Hello! Please introduce yourself and ReImagined.
My name is Jen Parker and I began ReImagined in 2018 as a simple hobby. In 2022, I began working in art as my full-time job. With ReImagined, I purchase wood that has been salvaged from building demolitions in our local area to use as my base.
Photograph courtesy of ReImagined
Each piece is hand-cut, sanded, and sealed to be weather resistant. Then I move on to priming and painting each piece. Most of the full-size pieces receive fun texture patterns with a paste recipe I made up. Then they get a topcoat, which is sanded so the texture shows through. [Next is] clear sealant with UV protectant, and then the adorning begins. I select salvaged, repurposed, and recycled items that will bring the piece to life. Once completed, they are given a final coat of clear enamel to protect against fading from the sun and the weather. Then, based on personality, each piece is given a name, and is truly unique.
I do my “shopping” at locally owned secondhand stores, salvage yards, metal recycling companies, etc., to keep the monies spent in my own local community, as well as supporting various local charities. I use the neighborhood’s used padded envelopes and pre-used bubble wrap and packing material for all my pieces!
Photograph courtesy of ReImagined
What can you tell us about Skirt Sisters?
Skirt Sisters was born in 2021 as an extension of ReImagined. I take secondhand clothing items that may be unwearable due to stains, tears, etc., and I turn them into cute and comfortable skirts, keeping items from the landfill and helping to combat fast fashion.
What do you love about upcycling?
As our society continues to grow in population, we need to realize that there are finite amounts of many resources. I can take items that may be unusable and turn them into something wonderful, which helps keep more items from our landfills. Why buy new when there is so much out in circulation that can be used?
What types of holiday pieces do you make?
For the holidays, namely Christmas, I make tree ornaments and a few table/shelf and hanging items. I also do custom orders quite often during this time.
Photograph courtesy of ReImagined
Any sustainable or upcycling holiday tips for our readers?
The first step in the cycle would be to reduce the number of materials and items brought into the home. Reduce, reuse, repurpose, then lastly, recycle! Try purchasing ‘experience’ gifts like a trip to the zoo, a spa gift certificate, or an overnight trip somewhere fun, rather than physical items. Shop small, local, and support companies that make the environment a priority. Eliminate wrapping paper. Use reusable bags, old newspapers, or even brown paper bags. Save your ribbons and bows to use the following year or skip them completely. Rather than tossing old Christmas lights and electronics, check where these can be recycled locally.
