Hey guys—today I’m taking thrift finds and Hobby Lobby clearance and turning them into Christmas decor that looks way more expensive than it is. I start with a Goodwill ASIS tray (I paid $1.29) and I’ll be honest: my first idea totally flopped. I tried rub-on transfers, but the middle of the tray was too shiny and they did not work… not even a little bit. So I pivoted, repainted, dropped in three Ball mason jars, and built a super fun centerpiece with faux snow and a bunch of clearance picks (after Christmas is the time to shop—80% off is where it’s at). I also make a “Santa letter” piece using a galvanized envelope and Chalk Couture—cutting the transfer down and using the black velvet chalk paste. It wasn’t perfect on every edge, but it still came out pretty awesome, and I love that I can rub it off later and reuse the base for another season. Then I do a couple quick, budget-friendly makeovers: a wooden house sign (because “pumpkin spice and everything nice” is my least favorite quote) gets painted with my favorite Dollar General black chalk paint and topped with a beaded mini wreath; a thrifted mug gets scrapbook paper and a gingerbread pick; and a plain galvanized tissue box gets a simple farmhouse Christmas rub-on, plus a cute little tree moment. Easy, cheap, and honestly so fun.