What’s Old is New Again!

ReCreate It! Art Competition Showcases Repurposing and Upcycling While Fundraising for Habitat for Humanity of Effingham County

Savvy shoppers know that the best deals on furniture, home goods and surplus construction supplies are found at Habitat for Humanity of Effingham County’s ReStore. Creative minds know that there are gems to be found that can be repurposed into something new.

The joy of upcycling—taking an old item and giving it new life with a coat of paint, some new upholstery or otherwise reusing its components—is the motivation for Habitat for Humanity of Effingham County’s annual ReCreate It! Art Competition.

“We love seeing the creative ideas that our customers have executed with supplies from the ReStore,” says ReStore manager Kait Rapp. “It’s incredible!”

Guyton resident Linda Isber, who won the competition last year, repurposed a coffee table into a bench with the addition of some rustic cow-print fabric.

Rincon resident Bill Gammon has entered the competition each year, and last year he created some vibrant daffodils using some light covers from a ceiling fan to form the centers of the flower. In 2021, he crafted a charming dog out of chicken wire.

Other past entries have included a baseball-themed dresser that would hit a home run in a boy’s bedroom, an Art Deco-inspired headboard paying homage to Audrey Hepburn and an outdoor wrought iron table that was covered by a mosaic top.

Anyone can enter their artwork into the competition and there is no entry fee. Entrants can sign an item out of the ReStore on the honor system with the stipulation of returning it in a repurposed state. The only requirement: at least 51 percent of the supplies used in the final product must be sourced from the ReStore. After that, the sky’s the limit!

Entries will be accepted April 13-15, 2023 and ReStore customers will vote on their favorite pieces from April 15-22, 2023. While voting is open, customers can also place a bid on their favorite piece as a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of Effingham County.

Visit the ReStore during business hours (Thursday-Saturday, 9am-5pm) to stroll through the aisles and to get the supplies you need.

They are constantly receiving new donations of gently used furniture, household items, appliances and construction materials. With every visit, you’ll find something new to inspire you. Happy ReCreating!

habitatec.org  |  3605 Hwy. 21 E. Rincon