8 Easy Whimsigoth Decor Craft Projects Using Thrift Store Finds

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Whimsigoth decor is at its best when it feels collected, expressive, and lived-in. If you scroll and save constantly but rarely follow through, you are not alone. These eight crafts are designed to be attainable, stylish, and satisfying, using thrifted finds that already carry story.

Each finished piece builds confidence and helps your home feel like a whimsigoth sanctuary of magic, not just another apartment.

If you want deeper guidance on choosing pieces with presence and story before you begin crafting, this companion guide on how to turn thrift store treasures into soulful Whimsigoth decor offers a grounding framework for sourcing and styling with intention.

Thrifted Brass Candleholder Refresh

Textured matte paint transforms even the most ordinary candleholder into something that feels enchanted and slightly otherworldly. The finished pieces feel playful yet grounded, perfect for a whimsigoth space that values mood over perfection.

This approach works beautifully on brass, wood, resin, or mixed-metal candleholders, especially ones with curves, ridges, or ornate details.

Supplies

• Thrifted candleholders (any material)
• Mild soap and warm water
• Matte acrylic or chalk-style paint (deep plum, charcoal, moss, midnight blue, bone, or muted gold)
• Optional: texture additive, baking soda, or fine sand
• Small paintbrush or sponge
• Optional: dry brush in a lighter shade for highlights
• Optional: clear matte sealer

Method

• Wash candleholders gently with mild soap and water, then let them dry completely.
• If you want texture, mix a small amount of baking soda or fine sand into your paint until it feels slightly gritty.
• Apply paint in thin, uneven layers using a brush or sponge. Let brush marks show. This adds to the whimsy.
• Allow the first layer to dry, then add a second layer where you want more depth or dimension.
• For extra character, lightly dry-brush raised details with a lighter or contrasting matte shade.
• Let everything cure fully, then seal with a clear matte finish if desired.
• Style candleholders in small clusters or let one stand alone as a sculptural accent.

The result feels playful, a little mystical, and intentionally imperfect. Candlelight softens the texture and brings the piece to life in a way polished metal never could.

Ornate Frame Symbol Art

Empty ornate frames are one of the best thrift finds for Whimsigoth decor. Instead of searching for perfect prints, you can create symbolic art that feels personal and grown. A simple moon, star, moth, or botanical silhouette is enough to anchor a wall with meaning.

Supplies

• Thrifted ornate frame (any size)
• Backing material: handmade paper, dark colored cardstock, or fabric
• One focal element like celestial moon and stars or botanical element, that calls to you:
  • A hand painted stencil
  • A paper-cut silhouette
  • A found charm or object (metal charm, pressed leaf, key, talisman)
• Scissors or craft knife (for paper silhouettes)
• Glue, glue dots, or double-sided tape
• Optional: collage scraps, lace, or a single pressed botanical

Method

• Remove any existing artwork, glass, or backing from the frame.
• Cut your chosen backing material to fit neatly inside the frame.
• Decide on one central symbol and paint, cut out or adhere it to the backing material.
• If framing a charm or object, secure it carefully so it rests flat and feels anchored.
• Assemble the frame and secure the backing.
• Hang alone as a focal point or add to a small evolving gallery over time.

For more inspiration on using secondhand pieces to create meaningful wall decor, this guide to beautiful magical crafts made with thrifted finds offers complementary projects with a similar collected feel.

Sea Glass Glow Jars

This project turns clear thrifted jars into jewel-toned, sea-glass vessels that catch lamplight and candlelight beautifully. The look feels dreamy and vintage, especially when you cluster a few together on a shelf or windowsill. It is a quick win that makes your space feel instantly more enchanted.

Supplies

• Clear glass jars, bottles, or apothecary containers (thrifted)
• High-gloss Mod Podge
• Food coloring
• Small disposable cup or bowl for mixing
• Spoon or stir stick
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Rubbing alcohol and a paper towel (for cleaning)
• Optional: gloves

Method

1. Clean the inside of the glass thoroughly and wipe with rubbing alcohol to remove residue.
2. In a small cup, mix a few ounces of high-gloss Mod Podge with several drops of food coloring.
3. Pour the mixture into the jar and slowly rotate it to coat the inside evenly.
4. Take your time and pop any air bubbles you see right away.
5. Turn the jar upside down over parchment paper so excess drips out.
6. Let the jar rest upside down for about 60 to 90 minutes so the majority of glue drains.
7. Preheat the oven to a low temperature (around 250°F).
8. Place jars upside down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 45 to 60 minutes to cure.
9. Let cool completely before styling.
10. Use for decor only and place LED candles inside rather than real flames.

Here is a full tutorial for this easy and beautiful method from Stuff Moms Have Time For:

Velvet and Lace Textile Layering

Textiles create the richness that makes Whimsigoth spaces feel inviting rather than sparse. Velvet, lace, and tapestry add depth quickly without requiring major decor changes. This project is ideal if you want a dramatic mood shift without buying furniture.

Supplies

• Thrifted velvet skirt, scarf, or fabric
• Lace curtain panel or lace fabric scraps
• Optional: tapestry fragment
• Fabric scissors
• Optional: safety pins or clip rings (no-sew options)

Method

1. Choose one main textile as your base layer (velvet works beautifully).
2. Add one lighter layer such as lace or sheer fabric to create contrast.
3. Drape across a shelf, table, or the back of a chair to test the look.
4. If you want it to stay put, use clip rings, safety pins, or a simple fold tuck.
5. Adjust until the folds look natural and relaxed.
6. Stop once it feels rich, not crowded.

Curio Tray Displays

A painted tray becomes a grounded stage for small, intentional beauty. The contrast between the dark interior and layered objects creates depth and presence, turning a surface into a visual anchor rather than background clutter.

Supplies

• Thrifted tray, plate, or shallow bowl
• Dark chalk or matte paint (charcoal, black, deep plum, forest, or midnight blue)
• Small paintbrush or sponge
• Optional: clear matte sealer
• One anchor object: candle, small vase, or jar
• Supporting pieces: stones, dried flowers, keys, small frame, match jar
• Optional: small cloth or scarf for layering

Method

• Clean the tray and dry it completely.
• Paint the bottom interior surface with dark chalk or matte paint.
• Allow to dry fully and add a second coat if you want deeper saturation.
• Seal lightly with a clear matte finish if desired.
• Place the tray where you want a grounded focal point, such as a bedside table or shelf.
• Add your anchor object first and choose its placement with intention.
• Layer a small cloth partially under objects if you want softness and texture.
• Add three to five supporting pieces, varying height, material, and shape.
• Step back and remove one item if the composition feels heavy.
• Refresh seasonally by changing botanicals, stones, or small objects.

The finished tray feels like a contained atmosphere rather than a collection of things. Dark, quiet, and deliberate. A small world that holds presence without visual noise.

Lantern and Lamp Mood Softening

Lighting can make a room feel either harsh or restorative. Thrifted lamps and lanterns often need just one adjustment to feel right. This project helps you create warm pools of light that make evenings feel calmer and more inspiring.

Supplies

• Thrifted lantern or small lamp
• Warm light bulb (or LED candle for lanterns)
• Optional: sheer lace, gauze, or chiffon
• Optional: clip rings, twine, or ribbon

Method

1. Replace any bright bulb with a warm-toned bulb.
2. If using a lantern, choose an LED candle or small LED string lights.
3. Add sheer fabric inside or around the lantern to diffuse light if desired.
4. Place lighting at a lower level, such as a shelf, side table, or floor.
5. Turn it on at dusk and observe how the room changes.
6. Adjust placement until the glow feels inviting rather than spotlighted.

If you want to expand this moody lighting approach throughout your space, this tutorial on how to style a witchy home using nature crafts and thrifted finds shares practical ways to layer atmosphere room by room.

Botanical Shadow Boxes

Botanical shadow boxes bring nature into your space in a way that feels intentional and artful. It becomes a visual reminder that your life can hold meaning in small details.

Supplies

• Thrifted shadow box, display case, or shallow frame
• Dark cardstock paper for backing
• Dried flowers, leaves, seed pods, moss, or feathers
• Glue dots or a small amount of craft glue
• Tweezers (helpful for placement)

Method

1. Clean the shadow box and remove any old inserts.
2. Add a dark backing to make natural elements stand out.
3. Arrange materials first without glue until it feels balanced.
4. Secure pieces lightly with glue dots or small dabs of glue.
5. Leave breathing room between objects so it does not feel cluttered.
6. Close the box, hang it, or lean it on a shelf.

Related: Beautiful Ways To Display Dried Flowers As Wall Hangings

Celestial Hanging Mobiles

A mobile adds movement, which brings life to a room without adding clutter. It is whimsical, but it can still feel mature when you use aged metals and restrained shapes. Hang it near a window or reading corner and let it shift with air and light.

Supplies

• Metal embroidery hoop, small metal ring or wood branch
• Thrifted jewelry chains with celestial charms, beads or crystals (also look for chandalier parts)
• Wire or strong thread
• Jewelry pliers or small wire cutters
• Optional: needle-nose pliers
• Small metal loop or ring for hanging the mobile

Method

1. Lay out your hoop, ring, or branch and decide how many hanging strands you want.
2. Cut the chains to varied lengths using wire cutters, keeping them uneven for a relaxed look.
3. Use short pieces of wire to attach each chain to the hoop or branch, twisting the wire securely in place.
4. Add charms, beads, or crystals along the chains if desired, keeping spacing simple and intentional.
5. If you want a gathered top, leave the chains long enough to meet above the hoop, then use wire to gather them together and secure them to a small metal loop or ring. You can also add in colored twine or strong thread to hang the mobile.
6. Lift the mobile, check the balance, and make small adjustments until it hangs evenly.
7. Hang near a window or soft light source and let it move naturally.

For more inspiration and diy tips for this method, here is a helpful tutorial for creating a crystal mobile from that you can adapt to the above project :

Related:

How To Create A Rustic Wood Slice Moon Phase Wall Hanging

How To Create A Boho Witchy Suncatcher

Closing Reflection

Whimsigoth decor is built slowly, through touch, curiosity, and a willingness to work with what you find. These crafts are not about finishing everything at once, but about letting your space grow richer as you add pieces with intention. One altered object, one framed symbol, one soft glow at a time is enough to begin shaping a home that feels layered, expressive, and quietly magical.

What you create does not need to look like anyone else’s photos to be meaningful. It only needs to feel like yours.