Seeking Reuse Artists
Come show off your talents! We are now accepting applications for reuse artists to showcase their work in our gallery. Here’s some great reasons why you should consider exhibiting your work at DIY Studio: DIY Studio is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with a mission to promote creativity, community, environmental awareness, and self-sufficiency through reuse. We are...
Paint so Nice You use it Twice
Psst, lean forward. I have a secret to share. So you know the best place to get paint? Nope, not some retail place, nor a home center. Instead of the usual places, next time check out the paint from Salem-Keizer and North Marion recycling and transfer stations. Here’s all the reasons why Marion County’s Latex...
Upcycled T-shirt Projects
At DIY Studio we love simple projects and we love sharing our upcycling ideas with others. That’s why we host Creative Reuse Craft Nights every 4th Tuesday at the Salem Public Library. This week’s creative reuse project of choice was upcycled t-shirts. We came up with three separate projects all using one shirt and...
Earth Day Fair at the Oregon Garden
It was a fun, busy day at the Earth Day Fair at the Oregon Garden. It’s estimated that 4500 or more Earth-loving fans showed up to celebrate. And who could blame them. With local food (ahem, you NEED to try the Old Oak Oven Pizza in Silverton if you haven’t already) activities, music, and fun...
Salem’s First Little Free Library
Have you heard of Little Free Libraries? We loved the idea when we first heard of it. It’s a simple thing. You put out a box full of books and allow the community to take a book, give a book. We also knew that our very talented neighbors would like the idea as well. We...
Artist Trading Cards
We had a blast at the last Creative Reuse Craft Night at the Salem Public Library. We brought our suitcases of supplies and filled up 35 chairs! Thanks to Karla Miller for her donation of the vintage books that many people used on their cards. And thanks to Carlee for bringing her amazing collection of...
ARTcade Monster Machine ready for the Discover Local Business Expo
It’s amazing what my family puts up with. Paint splatters on the floor, large pieces of equipment out on our counters and dining table, drop cloths strewn about. Our house has become a artistic laboratory. While we keep looking for that perfect location to open DIY Studio (and asking people to help fund the center...
Mid-Valley Green Awards, Bid Paddle Craft
It’s so much fun to celebrate sustainability in Salem and we were thrilled to attend the 2013 Mid-valley Green Awards. We were surrounded with do-gooders in the community and enjoyed watching the silent and live auctions build momentum with proceeds going to the Friends of Straub Environmental Learning Center. FSELC provides educational programs and events...
Five Stages of Crafting-Upcycled Lightbulb Craft
It was a great night of creative reuse at the Salem Public Library. 28 people participated and we went through various stages of crafting together. Have you heard of the five stages of crafting? No? Okay, you got us. It’s because we made it up. But really, crafting is hard work. It involves problem-solving, skill...
Creative Reuse Craft Night, Hot Air Balloon, Upcycled Light Bulbs
Don’t miss DIY Studio every 4th Tuesday at the Salem Public Library, Anderson room, 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Instruction starts at 6:00pm. Please RSVP. Our Creative Reuse Craft Nights are free and donations are greatly appreciated. All donations go towards opening our doors of our creative reuse center as well as supplies. Upcycled Light Bulb...
Upcycled Valentine Bottle Vases
Valentines day is coming soon and now is a great time to show your friends and family that you care. But don’t feel like you have to buy something new to express how you feel. Instead try crafting up some upcycled bottle vases. With a little bit of twine, some flowers, a hot glue gun...
How to Make recycled Paper (Creative Reuse Craft Night)
Nothing gets me more excited than turning trash into treasure. And we surely had fun blending up oohey, gooey pulp to make new paper from discarded paper. Thanks to Marion County for their use of the paper making kits and for the eager paper makers for joining us for Creative Reuse Craft Night at the...