Rustic Upcycle: They're Not Your Grandma's Mail Organizers Anymore!

August 31, 2014
I love to find cheap thrift shop items to up-cycle!

Rustic Up-Cycle of Thrift Shop Mail Organizers www.organizeclutterqueen.blogspot.com
Like this 1970's colonial styled mail organizer, complete with metal eagle (and I think, a cobweb in there too).  This was one dollar.  I have seen many similar mail organizers.  $1 at the thrift shop.


First up, a paint job with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old White.

I found this old 4 cent stamp graphic on the Vintage Fan Girl' Blog here.  Remember to reverse the image before the Mod Podge transfer.  I found a great place to make color copies for me for just a quarter.

I use Homeroad's technique for Mod Podge Image Transfer.  As you can see I also distressed the organizer with sandpaper.  Sometimes I rub off a little of the image accidentally but it doesn't really matter.  This is distressed and rustic!  The image will darken after you wax it.

Rustic Up-Cycle of Thrift Shop Mail Organizers www.organizeclutterqueen.blogspot.com
Then to give the organizer a little presence, I added a 1 x 6 to the back.  I can pick up 1 x 6's and 1 x 8's
in under three foot scraps for 49 cents each at Menards.  I rough up the edges with a rasp, and use the steel wool and vinegar method to darken and age the boards.

Rustic Up-Cycle of Thrift Shop Mail Organizers www.organizeclutterqueen.blogspot.com
I didn't mind that the screws show either.  Most rustic goodness.  I also added a metal number one with E6000, just for looks.

Rustic Up-Cycle of Thrift Shop Mail Organizers www.organizeclutterqueen.blogspot.com

Rustic Up-Cycle of Thrift Shop Mail Organizers www.organizeclutterqueen.blogspot.com
From outdated and awful to rustic cool!

Rustic Up-Cycle of Thrift Shop Mail Organizers www.organizeclutterqueen.blogspot.com
Here's $1 mail organizer number two from the same thrift shop.  This one has three slots.

I used the same steps to up-cycle this organizer.  I found this postage stamp graphic at Knick of Time Interiors

Rustic Up-Cycle of Thrift Shop Mail Organizers www.organizeclutterqueen.blogspot.com
I added key hooks to the bottom of this organizer.

Rustic Up-Cycle of Thrift Shop Mail Organizers www.organizeclutterqueen.blogspot.com

Rustic Up-Cycle of Thrift Shop Mail Organizers www.organizeclutterqueen.blogspot.com
Easy updates! You can make one or two, too!









Thanks for reading my blog, Carlene

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Comments

  1. Love them....I've 2 in the garage waiting for me to update them to the modern world. !! Enjoy what's left of the weekend.

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  2. I love them! I love the graphics you chose. I find them at thrift stores all the time. They sell very well and yours are awesome!

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  3. They look great!!! Love the transfer!!!
    Besooo

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  4. These are so cute! I love the postage touch, very nicely done.

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  5. So cute~
    I found a cute wicker mail organizer and used images from Knick of Time too!
    You're right...easy updates!
    I like how you added the board to the backs of these...my favorite was the no.1 with the flag!
    cute and great job.

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  6. Clever! Your makeovers look terrific.

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  7. Cute idea, Carlene! You did a great job with the design transfers! I was looking for one of those organizers to hold my eraser and chalk in the kitchen, but I haven't found one in the size I need yet. It'll show up eventually.

    I love the new look of your blog! I spent a day cleaning up mine, but I'm still technically challenged, so it's a work in progress. Enjoy the holiday!

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  8. Those are really cute, Carlene! I've never tried the printable thing yet... you make me want to! The designs help make the project, big time!

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  9. What transformations! These look great, Carlene!

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  10. Love these transformations and the graphics you added are perfect! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Inspiration Party.

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