RePurpose, ReUse, ReCycle

     Take a second look at your trash pile and explore ways to save items. Its surprising how many old, broken or unused items can be brought back to new life with a little imagination and a little elbow grease.

     For instance, I found  the charming old kitchen cabinet in the above photo ready to  be burned as waste. Many would view this old cabinet  as "only"  burnable, expecially in the ugly condition it was in when I found it.  It was a disgraceful green color and really very unbecoming to any decor.

      I couldn't bear to see it destroyed so I took it home  to see if I could spruce it up a bit. In basically one afternoon --- I painted it inside and out with a creamy off white semi-gloss, then when it was dry a coat of walnut gel stain was applied  over the entire piece. Once dried, it  just glowed with charm  showing off all of the distressed cracks and chips.

      Since my home really lended no space in which to show it off, I decided to offer it for sale at my up and coming garage sale. This repurposed, reused and recycled antique cabinet that was formally headed for destruction, was all the rage at my sale. There were several people  in a bidding war just to buy it. I was shocked and amazed but really happy that it would have a new great home for many years of enjoyment to come.

      Please email  a photo of your repurposed, reused or recyled projects to--   uniquecozytreasures@gmail.com    We may feature your item in an upcoming issue.