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I spent a great deal of time talking to hands this last year. You know the kind I mean – arms extended, palms waving, usually accompanied with rolling eyes and a scornful ‘tsk-tsk’.“Who has the time?” was the phrase I heard over and over again…
After my first do-it-yourself book, Enjoy Life Outside hit the stands I went on tour to spread the word: ‘Redefine Leisure Time’. I campaigned that DIY wasn’t just about saving money, it was about stress relief and creative achievements, guaranteed to promote well-being and good health. I crusaded that this hobby offered a diversionary outlet from the demands of life while creating posh accessories for the house and home. I was all about using the hand to create – not to demonstrate.
Let’s face it. We all need to switch off from the daily grind to avoid going mad or clogging more arteries. Some of us do it in different ways, that’s all. Some read or solve Sudoku, some watch TV or surf the net, some do yoga, some garden and some workout; all in the name of stress management. All I’m saying is that DIY is an outlet as well – one that builds muscle for the soul.Now, don’t get me wrong, not everyone greeted me with the hand; there were those who revelled at the prospect of DIY and enthusiastically shared their passion for the handmade movement. From these people, I listened and learned. I found that there were those who took pleasure in working with their hands. I learned that the DIY culture was genderless and ageless. I heard that many were concerned with our environment. And yes, I also learned from the hand-wavers. Free time is precious
and DIY virgins need to be gently guided with easy-peasy ‘101’ projects.
With this knowledge I compiled a list of do-it-yourself projects that would improve lifestyles.
My mandate was simple:
-Short and sweet crafts, easy to accomplish in a few hours or a week end.
-Repurpose everyday objects into posh accessories at a fraction of the price of high end accessories.
-Environmental savvy, self-fulfillment and stress relief.
The Art of Upcycle, my second book is dedicated to exactly that. It takes DIY to DIWise with 32 projects for every level of DIY’er. So, the next time you toss a bottle, bubble wrap or bedsprings in the trash, consider giving them a second life. The Art of Upcycle will be available at a store near you this spring or here on the web site. Join me and the BodoBoler at the Regina, Red Deer, Calgary and Edmonton Home and Garden Shows where I will be sharing inspirational projects from both books. Hand-wavers are welcome.
Upcoming Events
External Affairs
When: January 23, 2010
Where: Sangudo horticulture club
The welcome seasonal pause from cold weather will be descending upon us with the arrival of spring in just a few short months. Time to start thinking of blurring the boundaries between inside and out with creative DIY projects for the garden, deck, balcony or patio.
Bonnie Doon shopping centre
When: February 15, 2010
Where: Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre
Join me and the Bodo Boler as we feature DIY projects to get ready for spring.
Calgary Home & Garden Show
When: February 25 – 28, 2010
Where: BMO Centre, Stampede Park, Calgary, AB
Join me and the Bodo Boler for DIY presentions and copies fresh off the press of my new book – ‘ The Art of Upcycle ‘
Red Deer Home & Garden Show
When: March 5 – 7, 2010
Where: Westerner Park, Red Deer, Ab
Join me and the Bodo Boler for DIY presentions and copies fresh off the press of my new book – ‘ The Art of Upcycle ‘
Regina Spring Home Show
When: March 25 – 26, 2010
Where: Canada Centre Building, EVRAZ Place, Regina, Sask
Featuring projects from ‘ Enjoy Life Outside ‘ and ‘ The Art of Upcycle’
Edmonton Home and Garden Show
When: March 27 – 28, 2010
Where: Northlands Park, Edmonton, AB
Check out the Bodo Boler, then join me for DIY presentions that will inspire you to start recycling, repurposing and reusing all that stuff you have been tossing in the garbage. Be sure to pick up a copy of my new book fresh off the presses – ‘ The Art of Upcycle ‘, it is a tribute to creating cool projects for the home while saving money and our landfills.
Barrhead Green Expo and Trade Show
When: April 23 & 24
Where: Barrhead, Alberta
Check out the Bodo Boler, then join me for DIY presentions that will inspire you to start recycling, repurposing and reusing all that stuff you have been tossing in the garbage. Be sure to pick up a copy of my new book fresh off the presses – ‘ The Art of Upcycle ‘, it is a tribute to creating cool projects for the home while saving money and our landfills.
Mothers Day Magic at the Valley Zoo
When: May 9, 2010
Where: Valley Zoo, Edmonton, AB
You can find the BodoBoler visiting the crew at the zoo where I will be sharing animal-inspired projects from my books and website.
Featured Projects view all projects
The Bold and the BodoBoler
The Bold and the Boler
Boldly, I stuck to my guns. Amidst all the flak from family and friends I refused to falter. What do they know, I reasoned. I have a vision. Even my husband, H offered no support.
“They’re so old, it’ll cost you a pile of money to fix it up…”
“You’ll never find [...]
The Art of Upcycle
Okay, I am having a blast right now doing what every self-respecting DIY enthusiast loves; repurpose, recycle, reuse, reclaim and reduce. But, this isn’t just another ordinary day in my workshop. I am in the process of taking DIY to DIWise with my second book, The Art of Upcycle. This book is the embodiment of [...]
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