I really don't like waste. But as much as I try to produce less waste, its kind of inevitable. But I strive to produce less and less. So finding ways in which to reuse and upcycle is a big part of my lifestyle.
On top of that, I really don't like to spend money on things that I can make myself, or at the very least learn to make myself. I've spend a few years upskilling myself, doing a woodwork course, studying petmaculture design, studying Green building and mushroom cultivation.
I have also helped to make yurts, to build shelters, all of which helped me to become more self sufficient.
I have also held workshops in the past, helping people to grow food in small spaces. Using water bottles, to make water towers, where you can grow herbs and lettuces and also using pallets to create verycal gardens. I made a post about this a couple of years back, but haven't been able to access the photos, so can share them again.
I've been without a laptop for months now, so I can't use my hard drive either. But I was able to find photos from three other projects I made. The first one, I used pallets and pieces of wood I had left over from fitting out the inside of my truck.
I've held onto these for a few years knowing I would use them. Which I did, when I made this compost toilet on the last piece of land me and my girls lived on. You can clearly see the pallets and random pieces of wood in this picture up above. My woodwork skills came into play here.
As it did in this next project. That's me up above turning a wonky bookcase, into something more functional for me and my girls. I really love to make things and especially so, when I get to use my Japanese Saw, which you can see up above. I've also written a post about this saw, cos it is the bomb.
I turned that bookcase into a couch, cutting it in half and laying both pieces side by side. Which also created deep storage underneath, where I keep my girls art supplies and games. The bookcase made half of the couch, the rest was made from left over bits of wood I had. So in the end I had two deep storage spaces underneath.
When you live in a small space, having furniture that has more than one function is really important.
I can see, how you could get carried away when upcycling. Ending up taking on a few projects, especially when you see what others have done. But because I live in a small space, it doesn't take long for it to get cluttered, so I can't really afford to let my imagination run wild. So instead I like to share ideas that may come to me.
This next one though, I kept for myself.
I have made toys out of my girls old baby clothes, the ones that were stained and torn, that I could not pass on. So I cut them up and made, owls, snails and monsters. Which I then sold, even mailing one to @pankso when he was on steemit.
So there was no clutter there, just me being creative and making some extra money for myself. Whilst getting rid of clothes my girls no longer needed and opening up more space once I sold them.
This is my response to the latest Kiss Blogging Ideas, from the Minimalist Community, which asked the following question .....
Upcycling can be one of the best ways to stay clutter-free or the exact opposite. What are your experiences with upcycling? Any big successes or failures?
