What if the most stylish thing you bought this month… wasn’t actually new?
As Australians continue to feel the pinch of rising living costs while becoming increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of overconsumption, a new initiative is encouraging us to rethink the way we shop. Instead of heading straight for the checkout of a big-box retailer, DIY July is inviting us to wander the aisles of our local Salvos Stores and imagine what could be.
Launched by Cricut and Salvos Stores, the month-long DIY July Edit celebrates the art of giving preloved treasures a second life. Whether you transform a dated side table into a statement piece, turn an old frame into personalised wedding decor or reinvent vintage glassware as thoughtful gifts, the campaign champions one simple idea: creativity can be one of the most sustainable things we own.
It’s a timely message. Australia has quietly become the world’s biggest consumer of textiles per person, with the average Australian purchasing around 56 new clothing items every year. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of kilograms of textiles are discarded daily, while tens of thousands of tonnes of furniture head to landfill each year. The result is a growing waste problem that experts say simply isn’t sustainable.
But rather than focusing on guilt, DIY July offers something far more empowering: inspiration.
Throughout July, Australian creators will showcase how they’ve transformed donated furniture, fashion and homewares sourced from Salvos Stores into beautiful, personalised pieces using Cricut cutting machines and a healthy dose of imagination. Their projects span everything from children’s bedrooms and renter-friendly home styling to weddings, keepsakes and custom gifts.
One particularly charming trend is giving vintage paintings a new purpose as wedding welcome signs. After the celebration, the personalised vinyl can be removed, allowing the artwork to become wall décor once again or even be donated back to Salvos Stores for someone else to discover.
It’s a lovely reminder that sustainability doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. In many cases, it simply means looking at something old through fresh eyes.
There’s also a financial upside. A quality timber cabinet, unique vase or solid dining chair from a Salvos Store often costs a fraction of buying new. Add a little paint, vinyl, fabric or creative flair and you’ve created something that’s completely your own – without the premium price tag.
Better still, every purchase from Salvos Stores helps fund the community work of The Salvation Army, supporting programs that strengthen families, tackle homelessness and provide assistance to Australians doing it tough.
Joining DIY July couldn’t be easier. Visit your local Salvos Stores, choose a preloved item that catches your eye, give it your own creative makeover and share the transformation online using #DIYJulyEdit. Throughout the month, Cricut and Salvos Stores will also be sharing tutorials, styling ideas and inspiration to help beginners and seasoned DIYers alike discover just how rewarding upcycling can be.
At a time when many of us are trying to spend less while living more thoughtfully, DIY July feels like a gentle reminder that the most meaningful pieces in our homes often aren’t the newest ones – they’re the ones with a story. And sometimes, all they need is a second chance.
To celebrate the launch of the DIY July Edit, Cricut and Salvos Stores are also giving one lucky DIY lover the chance to win the ultimate upcycling prize pack, including a Cricut Maker 4 with a Tool and Material Bundle, plus a $250 Salvos Stores Gift Card. To enter, simply visit your local Salvos Stores, find a preloved item to transform, and share your creative makeover on social media by tagging @cricut_anz and @salvosstores. The competition closes at 11:59pm AEST on 31 July, with T&Cs applying.
