UPCYCLING old furniture is a great way to give your house a new lease of life.
It’s cheaper than buying brand new, and good for the planet too.
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A survey by insurer Aviva found that 35 per cent of us plan to upcycle more, and 22 per cent intend to buy “pre-loved” or second-hand stuff.
Here’s how to do it for less . . .
THRIFTY FREEBIES: Pick up free or very cheap furniture and upcycling accessories from websites and apps such as Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle, Olio and Nextdoor.
TOP DRAWER: The ManoMano blog has loads of upcycling projects, including a step-by-step guide for turning wooden drawers into storage boxes that easily tuck away under beds or sofas.
You’ll only need a handful of items, such as leftover paint and old magazines.
Find out how at blog.manomano.co.uk/upcycle-wooden-drawers/.
LICK OF PAINT: Tired of looking at the same cupboards or side tables?
Give them a refresh with wallpaper or stencils. Découpage is the art of decorating surfaces by applying picture cut-outs and layers of varnish.
Check Pinterest for inspiration and use the free how-to guides on YouTube.
Both MINTbyMichelle and DecoupageQueen have channels with explainers.
Swapping handles can give your furniture an added lift — see the morehandles.co.uk clearance sale for items starting at 50p.
GLAM UP YOUR GARDEN: Upcycling is a great way to spruce up your outdoors, whether it’s turning old cans into hanging planters or using mason jars as candle holders.
If wood features in your plans, remember to use weather-proof paint.
B&Q’s website diy.com has plenty of multibuy offers, including two for £22 on Cuprinol garden shades
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WOODEN IT BE NICE: Don’t throw away leftover pallets, as they can be used for a whole variety of upcycling projects, including making shoe racks and even creating a fancy garden bar.
Check out the tutorials on blog.manomano.co.uk to find out how.
Deal of the day
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Cheap treat
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MAKE summer sparkle with Canvino fizz, rosé or white at £2.50 a can.
At Tesco, Clubcard holders can get four for the price of three. Perfect for picnics.
SAVE: £2.50
What’s new
THE new dianthus “Electric Dreams” was shortlisted at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Get your hands on the bright-pink blooms exclusively at B&Q stores, where there is 20 per cent off outdoor plants today.
Top swap
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LITTLE Moons Mochi ice cream, above, is a tasty sweet summer treat at £5 for six at Sainsbury’s.
But Lidl’s version, below – available in coconut, mango sorbet, vanilla and chocolate flavours – is £3.49 for six.
SAVE: £1.51
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Leah’s little helper
FIRE up the barbie! Iceland has a three-for-£9 offer on meat until June 21.
It includes all sorts of treats including minted lamb kebabs, BBQ pulled pork and slow-cooked piri piri chicken wings.
Shop and save
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DECATHLON has launched its four-week Summer Savings sale.
Top deals include £50 off a 2-3 person inflatable kayak and 30 per cent off Asics running shoes.
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- PRICES on page correct at time of press. Deals subject to availability.
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