These easy-on-the pocket upcycling ideas require (almost) zero effort and will make you look like a creative genius. We promise!
Crate expectations
Toy storage in a kid’s room, a pile of folded throws in the living room or overfl ow loo rolls in the bathroom… who doesn’t love crate storage? Even better when it’s an upcycled project with your unique style signature.
You’ll need:
- An old wooden crate
- Four hardware-store castors with screws and base plates
- Electric drill
- Optional: paint and stencils for customisation
How to do it:
- If you are decorating your crate with paint or stencils, fi nish your customisation and allow to dry.
- Attach your castors securely.
- You can attach a clip-on rechargeable lamp for added functionality.
SOURCING NOTE
Wooden fruit and soft-drink crates can be found at vintage stores, markets or second-hand online suppliers.
BE WOOD-WISE
Natural materials like wood require sealing to withstand daily wear and tear, especially in a busy part of the home like a kid’s room. Woodoc 25 Polyurethane Floor Sealer works well on any high-use wooden surface and will enhance the natural colour and grain of the wood.
TOP TIPS:
- Always apply three coats of sealer.
- Ensure that all end-grain is sealed very well.
- Apply a small quantity of furniture wax from time to time for maintenance – this will clean the surface, as well as feed the wood through the sealer.
- Always wipe sealed surfaces with a damp cloth.
See the light
Wire-framed accessories are catching our eye at the moment. We love the graphic simplicity of these pot plant holders made from two simply upcycled lampshade frames and spray-painted in contrasting colours.
You’ll need:
- Two or more lampshade frames in different shapes
- Spray paint in shades and finishes of your choice
- Wire clippers
How to do it:
- Strip the lampshades of all fabric and wiring.
- Using wire clippers, neatly trim the middle metal arms that hold the lightbulb.
- Spray paint in your chosen finish.
- Place pots that fit neatly into the wire frame.
SOURCING NOTE
Flea markets and second-hand interior stores have plenty of old lampshades.
It’s in the can
Make a fabulous functional kitchen hold-all – and quite the impression – by upcyling attractive olive oil tins. And do it in less time that in takes to whip up a vinaigrette!
You’ll need:
- Several olive oil tins – square or round will do
- Can opener
- Double-sided tape or velcro
- Optional: small cup hooks
H3: How to do it:
- Use a safety can opener (ensures no jagged edges or metal filings) to remove the top part of the tin.
- Clean the tins thoroughly and allow to dry.
- Adhere to a wall using strong doublesided velcro or tape.
- Small cup hooks, screwed in underneath, add extra functionality for holding light utensils or tea towels
To the wire
If you’ve ever been to the dry-cleaners, chances are you have a couple of steel wire hangers lying around. Bring them out of the closet (and your clothes will thank you) and make a graphic picture holder to display affordable art prints, kids’ school paintings or photographs. You can even switch them up according to the mood or season.
You’ll need:
- A few wire hangers
- Fabric ribbon (plain or decorative)
- Bulldog or metal fold-back clips from the stationery drawer
How to do it:
- Starting just under the hook at the top of the hanger, wind your ribbon tightly around in an overlapping motion – all of the wire should be concealed.
- Work around the triangle shape to the other side and slightly over the neck, and secure with a small knot or a dot of super-glue.
