Holiday Thrift Store Challenge – Vintage Sock Stretcher Stocking 

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

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 Deerly Beloved Thrift Store Vignette by Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
Christmas Cloche by Craftberry Bush
A Vintage Mantel for Winter by Finding Silver Pennies
DIY Holiday Walling Hanging by House of Hipsters
Christmas Decor from Thrifty Find by Town and Country Living
The Trellis Tree by Cozy Little House
DIY Centerpiece Tray by Cherished Bliss
Rustic Christmas Tree by Delineate Your Dwelling
DIY Shabby Chic Picture Frame by 365 Days of Crafts
DIY Crocks by So Much Better With Age

38 Comments

  • Reply Summer 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 January 7, 2015 at 12:46 pm

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

  • Reply A Deer Thrift Store Makeover November 21, 2014 at 7:39 am

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  • Reply Alice W. 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 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 Alice W. 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 angie November 21, 2014 at 11:21 am

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

    • Reply alex January 7, 2015 at 12:45 pm

      Danke!! XO

  • Reply kennesha buycks November 21, 2014 at 12:36 pm

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

    • Reply alex January 7, 2015 at 12:45 pm

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

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

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

  • Reply Kyla @HouseofHipsters.com November 21, 2014 at 2:19 pm

    FANTASTIC! I absolutely love it! Pinning!

    • Reply alex January 7, 2015 at 12:44 pm

      YAY! Thanks Kyla!! XO

  • Reply Brenda Kula 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 January 7, 2015 at 12:44 pm

      Aww, thanks so much Brenda! XO

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  • Reply Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home 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 January 7, 2015 at 12:43 pm

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

  • Reply cassie November 21, 2014 at 3:29 pm

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

    • Reply alex January 7, 2015 at 12:43 pm

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

  • Reply Tammy 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 January 7, 2015 at 12:42 pm

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

  • Reply Niki meiners November 22, 2014 at 1:46 am

    Awesome accents.

  • Reply Niki meiners November 22, 2014 at 11:41 am

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

    • Reply alex January 7, 2015 at 12:42 pm

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

  • Reply Charlotte @ Ciburbanity November 22, 2014 at 5:54 pm

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

    • Reply alex January 7, 2015 at 12:41 pm

      XO Thanks Charlotte!

  • Reply Emily @ Two Purple Couches 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 January 7, 2015 at 12:41 pm

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

  • Reply alex December 24, 2014 at 12:32 am

    Thanks for all of your lovely comments! XO

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