Ugly Is Festive At Arc Thrift Stores

December 13, 2016

arcthrift . DIY

Arc Thrift Stores: The Best Place To Get Your “Ugly Christmas Sweater”

Never underestimate the charm and good cheer of a fabulous “Ugly Christmas Sweater.” These silly, sweet, and delightful sweaters – adorned with everything from baubles, beads, sparkles, Santas, elves, trees, angels, snowmen, and sometimes even blinking lights – have become a holiday tradition.

Don’t be the only one at the holiday party without one!! Arc Thrift Stores has the state’s largest selection of “Ugly Christmas Sweaters,” from the subtle to the bedazzled. And, at prices ranging from $4.99 to $19.99 (on most Ugly Sweaters), it will indeed be a MERRY THRIFT’MAS!!!

arcs and Crafts: More Holiday Wreaths!

December 7, 2016

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By Julie White

Last year I found tons of beautiful vintage ornaments at ARC so I crafted some ornament wreaths for Christmas. I loved how they turned out:

I am continuing to make them this year but wanted to expand my repertoire with a more modern design. I’ve seen some really neat minimalist wreaths lately and decided to try my hand. Starting with a large, wooden embroidery hoop ($2.99 for a bag full of 5 of them at ARC), I wrapped just the bottom third in tinsel ($0.99 for a large bag of it at ARC). I wrapped it tightly around the hoop and secured both ends with hot glue.

Then came the fun part of deciding what to put on it. I looked through my vintage ornaments and Christmas ephemera from ARC; it was tough deciding between all of these fun guys ($1.99 for a whole bag full of little figurines).

I wanted to use some of these retro seventies ornaments, too:

In the end, I went with a tried and true elf and added a great vintage glass ornament right in the front. Using my hot glue gun I secured each item until I ended up with this:

I like how it turned out with the minimalist style and how it can be used to highlight all kinds of fun holiday items. I made a few more with other themes, as well:

Such an easy way to expand your holiday décor collection. Happy thrifting and crafting!

It’s Holiday Thrifting Time!

November 18, 2016

arcthrift . Christmas, DIY

For some reason, thrifting and crafting around the holidays feels different than during the rest of the year. It’s so fun to dig through the holiday treasures and memories to hopefully find something that can be a part of your own holiday memories.

I found this adorable guy at an ARC near my home and grabbed him up instantly. I knew I wanted to do something with him to have out on display for Christmas but I wasn’t sure what that was.

As I wandered around I kept coming upon really great, fun vintage ornaments. I love the sequined ones plus the tiny box of mini ornaments. Once I had those in hand I knew which direction I wanted to go.

I decided I wanted to build a tiny tree out of ornaments to perch on the mug. Using some tinsel garland (from a miscellaneous holiday craft bag at ARC) and hot glue I got my base ornament set.

A mid-size glass bulb ornament, paired with one of the tiny guys I bought, would be the rest of the tree. I removed the metal top on the medium sized gold bulb and put some hot glue inside the rim before sticking the mini-bulb in upside down. I then glued the gold bulb to the sequined one and it was complete!

This was such an easy craft and I love how it turned out. The grand total cost, with all supplies from ARC, came out to $4.17 including tax. It might even end up as a thrifty gift for someone!

KIDS, CATS, AND DOGS!! arc Thrift Stores Have Everything You Need to Make This a Ghoulishly Great Halloween!!

October 26, 2016

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Halloween is all about candy, tricks, treats, and finding the BEST COSTUME EVER!!

Good news!! Our stores are full of Halloween must-haves: makeup, masks, gowns, hats, capes, and more. We’ve got kids – little ones and even teens – covered!! And, if you’re looking to dress up your furry best friend, we’ve got lots of great ideas for them, too!

All of our 24 arc stores are fully stocked with ready-to-go costumes, most for way less money than you’d pay elsewhere. Superheroes, clowns, princesses, warriors, TV and movie characters…we’ve got ‘em all.

But, if your child wants to make his or her own costume, arc is the perfect place.

Here’s a list of some sweet and creative ideas for build-your-own costumes for kids and pets!

KIDS:

Princess:

Gown
Tiara
High heels
Cape

TOTAL COST AT ARC: $10

Football Player:

Football jersey
Helmet
Football

TOTAL COST AT ARC: $10

Cowboy:

Cowboy hat
Cowboy boots
Jeans
Vest
Holster

TOTAL COST AT ARC: $15

Baby Pumpkin/Jack o’ Lantern:

Over-sized orange t-shirt (to be stuffed with newspapers) (Draw on jack o’ lantern eyes, nose and mouth)
Green tights
Orange beany hat
TOTAL COST AT ARC: $10

Baby Bunny:

White onesie/footy pajamas (glue on pink piece of felt from craft store to make the tummy)
Bunny ears

TOTAL COST AT ARC: $10

Clark Kent/Super Man:

Suit jacket and tie
Glasses
Superman t-shirt (to be worn underneath)

TOTAL COST AT ARC: $10

PETS:

Baby Ghost:

White onesie (draw or glue on black eyes and “O” shaped mouth)
TOTAL COST AT ARC: $2
Baby Pumpkin/Jack o’ Lantern:
Over-sized orange onesie or t-shirt (Draw on jack o’ lantern eyes, nose and mouth)
TOTAL COST AT ARC: $3

Ballerina:

Tutu (fit around dog’s waist)

TOTAL COST AT ARC: $2

Mummy:

Wrap your pooch in an Ace bandage: $1.99

“Cat Lady”:

Several stuffed kitties.
T-shirt
Attached stuffies to t-shirt
TOTAL COST AT ARC: $10

Bronco Fan:

Bronco T-shirt

TOTAL COST AT ARC: $5.99

Harry Potter:

Red and Gold Scarf
Glasses

TOTAL COST AT ARC: $5

Everything you could possibly need – whether your little one wants to be a princess, a cowboy, a monster, a ghost, or a superhero – is available and affordable at your local arc Thrift Store. Arc Thrift Stores also have caldrons full of spooky and fun decorations to make your home festive for all those trick or treaters.

All items are 50 percent off on Saturdays (excluding current color tags and green tags).

Be the spookiest…or the cutest…ghoul on the block!! Visit any one of our 24 stores throughout Colorado today!!

Click here for locations.

arc Thrift Stores Have The State’s LARGEST SELECTION of Amazing Costumes!

October 17, 2016

arcthrift . DIY, Halloween

People come to arc for all sorts of things. There isn’t ANYTHING – except for maybe plastic gutters, refrigerators, and scrap metal – that you can’t find at an arc store. And, all for a great price!!

This is especially true of Halloween costumes!

Fall is perhaps one of most favorite times of the year!! The crisp air, the leaves changing, a pot of soup on the stove, a cozy sweater to warm you up…and HALLOWEEN! We LOVE Halloween!! We love how creative this holiday can be…how silly, goofy, and even how scary!!

So, as you are noodling over what you are going to dress up as this year, know that there isn’t a ghost of a chance you’d walk away without the perfect Halloween costume if you’re shopping at arc Thrift Stores!!

Arc Thrift Stores has the state’s largest selection of build-your-own costumes. Our stores are full of Halloween must-haves: makeup, masks, gowns, hats, capes, and more. Costumes for kids, grown-ups, even pets!! We’ve got everything you will need to make this Halloween ghoulishly wonderful!

Here are some easy, inexpensive, and creative suggestions…all found in the aisles at arc!

Flapper: Show off those great legs and do the Charleston!!

Dress: $7.50
Bag: $1.50
Headpiece: $1
Necklace: $1
Cigarette holder: $4

TOTAL COST AT ARC: $15

Dorothy From The Wizard of OZ: There’s no place like Arc for the perfect costume!!

Dress: $6
Ruby Red Slippers: $4
Basket and stuffed dog (“Toto”): $5

TOTAL COST AT ARC: $15

Willy Wonka: A little imagination goes a long way at Arc!!

Wig: $5.50
Jacket: $5.50
Top hat: $3
Colorful Pants: $4
Scarf: $2

TOTAL COST AT ARC: $20

Belle:

Princess Dress: $5
Candlestick (“Lumiere”): $2
Clock (“Cogsworth”): $3

TOTAL COST AT ARC: $10

And, we even have tons of spooky and fun decorations to make your home festive for a party and for all those trick or treaters.

All items are 50 percent off on Saturdays (excluding current color tags and green tags).

Click here for locations.

Party Decor Ideas for Kids and Adults

October 10, 2016

arcthrift . DIY, Halloween, Thrifty Tips . DIY, halloween decor

It’s that time of year again! We just LOVE Halloween at arc Thrift Stores!! It’s spooky, fun, a little silly, and super creative!

A lot of you are probably planning your kids’ school Halloween party, or having a party at home for the neighbor ghosts and goblins. Maybe you’re having your friends over to celebrate with a more adult-themed version of trick or treat!!

Well, at arc you will find everything you need to make the most ghoulishly delightful party ever!! And, the best part? You don’t have to drive all over town and you don’t have to spend a ton of money! It’s one-stop party décor shopping at arc!!

Here are some ideas:

Potion:

Little potion bottles can make a great Halloween decoration for your tablescapes. Mineral oil and food coloring mixed with a bit of water to create the potions in the bottles is inexpensive and easy. Buy your little potion bottles in all shapes and sizes from the Bric Brac department of your local arc Thrift Store. You can then fill them with little plastic spiders or plastic eyeballs or fingers to create a creepy décor piece. Bottles range from $0.49 to $1.99 each

Spooky Candles:

Votive candles (at arc for $2 – $5)
Black, orange, and green felt (at arc for .50 a sheet)
Glue

Wrap votive with black felt. Cut out pumpkins from orange felt and add green accents (leaves, top of pumpkin, etc.). Attach with glue.

Wrap votive in orange or green felt. Cut out bats with black felt. Attach with glue.

Candy Man:

Jeans ($8)
Flannel Shirt ($5)
Cowboy hat ($2)
Cowboy boots ($15)
Baskets ($1.50/each)
Candy
Pumpkin (carved with silly face)
Newspapers

On the table where your party food will be served, lay out the jeans and shirt, as if a person were about to wear them. Stuff the arms, chest, and legs with newspapers. Cut out sections in the jeans, and leave the buttons of the shirt open.

Fill baskets with candy. Slide the baskets into the cut out sections of the arms, the open (unbuttoned) area of the chest, and legs of “Candy Man.”

Place jack o’ lantern as the head, and top with the cowboy hat.

Adult version:

Candy Man isn’t just for kids!! Instead of the flannel shirt, boots, and cowboy hat, pick the jersey of your favorite rival football team (Patriots, anyone?!?) ($10 at arc). And, instead of candy, fill the baskets with chicken wings, chips, and dip!!

Treats:

Ghoulish Gummies

1 cup of cold water
1/2 cup of corn syrup
6oz packet of your favorite flavor Jell-O
4 envelopes of unflavored
Gelatin

Dissolve the corn syrup in cold water with a spoon. Dissolve the
Jell-O and gelatin in the corn syrup and water mixture. Transfer to
small pot and cook over medium heat until bubbly. Remove from heat and carefully pour into fun, Halloween-inspired ice molds or cake molds (available at arc for $4 – $8). Set on the counter for 5 hours (no need to refrigerate) and carefully remove from molds.

Adult version:

Change the amount of water to ¾ of a cup, and add ¼ cup of vodka.

Monster munch

4 cups popcorn
1/2 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup Reese’s prices
1/2 cup candy corn
1/2 cup melted white chocolate

Pour popcorn and candy onto a cookie tray (at arc for $3) and drizzle with chocolate.

Allow to harden and break up with fingers and either put into a large
bowl or separate into treat bags (box of 25 at arc for $5) and tie with orange and green ribbon (at arc for $2 a roll).

Adult version:

Instead of candy, use nuts and chocolate chips. Drizzle with caramel.

The Art of Collecting…at arc

September 12, 2016

arcthrift . DIY

Normally when I treasure hunt at ARC I search for items to upcycle or craft. However, there are also just things from ARC that I collect…or hoard, depending on your outlook.

One of these categories is vintage globes:

I am physically unable to walk past a vintage globe at ARC. My limit is the five above, due to space, but I can still gaze adoringly at them.

ARC is a wonderful place to build your collections, no matter what it is you collect. There are always a lot of small tchotchkes, which many of us look for, including myself…

Vintage ceramic deer figurines are also items that I can’t resist.

I have entire series of books and movies that I’ve obtained from ARC, too. These are always so much cheaper than buying them new.

But my biggest ARC collection-obsession is definitely vintage Pyrex.

This one definitely borders on hoarding, but the beauty is that the price for each piece is so cheap at ARC. Having a thrifted collection of anything is always cheaper than collecting new items. And really, hunting for the items is half of the fun!

arcs and Crafts

July 28, 2016

arcthrift . DIY

By Julie White

Some of the items that I see consistently in ARC stores across Colorado (yes, I visit ARC stores wherever I go…) are vintage, metal trays. Lots of them are brightly colored with flowers or designs, while others are simple brass or silver-toned. I’ve used them as wall art before and as functional trays to hold items but never as functional, wall art. Until now!

Using these beauties as my base I set about making metal message boards for the wall above my desk. There’s nothing that needs to be done to the tray itself, other than a good wipe down, so the diy part came in when deciding what to use as magnets on the boards. For this project I chose to use vintage brooches, although tons of items found at ARC would work: scrabble tiles or game pieces, buttons, tiny figurines, etc.

At my favorite ARC there is a full length turnstile display next to the jewelry counter with tiny bags of earrings, brooches, and bracelets on display. The day I went was a pink tag day so naturally I only looked through the pink tags. The baggies pictured above were some of my purchases.

To prep these guys to become magnets I removed the pin backing on each one. Two of them I was able to grasp with pliers and roll to remove, while the other one I made do with just cutting the actual pin part because I wasn’t able to remove the whole backing.

Once the backings were removed or modified (in the above picture) I was ready to glue on the magnets.

I had teeny, tiny but strong magnets left from an old project so I used just a dot of super glue to affix them to the back of the brooches. And that was it! Such a simple project but I love how it turned out. It looks great above my desk and serves a very functional purpose.

Treasure Hunting at arc

May 27, 2016

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By Julie White

If you’ve never taken the time to hunt through the jewelry at ARC thrift, you’re missing out. There is always a huge selection of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, everything you could possible wear. Last weekend I found this beauty:

Isn’t it pretty? It was $4.99, but on Saturday I scored it for $2.50! I love Saturdays at ARC. It has a lot going on for one necklace, but I bought it because I really like all of the different beads and pendants.

My mission? To turn these great parts from one necklace into different pieces that are a bit toned down and that I’d actually wear. Challenge accepted!

I figured the easiest place to start was with the main glass pendant.

This was such an easy fix, using pliers to separate it from the chain. I ended up with several pendants to put onto other chains.

From there I worked on the rhinestones and pearls:

Using a wire cutter I removed the attached loop from the back of the rhinestones so that they were flat.

I had some barrettes and earring posts leftover from a different project that I superglued to the rhinestones creating two sets of earrings (small and large rhinestones) and two barrettes.

There were lots of pretty pearls on the necklace, as well, that I removed with pliers.

I attached a large pearl to a small pearl with their wire loops and then glued an earring post to the side of the large pearls.

From one necklace I ended up with 3 pairs of earrings, 2 barrettes and multiple pendants to use on chains as individual necklaces.

Mission accomplished! My jewelry collection is a lot bigger now.

Burning the midnight oil at arc

April 14, 2016

arcthrift . DIY

by Julie White

Not so much the midnight oil, but the midnight candle. And not so much at midnight. This was my first attempt to make candles in awesome ARC container finds out of old candles from ARC. Two thrifted items in one craft: a thrifter’s dream.

I frequently see candles made in beautiful vintage tea cups for sale, but they are often very pricey. There are always great tea cups and mugs (and jars and dishes…) at ARC so I figured I would try my hand at making my own.

Buying wax flakes for candle-making is pricey. There are always tons of candles for sale at ARC, too, so I decided I’d try to make my new candles by melting down old candles. I bought some that were similar in color so that they would blend well together and bought a glass dish at ARC with a handle and a lip on it that would be a great double-boiler. I didn’t want to use one of my normal bowls in case the wax ruined it.

I put a few inches of water underneath the glass dish and waited for it to boil before turning it down and putting my candle in the dish. Then I waited…and waited…and waited. This was a big honking candle so it took quite a while to melt. Next time I will definitely buy long skinny candles that I can cut up and will melt faster.

When it was about halfway melted I dipped the end of the wicks into the melted wax to get them to stick to the inside of the mugs and jars I was going to use. I tried using wooden wicks and regular waxed string wicks to see which was easier.

By far the wooden wick was easier to use. I ended up having to rig up something to hold the waxed string wick steady so that it didn’t fall over when I poured the wax in. It didn’t work very well…but luckily I’m not too concerned with perfection.

When the wax was finally melted I carefully poured it into the side of the cups, slowly. I wanted to make sure it didn’t splash anywhere and that it went in slow and steady to create a smooth top.

The end results weren’t too shabby! They’re definitely not perfect. Not by far. In the future I’ll choose just a white or yellow candle versus one with color. I also need to read up about how to get a smooth top. Mine are definitely a little bit crackly.

But I love that they highlight the great tea cup and mug from ARC. The single candle was enough for these two small cups but not enough for a jar, as well. I guess that just means I need to do it again!