There’s something magical about giving forgotten treasures a second life - and my latest charity shop transformation is a tiny but mighty example.
There’s something magical about giving forgotten treasures a second life - and my latest charity shop transformation is a tiny but mighty example. What started as a plain, unloved olive dish turned into a cheeky little showstopper, complete with a hand-painted shrimp, ceramic paints, and a whole lot of love.
The Thrifted Find
I stumbled upon this simple ceramic olive dish in a local charity shop—a cute shape, great condition, and just begging for a bit of personality. At first glance? Nothing special. But with a little imagination (and some shrimp inspo), I knew it could be something delightful.
The DIY Makeover
This was one of those spur-of-the-moment projects that turned out so right. Here's how I gave this dish a second life:
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Painted a playful little shrimp nestled right into the curve of the dish
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Used ceramic paint pens and brushes from Amazon—easy to control and perfect for tiny details
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Heat-set it in the oven for 20 minutes to make it more durable and hand-wash safe
The final look is part vintage, part whimsical, and totally unique. It’s giving “coastal grandma meets Parisian flea market,” and I’m not mad about it.
How to Paint Ceramics at Home
Ceramic painting might sound intimidating, but it’s surprisingly simple—and super satisfying. Here's what you need to know:
What you’ll need:
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Plain ceramic dish (charity shop gems are perfect)
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Ceramic paints or paint pens (mine were from Amazon)
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A design idea (shrimp, lemon slices, florals—go wild)
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An oven to heat-set your work
Steps:
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Clean your dish thoroughly and let it dry.
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Sketch or freehand your design with ceramic-safe paint.
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Let it dry fully (check your paint instructions).
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Place in a cool oven, then bake at 160°C (320°F) for 20 minutes.
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Let cool in the oven before removing.
Voilà! You’ve made functional art on a budget.
Love, Yvonne xx