Fall Into Creativity with Altered Thrift Store Art
Autumn is arriving in Decatur, and with it comes crisp air, cozy nights, and the perfect excuse to dive into crafty projects. At HomeGrown Decatur, we’re celebrating the season with our one-of-a-kind Altered Thrift Store Art—quirky, clever pieces that start as ordinary secondhand paintings and end up as hilarious, surprising masterpieces. Imagine a serene landscape suddenly featuring a UFO, or a prim portrait photobombed by a mischievous cryptid. Each piece is hand-reimagined by local artist Bobert York, turning forgotten frames into conversation starters.
Want to try it yourself? Creating your own altered thrift store art is easier than you think. Start by scouting a thrift shop or yard sale for a framed painting or print—something with plenty of “blank space” like a country scene or old portrait works best. Lightly sand the surface if it’s glossy, then sketch your additions with a pencil. Acrylic paint is your friend here: it dries quickly and layers well. Maybe add a spooky pumpkin patch to a summer meadow, give a Victorian lady a jack-o’-lantern head, or let a friendly ghost peek from the trees. Seal it with a clear matte spray for a finished, gallery-ready look.
While you’re in the creative groove, why not add another cozy craft to your fall weekend? our Cross Stitch and Embroidery Kits are the perfect way to unwind as the days get shorter. Each kit includes everything you need—patterns, hoops, threads, and needles—so you can cozy up with a creative project that’s both relaxing and rewarding. Choose from playful, spooky, or seasonal designs that make wonderful handmade gifts or charming home décor. Whether you’re an experienced stitcher or just getting started, these kits are a fun and accessible way to get crafty this fall.
And for those who love journaling, memory keeping, or paper crafts, junk journaling is a wonderful way to capture the beauty of autumn. Layer your pages with hayride ticket stubs, dried leaves, apple orchard recipes, and snippets of fabric for a nostalgic, tactile keepsake. At HomeGrown Decatur, you’ll find leather-bound journals and cute, spooky, and affordable notebooks perfect for creating your own seasonal art book or writing down cozy fall reflections. Each journal is crafted to inspire creativity—whether you’re documenting your adventures or filling pages with doodles and dreams.
If DIY isn’t your style—or if you simply want to support local artists—you can shop our Vintage Silver Trays. Choose from a fun variety including Eyeball Bouquets, Victorian Aliens, Ouija Boards, Michael Myers, Freddy Grudger and more! If you're looking for something a bit less spooky and more year round we've got pieces inspired from Spirited Away, The Never Ending Story, and Avatar the Last Air Bender. Whether you love a fluffy Appa soaring across the countryside or a glittery Michael Myers peeking from the bushes, we’ve got the perfect piece for you! Buy yours online today or peruse the shop for inspiration to create a piece of your own!
This autumn, let Decatur’s creative spirit inspire you. Whether you’re crafting at home or browsing our shelves, HomeGrown Decatur has everything you need to kick off your crafty fall. And remember our Altered Thrift Store Art pieces make fantastic gifts and instant seasonal decor for your own walls! Come see what’s new before your favorite spooky masterpiece disappears!