossed-over decor into trendy figurine picture holders.

The Anthropologie animal icon photo holder hit shelves in 2025 and has been a mainstay ever since. What's not as popular? The price tag. Currently sitting at $24 for a gold dog figurine with room for a single photo, the price doesn't exactly make it a budget-friendly way to spruce up your space. But with a drill, a little spray paint, bendable wire, and a secondhand miniature, you can transform a thrifted figurine into adorable decor with a simple upcycling DIY for less than $20, perfectly matching your decor, style, and personality. The best part? With all your supplies, you can create multiple for a larger photo display or give them as gifts to friends and family. 

It all starts with finding the right figurine. While browsing the thrift store aisles, keep an eye out for pieces without any obvious damage (think scratches, cracks, or chips). Resin, wood, and plastic figurines are ideal. Ceramic will work as well, but it requires more time and skill to use in this project.

Start by cleaning your figurine. Dust with a soft cloth, then wash. How you wash will depend on the figurine's material. Apply a mix of warm water and gentle soap to a wood, resin, or ceramic figure with a soft cloth, then wipe clean. To clean metal, mix equal parts isopropyl alcohol and water in a spray bottle, apply, and gently rub away any dirt. Dry thoroughly.

Next, grab your drill and a drill bit the same size as your wire, and carefully drill a hole in the top of the figurine. (If it's ceramic, keep the piece submerged in cool water and use a diamond drill bit to reduce the chance of cracking.) Then add some style with the easiest way to revitalize thrifted pieces: spray paint. Metallic gold or silver can add a pop of glamour to your home, while matte white or black creates a more modern look. (Don't love spray paint? An acrylic craft paint works well; make sure to add a thin coat of sealant before moving on.)

Once the paint is dry, cut your wire to length and add a little extra on the end to make the photo clip. Add a drop of superglue to the end of the wire, insert it into the hole, then mold the opposite end into the perfect shape to hold your photo. Winding the end around a pencil to create a curl shape is popular, but you could do any shape you like. Then slide your photo in and find the perfect place on your shelf for your new photo display.