My mom and I were hunting for old sweaters when I came across the FREE box at a local thrift store. It was one of those moments when God spoke to me instantly. I was bothered by these items being free. That sounds so weird. You’re looking at a girl who loves free stuff more than the law should allow. But nonetheless I was taken aback because I saw such potential and value in this box of glass vases.
I immediately retrieved five vases from the box and paid for them on my way out. Yes, I said they were free, but I just had to pay.
I literally couldn’t walk out without giving something for them.
I’m telling you. WEIRD.
In full disclosure this is the second round of painting happening to these freebies. The first ended up with one of those Pinterest fails you laugh about. So I moved to plan B. Of which I had none.
That lead me to rummaging through my craft room and closets until an idea hit. Thankfully an idea grabbed hold and it was an easy one…
My favorite kind.
Have you ever used Krylon’s Looking Glass spray paint? This is not a sponsored post, but it should be. I love this stuff. It really is AMAZING.
Here is an affiliate link for Looking Glass paint if you are interested, it can be hard to find in stores.
I took my five vases outside and spray painted them. This stuff drys so quickly! You can use it in a multitude of ways. It’s also great for creating faux mercury glass.
I didn’t do anything fancy, just painted and I think they turned out fabulous. They look like silver or pewter vases!
Now to really use them to their full potential I worked them into a Fall tablescape that anyone could easily duplicate.
The vases got turned into candlestick holders. I filled the vases partially with sand to hold the candlesticks straight.
Clippings from my yard and some dried Milo (or Maze) made the rest of this simple centerpiece.
Layering different trimmings for a greenery arrangement was a cinch.
Sprinkle a few extra candles and votives alongside mismatched plates and an effortless table comes together in no time.
To add a special touch to one of my new vase friends I tied some dried grass plumes to it with jute, then hot glued a few acorns for a sweet little vase corsage.
Just look at what these “free” vases added to this table scene.
Value. Worth. Beauty. Completion. Wholeness. Light. Warmth. Height. Depth.
That’s why it bothered me so deeply these vases where placed in a box and deemed of no value or worth by some worker in the store.
How often do we let others determine our value?
How often do we diminish our own worth?
When we let other’s opinions of us change us, we’re giving ourself away.
When we allow other people’s gifts and talents to intimidate us into hiding ours, we diminish our value.
When we listen to the enemy telling us we aren’t good enough, smart enough, likeable enough or kind enough, we put a free price tag on ourselves.
Women give themselves away to men they date.
We let work titles and accolades define who we are or aren’t.
We allow past mistakes to keep us lingering in the freebie box.
But our value is real. We are worth something…and it is beautiful.
Who are you? That’s an important question if you want to know your worth! For starters:
You area chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
Girl – you are chosen! You are royal priesthood! You are a daughter of THE King!
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7
People will make their opinion known, they will place value on things and people, but the opinion of man is of no concern to God.
You are His concern.
Because you are a chosen child. Your hairs are numbered. He knows all about you.
If the creator of the world, the author of man’s salvation, the one who has authority over all things calls you His and lovingly never forgets you, why would you ever let another human determine your worth?
Your worth is already established, staked and claimed.
We can either accept God’s value on our life or someone else’s opinion.
I believe God looks into the free box and sees amazing, creative, endless possibilities where we just see junk. I don’t know about you, but I would rather be poured out to the potential God sees in me verses sitting stagnant in the shadow of unworthiness any day. You have to remember who’s you are in order to walk in the confidence of His worth.
So today friend – remember you are a chosen daughter worth more than you can imagine.
I hope you’ll share this post with someone who needs to hear how very valuable they are! Be sure to visit the links below for some more exciting Autumn ideas…
Wonderful lesson Kim, thank you!
Thank you Karen, so glad it was meaningful to you. makes my heart smile!
You turned something plain and turned it into something beautiful and I love your message! ;o)
Thanks lucy – inspired project and message. not me.
Without a shadow of a doubt, I know that God has placed women in my life that know their worth. They give me courage and encourage me more than they will ever know. You are one of those women and I am so incredibly thankful that our paths have crossed!
You are an amazingly kind and gifted lady. Happy to call you my friend 🙂
The table is beautiful and I love the way you incorporate encouragement. ♥
Thanks Stacey – glad you enjoyed both parts to the post!!!
Beautiful, my Kim! The whole thing! Love you!
thanks mom 🙂 love you too
Stunning!
🙂
Oh my goodness I’m totally going to have to have some of that paint! Beautiful table and beautiful words. Thanks for sharing!
you need it ! It is incredible! thank you friend!
Oh my goodness!! LOVE! Even I could probably do that! LOL Great message, too! 🙂
You could totally do this!!! Simple and easy! thanks friend!!!
Sooooo charming! I’m now kicking myself for getting rid of my bud vases! Such a gorgeous idea and stunning table result!
Thanks Donna – People usually have million of these things lying around. They are so easy to transform…and need a facelift desperately! Thanks for stopping by!
I love how you made some very original candle sticks our of something for free. Just love that silver paint. So pretty.
Thanks Cathy – The paint is so awesome!
So pretty! Amazing what a little spray paint can do, right?
Spray paint is a true miracle worker. 🙂
beautiful table settings, gorgeous transformation, and, such heart-felt words! you are awesome kim!! =)
Thanks Ananda – your blog is so beautiful!
What a beautiful post! Both the crafts and the story. I think part of my love for recreating old things comes from faith in the Lord renewing and making things beautiful. Definitely a great picture of His love.
O know – God is the ultimate junk re-inventor there is. It makes it special to see him in everything.
Your centerpiece turned out fabulous, Kim! and I love the lesson you gleaned from those vases, too! Blessings!
Thank you – I love when God speaks through junk. He knows my language 🙂
GORGEOUS! I love the way you painted them and then how you styled them – and your photos are awesome!
multiple thanks Jill! So glad you like it – they were so easy!!!
Hi, Kim
How perfect are these lovelies. I have so many of these that I am going to do these for sure. Thanks for sharing and I love touring with you from Home for Fall.
Thanks Vanessa! They make a beautiful statement!
You are inspiring on so many levels. Our repurposing projects gain depth and value from the meaning and intention we infuse into them. Your post illuminated this truth for me today. The vision to see potential in the overlooked and discarded can only have come from God. In midlife, I’ve found my purpose in nurturing mature women in my Ballroom Yoga classes. Like the thrift store vases, they feel empty and unattractive. My intention is to help bring out the shine again.
Thank you – I think we can all inspire others with the gifts God gives us. Just like you are doing with your Yoga. Thank you for sharing and keep up the Holy Spirit inspired work!
Your project is simply elegant but your message is perfection! It is wonderful that you are inspired to share your creative gift and love of Christ with everyone. Not that you need my approval . . . but well done!
thank you – and kind words are always needed and welcomed here!!
Thank you..I needed to read these words today.
,
Thank you – I needed yours 🙂
Simply beautiful and inspiring. I loved your post and your fun Fall craft. I love using what I already have.
Your blog is beautiful.
xoxo
Thank you Meegan – that really means a lot to me. And I love using what I have on hand!! Probably because I have to much junk laying around!
As much as I love how you took an ordinary vase and made it extraordinary I absolutely love your words of wisdom! So inspiring! So glad to “meet you” through our little home for fall blog hop! Pinning for future reference!
Thank you – it is so nice to “meet you” too!
Found you thru ‘Funky Junk Interiors’ blog and you have NO IDEA how your words of wisdom and encouragement woven into this post spoke to me this weekend! It was the ‘message’ I so needed and it actually helped me go to work today AND I silently focused on it throughout the day to keep the stress and mistreatment at bay!
PS I don’t often do craft projects but I love going to the auction and bring home vintage treasures that I re-purpose.
God is so good at delivering when we need him. So glad His word encouraged you this day! and so glad to have you here 🙂
Yes, they look much better than before! I like how you added that green touch!
Thanks – the little acorns speak to my heart 🙂
It all turned out so beautiful!
Thank you!!!
Found your page through Hometalk, and though I came looking for decorating tips and ideas, I was truly blessed by your devotion and have shared it with a number of my friends… what insight! May God continue to use you through this platform.
Denise – I am so glad you made it over to the blog. Glad to have you and I know there is no coincidence in your visit. Your encouragement was needed here! Thank you so much!
Such a beautiful table setting. Love the vases. 🙂
Would you share this at our Dishing It & Digging It link party? We are live now and every Sunday at 4pm!
Thank you! I will at the party to my list!
I love simple and easy crafts!
Hi Kim, You essentially turned a sow’s ear into a silk purse with the vases turned into candlesticks! Thanks for this post – I needed to hear what you were saying today! Blessings, Janet
Your message absolutely brought me to tears! Thankful tears for the sacrifice made by my King. Thank you for the beautiful words, scripture, and, oh, the simple yet wonderful tablescape!
Kim, YOU are a treasure! Your posts are like a little “surcey” from my Abba Father to me! TY! ❤️
This is one of my all time favorite posts by anyone. Your words are beautiful, yet raw. God has given us the ability to find beauty in the heartache, if we look for it. You have found it! Prayers for you as you navigate your new, exciting life. Hugs!