I pick up little things when I'm out for walks. I have stacks of flat/interesting stones on my balcony. They look really nice beside terracotta pots. I also have small stones in a basket or glass bowl. I picked up seashells when I was on vacation. I also pick up acorns and wildflowers.
I save interesting jars. Use them to store beans, rice etc in my cupboard. It's so pretty to see when I open the cupboard. Jars also make nice vases, pencil holders, acorn holders etc.
Furniture:
I have a simple sofa table. It was made from a 1'x6' board. Legs were added with scrap lumber. The whole thing was sanded and varnished. It's a little tipsy on it's own, but I have a small living room so it's pinned against the wall with the sofa. My Dad made it with scrap lumber so it was free.
I like looking for stuff second hand. I detest particle board. If you can find some good decent wooden furniture, you can usually sand it down. Something ugly becomes beautiful!
I get material second hand. Just last spring I found a bunch of sheets that looked like they've been stored for a couple decades but never used. I like to call it my vintage material.
I'm making a quilt with it. I've also used it to cover second hand footstools, make curtains, a knitting needle holder, and throw pillows. I've framed some... It's really pretty.
I used recycled paint when I repainted my kitchen/DR/LR. It's cheaper, better for the environment and low VOC. (this brand was anyways)
Years ago, I bought a bamboo rod from a garden centre to use for a curtain rod. Cost less than $2.
I have simple tealight holders my Dad made. Blocks of wood, sanded, stained with shallow holes drilled in them to set the tealight in.
Usually, I just try to keep an open mind with I go to garage sales, thrift shops etc.
Someone in my family made a set of wind chimes using old silverware left over from a garage sale.
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