Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Goodwill, however all opinions expressed here are my own. 

I’ve shopped at Goodwill more times than I can count, but I’ve honestly never upcycled any thrift store items. I’d just imagined it more difficult and being crafty doesn’t always come easy for me. So, when I was invited to upcycle with Goodwill for the day, I jumped on the opportunity to learn something new. We started at the Goodwill store to search for ordinary pieces we could turn into planters, with the help of my professional upcycler we found a large beautiful planter with a stand for only $4.99 we couldn’t pass up a deal that good.

After finding our upcycling pieces we took them to VanLierop Garden Market in Sumner, WA to get filled with plants. The ladies who own the garden were so knowledgeable, helpful and kind. We needed to decide where our planters were going and choose the perfect plants. I definitely learned how easy it was to upcycle a planter and that anyone can do it despite your crafty/artistic ability. The group found some unique items at Goodwill such as a utensil holder, a produce stand, a Halloween coffin and so many more. The planters all turned out wonderful! Now I can’t stop thinking about upcycling and planning out my next projects!

The before and after of my planter – this planter with the stand was ONLY $4.99! It looks fantastic on my porch with two added birds I also found at Goodwill for $2.99 each!
Had wonderful help making my planter!

Did you know Sumner is the upcycling, vintage and antique capital of Washington?

Sumner is that small town you could easily spend the whole day exploring all on foot. Bring the family or make it a girls day! Great food, lots of shopping, and let the kids run at Loyalty Park located right in town. Finding parking along the streets or the parking lot across from 1020 Ryan Ave.

Enjoy breakfast at The Buttered Biscuit, lunch at Sorci’s Italian Cafe and if you feel like a little drive for dinner Brank’s BBQ is amazing!

This delicious flourless cake from Sorci’s Italian Cafe! I also had their potato kale soup and panini both tasted great! I’m looking forward to taking my family back to this family-friendly restaurant. 

As for shopping, walk along Main Street for everything from a book store to a Goodwill store. Many different options, be sure to visit the places below for beautiful finds.

Sumner’s Goodwill Blue Boutique is more of your upscale items still at reasonable prices. While you’re at the register be sure to sign up for Club Blue which you receive a monthly email with special coupon offers & notifications of upcoming sales. Plus, receive an extra special birthday coupon, as well!

Junker’s Nest is located right across from the Blue Boutique, which is a upcycler’s shop and has amazing items to purchase. Get ideas how to vignette and pick up a thing or two for your home. Sweet and welcoming owners, who hand pick items to display and sell. Pick up seasonal items or stuff for year round.

Inta Vintage, next take a walk across the street to visit a whole store full of shops who sell upcycled, antique, vintage and homemade items. Another store full of sweet and welcoming owner and vendors! The owner of Inta Vintage hand picks all the vendors to sell in the store which you’ll find a large variety of unique items – which I found very important, so there isn’t competition and shoppers won’t get bored of seeing the same things over and over.

VanLierop Garden Market is a unique place that’s a block off of Main Street and across from a large parking lot. I’m in love with this beautiful garden, it’s a peaceful venue. Purchase plants here and either fill there or take home. Looking for a wedding or bridal shower venue? Venue Rental is available daily, 4 hour minimum – $800, each additional hour – $200 and a maximum of 150 capacity. Welcome to hire any food and beverage service but there is on site catering from Sorci’s Italian Cafe.

We ended our wonderful day in Sumner learning about Goodwill’s mission. Did you know 100% of Goodwill’s retail proceeds support a $9 million network of educational campuses, they currently help about 9,000 per year. We heard from three wonderful woman who overcame huge obstacles in their lives with the help of Goodwill’s programs. By purchasing at Goodwill you are not only helping the environment by reusing items, you are helping people who have fallen on hard times. Check out my other posts for more information on what Goodwill does; The Hidden Side of Goodwill and shopping Goodwill’s Online Store. New to shopping thrift stores, check out my post with the Best Tips.