Blog Posts

A DIY mummy planter

How to Make DIY Farmhouse Fabric Ghosts With Thrifted Finds

Thrifted fabric, a mannequin head and a candlestick walk into a craft room...and become a very bougie ghost. See how Jen turns unexpected Goodwill finds into DIY Halloween decor—plus two bonus projects.
Read More How to Make DIY Farmhouse Fabric Ghosts With Thrifted Finds
  • Second Chance Studio
A pair of hands pinning fabric to a sweater

How to Make a DIY Fall Sweatshirt With Thrifted Finds

A thrifted sweatshirt, a pumpkin table runner and a little late-night inspiration. See how Gregory combines unexpected Goodwill finds to create a whimsical DIY fall sweatshirt that's seasonal without going spooky.
Read More How to Make a DIY Fall Sweatshirt With Thrifted Finds
  • Second Chance Studio
Upcycled denim styled with a pair of heels

How to Turn Skinny Jeans Into Wide-Leg Pants

Skinny jeans aren't done yet. See how Nohemi transforms a fitted pair into statement-making wide-leg pants using contrasting fabric from another thrifted Goodwill find.
Read More How to Turn Skinny Jeans Into Wide-Leg Pants
  • Second Chance Studio
Wine glasses upside down resting on black napkins

DIY Wedding Place Cards: 2 Ways to Personalize Thrifted Wine Glasses

Give thrifted wine glasses a seat at the table. Try two easy ways to turn Goodwill finds into personalized wedding place cards that double as memorable take-home favors.
Read More DIY Wedding Place Cards: 2 Ways to Personalize Thrifted Wine Glasses
  • Second Chance Studio
A hand measuring a Dolly Parton t-shirt

How to Add Boho Sleeves to a Thrifted T-Shirt

Two thrifted finds, one very good second act. See how Jenny transforms a Dolly Parton T-shirt and flowy shawl into a beginner-friendly boho top with statement sleeves.
Read More How to Add Boho Sleeves to a Thrifted T-Shirt
  • Second Chance Studio
Branded image for the 2026 Wedding Lookbook

The 2026 Wedding Lookbook: 8 Pinterest-Inspired Trends You Can Thrift

Your wedding Pinterest board just met the Goodwill aisles. Explore eight 2026 wedding trends you can recreate with secondhand finds, plus a lookbook and treasure hunt checklist to take thrifting.
Read More The 2026 Wedding Lookbook: 8 Pinterest-Inspired Trends You Can Thrift
  • Second Chance Studio
A variety of decorative pillows with college logos on them

DIY Sweatshirt Pillow: Give Your Thrifted Find a Second Chance

Give a thrifted sweatshirt a second chance as cozy home decor. Follow this DIY to turn a Goodwill find into a throw pillow—with or without a zipper.
Read More DIY Sweatshirt Pillow: Give Your Thrifted Find a Second Chance
  • Second Chance Studio
A styled DIY hobo bag being worn by a person

How to Make a Hobo Bag from a Thrifted Leather Jacket

One thrifted leather jacket, one seriously good bag. See how Nohemi transforms a Goodwill find into a chic hobo bag with this DIY thrift flip.
Read More How to Make a Hobo Bag from a Thrifted Leather Jacket
  • Second Chance Studio
letter of resignation for how to quit your job the right way

How to Quit Your Job the Right Way

Many people know how to get a job but aren’t always sure how to leave one professionally. It’s important to quit a job in a professional and respectful matter. Handling a resignation in the right way can make a big difference in your career for years to come. Here's how to quit your job the right way.
Read More How to Quit Your Job the Right Way
  • Workforce Connection Centers
  • Job Hunting
A handmade canvas depicting animals framing a photo of household pets

DIY Dorm Decor: Make a Personalized Busted Canvas with Thrifted Art

Heading off to college doesn't mean leaving your favorite memories behind. Learn how to transform two thrifted canvases into a one-of-a-kind busted canvas featuring pets, photos or keepsakes perfect for dorm décor, bedrooms or thoughtful handmade gifts.
Read More DIY Dorm Decor: Make a Personalized Busted Canvas with Thrifted Art
  • Second Chance Studio
Students doing homework in a dorm room

Surprising College Essentials You Didn't Know You Could Thrift

College shopping can get expensive fast. Discover surprising school supplies and dorm essentials you can thrift at Goodwill to stretch your budget without sacrificing style or function.
Read More Surprising College Essentials You Didn't Know You Could Thrift
  • Thrifting
  • Style and Decor
  • Retail
  • Sustainable Living
Person taking a selfie in front of racks of clothes

Meet Our Newest Community Collaborators

Goodwill of Greater Milwaukee & Chicago is welcoming eight new Community Collaborators to help inspire more people to shop secondhand through authentic storytelling. Meet the creators, discover what makes each of them unique and learn what they're most excited to share throughout the remainder of the year.
Read More Meet Our Newest Community Collaborators
  • Thrifting
  • Retail
  • Style and Decor
Plastic fruit upcycled to whimsical characters

How to Turn Fake Fruit Into Whimsical DIY Characters

What if that bag of fake fruit at Goodwill became your next art project? Learn how to create whimsical DIY characters using thrifted faux fruit, recycled craft supplies and a little imagination.
Read More How to Turn Fake Fruit Into Whimsical DIY Characters
  • Second Chance Studio
Person at a festival wearing a DIY summer top

How to Make a DIY Patchwork Halter Top From Thrifted T-Shirts

Ready to stand out at your next concert or festival? Learn how to transform thrifted T-shirts into a colorful DIY patchwork halter top with this beginner-friendly sewing tutorial from Second Chance Studio.
Read More How to Make a DIY Patchwork Halter Top From Thrifted T-Shirts
  • Second Chance Studio
People sitting on stools speaking on a panel

Goodwill's First-Ever Creator Summit Brings Creativity, Collaboration and Community Together

Go behind the scenes of Goodwill of Greater Milwaukee & Chicago's first-ever Creator Summit, where influencers, content creators and community collaborators connected through creativity, education and secondhand storytelling.
Read More Goodwill's First-Ever Creator Summit Brings Creativity, Collaboration and Community Together
  • Style and Decor
  • Retail
Hands moving a graphic shirt under a sewing machine

How to Make a One-of-a-Kind Concert Outfit With Thrifted T-Shirts and Flannel

Want a concert outfit no one else has? Jenny Smith of Starline and Santorini is turning two thrifted finds into one one-of-a-kind look. See how she transforms a graphic T-shirt and flannel into a custom concert outfit with a little cutting, ironing and beginner-friendly sewing.
Read More How to Make a One-of-a-Kind Concert Outfit With Thrifted T-Shirts and Flannel
  • Second Chance Studio
A handmade mud kitchen with thrifted items

How to Make a DIY Mud Kitchen With Thrifted Finds

Looking for a summer boredom buster? See how Morgan transformed thrifted kitchen finds and reclaimed materials into a DIY mud kitchen made for messy, open-ended outdoor play.
Read More How to Make a DIY Mud Kitchen With Thrifted Finds
  • Second Chance Studio
Job hunter in a panel interview

How To Decline A Job Offer

What happens when you get a job offer you don’t want? Here’s how to think it through, what to say, and how to politely decline a job offer.
Read More How To Decline A Job Offer
  • Workforce Connection Centers
  • Job Hunting
A few supplies including scissors, pencil, measuring tape, and pins

How to Make a DIY Car Wash Mitt Using Thrifted Towels and Sweatshirts

Turn thrifted towels and sweatshirts into a reusable DIY car wash mitt. This beginner-friendly sewing project makes a practical Father's Day gift and a great summer upcycling project.
Read More How to Make a DIY Car Wash Mitt Using Thrifted Towels and Sweatshirts
  • Second Chance Studio
Close up of a colorful dot painted design on the back of a denim jacket

How to Turn a Thrifted Denim Jacket into a Festival-Worthy Statement Piece

Turn a thrifted denim jacket into wearable art with this colorful festival-inspired DIY. Learn dot painting techniques, fabric paint tips, and creative ways to personalize secondhand fashion.
Read More How to Turn a Thrifted Denim Jacket into a Festival-Worthy Statement Piece
  • Second Chance Studio