Hello, friends! đź’›
You are in for such a treat with this week’s episode of Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast because I got to sit down with the absolutely fabulous Stefanie Watts—a vintage-obsessed, thrift-loving, design genius who has an eye for turning secondhand treasures into chef’s kiss home décor perfection.
If you’ve ever walked into a thrift store and thought, What do I even do with all this stuff?!—Stefanie is your girl. She makes everything look intentional, curated, and like it walked straight out of an expensive design magazine. And the best part? She does it all on a budget, with a heart for sustainability and storytelling.
So grab your favorite cozy thrifted sweater, maybe a cup of tea (or wine, I won’t judge), and let’s dive in! 🍵✨
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Meet Stefanie Watts: The Queen of Thrifted Interiors
You know how sometimes you follow someone online and just get them? That’s how I feel about Stefanie. Every time one of her TikTok videos pops up, I’m instantly mesmerized. Her aesthetic is so calm and effortless, her voice is soothing, and her spaces are just… dreamy. Seriously, how does she do it?!
Stefanie has been thrifting since the 80s—which means she has decades of experience turning “meh” into magic. It all started when she was a young bride with zero budget for new furniture. Her mother-in-law would bring over yard sale finds every Saturday (bless her!) and, little by little, Stefanie learned how to take secondhand pieces and make them work. And oh boy, did she make them work. Fast forward to today, and she’s inspiring thousands with her unique, soulful approach to home design.
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How to Make Thrifted Finds Look High-End
One of the things I love most about Stefanie’s style is that nothing she owns screams “thrift store”—and that’s intentional. She has a way of styling her spaces so they feel personal, collected, and high-end. Here are a few of her top secrets:
✨ Be picky! Not every thrift store item is a winner. Look for quality, not just a low price tag.
✨ Mix and match styles. Vintage + modern = chef’s kiss. You don’t want your space to look like a museum—mixing old with new keeps it fresh.
✨ Edit, edit, edit. Just because it’s cute and cheap doesn’t mean it belongs in your home. Stefanie is all about curating, not cluttering.
✨ Give items a new purpose. Which brings me to our next section…
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Stefanie’s Upcycling Hacks: Trash to Treasure!
This woman is a wizard when it comes to reimagining old things. Some of my favorite tricks she shared:
🔹 Turn thrifted vases into candle holders or planters. Because who says a vessel can only be used one way?!
🔹 Transform a vintage tin into a tissue box. Yes, you read that right. It’s adorable, it’s functional, and it’s way more fun than a boring old Kleenex box.
🔹 Revive silver with a simple cleaning trick. Just use baking soda, aluminum foil, and hot water to zap away tarnish—magic! ✨
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Best Thrifting Advice for Beginners
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by ALL THE STUFF at a thrift store, Stefanie has some amazing tips to make thrifting fun (and successful!):
🛍️ Go in with a game plan. Need a nightstand? A cool mirror? A vintage lamp? Having a goal helps keep you from buying random stuff you don’t actually need.
🛍️ Look for pieces with character. A cool patina, intricate details, real wood—these are the things that make thrifted finds stand out.
🛍️ Be patient. The best finds don’t always show up on the first trip. Keep checking back!
🛍️ Have vision. Sometimes, all a piece needs is a little love (or a coat of paint) to become something special.
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I could seriously talk to Stefanie for hours, and I know you’re going to love this episode as much as I do. She’s inspiring, down-to-earth, and SO full of creative ideas. Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or just starting out, you’ll walk away with tons of ideas for making your home feel beautiful, personal, and uniquely YOU.
And tell me—what’s the BEST thrifted find you’ve ever scored? Drop it in the comments! Let’s swap treasure-hunting stories. 🏺🛍️
Until next time, happy thrifting! đź’›
XOXO,
Joleen
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PS: 🎥 Watch the full episode below:
Guest Bio
Stefanie Watts is a vintage enthusiast, design lover, and expert thrifter who believes every space tells a story. Known for her effortlessly curated interiors, she blends thrifted treasures with modern style, proving that secondhand finds can be both chic and timeless. Based in South Carolina, Stefanie shares her passion for collected home design, creative upcycling, and sustainable décor, inspiring others to see the beauty in old things.
Follow Stefanie
Episode Chapters with Timestamps:
[0:00 – 02:34] – Welcome & Conference Chaos!
[2:35 – 06:09] – Meet Stefanie Watts
[6:10 – 12:39] – The Thrifting Journey
[12:40 – 18:14] – The Art of Blending Vintage & Modern
[18:15 – 22:49] – Crafting & Upcycling Hacks
[22:50 – 28:29] – Stefanie’s Silver-Cleaning Hack
[28:30 – 34:19] – Unexpected Thrifted Finds & Hidden Gems
[34:20 – 40:14] – Stefanie’s Favorite Thrift Find EVER
[40:15 – 42:59] – Tips for New Thrifters
[43:00 – End] – Closing Thoughts & Where to Follow Stefanie
Quotes from the Episode:
“Every space tells a story—you just have to listen.” – Stefanie Watts
“Thrifting isn’t about finding something cheap, it’s about finding something with soul.” – Stefanie Watts
“I don’t see items as trash—I see them as what they can become.” – Stefanie Watts
Resources and Links:
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