01

Measure Twice...Cut Once!

02

Don't be afraid to experiment. We each have our own individual and unique style. If it looks terrible, you can always paint over it!

03

Op-Shops, Facebook Buy Swap Sell Sites and Gumtree Freebies are your

friend! If you decide to sell your projects, you want to spend the least amount of money possible - Upcycling is a labour of love - don't expect to make millions. You will rarely make back money for your time spent so try not to spend too many $$$ per project.

04

Chalk paint is fantastic – it paints over anything (even fabric!) without needing to prep the surface.

My favourite Brands:

Annie Sloan

Porters

Rust-Oleum Chalked (only chalk paint currently available at  Bunnings)

05

If you can afford it. Invest in the following power tools as they save a lot of time, hassle and physical pain!

• Powered Staple Gun/Tacker (Electric ok, but cordless even better)

• Orbital sander

• Belt sander

• Mouse sander

• Jigsaw

• Drill

• Cordless Screwdriver

• Hot Glue Gun

• Buffer

• Drop Saw

• Table Saw

• Router (not an internet one..)

06

Become a furniture hoarder. Before you throw out a piece of furniture, have a think about whether you could change it. Even a lick of paint can do wonders. Or you might want to get a little more adventurous. Decorate the top of a scratched coffee table with a collage of kids’ wooden rulers, or try out some decoupage using old family photos or comic book images.

07

Join social media groups like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest so you can share your projects with others. Getting some positive feedback always feels good, and you can ask for advice and tips. My favourite group is a FaceBook group called Upcycle and DIY Australia. Don't forget to tag your Instagram pics so people can see your hard work.