So, I was shopping at the Lee Valley store in Waterloo last December and noticed that they have a big, beautiful workshop room. Being the Upcycling Queen who is always on the lookout for ways to spread the upcycling love, I thought to myself, why don't I find out what's up with this awesome space? Turns out seminars and woodworking workshops are hosted here, and it comes complete with work benches and power tools. Way Cool.

I spoke to Quint, the co-ordinator of the workshops, and we discussed various upcycling ideas. Eventually we came up with 2 individual upcycling events for the Lee Valley store. The first session will be an upcycling information night in May - the 30th of May to be exact. The second event would be more full-on. It will be either a 1/2 day or a full day in the fall. This will be a hands-on day when participants can bring a project - anything that they want (pretty much) and actually be able to work on it in the Lee Valley workshop. Do you want to reupholster a simple dining chair with a pop-out seat? Or paint a picture frame? Or lay mosaic tile on top of a coffee table? Bring your stuff and let's work on our projects together. This will be awesome!

I love the collaboration, ideas, exchange of information and expertise that a group of people bring to the table during upcycling conversations.

If you don't know what upcycling is, come on out and join us on May 30. Or, if you want to take it a step further, and work on the project that you've been thinking about, join us in Fall 2013. That date will be set later in the year.

Call 519.746.2555 to register for the May 30/13 Upcycling event. 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Cost is $20.