<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Starring Habitat for Humanity ReStore</em></p>
By now, hopefully you have caught Upcycle Fever! Upcycling is the practice of creating a useable product, from unwanted items or adapting an existing product in some way to add value. The ReStore items being featured this month are headboards and footboards. It is quite common to find headboards that are pleasing and artistic. So if you don’t need it for your bed, you can turn a headboard into an awesome inside or outside bench! This project is fairly simple to do and you can add all your own details to make your bench lovely and unique. So come on down to the ReStore and work your magic with our selection of head and footboards.
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Head and Footboard to Bench</strong></p>
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1) First, draw a line down the middle of the footboard. Saw along the line to cut the footboard in half. Generally 20 – 26 inches is a good depth. Lightly sand the surface of the headboard medium grit sand paper. This will ensure an even paint job.

2) Drill holes on the newly cut sides to accommodate furniture dowels. Drill holes at the sides of the headboard to correspond with the holes on the footboards. Connect the footboard halves to the headboard using dowels. You can also reinforce them with wood glue.

3) Cut wooden boards for seating. Use 1” x 6” pine lumber pieces the same width as the bench to serve as the seat. Secure them to the headboard and footboard using “L” brackets and wood glue. Then, place the 1” x 3” lumber piece under the front of the seat. This becomes the apron.

4) Seal the bench’s joints and cracks by caulking.

5) Paint or finish the bench for your desired look. Cushions can also be added. Pillows are always available at the ReStore as well. Painting or stenciling a design or words on the back of the bench is a beautiful touch.

Want to learn more about Upcycling? The Habitat ReStore is hosting an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) class on Tuesday, February 17th from 10 a.m. until noon. The Upcycled Art at the ReStore (ING203) course will introduce participants to upcycling methods using items from the inventory of the Lowcountry Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Examples of successful projects which have been renewed, redesigned, or repurposed will be shared and hands-on activities will be included. The Executive Director of the LowCountry Habitat for Humanity will present an overview of the success of the ReStore as a source of funding to build affordable housing in our community. The ReStore Manager will share highlights of the 10th Anniversary UpCycled Art Auction and discuss how the ReStore benefits northern Beaufort County. Class will be limited to 20 students so be sure to sign-up online today at   https://olli.uscb.edu/.

The primary mission of the LowCountry Habitat for Humanity ReStore is to help fund the purchase of materials to build Habitat houses in northern Beaufort County. We also serve our community by keeping materials out of the landfills and offering quality products at discounted prices.

Stop by and shop at 616 Parris Island Gateway, Beaufort, SC 29906 on Thursdays thru Saturdays from 10 a.m – 5 p.m. Donations are welcome. Please call for pick-up service at 843-525-0055.