Are you, or do you want to be, part of the “go green” movement? Recycling is a big part of that movement. You can also upcycle. You can take something old and change it into something of better value and/or better quality. It’s such a great way to help lessen the load on our landfills and to appreciate our resources. “Wood Pallet Wonders: 20 Stunning DIY Storage & Decor Designs Made From Reclaimed Pallets” (Skyhorse Publishing, February 2018), by Samantha Hartman, is an amazing book that can help you go green and upcycle. It teaches you to utilize wooden pallets and other materials and transform them into beautiful, functional pieces for storage, decor, and furniture.
Upcycling wooden pallets is a popular trend among the DIYers and crafters. Take a look at Pinterest and you’ll find amazing things built from pallets. In Ms. Hartman’s book, she shows you how to turn planks of wood from a pallet into a nightstand, a bookshelf, or a bar cart (to name just a few). And, you don’t have to be an expert craftsman or carpenter. Her book is for beginner and expert crafters/DIYers.
Can I Do It? Yes, You Can!
On Facebook Marketplace, I found I can purchase a wooden pallet in my area for just $1.80. Most of the other materials you would need are not hard to find (nor do they seem very costly), especially if you have a lot of the tools at home already (or maybe you could borrow a neighbor’s). So, you could build furniture for super cheap and add special touches to it with paint and attachments so it’ll match your other decor and your style. And, Ms. Hartman’s book can show you how.
Her instructions are simple and easy to follow. She even helps you with paints, finishes, and sealing materials, which can make all the difference in a finished product. The sections of her book cover the following: “Getting Started with Wood Pallets,” “Make Your House a Home,” “Stay Organized” (creating storage pieces), “On the Wall” (includes pieces to hang, such as racks), and “Decorate Your Space” (for example, a message board or decorative shelf). The book offers a lot with something for everyone.
The author, Samantha Hartman, is a graphic designer, who uses her passion and expertise in working with wood to create her unique masterpieces. Ms. Hartman was a finalist of Etsy Open Call in 2016. And, she has a company, Infinite Abyss, which provides products to select retail stores across the country. Check out her book and I think you’ll be inspired to upcycle. It’s available on Amazon here.
Connect with Samantha Hartman:
Website | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram