​We’ve all seen seemingly miraculous transformation photos of decrepit desks into glamorous vanities, threadbare chairs into majestic thrones and torn up kitchen counters into sleek and shiny new surfaces. These before and after collections are fun to look at, but they’re impossible for non-professionals.

Right?
Wrong!

There are countless Do-It-Yourself projects that anyone can complete from home. All you need is inspiration, a little paint and something old but full of potential. And keep in mind that we all have to start somewhere. Here are just a few of the great DIY tips Habitat for Humanity gathered from people across the country for projects big and small to start you on your re-purposing journey.
​

• “Use Stitch Witchery to hem curtains.” –Amy H., Clearwater, FL
• “Ugly screw or nail holes in wood? Sharpen a quarter-inch dowel with a pencil sharpener, tap in place with a spot of glue, and cut with a razor knife. Stain and finish.” -Tandi C. 

• “When caulking, be sure to wet your finger or tool to get a smoother finish.” –Jeff B., Asheville, NC
• “To prevent a nail from splitting the wood, turn it upside down and blunt the sharp end on a firm surface like concrete, metal, etc.” –Francina M.
• “Putting squares of grippy drawer liner under your couch legs can help keep the couch from sliding and protect the floor. You can also use the liner under cushions to help keep them in place.” –Julia C., Orlando, FL
• “If your cupboards or drawers stick and are difficult to slide then this helps as long as they are wooden: Take a regular candle and rub it on the surfaces that glide—both sides. It’s a simple but very effective solution.” –Chris C., Silver Spring, MD
• “When there are raw places on beveled areas of wood doors or furniture, don’t spend money on refinishing. Apply a little olive oil with your finger or a Q-tip and it’ll be fine for a long time.” –James S., Austin, TX
• “Rather than spending a lot of time applying tape, keep a damp cloth handy when painting near molding. Get a little paint where it doesn’t belong? Quickly wipe it away! You’ll still want to cover floors or any areas that may be splattered by paint.” –Jim M., Sarasota, FL

The Habitat for Humanity La Crosse Area staff sometimes try our hands at re-purposing, too. We are often featured on Pinterest with Poedel displaying our newest projects. If we can do it, you certainly can, too. 
 
These tips will start you off with what’s already in your home. Next, you can come into the ReStore to find the beginning your next fun DIY challenge. In the meantime, find more tips for your home and garden here: https://www.habitat.org/restores/home-maintenance-diy-tips-for-homeowners.  

In honor of National Teachers’ Night, which was August 16, the Habitat for Humanity La Crosse Area ReStore held a Facebook contest. Anyone could comment to nominate their favorite teachers to be entered into a drawing to win a gift package straight from the ReStore. We had a huge level of participation. It was heart-warming to see so much support for the teachers in our community.

Our drawing winner was Tom Sullivan. He won a sign for his classroom, a ReStore gift certificate and a planter painted as an apple. When he came in to the ReStore to claim his well-deserved prize, we were able to learn a bit more about him.


Sullivan has been at Northside Elementary all 24 years of his teaching career, with a brief transfer to Logan Middle School while the building was being redone. He teaches 5th grade, and his favorite thing about the job is how fun the kids are.
​
He was able to take a fun summer trip to Canada with his son and brother. That doesn’t keep him from being excited for this new school year, though. Sullivan is most looking forward to getting to know his new students and establishing trust with them. Building good relationships is the best way to make progress in the classroom, Sullivan says. 

​We are pleased to be providing an update on our very own Soak It Up! project. In partnership with the La Crosse Urban Stormwater Group, we became the first to complete this storm water management project in 2016. The additions included a large rain barrel, several kinds of pervious pavement, regrading so polluted storm water no longer flows directly into a stream, rain gardens and more. Our landscape is now successfully reducing runoff on and around our property. Viterbo University students designed the informational sign that is up in front of the project informing readers of the problems associated with storm water pollution. The La Crosse Urban Stormwater Group’s commitment to educating the community so we can all make it a healthier and safer place to live makes them a great partner for us!

​This joint activity fits very well with the environmental considerations Habitat for Humanity has in place. Our salvage program diverts tons of reusable waste from the landfill each year. Our ReStore encourages reusing gently used household items rather than unnecessarily buying new. Our home construction practices and materials are efficient. On a smaller scale, we’re sure to recycle in our office and break room. 

​To learn more about the Soak It Up! project and how to participate, visit https://www.lacrosseareawaters.org/what-we-do/soak-project-award/. 

​Habitat for Humanity La Crosse Area was happy to welcome two student groups during the month of July. 

​Earlier in the month, a group from the UW Extension came to learn about living green. Habitat staff taught them about environmentally friendly habits and explained the ways Habitat’s construction practices and ReStore are examples of this. Then came even more fun as the group learned how to make their own coasters with ReStore tiles, cutouts from old magazines and homemade modge podge. These kids’ creations were excellent. They were gracious enough to donate some of their projects to Habitat, so some of them are even for sale at the ReStore today.

​Later in the month, a group from the Coulee Kids Summer Camp came to learn about all the different ways Habitat helps the community through home building. Habitat staff began with an exercise during which the kids imagined the comfort of their own rooms. Then they discussed how sad and mad they would feel if these comforts, like stuffed animals and favorite blankets, were taken away. These kids immediately understood why Habitat’s work is so important! This made them all the more enthusiastic to decorate cards for donors, volunteers and Habitat homeowners. Their cards were creative and eye-catching.

​Both groups were fun and engaged, and we were very happy to have them visit the ReStore. It’s inspiring to see the ways youth can be engaged in our mission of building homes, communities and hope. 

On Tuesday, July 24, Habitat for Humanity La Crosse Area was happy to host LHI’s Day of Giving. The group volunteered to go with us to the railroad tracks in the Lower Northside and Depot Neighborhood to help with two projects.