Three super easy DIY projects from our November 2013 issue
1. Transforming old finds with mirrors
![Console table](/img/uploads/Console table.jpg)
Grant Horak of Horak Venter Designs found this old school blackboard in India and cleverly had it mirrored; it now looks stunning on the landing of this Durban home. Much of the blackboard’s old character and faded colour remains, giving it a rustic, vintage look.
2. Using unusual finds as plant containers
![](/img/uploads/Gorgeous garden(1).jpg)
Another great idea if you’re big into gardening is how Gary Searle, of St Leger & Viney, used chimney pots for growing asparagus in his vegetable garden – so creative!
3. Giving furniture a fresh look with low-prep paint
![DIY_wardrobe](/img/uploads/Wardrobe upcycle.jpg)
Upcycling pro Sacha Olivier gave this tired, old-fashioned cupboard a vibrant new look with her homemade low-prep paint. All you need to do is lightly sand the item you’re painting, no primer needed, then use your low-prep paint, which is so simple to make.
Make your own low-prep paint using Sacha’s recipe:
- Dissolve ½ cup plaster of Paris in ½ cup hot water
- Mix into 1½ cups of paint in the colour of your choice.
“This paint has a matt chalky finish, but for a glossier look you can apply some floor wax over the top and buff it to a sheen,” suggests Sacha.
Looking for more DIY upcycling tips and ideas? Just click here.