Where to Find DIY Inspiration
Some people can simply look at well-worn item or group of items - a chair, a table, shelves, a pile of wood, a wheelbarrow, a bag of wooden knobs, lampshades - and instantly reimagine it as something practical or decorative.
Others needs some help: they need examples, suggestions, inspiration and guidance from others in order to repurpose something.
Do you want ideas for re-imaging and repurposing furniture, garden supplies, dishes and other items you can find at the Forest Grove ReStore? Here are some ideas to help guide you:
Reddit communities.
Reddit is a platform of online communities, called subreddits, each coming together around a subject matter. There are many that relate to how to find great finds at thrift stores, like the Forest Grove ReStore, as well as how to repurpose what you find, such as:
You don’t have to join Reddit to view these communities, but to comment on the posts, or to make your own posts, you do have to create an account. Joining is free.
Other places online to find ideas.
Use these phrases to search on YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram and Tik Tok for other ideas:
Repurpose
Upcycle
Upcycling
Pallet Furniture
Pallet Projects
Thrift Store Scores
DIY
Do It Yourself
One of our favorite sites is Marin Upcycle, which has wonderful before and after photos of upcycled furniture. The photo of the repurposed dresser at the top of this web page is hers!
Another terrific site is the blog createinspireme. It’s no longer updated, but it’s an amazing portfolio. The author and creator says on the site, “There is just something about transforming old into new, and I'm happiest when I am doing just that.” The dresser that’s been turned into a chair, at left, is an example of her DIY work.
We’re also very fond of Goodwill of Greater Washington (DC), which has a terrific and frequently-updated DIY blog that showcases creations by their customers.
Books at the ReStore
If you prefer old school ways to find inspiration, stop by the Forest Grove ReStore and have a look at our book selection; there’s almost always some books on woodworking, repairing something, painting, using certain tools, antiques, design projects and more. We’re open Mondays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Let’s Hear from You!
Do you have a favorite YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram and Tik Tok channel for finding inspiration or guidance for repairing or repurposing items? Let us know!
Have you repurposed something you bought at the Forest Grove ReStore - even just simply painting a table or chair you bought here? We would love photos of your project, particularly before and after! Email them to marketing@westtualityhabitat.org and note that you bought the item(s) at the ReStore and anything else you would like to share with us about the project. Please note that anything you share with us we may in turn share here on our blog and also on our ReStore Facebook and ReStore Instagram.
It’s always worth noting that sales from our ReStore help to fund the home-building, home repair and advocacy efforts regarding affordable housing of West Tuality Habitat for Humanity, serving Western Washington County, Oregon.
