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 masterpieces transform the mundane into the magical with the help of Resene paints. 

Lynda’s unique decoupage style infuses everyday items with new life, splashes of colour and intricate details. “I am not a lover of plain, the more colour and stripes and stencils and pretty paper, the more I love it,” Lynda says.

Left: Lynda’s mermaid ‘Siren’ vase, which is also a tattoo, is painted with Resene FX Metallic tinted to ReseneAluminium, ReseneAllusive and Resene Bedrock to create a moody vibe. Right: Lynda used a base of Resene Black White, Resene Thorndon Cream and Resene Double Dutch White for her pots and vases, with a mix of bright Resene shades.  

Left: These Japanese-inspired drawers have a base of Resene Indian Ink, with a mix of Resene Black White and subtle shades mixed to create the perfect tones. Right: The captivating dragon cabinet is painted in Resene Mocha and other Resene shades mixed by Lynda to fulfil her vision.  

Her work is a testament to this, characterised by a kaleidoscope of colours, patterns and textures. She employs materials such as wallpaper, napkins, decoupage papers, paint and glue to create her pieces. The result is a collection of vibrant, intricate works where her imagination truly runs wild. 

Lynda’s journey began four years ago as a hobby while she was a carer for her mother. Seeking a creative outlet during restful moments, she found herself increasingly drawn to the art of repurposing. Inspired by TV programs like Money for Nothing and artists such as Sarah Moore and Jay Blades, her hobby soon blossomed into a full-fledged passion. 

Lynda finds it hard to choose just one favourite, she says “the pieces where my imagination runs away with me and I put a lot of detail into are the ones I love the most.” Her fondness for richly detailed, colourful designs is evident in her works, where no two pieces are alike, yet all share her distinctive flair. 

UsingResene Black White, Resene Thorndon Cream and Resene Double Dutch White, Lynda finds the perfect neutral base for her pots and vases, mixing them with a mix of vibrantResenehues.   

Left: This red, artistic cabinet is painted in Resene Poppy, Resene Mexican Red, Resene Jalapeno, Resene Guardsman Red, Resene Havoc, Resene Smashing and Resene Clockwork Orange. Right: Lynda’s mini mannequin is painted in Resene Nero with Resene Road Trip, Resene Haystack, Resene Pavlova and Resene Double Dutch White for the skin. 

Lynda’s creative process is as detailed as her artworks. She begins by selecting a piece to upcycle and then meticulously chooses colours and patterns that will complement the final vision. Resene paints play a crucial role in her process. “I started using Resene because the colour choice is vast and the testpots are very handy for smaller projects like my plant pots,” she says. The convenience and range of Resene paints allow her to experiment and find the perfect hues for each project. 

Lynda’s passion for decoupage is still a great hobby and passion. It is driven by a love for creativity and repurposing rather than commercial ambitions. Her work is a celebration of creativity and the endless possibilities that come with a splash of paint and a dash of imagination. 

To explore more of Lynda Cree’s enchanting work, visit Re-loved Cree-ations.  

Published: 05 Jun 2024