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Alex Inspired

Creative minds are rarely tidy

Holiday Thrift Store Challenge – Vintage Sock Stretcher Stocking 

Holiday Thrift Store Challenge – Vintage Sock Stretcher Stocking | Alex Inspired

I was recently invited to participate in a fun holiday challenge from the lovely Alice, from ThoughtsFromAlice.

Her challenge, simple and thought provoking:

Purchase an item from a Thrift store with a price tag under $25.00. The item could also be second hand or given to you. Task: to re-purpose or makeover the item for a festive holiday piece of décor.

I did find this a true challenge. In fact, I was baffled – too many ideas running through my head. I also forgot to include a “before” image… so here is a photo of a festive wreath instead.

DIY Christmas Decor - Boxwood Wreath hanging off door knob

I first began with finding fabulous vintage wrapping paper (60 sheets for $3.00!) – which I was going to stitch into a “whimsical garland” to hang in my kitchen windows.  My problem? The circular punch I used destroyed everything it touched. oops.

Anyway – long story short, I ended up at one of my favourite Antique stores (Sleeping Giant Antiques) on a totally unrelated adventure.

When I was there, I found some snowshoes (out of the desired price range) and walked by something amazing – completely oblivious to them.

The owner, of the store – Marsha, guided me to pace backwards… and look up. Voilà!

Vintage Sock Stretchers!

DIY Christmas Decor! Vintage Sock Stretcher Stocking for the bathroom! Perfect accent for a mirror  | Alex Inspired

What on earth is a sock stretcher?
(Essentially what it’s named for – stretching wool socks to keep their shape and size after being washed)

What a bargain, $7 each!?  SOLD!

Several ideas ran through my head on how to make these finds Christmasy. They already had the look of a stocking; they just needed a few embellishments.

DIY Christmas Decor in the Bathroom, using vintage sock stretchers as stockings!  | Alex Inspired

I also knew exactly where they belonged… a place usually ignored for holiday décor… la salle de bain!

On hand, I had previously ordered Starry String Lights from Restoration Hardware. Because the battery powered lights are strung on bendable wire, it made it easy to cover the sock frame.  These lights are also on a timer, which is perfect for keeping the battery pack hidden (in my case, behind the mirror).

DIY Christmas Decor - Starry String Lights from Restoration Hardware, suited for all types of Holiday Decor  | Alex Inspired

I topped off the one “stocking” with a simple red and white ribbon, purchased from Target.

The next “stocking” I created was simple. Red and white striped ribbon (Target) was attached and hung from the top. Cute Reindeer clothes pins (Target) and regular clothes pins secured vintage and retro Christmas cards to the frame, along with a little concert ticket from 1929.

DIY Christmas Decor - Sock Stretcher Stocking vintage Bathroom Decor, with vintage christmas card  | Alex Inspired

DIY Christmas Decor - Vintage Concert Ticket used as inspiring Design for the holidays  | Alex Inspired

DIY Christmas Decor - Red and White Striped ribbon from Target  | Alex Inspired

While I was at Sleeping Giant Antiques, I also picked up some vintage cookie cutters ($4) and added them to (let’s just say it…) the fancy soap no one ever uses.

DIY Christmas Decor- Vintage Cookie cutters added to festive soap, creating a cute soap dish arrangement  | Alex Inspired

DIY Christmas Decor - Thrifty Finds for Decorating your bathroom  | Alex Inspired

DIY Christmas Decor - Bathroom upgrades on a thrifty budget  | Alex Inspired

DIY Christmas Decor - Bathroom decorating on a dime, using thrifty finds and creativity | Alex Inspired

I hope you’ve been thoroughly inspired to tackle on a Christmas project using something old and making it new.

Holiday Thrift Store Challenge – Vintage Sock Stretcher Stocking = success!

I have to thank Alice once again, for helping me dig deep for inspiration and a challenge!

Be sure to pay a visit to ThoughtsFromAlice, and the many creatively crafty inspiring minds who also took part (links below).

2014 Holiday Thrift Story Challenge | Thoughts from Alice - a wonderful compilation of DIY Thrifty Christmas Projects!

Glam Christmas Throw Pillows by Thoughts from Alice
A Deer Thrift Store Makeover by Ciburbanity
Ugly Ducklings (Thrifted Sweater Stockings) by Maison de Pax
A Deerly Beloved Thrift Store Vignette by Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
Holiday Thrift Store Challenge: Deer Mount Advent Calendar by Primitive & Proper
{Vintage Cookie Tin} Cake Centerpieces by Little Farmstead
DIY Embroidery Hoop Wall Hanging: Holiday Thrift Store Challenge by Simple Stylings
DIY Christmas Decorations from Thrifted Books by T-Shirt & Jeans
Christmas Cloche by Craftberry Bush
A Vintage Mantel for Winter by Finding Silver Pennies
Holiday Thrift Store Challenge – Christmas Chalkboard Globe by Heart Rocks in My Pocket
Thrifty DIY Part One: Faux Fur Throw Rug by Creating Vintage Charm
DIY Holiday Walling Hanging by House of Hipsters
Holiday Thrift Store Challenge: Modern Christmas Village by Number Fifty-Three
Christmas Decor from Thrifty Find by Town and Country Living
The Trellis Tree by Cozy Little House
Holiday Thrift Store Challenge Blog Hop by Shabby Love
DIY Centerpiece Tray by Cherished Bliss
Holiday Thrift Store Challenge – Vintage Sock Stretcher Stocking by Alex Inspired
A Merry Thriftmas Challenge: Re-purposed Holiday Tablescape by Home Remedies
Light Fixture Update – a Thrift Store Challenge by Nest of Posies
Holiday Thrift Store Challenge: Simple Christmas Decorations by Two Purple Couches
Rustic Christmas Tree by Delineate Your Dwelling
Oh Deer, It’s a Holiday Thrift Shop Challenge by My Sweet Savannah
Simple Elegant Winter Vignette | Holiday Thrift Store Challenge by Cloth and Patina
DIY Shabby Chic Picture Frame by 365 Days of Crafts
DIY 3D Christmas Star Wreath – Holiday Thrift Store Challenge by The Chronicles of Home
DIY Crocks by So Much Better With Age
Simple Holiday Vignette | A Thrift Store Challenge by Restoration House Interiors
Thrift Store Christmas Decor Challenge by BrocanteuseRose

Comments

  1. Summer says

    November 21, 2014 at 6:51 am

    This is so clever and looks amazing! Loving the led lights too! I might have to snag some this year! Great job!

    Reply
    • alex says

      January 7, 2015 at 12:46 pm

      Hey Summer! The lights are awesome-sauce. I have no regrets! 🙂 XO

      Reply
  2. Alice W. says

    November 21, 2014 at 9:16 am

    This are so perfect for Christmas and I love how you displayed them with all of your cute Christmas decor! Thank you for joining me in the challenge!

    Reply
    • alex says

      January 7, 2015 at 12:46 pm

      YAY! Thank you Alice! I am so thankful for you and your inspiration! LOVED this challenge 🙂 XO

      Reply
  3. Alice W. says

    November 21, 2014 at 9:17 am

    and that should be “these are”…geesh I am tired now from all of the work organizing this lol!

    Reply
  4. angie says

    November 21, 2014 at 11:21 am

    danke für die inspirationen!!! einen schönen freitag wünscht angie

    Reply
    • alex says

      January 7, 2015 at 12:45 pm

      Danke!! XO

      Reply
  5. kennesha buycks says

    November 21, 2014 at 12:36 pm

    What a cute bathroom and great idea! I love it! Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
    • alex says

      January 7, 2015 at 12:45 pm

      Thanks Kennesha! XO (ps. you have such a beautiful name!)

      Reply
  6. Kyla @HouseofHipsters.com says

    November 21, 2014 at 2:19 pm

    FANTASTIC! I absolutely love it! Pinning!

    Reply
    • alex says

      January 7, 2015 at 12:44 pm

      YAY! Thanks Kyla!! XO

      Reply
  7. Brenda Kula says

    November 21, 2014 at 2:22 pm

    Adorable! And I love that you made your bathroom aglow with the holiday spirit. In fact I love your bathroom!
    Brenda

    Reply
    • alex says

      January 7, 2015 at 12:44 pm

      Aww, thanks so much Brenda! XO

      Reply
  8. Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says

    November 21, 2014 at 2:47 pm

    How absolutely perfect for Christmas! What a find – I would never have known something like this even existed.

    Reply
    • alex says

      January 7, 2015 at 12:43 pm

      Thanks Jennifer! I am so excited to see what I can do with them next year! 🙂

      Reply
  9. cassie says

    November 21, 2014 at 3:29 pm

    that is SO fun! what a great find! love how it sparkles now! 🙂

    Reply
    • alex says

      January 7, 2015 at 12:43 pm

      Sparkles are my favourite! it all came together nicely. Such a fun challenge.

      Reply
  10. Tammy says

    November 21, 2014 at 5:23 pm

    This is so clever! So nice that you can change these up each year! Your bathroom is so charming and am loving on these lights! May have to grab some for myself!

    Tammy

    Reply
    • alex says

      January 7, 2015 at 12:42 pm

      Thanks Tammy! I love, love, love the lights. No regrets!

      Reply
  11. Niki meiners says

    November 22, 2014 at 1:46 am

    Awesome accents.

    Reply
  12. Niki meiners says

    November 22, 2014 at 11:41 am

    That is seriously one of the coolest finds ever. Never heard of a sock stretcher.

    Reply
    • alex says

      January 7, 2015 at 12:42 pm

      YAY! Thanks Niki! It was for sure a winning discovery! 🙂

      Reply
  13. Charlotte @ Ciburbanity says

    November 22, 2014 at 5:54 pm

    SO fun! And I LOVE the vintage cards you tied in. Great makeover!

    Reply
    • alex says

      January 7, 2015 at 12:41 pm

      XO Thanks Charlotte!

      Reply
  14. Emily @ Two Purple Couches says

    December 1, 2014 at 11:19 pm

    I love that you decorated your bathroom! It looks so elegant! I’ve never seen a sock stretcher before, but it certainly makes for a perfect stocking! Great idea!

    Reply
    • alex says

      January 7, 2015 at 12:41 pm

      Thanks Emily! This was the first time I had seen one too! So cool 🙂

      Reply
  15. alex says

    December 24, 2014 at 12:32 am

    Thanks for all of your lovely comments! XO

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. A Deer Thrift Store Makeover says:
    November 21, 2014 at 7:39 am

    […] Holiday Thrift Store Challenge – Vintage Sock Stretcher Stocking by Alex Inspired […]

    Reply
  2. Simple Winter Elegance | Holiday Thrift Store Challenge | Cloth and Patina says:
    November 21, 2014 at 8:29 am

    […] Holiday Thrift Store Challenge – Vintage Sock Stretcher Stocking by Alex Inspired […]

    Reply
  3. Centerpiece Tray Tutorial - Cherished Bliss says:
    November 21, 2014 at 8:30 am

    […] Holiday Thrift Store Challenge Blog Hop by Shabby Love DIY Centerpiece Tray by Cherished Bliss Holiday Thrift Store Challenge – Vintage Sock Stretcher Stocking by Alex Inspired A Merry Thriftmas Challenge: Re-purposed Holiday Tablescape by Home Remedies Light […]

    Reply
  4. DIY Shabby Chic Picture Frame - 365 Days of Crafts says:
    November 21, 2014 at 8:53 am

    […] Holiday Thrift Store Challenge Blog Hop by Shabby Love DIY Centerpiece Tray by Cherished Bliss Holiday Thrift Store Challenge – Vintage Sock Stretcher Stocking by Alex Inspired A Merry Thriftmas Challenge: Re-purposed Holiday Tablescape by Home Remedies Light […]

    Reply
  5. Thrift Store Challenge: Simple Christmas Decorations says:
    November 21, 2014 at 12:46 pm

    […] Holiday Thrift Store Challenge Blog Hop by Shabby Love DIY Centerpiece Tray by Cherished Bliss Holiday Thrift Store Challenge – Vintage Sock Stretcher Stocking by Alex Inspired A Merry Thriftmas Challenge: Re-purposed Holiday Tablescape by Home Remedies Light […]

    Reply
  6. Christmas Decor from Thrifty Find - Town & Country Living says:
    November 21, 2014 at 2:02 pm

    […] Holiday Thrift Store Challenge – Vintage Sock Stretcher Stocking by Alex Inspired […]

    Reply
  7. HO-- USE OF HIPSTERS:Holiday Thrift Store Challenge Blog Hop - HO-- USE OF HIPSTERS says:
    November 21, 2014 at 2:43 pm

    […] Holiday Thrift Store Challenge – Vintage Sock Stretcher Stocking by Alex Inspired […]

    Reply
  8. Holiday Thrift Store Challenge: Modern Christmas Village - Fashion Styles says:
    February 22, 2016 at 5:23 am

    […] Holiday Thrift Store challenge – Vintage Sock Stretcher trump Alex Inspired […]

    Reply
  9. Holiday Thrift Store Challenge – Vintage Sock Stretcher Stocking - Alex Inspired says:
    August 21, 2016 at 3:29 pm

    […] Holiday Thrift Store Challenge Blog Hop by Shabby Love DIY Centerpiece Tray by Cherished Bliss Holiday Thrift Store Challenge – Vintage Sock Stretcher Stocking by Alex Inspired A Merry Thriftmas Challenge: Re-purposed Holiday Tablescape by Home Remedies […]

    Reply
  10. The Trellis Tree says:
    January 6, 2018 at 4:43 pm

    […] Holiday Thrift Store Challenge – Vintage Sock Stretcher Stocking by Alex Inspired […]

    Reply
  11. The Trellis Tree · Cozy Little House says:
    November 22, 2018 at 3:36 pm

    […] Holiday Thrift Store Challenge – Vintage Sock Stretcher Stocking by Alex Inspired […]

    Reply

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Alex Inspired NYC

Hi, I’m Alex.
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