My Resene Upcycling Award entry

David from Cannons Creek

Hi Neighbours
Here's my upcycling project.

My bedside unit was in dire need of replacement for the last 3 years - as the front panel would come off everytime I opened it and then spend 5 minutes trying to reattach it every night.

I left it so long because I was a little conflicted in deciding to replace it once and for all- as I recall over 30 years ago my mother had bought a completely new bedroom suite and I ended up with the bedside unit and a chest of drawers. To buy something like that back then was such a big deal for the family-getting something that new for the home and, especially, during times of extreme hardship. To me it represented humble beginnings and the effort by my mother to make the best of those times.

The rule in our home now is that we do not buy such things for the home - shelves/dressers units etc - why would you when it can be easily(or not so easily) made from your own hands?- by doing so you have made something with a bit of sweat,heart and soul- something that store bought items do not come with- it also saves the environment.

The problem was - it needed replacing but I didn't want to get rid of it. The solution was - I redesigned it using the main elements ie the drawers. I now have 2 units that are much stronger,will last for twice as long for many years to come and it is made from discarded pallet wood.