Rescued & Upcycled with Sonnet

Sonnet Uhlenbrauck

Welcome to Rescued & Upcycled….I am your host Sonnet Uhlenbrauck of Sonnet’s Garden Blooms…I’m a small business owner, lover of all things DIY, an avid thrifter & upcycler who turned into a content creator.   Through Rescued & Upcycled, I hope to give you a well-rounded space for inspiration, encouragement to create, tips on trying new techniques, give you advice, and overall real talk about owning your own business. 

  1. Episode 83 - Creating Again: This Season of Making

    3D AGO

    Episode 83 - Creating Again: This Season of Making

    In this episode, I’m sharing what this current season of creating looks like for me — not in theory, but in real life. From being an IOD Artisan and working with the newest release, to creating multiple videos on my own channel, thrifting again, styling my booths, and showing up live with more intention, this season feels different in the best way. I talk about how having more space has changed the way I create, why deadlines no longer feel heavy, and how allowing myself time to explore, experiment, and imagine has brought creativity back to the center of my work. I also share what I’m enjoying about WhatNot Wednesdays, collaborating with Tara on Monday lives, and bringing more behind-the-scenes moments into my content. This episode is an honest look at what it feels like to be back in the studio, making again, and letting the process lead. If you love creativity, DIY, thrifting, and seeing how ideas come to life, this episode is for you. Keep rescuing, keep creating, and keep reimagining. See you in the next episode. 💛 Join me weekly as I tell my story and start interviewing other creators to hear theirs as well.  I hope to give you a well-rounded space for inspiration, encouragement to create, tips on trying new techniques, give you advice, and overall real talk about owning your own business.  I'll be uploading a new podcast every Thursday so don't forget to hit that subscribe button and turn on your bell notifications, so you don't miss out on an episode!   I hope you've enjoyed Episode 68 of my podcast and see you next week!  I’m giving YOU more ways to experience the magic of the Makers Box—and I’m launching a brand-new creative community too! Makers Creative Community, where you’ll find: • Monthly DIY challenges • Live styling sessions • Quarterly Zoom projects • Early access...VIP perks & behind-the-scenes peeks • A space to connect, create, and grow with fellow makers You’ll now have three new ways to join in: • Makers Box: Paper Lovers – for those who adore vintage-inspired decoupage & rice papers • Makers Box: Paint Lovers – for the DIYers who live for curated paint collections • Makers Box: Digital Press – for printable lovers who want instant access to my exclusive designs And for those who want the FULL creative experience—the original Makers Box still delivers it all: • 2 Exclusive Roycycled decoupage papers • 2 Exclusive The Painted Photographer rice papers • 2 DIY Paints • 2 Fusion Mineral Paints • 1 Sweet Pickins Milk Paint • 1 specialty decoupage napkin • 5 Exclusive printable digital downloads All curated and coordinated with love. No matter how you craft, there’s a perfect place

    25 min
  2. Episode 82: From Survival Mode to Reclaiming My Joy

    FEB 5

    Episode 82: From Survival Mode to Reclaiming My Joy

    After stepping away from the mic for a season, I’m sharing an honest reflection on where I’ve been and what this past year taught me about burnout, survival mode, and losing touch with the joy that originally led me here. In this episode, I open up about a powerful wake-up call from my mom that made me realize I was doing everything required to run my business — but not enough of the things I truly love. We’ll talk about being reactive instead of proactive, the freedom that comes from asking for help, and how making space for creativity changed everything. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed, or disconnected from the parts of your life that light you up, this episode is for you. Keep rescuing, keep creating, and keep reimagining. See you in the next episode. 💛 Join me weekly as I tell my story and start interviewing other creators to hear theirs as well.  I hope to give you a well-rounded space for inspiration, encouragement to create, tips on trying new techniques, give you advice, and overall real talk about owning your own business.  I'll be uploading a new podcast every Thursday so don't forget to hit that subscribe button and turn on your bell notifications, so you don't miss out on an episode!   I hope you've enjoyed Episode 68 of my podcast and see you next week!  I’m giving YOU more ways to experience the magic of the Makers Box—and I’m launching a brand-new creative community too! Makers Creative Community, where you’ll find: • Monthly DIY challenges • Live styling sessions • Quarterly Zoom projects • Early access...VIP perks & behind-the-scenes peeks • A space to connect, create, and grow with fellow makers You’ll now have three new ways to join in: • Makers Box: Paper Lovers – for those who adore vintage-inspired decoupage & rice papers • Makers Box: Paint Lovers – for the DIYers who live for curated paint collections • Makers Box: Digital Press – for printable lovers who want instant access to my exclusive designs And for those who want the FULL creative experience—the original Makers Box still delivers it all: • 2 Exclusive Roycycled decoupage papers • 2 Exclusive The Painted Photographer rice papers • 2 DIY Paints • 2 Fusion Mineral Paints • 1 Sweet Pickins Milk Paint • 1 specialty decoupage napkin • 5 Exclusive printable digital downloads All curated and coordinated with love. No matter how you craft, there’s a perfect place

    25 min
  3. Episode 81 - Decluttering My Creative Chaos: 12 Days, 600 Items, and a Fresh Start

    11/21/2025

    Episode 81 - Decluttering My Creative Chaos: 12 Days, 600 Items, and a Fresh Start

    Today I’m sharing a very real, very behind-the-scenes episode of Rescued & Upcycled — the story of reclaiming my creative space. After years of collecting thrifted treasures for future projects, my garage became so full I couldn’t even see the floor. During my 12 Days of WhatNot, I pulled out 100 items a day and sold over 600 pieces… yet the garage was still overflowing. That’s when I realized this journey wasn’t just about decluttering — it was about rediscovering my creativity. In this episode, I’m talking about: ✨ How clutter was crowding out my inspiration ✨ The forgotten treasures that re-inspired new projects ✨ Why I’m letting go of pieces even when they could sell for more ✨ The start of my new weekly WhatNot Wednesdays (101 items every week!) ✨ And what it means to reclaim your space — physically and creatively If your creative space feels overwhelming or heavy, this episode will speak right to you. Sometimes the most creative thing we can do is make room for what’s next. Keep rescuing, keep creating, and keep reimagining. See you in the next episode. 💛 Join me weekly as I tell my story and start interviewing other creators to hear theirs as well.  I hope to give you a well-rounded space for inspiration, encouragement to create, tips on trying new techniques, give you advice, and overall real talk about owning your own business.  I'll be uploading a new podcast every Thursday so don't forget to hit that subscribe button and turn on your bell notifications, so you don't miss out on an episode!   I hope you've enjoyed Episode 68 of my podcast and see you next week!  I’m giving YOU more ways to experience the magic of the Makers Box—and I’m launching a brand-new creative community too! Makers Creative Community, where you’ll find: • Monthly DIY challenges • Live styling sessions • Quarterly Zoom projects • Early access...VIP perks & behind-the-scenes peeks • A space to connect, create, and grow with fellow makers You’ll now have three new ways to join in: • Makers Box: Paper Lovers – for those who adore vintage-inspired decoupage & rice papers • Makers Box: Paint Lovers – for the DIYers who live for curated paint collections • Makers Box: Digital Press – for printable lovers who want instant access to my exclusive designs And for those who want the FULL creative experience—the original Makers Box still delivers it all: • 2 Exclusive Roycycled decoupage papers • 2 Exclusive The Painted Photographer rice papers • 2 DIY Paints • 2 Fusion Mineral Paints • 1 Sweet Pickins Milk Paint • 1 specialty decoupage napkin • 5 Exclusive printable digital downloads All curated and coordinated with love. No matter how you craft, there’s a perfect place

    25 min
  4. Episode 80 - What Stops Your Scroll: How One Chair Inspired 17 Creators

    11/06/2025

    Episode 80 - What Stops Your Scroll: How One Chair Inspired 17 Creators

    Have you ever been scrolling Pinterest and stopped mid-scroll because something about an image just pulled you in? That’s exactly where this episode begins. In today’s Rescued & Upcycled, Sonnet shares how her creative membership group uses “Stop the Scroll” sessions to study what makes a vignette truly captivating — from color and composition to texture and storytelling. She then takes you behind the scenes of their latest community challenge, Deck the Chairs, inspired by a stunning holiday photo from Country Sampler Farmhouse Style Magazine. What began as a simple styling exercise turned into a full-blown collaboration featuring 17 creators, each reimagining the same vignette through their own creative lens. Listen as Sonnet breaks down what makes a perfect vignette, shares how this challenge came together, and invites you to join in by creating your own Deck the Chair vignette at home. 🎄 Watch the full YouTube playlist to see all 17 transformations, and don’t forget to tag @sonnetsgardenblooms when you share yours! Deck the Chairs Playlist Join me weekly as I tell my story and start interviewing other creators to hear theirs as well.  I hope to give you a well-rounded space for inspiration, encouragement to create, tips on trying new techniques, give you advice, and overall real talk about owning your own business.  I'll be uploading a new podcast every Thursday so don't forget to hit that subscribe button and turn on your bell notifications, so you don't miss out on an episode!   I hope you've enjoyed Episode 68 of my podcast and see you next week!  I’m giving YOU more ways to experience the magic of the Makers Box—and I’m launching a brand-new creative community too! Makers Creative Community, where you’ll find: • Monthly DIY challenges • Live styling sessions • Quarterly Zoom projects • Early access...VIP perks & behind-the-scenes peeks • A space to connect, create, and grow with fellow makers You’ll now have three new ways to join in: • Makers Box: Paper Lovers – for those who adore vintage-inspired decoupage & rice papers • Makers Box: Paint Lovers – for the DIYers who live for curated paint collections • Makers Box: Digital Press – for printable lovers who want instant access to my exclusive designs And for those who want the FULL creative experience—the original Makers Box still delivers it all: • 2 Exclusive Roycycled decoupage papers • 2 Exclusive The Painted Photographer rice papers • 2 DIY Paints • 2 Fusion Mineral Paints • 1 Sweet Pickins Milk Paint • 1 specialty decoupage napkin • 5 Exclusive printable digital downloads All curated and coordinated with love. No matter how you craft, there’s a perfect place

    20 min
  5. Episode 79 - 6 Creatives, 3 Days, Endless Inspiration | Vintage Soul Creative Retreat Highlights

    10/30/2025

    Episode 79 - 6 Creatives, 3 Days, Endless Inspiration | Vintage Soul Creative Retreat Highlights

    Step inside three unforgettable days of creativity, community, and inspiration at the Vintage Soul Creative Retreat 2025! From October 2nd–4th, six amazing creatives gathered at the 10th Frame in Appleton, Wisconsin — and together, we created, laughed, and connected through paint, paper, and passion. In this video, I’m taking you behind the scenes for a full recap of every project, every teacher, and every magical moment that made this year’s retreat so special. Featuring: Sally from Iron Orchid Designs (IOD) – Paint inlays, molds & stamping magic Sasha from Sweet Pickin’s Milk Paint – The beauty of unpredictable milk paint Connie from The Painted Photographer – Painting sunflowers & custom decoupage papers Tara from The Reclaimed Ranch – Mastering the art of blending Christina from The Turned Leg – DIY waxes & vintage tree projects Sonnet from Sonnet’s Garden Blooms (that’s me!) – Gelli pad printing & custom canvas bags NEW for Next Year! Tickets are officially available for the 2026 Vintage Soul Creative Retreat, and the early-bird rate is open through May 1st! I’m beyond excited to announce that Jonathan Mark Mendez from The Painted Love and Susie from Susie on the Farm will be part of the creative lineup — with more names to come soon! Grab your early-bird ticket before prices go up ➡️ 2026 Tickets PLUS — A New Creative Collaboration! My Maker’s Creative Community is teaming up for an exciting project inspired by a photo from the 2022 Holiday Edition of Country Sampler Magazine. Each of us is recreating that beautiful chair inspiration in our own unique style — and the videos start rolling out this Sunday! Join me weekly as I tell my story and start interviewing other creators to hear theirs as well.  I hope to give you a well-rounded space for inspiration, encouragement to create, tips on trying new techniques, give you advice, and overall real talk about owning your own business.  I'll be uploading a new podcast every Thursday so don't forget to hit that subscribe button and turn on your bell notifications, so you don't miss out on an episode!   I hope you've enjoyed Episode 68 of my podcast and see you next week!  I’m giving YOU more ways to experience the magic of the Makers Box—and I’m launching a brand-new creative community too! Makers Creative Community, where you’ll find: • Monthly DIY challenges • Live styling sessions • Quarterly Zoom projects • Early access...VIP perks & behind-the-scenes peeks • A space to connect, create, and grow with fellow makers You’ll now have three new ways to join in: • Makers Box: Paper Lovers – for those who adore vintage-inspired decoupage & rice papers • Makers Box: Paint Lovers – for the DIYers who live for curated paint collections • Makers Box: Digital Press – for printable lovers who want instant access to my exclusive designs And for those who want the FULL creative experience—the original Makers Box still delivers it all: • 2 Exclusive Roycycled decoupage papers • 2 Exclusive The Painted Photographer rice papers • 2 DIY Paints • 2 Fusion Mineral Paints • 1 Sweet Pickins Milk Paint • 1 specialty decoupage napkin • 5 Exclusive printable digital downloads All curated and coordinated with love. No matter how you craft, there’s a perfect plac

    31 min
  6. Episode 78 - What’s in My Toolbox: 10 Must-Have Tools I Can’t DIY Without

    10/23/2025

    Episode 78 - What’s in My Toolbox: 10 Must-Have Tools I Can’t DIY Without

    If you’ve ever felt like a project would be so much easier if you just had the right tools — this episode is for you. Today, I’m opening up my toolbox and sharing the top 10 tools I can’t live without in my DIY and upcycling projects. From my trusty Dewalt sander and brad nailer to the jigsaw that lets me cut creative shapes, these are the workhorses that make every build, flip, and furniture rescue smoother and more enjoyable. I’m also spilling my secrets on the unsung heroes — like the inexpensive thumb sander, the green scrubbing pads I swear by, and even the humble putty knife — plus a few bonus essentials like Titebond wood glue and the brushes I grab from Walmart. Whether you’re just starting to build your DIY toolkit or looking to level up your maker space, this episode will inspire you to create with confidence and make every project a little easier (and a lot more fun). In this episode, you’ll learn: • The 10 tools I reach for on every project • Which power tools are worth investing in (and why) • The inexpensive essentials that make a big difference • How the right tools can spark more creativity and better results Join me weekly as I tell my story and start interviewing other creators to hear theirs as well.  I hope to give you a well-rounded space for inspiration, encouragement to create, tips on trying new techniques, give you advice, and overall real talk about owning your own business.  I'll be uploading a new podcast every Thursday so don't forget to hit that subscribe button and turn on your bell notifications, so you don't miss out on an episode!   I hope you've enjoyed Episode 68 of my podcast and see you next week!  I’m giving YOU more ways to experience the magic of the Makers Box—and I’m launching a brand-new creative community too! Makers Creative Community, where you’ll find: • Monthly DIY challenges • Live styling sessions • Quarterly Zoom projects • Early access...VIP perks & behind-the-scenes peeks • A space to connect, create, and grow with fellow makers You’ll now have three new ways to join in: • Makers Box: Paper Lovers – for those who adore vintage-inspired decoupage & rice papers • Makers Box: Paint Lovers – for the DIYers who live for curated paint collections • Makers Box: Digital Press – for printable lovers who want instant access to my exclusive designs And for those who want the FULL creative experience—the original Makers Box still delivers it all: • 2 Exclusive Roycycled decoupage papers • 2 Exclusive The Painted Photographer rice papers • 2 DIY Paints • 2 Fusion Mineral Paints • 1 Sweet Pickins Milk Paint • 1 specialty decoupage napkin • 5 Exclusive printable digital downloads All curated and coordinated with love. No matter how you craft, there’s a perfect place for you here...want more details: Makers Studio You can follow me on all the other socials and find so much more content!! Join me in all the places: YouTubeFacebookInstagramPinterestSonnet's Garden Blooms

    26 min
  7. Episode 77 - Behind the Box: The Story & Holiday Launch of the Maker’s Box

    09/26/2025

    Episode 77 - Behind the Box: The Story & Holiday Launch of the Maker’s Box

    I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how we start our creative projects — and how sometimes, the hardest part isn’t the making… it’s the getting started. You know that feeling: you’re excited to create, but you get stuck trying to find the perfect paint, the right paper, or the pieces that will all work together. And by the time you’ve pulled it all together, the spark is gone. If that sounds familiar, then today’s episode is absolutely for you. Join me weekly as I tell my story and start interviewing other creators to hear theirs as well.  I hope to give you a well-rounded space for inspiration, encouragement to create, tips on trying new techniques, give you advice, and overall real talk about owning your own business.  I'll be uploading a new podcast every Thursday so don't forget to hit that subscribe button and turn on your bell notifications, so you don't miss out on an episode!   I hope you've enjoyed Episode 68 of my podcast and see you next week!  I’m giving YOU more ways to experience the magic of the Makers Box—and I’m launching a brand-new creative community too! Makers Creative Community, where you’ll find: • Monthly DIY challenges • Live styling sessions • Quarterly Zoom projects • Early access...VIP perks & behind-the-scenes peeks • A space to connect, create, and grow with fellow makers You’ll now have three new ways to join in: • Makers Box: Paper Lovers – for those who adore vintage-inspired decoupage & rice papers • Makers Box: Paint Lovers – for the DIYers who live for curated paint collections • Makers Box: Digital Press – for printable lovers who want instant access to my exclusive designs And for those who want the FULL creative experience—the original Makers Box still delivers it all: • 2 Exclusive Roycycled decoupage papers • 2 Exclusive The Painted Photographer rice papers • 2 DIY Paints • 2 Fusion Mineral Paints • 1 Sweet Pickins Milk Paint • 1 specialty decoupage napkin • 5 Exclusive printable digital downloads All curated and coordinated with love. No matter how you craft, there’s a perfect place for you here...want more details: Makers Studio You can follow me on all the other socials and find so much more content!! Join me in all the places: YouTubeFacebookInstagramPinterestSonnet's Garden Blooms WebsiteMakers Box Waitlist

    21 min
  8. Episode 76 - Maker’s Favorites: The DIY Supplies I Reach for Every Time

    09/18/2025

    Episode 76 - Maker’s Favorites: The DIY Supplies I Reach for Every Time

    Every maker has their secret stash of supplies they just can’t live without—and today, I’m opening up my DIY toolbox and sharing mine! From IOD moulds and Fusion Mineral Paint to Roycycled Decoupage papers, Sweet Pickins Milk Paint, and even my own Digital Press prints, I’m breaking down the products that inspire nearly every project I create. I’ll tell you why I love them, how I use them, and share stories (and a few tips!) that might just inspire your next project. Join me weekly as I tell my story and start interviewing other creators to hear theirs as well.  I hope to give you a well-rounded space for inspiration, encouragement to create, tips on trying new techniques, give you advice, and overall real talk about owning your own business.  I'll be uploading a new podcast every Thursday so don't forget to hit that subscribe button and turn on your bell notifications, so you don't miss out on an episode!   I hope you've enjoyed Episode 68 of my podcast and see you next week!  I’m giving YOU more ways to experience the magic of the Makers Box—and I’m launching a brand-new creative community too! Makers Creative Community, where you’ll find: • Monthly DIY challenges • Live styling sessions • Quarterly Zoom projects • Early access...VIP perks & behind-the-scenes peeks • A space to connect, create, and grow with fellow makers You’ll now have three new ways to join in: • Makers Box: Paper Lovers – for those who adore vintage-inspired decoupage & rice papers • Makers Box: Paint Lovers – for the DIYers who live for curated paint collections • Makers Box: Digital Press – for printable lovers who want instant access to my exclusive designs And for those who want the FULL creative experience—the original Makers Box still delivers it all: • 2 Exclusive Roycycled decoupage papers • 2 Exclusive The Painted Photographer rice papers • 2 DIY Paints • 2 Fusion Mineral Paints • 1 Sweet Pickins Milk Paint • 1 specialty decoupage napkin • 5 Exclusive printable digital downloads All curated and coordinated with love. No matter how you craft, there’s a perfect place for you here...want more details: Makers Studio You can follow me on all the other socials and find so much more content!! Join me in all the places: YouTubeFacebookInstagramPinterestSonnet's Garden Blooms WebsiteMakers Box Waitlist

    33 min
4.8
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Welcome to Rescued & Upcycled….I am your host Sonnet Uhlenbrauck of Sonnet’s Garden Blooms…I’m a small business owner, lover of all things DIY, an avid thrifter & upcycler who turned into a content creator.   Through Rescued & Upcycled, I hope to give you a well-rounded space for inspiration, encouragement to create, tips on trying new techniques, give you advice, and overall real talk about owning your own business.