Upcycling

upcycling ~ by definition is the process of converting old or discarded materials into something useful and often beautiful.

      There is a wonderful HGTV show called ‘Flea Market Flip’ airing Fridays at 9:00 pm. The host Lara Spencer, who has written a book “I Brake for Yard Sales” gives her experienced input to two teams competing for $5,000. Their task is to spend under $500 on three items & upcycle them according to guidelines. For instance, a glass, lighting or seating project. In the end, the teams of 2 need to resell their items at a flea market the next day. Whichever team flips their always creative items for the most net profit, wins the cash. This is a wonderful show to watch for clever ideas, outside the box inspiration & insight into great bargaining techniques for their initial purchases. The link for the site is below. On the website www.hipcycle.com you will find upcycled items for sale & is also full of excellent ideas for your own projects. With upcycling in mind, view your garage sale & flea market excursions this weekend with a creative eye. Pictured at left is my daughter’s recent project. The entire wicker set was free (at the curb down the street from my home). As you see from the before & after pics, all it needed was a little spray paint tlc & some new (already discounted!) cushions. It’s perfect for the covered patio of her college house! Whatever you choose try to your hand at, it will give you a satisfied, proud feeling. These items could otherwise end up in a landfill, not because they were no longer useful, but because no one had the vision or cared enough to try! It is green way to try your chops at something creative without spending a lot of money! Look around your own basement, attic, shed or garage first ~ then venture out to your flea markets & garage sales this weekend. You are bound to find something that could use a facelift and a good home! Happy upcycling!!

http://www.hgtv.com/topics/upcycling/index.html