By The Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Last month we upcycled headboards and footboards as examples of unique projects for our do-it-yourselfers. Upcycling is the process of converting an item and giving it new life as something useful and often beautiful as well as creative. You can find all kinds of goodies to re-invent at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore or at consignment or thrift stores in the area. When you are poking around a thrift store your eye is often drawn to something that speaks to you, but in its present state it is not something you would want to use. So here are some great ideas you can do with picture frames.

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<strong>Key Holder:</strong> Refurbish your frame, put a few hooks inside the top and hang!

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<strong>Chalkboard:</strong> Try making a chalkboard frame to hang on your wall or sit on the kitchen counter! It’s SUPER easy. You just need a picture frame, and a can of chalkboard spray paint you can find at the hardware store. You take out the glass, lay it on newspaper and spray the whole glass plate with chalkboard spray paint. You may need two coats. Once it’s totally dry, put it back in the frame, and you’re done. The frames provide you with the unique look. You can distress them, paint vivid colors, or match them and make a set.

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<strong>Tray: </strong> It is simple DIY to create a chic tray to display items or to serve on at parties. Select a picture frame with raised edges to look more like a tray. Finish it as desired. Cut a piece of wallpaper or decorative paper to insert into the frame. You can add handles on your tray as well. Purchase drawer pulls, which can be purchased at the ReStore, and screw them into the top of the frame. Or you can put little “feet” under the tray with wooden balls glued on.

<strong>Jewelry Holder: </strong> Paint your frame or distress it. Fashion racks out of dowels or even twigs and hang necklaces from them. Or mount hooks (as in key holder) and hang necklaces, bracelets, rings, etc.

As you can see, an exciting find can be turned into all kinds of useful and eye-catching things. We always encourage you to UPCYCLE when you can. It’s a great way to be an example to everyone of recycling in a different way.

<em>The ReStore is a great place to pick up such items and all proceeds go to a good cause. The LowCountry Habitat for Humanity ReStore is located at 616 Parris Island Gateway in Beaufort and is open Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Donations welcome. Call 843-525-0055 to schedule your FREE pick up.</em>