Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right. No one believes this as wholeheartedly as Gail Wilson, a former teacher and Kentucky native, obsessed with finding potential in the most unexpected places.
As a young mother, Gail was always handy, cutting out bean-bag tosses and puppet playhouses, long before DIY became a household word. And as it does, life moved quickly—she got busy as a pre-school teacher and mother, and the tools took a back seat. But in 2009, after losing her job, Gail realized it was time to get back to what she loved again. She began repurposing salvaged material, but at the same time, those projects were bringing new purpose to her life.
Her obsession with the cordless drill, pocket hole Kreg jig and table saw started with long sessions watching YouTube videos on how (and how not) to use tools. Since then, she’s completed countless inventive projects. From transforming a pillar candle and pot lid into the cutest bird bath in the history of birdbaths, to remodeling her daughter’s desk into a custom kitchen island, Gail is always on the lookout for castaways to bring back to life. (These days, the kitchen island isn’t full of cooking utensils, but sand paper, paint stirrers and paint brushes!)
looking for inspiration? Click the picture for a quick spin around My Repurposed Life
There is a great search function over on the right sidebar. It will help you find what you want. Up at the top on the menu, you can see Gail’s Project Galleries from 7 years of Blogging DIY. This is the fastest way to to have a look-see around My Repurposed Life.
Also on the navigation bar at the top of the blog, you can read more about Gail, more about My Repurposed Life, check out her favorite products and more.
On the top right, you’ll find the all important social media buttons. If you like what you see, please consider connecting with My Repurposed Life on a regular basis via Facebook, Twitter, Email Subscription, or Pinterest.
Grab a cup of coffee or another beverage of your choice, sit back and take a look around My Repurposed Life. You’re sure to find something to inspire you.
If you ever have any questions, feel free to email Gail: gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Nice to meet you. I would love to have a conversation with you. I would say I have been working at this about the same length of time, but only part time unfortunately.
Hello> I am in Central NJ and re-purpose furniture
Hi Wendy! Welcome to My Repurposed Life. I’ve been doing this for about 10 years and I sill love what I do!
gail
Hi do you buy items.
I am in NJ and looking to dispose of parents old furnishings.
Do you know of any Repurposers in new Jersey
I buy junk mostly. I am in Louisville KY.
I’m sorry I don’t know of anyone in New Jersey. I could reach out on Facebook if you’d like.
gail
Can your pieces be purchased? The store on Etsy only shows a few items. I really love the repurposed headboards, among other things. Without being tech-savy, and having no patience, I was unable to find an area here that tlls us how to purchase or ability to ship items. Do you offer this?
Thank you so much for sharing these projects with us!!
Jacqui
I do sell my items locally, but generally don’t ship because of how heavy my larger items are. But that’s not to say I wouldn’t ship. 🙂
gail
Just somehow found you on the internet and wants you to know that at 62 years old you encouraged me to explore the possibilities for me to learn to make useful items for me that doesn’t have to cost me a lot of money. My eyes are more open to see the potential in things not only in their obvious purpose. I watched a lot of you tube videos to learn how to use power tools. Although I’m not yet to the point I can operate one, I am confident I will learn. I just learn how to use a screw driver and I’m really excited about it. I know I have a long way to go but I know more today than a few weeks ago before I read you blog. Thanks, Tess
Tess,
We all have to start somewhere! YouTube is my best resource when I need to learn something new. Thanks for reaching out to me, I wish you all the luck in the world. Remember, paint is a great place to start and give something a new look.
Have fun!
gail
Thanks for getting back to me about the fire hydrant.
I am having a hard time finding the middle large piece. Can’t seem to find it anywhere. Since you still have the hydrant can you tell me if you used 4″ or 6″ pipe? So sorry to hear about your little one. It’s so hard when they leave us.
Thank you,
Sandy
I am new to your website and wanted to make the fire hydrant for my boy dogs. Where can I find the details and size of pvc pipe you used?
Thank you,
Sandy
Sandy,
I didn’t give the sizes of the pipe, I’m sorry. But I do show all the parts. I worked around a piece of free pipe I had. So just go to find the size you want yours to be, and by the fittings accordingly. You can see more details on the diy yard fire hydrant here: https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/2010/09/diy-fire-hydrant.html
I had to say goodbye to my sweet Louie this past February. I still miss him so much, and I’ve left my fire hydrant as a reminder of him.
I hope you enjoying making one for your furbaby!
gail
Hi Gail! just discovered your site! you have a lot of great things going on… i’m all about re purposing.. but i definitely do not have the tools or ALL the knowledge i need. I am pretty handy tho.. i get that from my dad. My husband and i just bought a new home and there are TONS to things to do… it’s winter where i live now so i’m really hoping this coming spring and summer my dad and i can tackle some projects! i will be referring to your blog for sure! Great stuff. i’ll be referring to you “favorite things ” list!
Happy Holidays!
I have pink and white tile on my bathroom floor. Besides breaking up and removing it is there anything else I can do? Paint it, tile over it?
Thank you in advance 😉
Amy
I really don’t have any suggestions Amy. But if you hate it, you could try painting it, like me you really have nothing to lose. 🙂
gail
How/where do you sell all your things?
Laura,
I save my projects up and sell them at one big show in Glendale Ky in October.
gail
do u sell ur items and if so how can i see them. thanks.
I happened upon your site when I typed in a query about converting picture frames into shadow boxes. WOW! Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful ideas … not only will I be making shadow boxes, but I think I will try some of your bigger projects.
Again, thanks for being there.
Roz
So happy you found My Repurposed Life Roz! I hope to continue to inspire you with many more projects!
gail
Gail,
I so enjoy reading your post. You have inspired me to seek and look beyond for creativity. I recently have started a website to display my work. I welcome any comments or advise you can share to make this venture fun and exciting.
Keep on re-purposing!
Donna Dodson
Canton, TX
Where are you located?
Karen,
I’m in Louisville KY
you mention tractor supply. Where is this located? I am in Hamilton in Southern Ontario , Canada.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Cheryl
Hi Gail, I have an interest in the same. My husband has a cabinet shop and i save unused cabinets, pieces of wood, molding, etc. However, I am still waiting to find the time to play (I work 2 jobs)
Thanks for your inspiration, Beverly S.
Beverly,
Isn’t that always the case? those that have the parts, don’t have the time, and those that have the time, are always looking for parts. 🙂
I hope you find some time here and there to tinker with some of those unused cabinets and molding. 🙂
gail