One of the wonderful benefits of shedding a collective 300+ pounds is an increase in energy and physical ability for both Mr. Second Helpings and myself. Just yesterday we charged through a bedroom painting project in a couple of hours and marveled at easy it felt. Shortly after moving into our home we painted the livingroom and hallway. At that time we had not yet begun to lose weight and the project took a tremendous toll on our bodies, and a significant amount of time to complete.
Our new energy has inspired us to look for crafty ways to update our home environment using free or inexpensive raw materials. Upcycling (or recycling and repurposing) is a great way to give new life to old items and keep useful materials out of landfills. Last year we elected to remove a portion of privacy fencing and this spring another two sections of our 6 foot fence collapsed due to rot. Rather than haul all the weathered boards to the dump we have found an array of uses for the material.
Recently, I was invited to share one of those projects, a hand painted headboard, with the readers of the blog I’m Feeling Crafty. Head over there to read my step-by-step account of constructing, painting, and installing the headboard. While you are there take a look around. Louise has some really creative and do-able ideas for personalizing gifts, home decor, and party crafts. I may borrow some of the ideas from this Woodsy themed Baptism for my sister’s baby shower next month.
Hand Painted Headboard (above)
After putting together the instructions for the headboard I decided the other projects deserved their own moment in the spotlight. All of these projects were pretty straight forward. Some required a bit of additional material but in general “upcycling” the boards allowed us to add some really great new items to our home and garden at very little expense.
Garden Sieve
Rustic Table Tops (just add legs!)
Raised Garden or Planter Boxes
5 x 5 Backyard Sandbox
Use these pictures to inspire your own creative endeavors. While you work take a moment to appreciate your body’s abilities. Feel your your muscles work and your joints move. If you have been getting into shape compare how you feel now to the beginning of your journey. If you are just starting out use how you feel as a bench mark to measure the changes to come. Do-it-yourself projects are a great way to celebrate your body and your mind. Remember to enjoy the process and results.
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