Cottagecore Easter tablescape created using vintage items, Fabric DIY's and thrifted finds.

4 Charming Easter Home Decor Ideas: Fabric and Thrifted Flips

2 Comments / Crafting, Thrifted Decor / By

Happy Spring (and soon to be Easter)! I am so glad you are here! Welcome to my blog space where I seek to bring you encouragement, ideas, and inspirations. With Easter on the horizon, I wanted to share with you all my charming (and simple) Easter home decor ideas. These ideas include… but are not necessarily limited to… my fabric crafts and thrifted flips.

Today, we will learn how to make simple fabric Easter bunnies (using a thrifted pillowcase), Easter bunting (using some English inspired spring fabrics), a terracotta pot (Easter planter) with dried flowers, and how to decorate a home using thrifted flips (DIY). If this sounds helpful and joyous to you- then you are in the right place.

With Easter a mere week away, there is no time to lose. Please, join me and my family as we prepare our home for this joyous Easter season. Shall we?

A primitive fabric bunny for decor or for a child.
Handmade Easter bunting and a wooden garland from Aldi create a fun Easter tablescape.
Terracotta pot Easter planter with dried flowers and styled with Easter bunting flags and vintage Easter eggs.
Thrifted candlestick holders are being used to display a ceramic bunny and easter egg. Thrift flips

~What Simple Easter Home Decor Items to Look for When Shopping in a Thrift Store: ~

Thrift stores offer a plethora of interesting items that can be transformed into unique Easter home decor. However, entering into a thrift store without a clear vision in mind can be a bit daunting. Personally, I love the challenge of digging through possible treasures to see what may reveal itself. Truly, you never know what you may find. I coin this thrifting possibility and anticipation: “The thrill of the find.”

Certainly, there are items I always have on my radar when visiting my local thrift store. During the Easter period, I am looking for vintage fabrics, old garden pots, baskets, vases, candlesticks, as well as vintage Easter eggs and trinkets. (*See my Easter Thrift Store Finds post here).

Ideally, I begin searching for these items well before the Easter period. This way, I have more of a collection to choose from. Do not be put off by dirty or dusty items that can be washed and transformed. In some ways the dust and grime preserve the item, as many shoppers will put these items back on the store shelves. 

This is my queue to swoop in and place those unwanted items in my basket. For, a “thrifter” must always see the potential in an item… and not just what is right in front of them. Naturally, we are all drawn to lovely things but a diamond in the rough is a real rarity.

A collection of thrifted Easter finds that are ready to be flipped for easter home decor..
*Thrifted and vintage family items.

~First, My Thrifted Fabric~

Sometimes you strike thrift store “gold” when you find a yard or two of vintage fabric. However, this is a rare treasure indeed. Therefore, you must put on your creative hat (or rose tinted glasses) and think a little outside of the box. 

One section I always frequent in the thrift store is the linen section. Here you can find bolts of fabric, tablecloths, table runners, hand towels, pillowcases, etc. 

As I was sifting through the hanging, linen items… a certain bunny fabric caught my eye. It was perfect for children, but what was it?  Ah-yes, it was a handmade Easter pillowcase. Not being in the market for a pillowcase did not put me off as I knew I could use the fabric for something adorable. But what? Hmm, what would this pillowcase become?

Not being certain of the use… but certain of a sweet outcome, I placed the pillowcase in my cart.

~The Inspiration for my Charming and Simple Fabric Bunny~

Taking the pillowcase out of the shopping bag, I turned it inside out and placed it in the washing machine. Once clean and dry, I was ready to develop a plan. I ironed the fabric and let the fabric “speak” to me.

The fabric was vintage, and certainly geared towards children, as it was both colorful and fun.

Between each smooth swipe of the iron- the idea came to me. I would make a simple, primitive Easter bunny for my children. In fact, we would make this Easter bunny together as a part of a hands-on homeschool lesson. 

Perfect, I now had a plan for my fifty-cent pillowcase.

~How to Make a Charming and Simple Fabric Bunny (A Thrift Store DIY) ~

~Making a Homemade Sewing Pattern~

Now that my fabric was prepared, it was time to make a pattern. 

Making your own pattern for certain sewing crafts can be simple. I first learned about making my own sewing pattern (out of paper or cardstock) when I was in my Home Economics teaching apprenticeship. Primitive pattern making has been a handy tip ever since. 

For this project, I used a piece of copy paper. Simply hand drawing a perfectly… imperfect bunny shape. The children and I were beginning to see our bunny character came to life.

The pillowcase is being taken apart in order to iron and cut out a bunny shape.
*Using a seam ripper helped to neatly dissect the pillowcase.
A piece of paper and marker is all you need to create your own bunny pattern. A thrifted pillowcase or vintage fabric makes this a charming thrift flip project.
*This is a primitive fabric bunny meant to bring a bit of joy... so don't worry too much if your template is not perfect.

~How to Prepare and Sew the Fabric Bunny~

Here are my simple steps:

  • Step One: Using copy paper (or cardstock), draw a simple bunny outline. (Make the size to suit your liking. However, do remember that this bunny is sewn as an encasement… and therefore, has about a 1/4-inch seam allowance along all the perimeter edges. This will make the bunny a bit smaller when complete.)
  • Step Two: Iron your fabric (right sides together, making sure your pattern is going the right way. Your fabric should be two layers thick due to the fold.)
  • Step Three: Place and pin your paper pattern onto your doubled fabric.
  • Step Four: Carefully cut fabric along the pattern lines. (Remembering to keep a few pins in the fabric to ensure the layers stay together).
  • Step Five: Mark your sewing line around the outline of the bunny. (My sewing line was about a 1/4 inch in from the outside of the fabric.)
  • *Note: remember to leave an opening that is not sewn… so that you can turn the bunny right side out.
  • Step Six: Iron and turn your bunny right side out. Iron again.
  • Step Seven: Fill the bunny with pillow stuffing and lavender (if desired).
  • Step Eight: Sew the opening shut by hand.
  • Step Nine: Tie a ribbon around the bunny’s neck to complete the look. (You could also sew on button eyes or a little cotton ball tail if desired).
  • Step Ten: Lastly, use your fabric bunny in a basket, as part of a flower arrangement, as a gift for a child, or as a sweet home decoration. 
A hand drawn bunny patter is laid on the thrifted pillowcase- ready to be cut out.
*Pin the paper pattern onto the fabric before cutting out.
Using a handmade bunny patter, the thrifted fabric is cut out to create a fabric bunny decoration.
*Carefully cut around the pattern- making sure to cut through the two layers of fabric.
Using a pen, I traced the edges of my primitive bunny to create a line to sew on.
*I simply used a pen to draw a line to sew around the perimeter of the bunny. Just don't forget to leave an open space to turn the fabric right side out.
Dried lavender and stuffing are added to the primitive fabric bunny.
*Optional: add a bit of dried lavender to your stuffing to give a lovely spring-like aroma.
A primitive fabric bunny for decor or for a child.
*For the necktie, I used one of my daughter's baby headbands, but you could also just tie a ribbon around the bunny's neck.
Primitive handmade bunny for Easter decor.
Primitive handmade Easter bunny is made from a thrifted pillowcase, making this a perfect fabric thrift flip.
*Our little bunny artist friend.
Handmade Easter bunny and vintage ceramic eggs in a thrifted Easter basket.

~Spring, English Inspired Fabric- Perfect for Bunting~

Now that our fabric bunny is complete, and our sewing machine is still out, let us shift our attention to making some Easter bunting flags.  

You guys may know by now, that I do love a good bunting flag. Using bunting flags in my home’s decor was inspired by my time spent living in England (read more about this time here). To see more bunting flag ideas click here and here.

Seasonal bunting flags bring my family much joy. Therefore, when I found this lovely Easter and English inspired fabric, I knew I needed to make a new set of bunting flags to enjoy for years to come. 

Naturally, being familiar with the English classic- Peter Rabbit, made this adorable fabric the ideal choice. Paired with some English cottage style plaids and florals- made this the perfect Easter bunting fabric choice for me. 

New Easter fabric is inspired by the cottagecore vibe.
*Special fabrics alternated to add interest.

~Bunting Flags in Photographs~

Seeing as I have made many bunting flags that are featured on my blog, I will not go over every detail of the process here. However, if you are interested in learning how to make bunting flags, you can check out my more thorough post here. 

Instead, I will share some of the photos I took as I made my Easter bunting flags.

~Preparing the Fabric~

The double-sided fabric Easter buntings flag supplies are laid out on the table.
*I enjoy using different fabrics in my bunting flags, but you can certainly choose one single fabric.
A Peter Rabbit bunting flag is being sewn on a vintage sewing machine.
*Again, using my late grandmother's vintage sewing machine is special to me.
Fabric bunting flags stacked in alternating fabrics.
Handmade fabric Easter bunting flags are ready to be sewn to the bias tape.

~The Finished Product: a Charming Easter Bunting~

How sweet it is to have a handmade Easter decoration on your table center. My collection of homemade bunting flags continues to grow. Indeed, it gives me great joy to see the fruit of my hands (used to create the feeling of home).

Easter or spring inspired fabrics are used to make handmade bunting flags.
A Peter rabbit fabric is used to create a cottagecore Easter bunting flag.
Cottagecore fabric creates the perfect bunting flags for Easter or spring.

~A Double-Sided Twist: Two Buntings in One! ~

My dear, precious six year old boy came up with the idea of a double-themed bunting flag. After hearing me say that I would like to make an Easter bunting… as well as a spring bunting. My son very matter of factly said to me, “Mom, why don’t you make one side of the bunting Easter… and the other side of the bunting, spring?”

What a wonderful idea! (From the mouth of babes). Now, I have two special bunting flags in one.

Handmade double sides fabric Easter bunting that is English inspired and gives a cozy cottagecore vibe.
*Double sided flags- two for the price of one!
Alternating fabric bunting flags.
*No doubt you will see this bunting in another post soon.
Double sided fabric Easter bunting paired with vintage placemats.
Beautiful, handmade spring or Easter bunting flags- perfect for decorating a table center.

~How to Use a Thrifty Flowerpot and Dried Flowers to Create an Easter Centerpiece~

Now that our fabric Easter crafts are complete, let us pivot to make an inexpensive terracotta pot Easter planter with dried flowers. (If you do not have any dried flowers, you can buy them at Hobby Lobby or see my post on how to dry your own flowers here and here.)

The old terracotta pot is ready to be transformed, and thrift flipped into a lovely Easter centerpiece.
*My old Christmas flowerpot gets (yet another) makeover.
The crafting supplies for my terracotta pot easter planter are placed on the table for easy orginization.
*My previously dried flowers and some Easter egg skewers from the Dollar Tree and Walmart.

Does the above flowerpot look familiar? 

Yes, yes, it does-for I used this pot as a part of my Christmas home decorations. 

This pot was scavenged from the end of the road (my husband and I found it on a walk together). I used a light paint wash to lighten the color of the flowerpot- before firstly decorating the pot for autumn. (See that autumn decor post here). 

Later, I reused the flowerpot for Christmas… and again, I am reusing the same flowerpot for Easter.

~Step by Step: How to Transform an Old Flowerpot into an Easter Centerpiece~

This is a simple project needing only a few supplies. You will need a flowerpot of your choosing, a styrofoam block, some dried flowers, and some Easter ribbon. 

  • Step One: Placing the foam block into the base of the flowerpot, simply push your dried flowers into the foam to create a floral centerpiece. I used dried hydrangeas from the backyard, some dried roses, Baby’s Breath, and a few other flowers I had previously dried. Personally, I like to begin with the biggest bunches of flowers first (in my case, this was the hydrangeas).
  • Step Two: After this, I simply added pops of flower where I saw fit. Balancing shapes, size, and color to create an interesting display.
  • Step Three: I also used a few Easter eggs on sticks to add a bit of Easter flare. (I purchased these from the Dollar Tree and Walmart last year).
  • Step Four: Lastly, I wrapped a ribbon around the top of my flowerpot to add another element of color.
  • Step Five: That was it!  I placed the Easter planter in the center of our table- creating an inexpensive decoration.
A Styrofoam block is pushed inside the terracotta pot to hold the dried flowers in place.
*Dried hydrangeas can still be useful. Start with the largest dried flowers first.
Dried hydrangeas and Dollar Tree egg skewers help to build this cottage inspired flowerpot centerpiece.
Next, add the Easter egg skewers.
A close up of the dried flowers that have been styled to add texture and color to an Easter table.
*Balance your flowers out however you see fit.
Dried flowers and a few accessories are all that is needed to make this old terracotta flowerpot new and lovely.
*Dried flowers can be a bit of a mess... as they are very fragile.
Cottagecore terracotta pot that is very budget friendly.
A terracotta pot Easter planter with dried flowers and ribbon makes for a lovely table decoration.

~How to Use Thrifted Vases & Candlesticks to Create an "Egg-ceptional" Easter Decoration~

Using some vintage vases and classy candlestick holders (I had previously collected from various thrift stores), I was able to add to my Easter table center. Milk glass or crystal vases are lovely for holding spring flowers- but they can also make adorable stands for Easter eggs. 

The same is true for candlesticks. Thrifted candlestick holders are perfect on an Easter table with pastel-colored candles or used in the same way as the vases—to hold vintage Easter eggs. 

Luckily, I inherited some ceramic Easter eggs from my dad’s mom, and these are the eggs I used to enhance my Easter table. (If you do not have any vintage eggs…no worries. You can use new Easter eggs, or check out your local thrift store, as you may just find an antique egg of beauty there). 

*Also, to see how to use candlesticks to hold Christmas ornaments- visit my English Christmas Across the Pond post here:

A collection of thrifted Easter finds that are ready to be flipped for easter home decor..
*Easter treasures!
Thrifted candlestick holders are being used to display a ceramic bunny and easter egg. Thrift flips
*Adorable candle holders can be used to hold ceramic bunnies or vintage Easter eggs. Just add a bit of fake Easter grass (or dried flower petals) and you are all set.
A vintage ceramic egg that was purchased at a thrift store is displayed on a thrifted candlestick holder.
*Vases and candelstick holders can also serve as vintage egg holders.
Thrifted flips are used to decorate a dining table for Easter.
*By varying the height and style of candlestick holders and vases- you can create an interesting visual for your Easter table.
A cottagecore Easter tablescape can be easily created by simply using vintage items bought from the thrift sore.
*Ah, the pastel pallet of Easter and spring.

~How to Use All My Fabric Crafts and Thrifted Flips to Create an Easter Table Center~

Again, I will use my photography to act as my illustrator. There really is no right or wrong here. I like to alternate heights and colors to create interest. My top tip for decorating an Easter table is to start in sections.

  • First, I place my linens on the table. Will I use a tablecloth? Or will I use placemats and a table runner? 
  • Once this has been decided, I like to start in the very center and work my way out. Generally, I like to have balance and symmetry on the table… while choosing to work in either pairs or odd sets of three or five.
  • After this, I try not to think too much… but instead, use my intuition and simply go with what feels right. If the decorations bring me joy, then that is good enough for me. Hopefully, my collected pieces (and handmade pieces) bring joy and a magical sense of delight to those who view it. Mostly, I hope it brings joy to my children.
Thrifted flips look lovely on an Easter cottagecore tablescape.
*The terracotta pot Easter planter with dried flowers took the centerstage- the other "lovelies" nestled in beside.
Thrifted candleholders are used to display thrifted and vintage ceramic Easter eggs on a table.
*My bunting was also on the table center- with the vintage finds woven throughout the flags.
Cottagecore easter Tablescape ready for a family gathering.
*When decorating a tablescape, pay attention to the details of color, height, and texture.
Easter home decor that is either handmade or is a thrifted flip.
*While the fabric bunny is generally meant for my four children, it can also be used to decorate a basket or flower arrangement.
Terracotta pot Easter planter with dried flowers and styled with Easter bunting flags and vintage Easter eggs.

~Final Thoughts: ~

In conclusion to my “4 charming Easter home decor ideas: fabric crafts and thrifted flips post”, I would like to encourage you all to experience the joy of decorating. Decorating can be done on a budget- and in doing so, can create joy and warmth. Take a moment to see what items you already have… add a sprinkle of creativity and love, and you too can create a lovely home space. 

My family and I look forward to celebrating the resurrection of the Savior in the upcoming days. I would love to hear about any Easter traditions, recipes, or crafts you may participate in. Happy Easter! Jesus is risen!

Until next time, please subscribe to my blog… and feel free to share my posts with those who may enjoy. For more ideas and inspirations, check out my Cotswold Kitchen Mom Facebook and Pinterest pages. Equally, if you are still in need of a no bake easter dessert- see my chocolate cornflake nests post here. 

I hope you join in again soon.

~Elizabeth~

The evening sun's rays shine upon my terracotta pot Easter home decor item- making a beautiful table display.

2 thoughts on “4 Charming Easter Home Decor Ideas: Fabric and Thrifted Flips”

  1. Marie Branscomb

    Where did you get the Peter Rabbit and Humpty Dumpty? rounds for the bunting?
    Just went back and zoomed in and saw it was a basket not Humpty Dumpty! 🤣🤣🤣

    Reply
    1. Elizabeth

      🙂 Peter Rabbit was on the fabric. I ordered that from Etsy. I believe you may be referring to the little rabbit and basket wooden garland (rounds). I got these from Aldi. They are around $4.96…a bargain in my opinion. I have bought a heart garland for Valentine’s Day, a spring inspired garland, and the little rabbit one (featured in this post). I really enjoy layering the Aldi garlands with my bunting flags. Perhaps the best part is that the Aldi seasonal garlands can be used year after year. 🙂

      Reply

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