Second-Chance Studio

Step-by-step guides for DIY, home décor and creativity to give thrifted finds a second life.

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Hands working a power drill on a shelf

How to Make a DIY Father’s Day AM/PM Wall Display Using Thrifted Finds

This easy Father’s Day DIY transforms a thrifted wooden shelf into playful AM/PM wall decor complete with mug hooks, stenciled lettering, and custom styling details.
Read More How to Make a DIY Father’s Day AM/PM Wall Display Using Thrifted Finds
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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
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A bridal party posing with their backs to the camera with a city background

How to Make DIY Bachelorette Party Flannels Using Thrifted Finds

This beginner-friendly DIY shows how to turn thrifted flannels into custom bridal party outfits perfect for Nashville bachelorette trips, girls weekends, and wedding celebrations.
Read More How to Make DIY Bachelorette Party Flannels Using Thrifted Finds
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Various types of wine glasses with chalkboard paint personalization

How to Make DIY Chalkboard Wine Glasses for Weddings, Showers & Parties

Learn how to transform thrifted glassware into personalized chalkboard wine glasses perfect for weddings, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and celebrations.
Read More How to Make DIY Chalkboard Wine Glasses for Weddings, Showers & Parties
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A person standing in their gazebo with upcycled florals

How to Turn Thrifted Florals into Bold Outdoor Decor for Your Patio or Gazebo

Natasha transforms thrifted artificial plants into vibrant outdoor decor using paint, bold color palettes, and creative design techniques inspired by tropical and Palm Springs aesthetics.
Read More How to Turn Thrifted Florals into Bold Outdoor Decor for Your Patio or Gazebo
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A hand-crafted quilt displaying baby blankets and unique stitching

From Thrifted Textiles to Couture: A Quilt Inspired by Fashion and Memory

Inspired by the Met Gala and childhood quilting traditions, this creative project transforms thrifted materials into a couture-inspired quilt that celebrates storytelling through fabric.
Read More From Thrifted Textiles to Couture: A Quilt Inspired by Fashion and Memory
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Hands holding a small bouquet of flowers in an upcycled vase

How to Make a DIY Textured Vase for Wedding Flowers Using Thrifted Finds

Looking for affordable wedding decor? Learn how to transform a thrifted vase into a textured, modern floral centerpiece with this easy DIY tutorial.
Read More How to Make a DIY Textured Vase for Wedding Flowers Using Thrifted Finds
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Three thrifted pieces upcycled for a wedding

How to Make DIY Wedding Signs Using Thrifted Finds

Planning a wedding on a budget? Learn how to create custom wedding signs and decor using thrifted finds with this elegant, beginner-friendly DIY tutorial from Morgan.
Read More How to Make DIY Wedding Signs Using Thrifted Finds
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Two cooking oil bottles upcycled with mandala art

How to Make a DIY Painted Olive Oil Bottle Using Thrifted Finds

Looking for a creative handmade gift? Learn how to turn thrifted glass bottles into beautiful painted olive oil dispensers with this beginner-friendly DIY from Cheryl Anderson, The Dotting Chick.
Read More How to Make a DIY Painted Olive Oil Bottle Using Thrifted Finds
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