Thrifty Mum Turns £15 Marketplace Buy Into Amazing Playhouse For Son On A Budget
- Katie Makinson, 32, bought an old playhouse for £15 on Facebook Marketplace
- She transformed it using Frenchic paint and decorations from the Pound Shop
- Katie says:"I’m glad I’ve saved money as the cost of living is going up a lot!"
We all know how expensive it can be to buy top of the range toys for our kids.
But Katie Makinson, 32, a mum of one and pastry chef from Catterick Garrison, came up with a genius way of giving her son the playhouse of his dreams on a budget.
She bought an old playhouse for £15 on Facebook Marketplace and set about transforming it using Frenchic paint and decorations from the Pound Shop.
Katie told money-saving Facebook group DIY On A Budget UK: "I was recommended by my psychologist to start doing something I could fully throw myself into to help with my anxiety and I chose upcycling.
"I did up the spare room and the units in the lounge as a surprise for my husband before he came back from deployment as well as a toddler bed for my son.
"Then I saw the playhouse on Facebook Marketplace for £15 and decided that would be my next project!
"It was very faded and weather-worn and as we aren’t allowed to decorate the house in married quarters, I have to improvise and accessorise.
"I looked at some inspiration online and got my paint out.
"I used various shades of Frenchic Alfresco paint, and decorations from Yorkshire Trading, Amazon and the Pound Shop.
"While I was doing it, it felt never-ending and it really tested my patience.
“It was quite funny to my husband and son to see me trying to squeeze into the house to paint inside!
"As I already had the paint, it’s hard to estimate a cost but it was less than £100.
"I saved over £100 because to buy new they’re £200 to £300 and that’s for a basic house, whereas he has the only one like it and every time
I look at it I feel proud.
"I’m glad I’ve saved money as the cost of living is going up a lot and I’m not well enough to work at the moment so money is tight.
"Now it's done I am over the moon and it has made me feel really proud of myself, and I’m looking for my next project."
Tom Church, co-founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, comments: “Playhouses can cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds to buy new, so hats off to Katie for saving this one from landfill and transforming it herself for under £100!
“Not only has she saved herself money, but she’s ensured her son has a totally one-of-a-kind, unique playhouse made with love."
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