Summer Spotlight
You never know what you’ll find at Goodwill,” is a phrase we hear quite often from our customers, and we love it! But, another one we are hearing too (and of course are loving it) is from our DIY customers, “You never know what you can create with items from Goodwill!”
In our Summer Spotlight section we are honored to share creations from talented individuals who support our mission and who love to shop in our stores. We’d like to introduce you to Teri Peterson, who created a Boho Elegant themed wedding using items she upcycled from Goodwill, and Crystal Lewis our 2018 Ultimate Upcycling Contest winner. You can read both articles below ...
What is the date and theme for your wedding and how did you come up with inspiration for it?
The date of the wedding is May 19, 2018.
The inspiration for a “Boho Elegant” themed wedding began with my desire to express myself as an artist, the love of hunting for exceptional items, and the challenge to host a smashingly beautiful wedding on a budget.
How did you become interested in upcycling items from Goodwill to use for your wedding?
The personal challenge, knowing I could create one-of-a-kind, boutique quality items that would WOW my guests. And there is little comparison to Goodwill stores to find the selections of materials to do that.
How often do you shop at Goodwill and what do you enjoy most about shopping at our stores?
This is almost an embarrassing question to answer – For sure, my fiancé and I visit a Goodwill on the weekend (every weekend). Between the week, I plan my errands to incorporate stopping in a Goodwill store once or twice a week. So, when on a mission, like the wedding, it is fair to say 2-3 per week. LOVE the hunt.
What has been your favorite project that you worked on for your wedding so far?
5’ vintage window screens that were put to the roadside free for the taking. The event location doesn’t allow things to be attached to the wall, so the screens will create interest away from the walls and flank the fireplace in which we will exchange our vows.
At Goodwill I purchased skirts and dresses that had unique fabric qualities, then dismantled them to use the materials for streamers, ribbon roses and more.
I repeatedly visit the Goodwill craft aisle to hunt for more ribbons, laces, glues, glitter – all to enhance the frames of the window screens. I even found the metal brackets which will allow the screens to free-stand.
Have you done any other type of DIY projects using Goodwill as a resource?
An ongoing project is a Mother’s Day display of colorful fabric aprons that I display over the Mother’s Day weekend. It’s titled “Aprons in the Wind”, a tribute to women everywhere. To date I have collected over 200 aprons, many from Goodwill stores as well as the cotton clotheslines and wooden clothespins.
1. What was behind your inspiration for the portable make-up vanity?
I've always wanted one. Since I was a little girl. I've become more and more interested in makeup, and applying it, to the point that I've joined groups on Facebook and watch tutorials. These women, all of them have one, and they're gorgeous, but my room just doesn't have the space. Plus they're expensive. So when I saw the chest, it was like bingo, here's my vanity!
2. How did you become interested in upcycling items from Goodwill?
My mom actually told me about it.
3. What was your favorite part about this project?
My favorite part was seeing what I envisioned in my mind evolve into a sketch and then into my very own vanity while spending time with my mom. She helped and guided me so that it came out the way I envisioned.
4. How often do you shop at Goodwill and what do you enjoy most about shopping at our stores?
Oh, I'm always in a Goodwill, either by myself, my kids, or my mom lol you never know what you're going to find. You never know what you can create.
5. Have you done any other type of DIY projects using Goodwill as a resource?
Yes, actually. I've done a few accent pieces for my home. I was lucky to come across large mirrors that I have spruced up as well as a dining table and chair set. I've really taken a liking to repurposing and upholstery, and plan to make a business of it. Goodwill is a great resource.
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