The Thrift Diving Podcast

In a recent blog post and podcast episode, I confessed that I had been experiencing creative burnout, but I think I was just...bored. I needed to learn something new, challenge myself, and add new skills to my "DIY toolbox." I realized that I have actually learned a lot by taking creative online classes. So in this episode, I'm sharing my top 10 lessons and tips on how to take creative online courses (so that you actually learn something!). Have a listen! Got a question? Send me an email.READ THIS ON THE BLOG: 10 Lessons for Taking Creative Online Classes (So You Actually Learn Something!) - Blog postCREATIVE RESOURCES:Creative BugLinkedin LearningCraftsySkillshare UdemySketchUpREFERENCEDBuilding a Custom Closet - Blog PostJigsaw - Home DepotSIGN UP!Join the WAITLIST for my EmPOWER Tools 101 online course!Support the showWANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/toolsSubscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribeSubscribe to my YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdivingLet’s Connect!BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitter

This episode is a heart-to-heart about creative burnout and showing up for your creativity even on the days when you’d rather do anything else. I’m sharing the epiphany I had while making my bed (yes… really), what Michael Jordan and Stephen King taught me about discipline, and why I’m done letting my mood decide whether I create. If you’re rebuilding your spark, feeling stuck, or searching for permission to start again — listen in.Got a question? Send me an email.READ THIS ON THE BLOG:STOP Creating Only When You "Feel" Like It - Blog postCREATIVE RESOURCES:Skillshare xTool laser engraversREFERENCEDExcited reel I posted about my upcoming project - YouTube shortxTool Reel on making wooden earrings - YouTube shortStephen King InterviewMichael Jordon referenceStephen King Book - 11/22/63 (Amazon)SIGN UP!Join the WAITLIST for my EmPOWER Tools 101 online course!Support the showWANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/toolsSubscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribeSubscribe to my YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdivingLet’s Connect!BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitter

Don't forget to enter my $1,000 giveaway with Arrow Tool Group! ENTER HERE! Be sure to sign up for the 30-Day DIY Challenge, too! JOIN HERE!I just got done doing and epic home office makeover with my best girlfriend in her home! What started as a disorganized, uninspiring "catch all" room, became a colorful, layered room full of second-hand furniture and DIY projects that turned it into a room she loves! In this episode, I'm sharing with you 10 tips on doing your own room makeover on budget--what to expect, what to do, what NOT to do, and some behind-the-scenes chit-chat about working on this room!Got a question? Send me an email.MENTIONED:BEFORE & AFTER: Colorful Home Office Makeover! (YouTube)Home Office Makeover (Blog Post)SIGN UP!Join the WAITLIST for my EmPOWER Tools 101 online course!Support the showWANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/toolsSubscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribeSubscribe to my YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdivingLet’s Connect!BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitter

Do you need a kick in the DIY pants? Then you should join my 30-Day DIY Challenge! Recently I shared with you the "BEFORE" and "AFTER" of my friend's home office makeover that I did for her. (If you haven't seen it, you can read the blog post HERE and watch the video tutorial HERE).I also told you about the $1,000 giveaway I'm doing in partnership with Arrow Tool Group. Did you enter yet?! (ENTER HERE!)(If not, you should, because there are only 216 people entered at the time of this publishing, so your odds are better than Power Ball! HA! You'll win a $500 AMEX gift card and a $500 ArrowToolGroup.com gift card. Free money for your next project!)But did you know we're also doing a 30-day DIY challenge to give you a kick in the DIY pants during the month of September? SIGN UP HERE!MENTIONED:BEFORE & AFTER: My Pretty Laundry Room Makeover! (Blog post)Home Office Makeover (Blog Post)SIGN UP!Enter the Arrow Tool Group $1,000 Giveaway!Enter the 30-Day "Fall Overhaul" DIY Challenge!Join the WAITLIST for my EmPOWER Tools 101 online course!Support the showWANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/toolsSubscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribeSubscribe to my YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdivingLet’s Connect!BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitter

Did you know that women make up only about 3% of the home appliance repairers, but they excel in this field? In this episode, I sit down with Mona Sims, the inspiring owner of SSG Appliance Academy. She shares her journey of starting and growing a business that empowers individuals (with a focus on women women re-entering society from incarceration or being victims of domestic abuse and sex trafficking) to learn how to repair appliances and start their own appliance repair businesses.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a DIY enthusiast, or someone curious about exploring a new industry, Mona’s story is full of valuable insights and encouragement. Got a question?? Send me an email.MENTIONED:SSG Appliance AcademyWatch my vintage dresser makeover on YouTube! SIGN UP!Furniture Painting Classes!Join the WAITLIST for my EmPOWER Tools 101 online course!Support the showWANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/toolsSubscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribeSubscribe to my YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdivingLet’s Connect!BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitter

I don't know about you...but in this economy, I need a side gig! Have you ever considered selling your refinished furniture on Facebook Marketplace? I've started dipping my toe into selling furniture online, and although it hasn't been very long, I've learned a few important things that you've got to keep in mind before you start selling on Facebook Marketplace! It's a great way to bring in another stream of income in this tough economy, while allowing you to exercise your creative muscle. Let's talk about how to do it right! Have you ever sold your refinished pieces of furniture on FB Marketplace? I'd love to hear your how it's going for you! Send me an email.MENTIONED:Watch my vintage dresser makeover on YouTube! ChatGPTFacebook MarketplaceSIGN UP!Furniture Painting Classes!Join the WAITLIST for my EmPOWER Tools 101 online course!Support the showWANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/toolsSubscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribeSubscribe to my YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdivingLet’s Connect!BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitter

In this episode, I’m sharing my recent struggles with feeling uninspired and disconnected from the projects that used to spark joy for me. Life has been “lifin’,” and honestly, social media hasn’t helped. I’ll talk about how anxiety that social media creates shuts down creativity, why taking a step back from social media might be exactly what you need, and the small changes I’m making to protect my creative spark. Let’s take back our creativity, ditch the pressure to "measure up", and create for the love of creating again.Don’t forget to check out the blog post! Want to share your thoughts on this episode or have a question? Email me serena@ thriftdiving.com or on Instagram @ThriftDiving.MENTIONED & RESOURCESWhy We Lose Our Creative Spark - Episode #147Join the WAIT LIST for my EmPOWER Tools 101 online course! RESOURCESBeyond Anxiety - Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose by Martha Beck (Buy on Amazon)Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribeSubscribe to my YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdivingLet’s Connect!BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitterSupport the showWANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/toolsSubscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribeSubscribe to my YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdivingLet’s Connect!BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitter

I have a confession: I haven't been feeling very creative lately. I've been working on projects behind-the-scenes, but I haven't felt that same creative spark and excitement. I've felt stuck and absorbed in other things, particularly family matters. It made me wonder if you've felt this way at times, too? What can we do to reignite our creativity? Listen in as I share personal stories on why I think we temporarily lose our creativity and how we can try to bring it back. Want to share your thoughts on this episode or have a question? Email me serena@ thriftdiving.com or on Instagram @ThriftDiving.MENTIONED & RESOURCESConsole Table I Built with a Friend! (YouTube)My Son Left for College (blog post)BEFORE & AFTER: Hakimah's Bathroom Makeover (blog post)Workbench Makeover (Youtube)Wiring the Electricity in My "She Shed" (Video)RESOURCESMaslow's Hierarchy of NeedsSubscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribeSubscribe to my YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdivingLet’s Connect!BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitterSupport the showWANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/toolsSubscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribeSubscribe to my YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdivingLet’s Connect!BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitter

I talk a lot about power tools, but I often don't mention all the hand tools that are most important for your DIY toolbox! Join me and listener, Elizabeth, who is a former shop teacher, as we talk about all the hand tools that you should put on your list to invest in for your workshop!Want to share your thoughts on this episode or have a question we didn't answer? Email me serena@ thriftdiving.com or on Instagram @ThriftDiving.MENTIONED & RESOURCESBEFOER & AFTER Bathroom Makeover! (YouTube)Watch all of Bathroom Week! (YouTube)Woodpecker ToolsFestool Tools (affiliate link)Rust-Oleum rust removerBack sawNail setTape measure with auto-lock and fractionsSubscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribeSubscribe to my YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdivingLet’s Connect!BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitterSupport the showWANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/toolsSubscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribeSubscribe to my YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdivingLet’s Connect!BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitter

In this episode,  my friend and I discuss how I got started with Thrift Diving, the evolution of my brand, and the challenges and rewards of running a DIY blog and YouTube channel. From thrift store finds to major brand partnerships, we cover it all. I'm chatting in this episode with Laura Rudder, a loyal Thrift Diving reader turned dear friend. Laura originally interviewed me about personal topics in Episodes #113 and #114, and now she's back to dive deep into the business side of Thrift Diving. We discuss  Tune in to learn more about my journey, get inspired, and hear some behind-the-scenes stories that shaped Thrift Diving. Don't miss this insightful and fun conversation!Want to share your thoughts on this episode or have a question we didn't answer? Email me serena@ thriftdiving.com or on Instagram @ThriftDiving.PODCAST EPISODES MENTIONEDGetting to Know the REAL Serena Appiah - #113Getting to Know the REAL Serena Appiah - #114How $400,000 in Habitat ReStore Sales (and Volunteers, Sweat Equity!) Fuels Affordable Homes for Families! - #107MENTIONED & RESOURCESBuilding a Floating Deck - YouTubeHow to Insulate Your Windows with Plastic - YouTubeDiary of a CEO Podcast with Stephen BartlettDiary of a CEO: 33 Laws of Business and Life - AmazonHaven ConferenceWorkbench ConBrianna Shelko on InstagramHow to Use a Jigsaw - YouTubeSubscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribeSubscribe to my YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdivingLet’s Connect!BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitterSupport the showWANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/toolsSubscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribeSubscribe to my YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/user/thriftdivingLet’s Connect!BlogYouTubeInstagramFacebookPinterestTikTokTwitter