Upcycling: Making Your Space Uniquely You

Anyone can revamp their space with a little bit of elbow grease, but it takes a special design mind to bring real life to the room. If you think you are lacking in the creativity department, you’re likely selling yourself short. Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault, the DIY queen herself, says using your personal touch to upcycle a pre-loved piece of furniture is just what you need to take your reno to the next level.

Picture this: you’ve got your budget in place, you’ve found the perfect piece of furniture to restore, so what’s next? How can one frugal find change the entire look and feel of a room? Leigh-Ann says it’s all about originality.

“Who hasn't dreamed of having a flamingo pink antique armoire with a gold leaf interior and vintage crystal knobs?" Leigh-Ann asks. "Okay, maybe that's just me, but I don't know of a store where I could buy precisely that item. However, when I find the perfect affordable second-hand armoire, I plan to roll-up my sleeves and create the ultimate upcycle piece to showcase my style.” 

The beauty of upcycling is that you are able to use your own personal style to create a statement piece that is a one-of-a-kind conversation starter. Not to mention it can create the illusion that the whole room got a fabulous makeover. 

 “Not only does upcycling provide a creative outlet to fully showcase your personal style, but it also ensure that unique piece will be unlike anything your neighbors could buy from a generic furniture store,” explains Leigh-Ann.

If you’re not sure where to start, check out Leigh-Ann’s favourite frugal furniture finds for inspiration: solid wood accent chairs. 

"They are so easy to find and often incredibly affordable," Leigh-Ann beam. "And I particularly love them because they are quick to makeover in any colour or finish imaginable, and also can be tucked into any corner or even used as a side table or plant stand."

Or you could try upcycling an antique china cabinet or sideboard. Leigh-Ann "loves when their cold charm meets a fresh coat of chalk paint in a vibrant, unexpected hue!"

As you can see, the possibilities are endless when it comes to upcycling old furniture. If you'd like to learn more about how to master the art of DIY, check out Leigh-Ann's presentations sponsored by Rust-Oleum at the all new Edmonton Fall Home Show, happening October 23-25, 2015 at the Edmonton Expo Centre. 

Deal Alert: Get 2-for-1 tickets to the show when you connect with us on Facebook! Buy 'em early to save big and avoid box office lines.

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Thrifty Tips: How to Shop at Thrift Stores Like a Pro

Are you great at spotting diamonds in the rough? Do see you see old, dated furniture and envision a way to give it new life? You might just be part of a growing breed of savvy shoppers known as Upcyclers.

North Florida Upcyclers won't want to miss the Jacksonville Home + Patio Show at the Prime Osborn Convention Center, October 1-4, 2015. The home and garden event of the season features the Diva of DIY herself, Leanne Lee. Leanne will be sharing fun and fantastic upcycling ideas and DIY tips, so folks can learn how to better decorate their spaces and improve the environment.

Can't wait to see Leanne at the show? To help tide you over until October, Leanne has shared her best thrift store tips, so you can shop these venues like a pro!

The Diva of DIY's Best Thrift Store Tips

"When it comes to thrift store shopping, it can be challenging to know where to start. One of the first things you must know is that everything in the store was donated. If you think a price is extremely high, (I've noticed this a few times as my local store, that things were actually priced higher than the retail value), speak with a store manager in a caring manner and ask for a discount. Tell them your reasoning behind the price discrepancy, and see what they can do.

Another thing you should do if you want to become a thrift store shopping expert is to keep an open mind. We all know there's about a hundred lamps that are in the back of the store. While the color of the light may not work for you, look at the shape and if the structure is there. If so, pick it up and bring it home! You can paint it or foil the base, and add a pretty shade that matches your home decor.

Coffee mugs and dishes are a dime a dozen. While they may be plain and boring, you can personalize the plates and mugs. These are great gift ideas that won't break the bank.

We have all seen the ugly, outdated 70s furniture that's sitting on the floor. It may be dirty and dingy, but look past that. Is the structure of the ottoman in good shape? If that coffee table sturdy? How about the chairs, are their overall frames in great condition? If so, go ahead and bring these items home! You can recover the ottoman with fabric to match your decor, sand and stain the coffee table, and create new to you chairs with paint, sanding, and stain or recover the seat."

Get more great ideas and advice for transforming older, worn pieces into beautiful and charming decor items on the Diva of DIY blog and at her presentations at the Jacksonville Home + Patio Show. She'll be gracing the stage at the show on October 2nd, 3rd, & 4th - you don't want to miss her!

Did you know that connecting with us on Facebook has tons of perks? Get the inside scoop on our upcoming home shows, find tons of celebrity tips, and get exclusive ticket offers. Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets as part of our Facebook deals. What are you waiting for? Grab your tickets now!

PRIME OSBORN CONVENTION CENTER
OCTOBER 1-4, 2015.

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Creating the Ultimate DIY Tool Kit

If you look at an old wood pallet and envision a coffee table, prowl your local thrift store and see a second life for that old dresser, or can frequently be found with your nose buried in Pinterest, you just might be part of a growing breed known as Upcyclers.

Triangle area Upcyclers won't want to miss the Raleigh Home Show, which takes over the Raleigh Convention Center September 11-13, 2015. The highly anticipated annual home and garden show features the Diva of DIY herself, Leanne Lee. Leanne will be sharing her best upcycling ideas, so folks can learn how to better decorate their living spaces and improve the environment.

Just starting to get into this hot trend? Leanne recommends that beginner Upcyclers equip themselves with the ultimate DIY Tool Kit. Check out what items Leanne thinks are must-haves as you enter the fun world of upcycling.

"So let's get you on your path to upcycling. Here's what I suggest getting to make projects go more smoothly since you'll have them on hand." - Leanne Lee, Diva of DIY

Upholstery Supplies

• Tack puller
• Upholstery staple remover
• Asst. upholstery tacks

Paint Supplies

• 220-grit sandpaper
• Wood filler
• Assorted colors of spray paint
• Paint brushes
• Calcium carbonate (to make your own chalk paint)
• Painter's tape
• Whizz mini paint rollers and cages
• Sanding masks
• Pre-mixed Bondo
• Drop cloth

Cleaning Supplies

• Krud Kutter
• Shop rages or terry cloth rags
• Rubber gloves
• Magic Erasers
• Toothbrushes

Power Tools

• Ryobi Drill
• #2 Phillips bit
• Ryobi Mitre Saw
• Sawzall
• Forstner bit set
• Drill bits
• Stripped screw & bolt extractor
• Palm sander

Hand Tools

• Wire cutters
• Pliers
• Flat head screwdriver
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Utility knife razor blades
• Box of assorted screws
• Adjustable wrenches
• Allen wrenches
• Hammer
• Wire strippers
• Rubber mallet

Miscellaneous

• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Permanent markers
• Safety goggles
• Assorted clamps
• Cutting mat and rotary cutter
• Press & Seal
• Wax paper
• Ruler
• Level
• Thick work gloves
• Balling wire
• Tool caddy
• Twine

Adhesives

• E6000
• Mod Podge
• Hot glue gun
• Wood glue

Can't wait to see Leanne at the show? Get more DIY and upcycling advice and ideas on the Diva of DIY blog!

Leanne will be appearing live at the Raleigh Home Show on September 11th, 12th, &13th, 2015. Don't have tickets yet? Right now you can get 2-for-1 on Facebook. Take advantage of this exclusive offer today!

RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER

SEPTEMBER 11-13, 2015.

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