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Hunger for Colour: Swap cans of food for Resene testpots and support your community
04 Feb 2025
It’s that time of year again when New Zealanders all over the country will be visiting Resene and donating cans of food in exchange for Resene paint testpots.
Now entering its…
Thrifted to thrilling: Upcycling vases
08 Jan 2025
Give your old vases or op shop finds a fresh new look with this fun and creative DIY project. Upcycling vases is an easy way to add personality and charm…
DIY Tyre Seesaw
26 Sep 2024
Forget the classic tyre swing. Instead try upcycling an old tyre into a fun and unique mini-seesaw that will keep the kids entertained for hours. Using both halves of the…
Picture perfect
25 Sep 2024
Upcycling old picture frames, or painting new ones, to suit your colour scheme is one of the simplest ways to make good use of Resene testpots.
As well as the frame…
When art and upcycling collide
05 Jun 2024
We love seeing old furniture and homewares brought back to life through a bit of upcycling and creativity, and artist Lynda Cree has just the knack for this. Her whimsical…
Keep the kids entertained these holidays!
20 Dec 2023
We’ve got more fun and creative ideas to keep the kids busy these holidays. With bright and vibrant Resene testpot colours there is no limit to what they can create!…
Upcycling furniture with a touch of nature
30 Aug 2023
In the realm of creative innovation, Jess Sayer stands as a shining example of how passion and determination can lead to breath-taking transformations. An artist who specialises in upcycling furniture…
From waste to wonder: The transcendent beauty of Kōwhai Grove art installation
04 Jul 2023
In a remarkable display of creativity and environmental consciousness, artist Bobbie Gray has created a captivating art installation that has taken over the Grey Street Arcade in downtown Tauranga. This…
Make your own ‘egg-cellent’ rainbow mobile
29 Jun 2023
This delightful DIY will add colour and wonder to your child’s room. By upcycling simple egg cartons into a whimsical masterpiece, you can infuse their room with a burst of…
Uncork your creativity with these DIY bottle vases
14 Jun 2023
Welcome to the world of creative upcycling! Transform ordinary wine bottles into stunning decorative pieces with a touch of Resene paint and colour. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or…
Get DIYing with MasterStroke by Resene
17 May 2023
Starting a new project around the house and not sure where to begin? Enter MasterStroke by Resene – the ultimate online destination to help you master your paint and decorating…
A visual safari of creativity: Lucinda Penn’s Adelaide mural
04 Apr 2023
Sitting 10 metres high and 16 metres wide, this vibrant mural painted by artist Lucinda Penn uses bright Resene paint colours that embody creativity and logical thinking coming together –…
Reader roundup: A dazzling front door, upcycling hacks and mindful painting
08 Feb 2023
Our readers have been busy lately and we love sharing what you come up with using Resene paints and products. From daring yellow front doors, to colourful children’s building blocks…
Angela’s refurbished furniture is ‘drawer-ing’ attention
25 Jan 2023
Angela Fell is quick on the ‘drawer’ to spot a good second-hand item that has the bones for something great. With a bit of love and help from Resene paints…
Make your fridge extra personal with a chalkboard finish
11 Jan 2023
DIY your own ‘smart’ fridge with Resene FX Chalkboard Paint.
Introducing Jacob Leaf (Ngāpuhi), aka The Upcycler. With a magpie eye for a stray pallet lying on the side of the…
Kids boredom busters: craft projects to keep littlies entertained
20 Dec 2022
Need some help busting boredom in your home these school holidays? We’ve got you covered! From teddy bear prints to fun spoon puppets and glow-in-the-dark magic, your kids are sure…
Reader roundup: Bright barbiecore and sustainable gifts
17 Nov 2022
habitat readers have been brave and creative this month. In this reader roundup we see our readers trying new techniques with Resene paints and finishes such as colour blocking, going…
Transform an old chair into a cheerful flower planter
02 Nov 2022
Have you got an old chair in your garage just waiting for the perfect upcycling project? Transform an old chair into a planter – perfect for planting flowers like pansies…
The Queenstown artists creating magnificent large scale wooden pieces
11 Aug 2022
It’s hard to take your eyes off the clever designs from Queenstown-based artists Stephen and Kim. Together they run their fulltime business ‘The Cusp’ designing pieces of functional art, finished…
This impressive winning family teeny house features a stained wooden staircase
10 Aug 2022
It was a creative family effort that won Kate Cater and her teenage daughters Anna and Maddie a title in the habitat by Resene Teeny House Competition. As the winner of the…
This impressive winning family teeny house features a wood-stained staircase
03 Aug 2022
It was a creative family effort that won Kate Cater and her teenage daughters Anna and Maddie a title in the habitat by Resene Teeny House Competition. As the winner of the…
Small wonders: Teeny House competition winners revealed!
23 Jun 2022
The winners of the Habitat by Resene Teeny House Competition show that size doesn’t matter when it comes to creativity and style. Decorators young and old entered the competition which…
Reader round up: Mural walls, makeovers and mudcakes
16 Jun 2022
It’s been another month of Resene fans across the country getting their creative juices flowing. There’s no shortage of impressive projects using Resene paints and wallpapers, check them out below.
Flower…
Upcycler Wendy creates funky furniture
16 Jun 2022
Old pieces of furniture are often unrecognisable once Auckland artist Wendy has given them a makeover. Sanded, painted, decked in florals – Wendy is passionate about giving everything from shelves…
Reader round up: renovations, revamps and sweet
24 Feb 2022
Our readers have been renovating up a storm by painting it black, creating creative workshops and finding some sweet inspiration.
Currant affairs
When your French pastry treat matches your front door, surely…
A whale of a tale – public art trail with 80 sculptures opens in Auckland
26 Jan 2022
Jeanine Oxenius and Heike Rzehulek-Schmitt of Byebyelove with their Whale Tale painted in Resene Guru, Resene St Kilda, Resene Surf’s Up, Resene Black and Resene White. This tail is going…
Reader roundup: From intricate dollhouses and little libraries to vibrant hospital murals, our readers are taking creativity to a whole new level
11 Nov 2021
It’s amazing what wonderfully whimsical and astounding things can be created with a simple paintbrush, Resene testpot and dash of imagination. Readers from across the country have been cooking up…
Framed Alive: Artist Kirsty Glasgow is planting and painting the scene
21 Oct 2021
With a handful of succulents in one hand and a paintbrush in the other, Kirsty Glasgow is creating art that lives and breathes. Kirsty’s homegrown succulents thrive inside picture frames,…
Meet Miss Upcycle NZ and her masterful creations
14 Oct 2021
When Kate was eight years old, her parents sat her in front of her an old wooden dresser, gave her a pot of lilac paint and a paintbrush and told…
Upcycling project: Create a colourful geometric coffee table
14 Oct 2021
With the weather outside becoming more cheerful, why not brighten up your interiors as well? This geometric coffee table combines a charming collection of Resene colours with clever design to…
Melanie’s upcycled masterpieces are straight from the top drawer
23 Sep 2021
In the late 90s, craft enthusiast Melanie took a paintbrush to her old childhood lowboy drawers and painted them in vibrant orange and blue. Two decades later the lowboy is…
Our readers are creating everything from colourful cabinets and caravans to entire solar systems
23 Sep 2021
From creative lockdown upcycles to schoolroom projects, this reader roundup sees our readers leading colourful lives with Resene paint. With splashes of Resene Hot Chile, Resene Edward and Resene metallics,…
Celebrate Māori Language Week with vibrant colours from around Aotearoa
16 Sep 2021
Aotearoa New Zealand’s colourful, lush landscapes and fauna are second only to its vibrant culture. It is Māori Language Week this week – the perfect time to embrace te reo…
12 paint and decorating trends to design with now
13 Sep 2021
The ripple effect created by recent challenges has been hugely disruptive for decorating and design trends, given the massive interruption to global supply chains and the cancellation of significant fashion…
Keep yourself busy with these DIY décor ideas for any room
30 Aug 2021
Spend an afternoon crafting and spruce up your home with these fabulous DIY ideas. DIY isn’t just limited to the shed or the kid’s craft table anymore; it’s become a…
Wallpaper personality quiz: Find out your interior style and what it means for your home
11 Aug 2021
The Resene Wallpaper Collection has a wallpaper for any personality. We’ve created the ultimate wallpaper quiz to match your personality to an interior style and range of wallpapers. For more…
Hobby horse: Create these colourful zebra drawers
11 Aug 2021
Change your stripes and create some playful zebra drawers. Upcycling drawers into safari-themed works of art is an awesome way to spend a rainy afternoon. Try creating a horse of…
This Reader Roundup has everything including the colourful kitchen sink
22 Jul 2021
Across the country, our readers are getting creative with colour. This collection of artists, DIYers and serial renovators prove that the sky’s the limit when it comes to working with…
Re-loved: Rescuing pieces of the past
08 Jul 2021
Serial upcycler Sarah has healing hands. Through her business, Re-loved she brings scratched, scarred broken and damaged antique furniture back to life with tenderness and care and Resene paint.
A…
12 School holiday DIY boredom busters
08 Jul 2021
School’s just about out and it’s time to learn a thing or two with these crafty DIY projects. The holidays are a time for spending quality family time together, so…
Terrific transformation: A shoebox project with a twist
03 Jun 2021
The humble shoebox has been transformed into interior inspo with the Resene Dream Room in a Shoebox competition. People around the country dove deep into their cupboards to find old…
Refreshing renovations and radiant recycling: our readers get creative in this reader round up
03 Jun 2021
Creativity is at the fore in this vibrant reader round up. As the weather gets colder, our readers are warming things up outside with spruced up fences and colourful chairs.…
Liven up your kitchen with three courses of colour
13 May 2021
Spice up your kitchen with a splash of colour and a dash of style. Gone are the days when kitchens had to be plain neutrals and whites. Now, Resene’s smorgasbord…
Show your mum some love with this creative candle jar
05 May 2021
This creative candle jar is sure to brighten your mum’s Mother’s Day. Try upcycling a jam jar or use a mason jar for a more vintage look. You can get…
Get crafty this weekend and enter the Resene Upcycling Awards
31 Mar 2021
It’s time to venture into the depths of your shed and transform your old toys, décor, or furniture into works of art. The Resene Upcycling Awards are back for the…
5 purple upcycling ideas to support a good cause and get your home looking grape
24 Mar 2021
With Purple Day approaching on March 26th support a good cause and sprinkle a bit of purple through your home. Run by Epilepsy New Zealand, Purple Day raises awareness of…
Make a pair of colourful glow-in-the-dark shoes
10 Mar 2021
Transform your favourite shoes into fabulous works of art. Use bright blocks of Resene colour and Resene FX Nightlight glow-in-the-dark paint to add some fun to your outfit. This is…
Create your own animal lolly jars
03 Mar 2021
Insert a bit of farmyard fun into the kitchen or kids’ bedroom by creating animal storage jars, perfect for squirreling away lollies, buttons or bits and bobs. These jars also…
DIY: Turn an old school desk into a stylish side table or hallway feature.
04 Feb 2021
Turn an old school desk into a stylish side table or hallway feature.
Back in school you were probably too hard at work (or too naughty) to notice that many old…
Kelly Dingle transforms tired furniture into works of art through her business Kelly’s Road
13 Jan 2021
A new baby, the March 2020 Covid-19 lockdown, a redundancy and a desire for creative outlet were the catalysts for a new upcycling business, Kelly’s Road.
Shortly after the birth of…
Blog: Interior designer Georgia Langridge embraces sustainability with an upcycling furniture project and fence repair
09 Dec 2020
Interior designer Georgia Langridge says it’s time to embrace upcycling. She shares tricks for getting started.
“This year has seen a massive shift towards sustainability across many industries, including interior design. It…
Reader Roundup November 2020 edition: upcycling, art and DIY projects that inspired us this month
26 Nov 2020
With summer just around the corner our readers have kicked into DIY-mode. Here’s just a few of the lovely home and garden projects that have caught our eye this month.
Kerbside…
Jody Boggiani’s upcycled ceramics are seriously chic
14 Oct 2020
Jody Boggiani has an eye for potential. It’s what guides her hobby of upcycling ceramics, and what fuels her love of “turning an unwanted vase into a modern bud vase…
Byebyelove’s upcycled furniture is both beautiful and useful
23 Sep 2020
From a garage in Torbay, Heike Rzehulek-Schmitt and Jeanine Oxenius bring new life to unloved furniture. Known for their artistic hand-drawn designs, their bold use of Resene colours and their…
Enter your creative DIY projects in Resene’s Upcycling Awards
15 Jul 2020
If you’ve got a penchant for upcycling, or maybe are simply keen to try it out, now’s the time to get your creative cap on and give it a go.…
DIY spice containers for a plastic-free pantry
01 Jul 2020
Glass jars are washable, inert, non-absorbent and see-through – making them perfect for storing food. Use waterborne Resene FX Blackboard Paint to turn upcycled jars into handy reusable storage vessels.
You…
Watch our new habitat TV
19 Nov 2014
Habitat tv has now been launched. As part of the www.habitatbyresene.co.nz website and as a dedicated YouTube channel, habitat tv lets you see behind the scenes of our colourful photo…
Clever paints
27 Jul 2015
Resene paints are certainly known for their good looks and high quality. But aside from the startling array of colours and the regular fashion colours fandeck launches, Resene also has…
Read and reclaim
06 Jan 2016
To some, the sight of old furniture and other paraphernalia in an op-shop represents clutter; to others, all they see is inspiration. If you or a friend falls into the…
Sarah shares a passion for upcycling
27 Apr 2016
Stylist, author and upcycler Sarah Heeringa talks about a kinder way to decorate.
Tell us about your current ventures.
Living in an old wooden house with a large (and slightly shambolic) garden means…
Win! Reclaim That: Upcycling Your Home with Style
22 Jun 2016
Winter is the perfect time to stay indoors and tackle the crafty projects you've always wanted to do. What better time, then, to reach for the recently released craft book Reclaim That:…
Candy can for those who can’t
29 Sep 2016
Candace Schrader has an addiction, which has taken over what used to be her husband’s shed – upcycling furniture with Resene paint.
It all began with the birth of her daughter…
Upcycling for Good project
03 Nov 2016
Resene and The Salvation Army have partnered up for the Upcycling for Good project, to show how easily you can transform the secondhand items that can be found at your local…
Reader project: Hollywood heaven
08 Nov 2016
Clever reader Sylvia Dunkley spotted the Upcycling for Good project we featured last week in collaboration with the Salvation Army, and was inspired to share her own Sallies story.
She bought…
From farming to furniture
08 Nov 2016
There are certain factors that can inspire a person’s creativity. Like living in the middle of nowhere with no shops, no cell phone coverage and, until recently, no WiFi access.
When…
DIY: Upcycled stools
08 Dec 2016
The Salvation Army and Resene have partnered up for the Upcycling for Good project, to show how easily you can transform the secondhand items that can be found at your local Salvation Army…
Reader project: alternative Christmas tree
22 Dec 2016
When reader Colleen saw our pallet wood Christmas tree on Facebook, she immediately posted her own DIY tree. Being allergic to real trees, she likes to put up an alternative each…
Before and after: kid's height chart
01 Feb 2017
The Upcycling For Good Project is a collaboration between Resene and The Salvation Army, asking keen DIYers to find pieces from The Salvation Army stores and upcycle them using Resene paint. The latest is this…
Decorate a summer picnic basket
14 Feb 2017
Pack a picnic and enjoy the warm weather in style with a beautifully painted basket like this one. Picked up from the Salvation Army for $12, and decorated by Sarah Herring…
Easy upcycle: a kid's easel
15 Mar 2017
Why settle for a scruffy old blackboard easel when you can have this bright, cheery version, decked out in Resene Colour Me Pink? It's part of the Upcycling For Good Project, a collaboration…
Easy upcycle: 1920s glam side table
22 May 2017
There's treasure to be found in secondhand shops. All this scruffy table needed was a good sanding and brush up with Resene paints to turn it into a fetching 1920s-inspired side table. Sarah Herring…
Easy DIY: distressed vases
11 May 2017
Bring a touch of French country to your home with these pretty distressed vases, made using Resene testpots in soft, nature-inspired colours. Sarah Herring shows us how.
You will need: glass jars,…
Vanessa takes beach chic to new levels
22 Jun 2017
Vanessa Owens, owner of Driftwood Seaside Escapes and a serial renovator uses Resene paints and paint effects to achieve the beach chic look she is after, and for which Driftwood has become known.
Tell…
Easy DIY: smarten up your suitcase
06 Jul 2017
Refresh an old suitcase with a cool new retro look, using Resene paints and products. Sarah Herring shows us how.
You will need:
Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat
Testpots in Resene Dark…
Easy makeover: magazine rack
25 Jul 2017
Transform a plain wicker magazine rack with a modern and colourful update using Resene testpots. Sarah Herring shows us how.
You will need:
Wicker magazine rack
Craft beads and cord
Masking tape
Testpots in Resene Licorice,…
Blog: Preserving your memories
10 Aug 2017
Enjoy your favourite photos every day with these three crafty framing projects, from Good magazine. Styling by Sarah Heeringa.
Hanging photo wall
You need:
Up to 20 square photographs (all 10cm x 10cm)
White card,…
Easy DIY: Rustic photo frames
21 Sep 2017
Second hand shops are filled with old frames that can easily be transformed into functional and on-trend photo boards. Using wallpaper and a Resene testpot, Sarah Herring has created these cool rustic-themed frames perfect for displaying…
Get colourful with crates
09 Nov 2017
Use unexpected patterns and bright colours to update a couple of retro wooden crates. Sarah Herring shows us how.
You will need
Testpots in Resene Sea Green, Resene ASAP, Resene Hopbush and…
DIY Christmas centrepiece
20 Dec 2017
Create a Christmas centrepiece for the table by adding a bit of sparkle to some old baskets. Sarah Herring shows us this quick and easy upcycle.
You will need
Testpot brushes
Resene testpots…
4 easy ways to refurb furniture
01 Feb 2018
Before throwing out old furniture, take a second look... with a bit of sanding here and a coat of Resene paint there, you could give these pieces a whole new…
Deck out drab planters
20 Feb 2018
Sometimes you come across something at a Salvation Army family store that’s just the right shape, but the rest of it is really drab.
As part of the Upcycled for Good…
Turn an unwanted cabinet into a magical kid’s oven
19 Apr 2018
Give new life to this tired old bedside cabinet by converting it into a fun play oven. The kids will have endless hours of fun ‘cooking’ meals for their family…
Bring extra sparkle to kids’ toys
31 May 2018
Wooden toys are sturdy and long lasting – but sometimes they need a coat of Resene paint to make them appealing again. Sarah Herring inspires us with her latest project.
You…
A cane table gets a classy makeover
14 Jun 2018
This old cane table was given a full refurb with on-trend colour and a fun paint technique using Resene testpots. Sarah Herring shows us how to recreate the look.
You will…
Colourful, creative ideas for the school holidays
12 Jul 2018
The kids may be on holiday but doesn’t mean they have to stop learning… in exciting, colourful ways, of course! With a splash of Resene paint, winter days at home…
Jeanine and Heike’s fabulous furniture finds
13 Sep 2018
Byebyelove owners Jeanine Oxenius and Heike Rzehulek-Schmitt are doing their bit to help the environment in creative ways, saying goodbye to waste and hello to upcycling forgotten pieces of furniture…
Colour pops revive second-hand finds
20 Sep 2018
Turn a bland wooden bowl into a fun statement piece, and give a plain vase a confetti-style pattern!
Retro wooden bowl
The combination of a bold colour, Resene Colorwood stain and varnish…
Upcycle DIY: sweet stools and a touchy table
18 Oct 2018
Take an old children’s table and turn it into a fun and tactile sensory board. Then team it with some stools painted to look like donuts!
Sarah Herring shows us how.
For…
Easy DIY: tribal twist storage box
15 Nov 2018
Turn a cardboard lidded hat box into a stylish piece of home décor, with a tribal twist!
You will need:
Testpot brushes
Resene Quick Dry primer sealer undercoat
Craft feathers (from a dollar store…
Sarah’s stylish new book
05 Dec 2018
Upcycling guru Sarah Heeringa has been busy with yet more creative projects, using paint and other materials to turn other people’s unwanted objects into treasures. She shares some of her…
DIY Terrazzo-Effect Plant Pot
24 Jan 2019
Bring a boring old plant pot back to life with this on-trend terrazzo paint effect.
You will need:
Any plant pot (concrete, terracotta or similar)
Sandpaper
Testpot brushes
Small detail brushes
Resene Quick Dry primer undercoat
Resene…
DIY upcycled mail tray
27 Mar 2019
While still perfectly functional, this old mail tray was looking a bit unfashionable. As part of the Upcycling for Good project, Sarah’s aim was not to change its purpose at…
A butler’s table, made better
10 Apr 2019
Update a retro butler’s table with this simple and classic makeover.
You will need:
An old wooden butler’s table
Resene testpot brushes
Resene testpot roller kit
Painter’s masking tape
Sandpaper
Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat
Resene Waterborne…
DIY woven tray wall art
24 Apr 2019
Put your own spin on a current wall art trend by painting designs onto woven plates.
You will need:
Decorative woven cane trays or plates (Sarah found hers at the Salvation Army…
DIY Scrabble tile picture frames
07 May 2019
Repurpose picture frames and a handful of Scrabble tiles from an old or incomplete set to create cute and colourful word art.
You will need:
Old/incomplete set of Scrabble tiles
Wooden photo frames
Testpot…
DIY rocking horse revival
23 May 2019
Take a classic rocking horse and modernise it with colours from the Resene KidzColour collection.
You will need:
Sandpaper
Resene testpot brush
Small artist or detail brushes
Old cloths (suitable for wiping excess stain)
Resene Quick…
DIY vintage sideboard revival
15 May 2019
With a bit of TLC and careful colour choice, old pieces of furniture like this vintage sideboard can easily be revived and renewed.
Although this was a beautiful piece of solid,…
DIY framed ‘Frida’ floral arrangement
12 Jun 2019
Update an old picture frame with bright new paint colour and a creative floral arrangement, inspired by the work and personal style of artist Frida Kahlo.
You will need:
Resene testpots in…
Sylvie’s Kiwi garden pottery goes the extra mile
19 Jun 2019
After graduating from Dunedin’s School of Art at Otago Polytechnic University, artist Sylvie Haines began the search for her artistic voice. After a time experimenting with charcoal and lashes of…
Take your kid’s headboard out of this world
25 Jun 2019
Go to infinity and beyond with a few favourite Resene colours and create this space-themed glow-in-the-dark headboard your little astronaut will love.
You will need:
Sandpaper and/or an electric sander
Testpot brushes
Small artist’s…
DIY board game
24 Jul 2019
School holidays might be over, but when the weather is bad it can be difficult to keep kids stimulated without turning to the TV. Get crafting with your little ones…
Create a customised sanctuary for your furry friend
21 Aug 2019
In honour of International Dog Day, give an old laundry basket new purpose by upcycling it into a cute and quirky bed for the top dog or cat in your…
An op-shop wine rack gets brought into the 21st century
12 Sep 2019
Update a plain old wine rack with on trend colour.
You will need:
Sandpaper
Testpot brushes
Painter’s masking tape and scissors
Resene Quick Dry primer undercoat
Resene Aquaclear Natural
Resene testpots in your choice of colours –…
Refresh a retro coffee table without losing its character
02 Oct 2019
You will need:
Sandpaper or electric sander
Testpot brushes and/or roller
Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat
Painters masking tape (and ruler, pencil, scissors for measuring)
Resene testpots in your choice of colours; Sarah chose…
Look who’s chalking: A guide to Resene chalk paints
16 Oct 2019
Love the look of rustic and antique furniture? Then keep an eye out for Karen Walker Paints Chalk Colour and Wax range, new to the Resene collection of speciality finishes.…
DIY painted herringbone mirror
19 Feb 2020
Upcycling is taking over in a big way – not only keeping the planet happy, but also providing those with an eye for design a way to get crafty and…
Readers’ Round-up: February 2020 Edition
26 Feb 2020
Christine’s handy homemade bag holder
We love hearing about the crafty projects our readers are undertaking at home, and we were particularly impressed by Christine’s nifty bag holder.
Using three recycled Resene…
