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ReStore Your Creativity: Upcycling Adventures and DIY Delights
Upcycling is a creative and eco-friendly way to breathe new life into discarded items. Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, a treasure trove of secondhand building materials, furniture, and home goods, offers endless possibilities for upcycling and do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts. Sometimes, though, it is hard to look at an item and know exactly what to do with it. Let us help by giving some tips and tricks! Let's explore how you can turn ReStore finds into unique and functional pieces for your home while contributing to a good cause.
What is Upcycling and Why Shop at the ReStore?
Upcycling is all about taking old or unused items and giving them new life by transforming them into something more valuable, functional, or stylish. Unlike recycling, which involves breaking materials down to create something new, upcycling preserves the original item’s structure while elevating its design or purpose. It’s a creative and sustainable way to reduce waste and add a personalized touch to your projects. Habitat’s ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell gently used furniture, appliances, building materials, and more. Shopping at the ReStore not only saves money but also promotes sustainability by giving items a second life.
Top ReStore Finds for DIY and Upcycling Projects
- Furniture: Look for chairs, tables, and dressers that can be sanded, painted, or reupholstered.
- Cabinet Doors: Can be repurposed into wall art, chalkboards, or shelves.
- Lighting Fixtures: With a little creativity, old fixtures can be modernized with paint or new shades.
- Chinaware and ceramics: Repurpose broken or mismatched pieces into mosaic art, jewelry holders, candle holders, or garden accents like bird baths.
- Hardware and Accessories: Knobs, handles, and hinges can be swapped out or used in unconventional ways to add character.
- Tools: The ReStore can also help supply your upcycling by providing tools and paint at an affordable price!
DIY Upcycling Ideas
Tips for Successful Upcycling
- Inspect Items Carefully: Check the build and materials that can be easily worked with.
- Plan Your Project: Have a clear vision and gather all necessary tools and materials before starting.
- Experiment with Techniques: Don’t be afraid to try painting, staining, Modge Podge, or stenciling to achieve the desired look.
- Be Patient: Some projects may require multiple steps or drying times, so allow yourself the time to get it right
- Be Bold: Don't be afraid to get creative and step out of your comfort zone!
If you're looking for space to hone your craft, the La Crosse Public Library Creation Space offers a community hub where you can create, invent, and collaborate. Plus, their Tool Library lets you borrow any tools you might need for your DIY projects.
When you dive into upcycling and shop at Habitat’s ReStore, you’re doing more than just improving your home—you’re also helping the environment and giving back to your community. Every purchase keeps items out of landfills and supports Habitat for Humanity’s mission to provide homes for families in need.
The next time you’re in the mood for a creative project or want to update your home decor, take a stroll through your local ReStore. You never know—you might discover the perfect piece to transform into something amazing while making a real difference!
Partner Family
Stories
Darshida has been working to become a homeowner for years. She is a passionate nurse, a dedicated mother to four boys, and a longtime La Crosse resident. After years of hard work and unforeseen obstacles, Darshida and her family moved into their new home in spring 2023.