More DIY savings
Veterans Green Jobs () opened a secondhand home improvement store earlier this year because the idea supports its mission to boost sustainability, and because “we know that business model works,” says Marietta Silva, the corporate partnership manager at VGJ’s Go Green Warehouse. It is located at 2627 W. 6th Ave. (near Seventh Avenue and Canosa Street.) Here are some of the other Metro Denver home improvement thrift stores.
1. ReSource, 6400 Arapahoe Road, Boulder, 303-419-5418; 1501 N. College Ave., Fort Collins, 970-498-9663
2. Extras, 400 W. 53rd Pl., 303-296-8090
3. Bud’s Warehouse, 4455 E. 46th Ave., 303-296-3990
4. Metro Denver ReStore Home Improvement Outlet, 70 Rio Grande Blvd. (just west of Santa Fe Drive at West Ellsworth Avenue), 303-722-5863
5. Metro Denver ReStore Home Improvement Outlet, 10625 W. I-70 Frontage Road, Wheat Ridge; 303-421-5300
6. Blue Spruce Habitat ReStore, 1232 Bergen Parkway, Bergen Park/Evergreen; 303-674-4917
Funky chandelier
Margaret Perry, Cash from Clutter ()
Do-it-yourselfers may look at outdated fixtures in a new light
You will need:
• Black semi-gloss spray paint
• Embellishments: For this project, the designer used “bling,” or fake jewels, with adhesive backing, silverware, adhesive stencils, skeleton keys and a crystal doorknob
• White craft paint for stenciling
• Acrylic clear coat spray paint
• Multi-facetted lights
• Jewelry wire
• Wire cutters
Directions:
1. If you find a light fixture that you want to upcycle, first plug it in to make sure it works. (If it doesn’t work and you love it, consider rewiring it yourself or having it rewired by a professional).
2. If this is a chandelier, hang the fixture so you can access all side and angles during your project.
3. Keep old light bulbs in the sockets. You do not want to get spray paint in the light sockets.
4. Apply semi-gloss black spray paint, let dry for 30 minutes.
5. Applya second coat of semi-gloss black spray paint.
6. Allow to dry for six hours.
7. Add some stenciling and embellishments to give the piece character.
8. Apply acrylic clear coat spray paint.
9. Allow one hour for drying.
10. Add decorative items that will hang from the chandelier. For her project, the designer used antique silverware with cutouts (to loop the wire through), skeleton keys and a crystal doorknob.
10. Install the multi-facetted light bulbs.
