Loop The Lou

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Upcycling discarded items back into circulation. While growing up in South St. Louis in the 1960s, I was not aware that my family was living in poverty.

We always seemed to have all that we needed, and it was not until years later that I realized it was because of the ingenuity and determination of my parents. They built, sewed, or crafted many of the things in our home ~ from cabinets and curtains to creating decor from things that were given to us ~ and dressing us by making most of our clothing. A few times my sisters and I had dresses that were made from the same fabric as set of drapes, due to the generosity of my mother being gifted with a bolt of fabric. Being surrounded by beautiful things that I had witnessed the transformation of has had a great impact on my life. I now live in a world of possibilites. I am not only able to see the possiblity of a found item, I also have a deep seated belief in the possiblity that exists within people. This belief has guided me to a career in working with individuals who are trying to overcome homelessness. To witness their transformations is a privilege and an honor, and every single time one of them moves in to their own home again I am in awe of them, knowing the journey it took to get there. My love of all things renewal, along with my love of crafting is the inspiration for Loop The Lou. With each item sold I share a percentage of the profit with a local non-profit that is doing good work to make The Lou a better place to live. Each time you purchase an item you are helping to support one of these wonderful and worthy efforts. Thank you for interest and support,

Elaine Ellis

28/02/2026

Checking in to update my situation: I am working on a few things for my neighborhood festival in the Fall. After that I might close up shop - I have the great fortune of having too many interests and I need to decide which ones to let go.

19/01/2026

I do not do New Year's resolutions, but I am big on goals, and my ongoing goal is to make use of all the things in my shop which "have potential" before thrifting, dumpster diving, curb fetching, or accepting sincere and generous offers of projects to be. It might take one or two years - but I am excited about the challenge and FINALLY have time for it. First up are a few decorative bird cages I once used for decor, but am now upcycling. I am incorporating paper art, adding poems about birds and birds, of course. It is difficult to see the details in this photo, but the poem hangs in the background and the bird is on a swing. It is not for sale yet, as I am preparing for craft sales. As always, thank you for checking out my page! ❤️

10/12/2025

W**E BAR KAR!~ Upcycled vintage laundry cart (kar) and w**e boxes. Kept original patina on kar to maintain value. Bar top is made from a w**e box bottom and stained to match kar. Boxes are removeable and kar folds up. Holds 12 bottles of w**e total, but w**e racks can be removed to use bottom for liquor bottles or top for cork screw, cocktail napkins, etc. Bonus: Comes with a Loop The Lou "shelfie" with vintage ladies on one side and a w**e list on the back. 28" x 28" doesn't take up a lot of space, but makes a big impact.
Pick up 63139, PayPal or Venmo
$100

02/12/2025

SOLD!
I am trying to get a few small projects finished during these cold days in The Lou. This table was a challenge for a perfectionist like me, and it is priced to sell because of what I see as a few flaws - and by flaws I mean I needed to use a spotlight and magnifying glass to see them. :D It has a decoupaged borrowed art image on top with 4 coats of poly and a wax finish, but I do not suggest using it as a plant stand. Would make a nice end table, night stand, or entry drop table. The copper trim is a hammered metal metallic paint which adds depth and glamour. Measurements: 16" X 16" x 29". $30, Cash, Venmo, or PayPal, pick up in 63139

12/11/2025

I just completed this trunk coffee table for my son. When he became a partner in the renowned St. Liborious Skate Church (Google it, a fascinating story), over ten years ago, he allowed me to rescue it from the basement on my first visit. I began working on it several times, but would get sidetracked by other projects. A few weeks ago when I was going through my inventory of far too many unfinshed projects to finish in my lifetime, he liked the idea of making it a coffee table. And of course with the church having since burned down I welcomed the opportunity to restore it for him, so much more meaning than before.

28/10/2025

I have begun working again on this project I put aside years ago, a rescue from an old church basement. Much more to that story, details to come. It will be a coffee table with gold legs. It includes a lift out tray for the top. Painting the trim is tedious, but also relaxing. :)

10/08/2025

Staying busy making crafts for an event in September, while also working on a few other projects, some of which are for family. Just finished this Hot Wheels themed dresser for my grandson.

27/07/2025

Working on more items for Fall craft sales; using scrap wood blocks and borrowed art, I am making what I am calling "shelfies" :) . I have decoupaged the art to the first batch, each will be painted around the edges and some will have embellishments. The average size is 5 x 5 inches.

13/07/2025

For the last few years I have slowed down with upcycling large pieces of furniture, planning to work mostly on small pieces and craft projects, then taking them to craft shows. I will be making about twenty of these plaques from scrap wood, each unique, each with an embellishment using a variety of elements - such as shown here - a single earring from a pair I loved, an unused upholstery tack, and twigs from my yard. They are topcoated and have hangers. I am enjoying creating these and hope others will enjoy them and want to buy them!

05/07/2025

I have decided to keep the desk! It looks as if it were made for my dining room, which is also the first room when entering my house. It is a perfect companion to my 1940s boho style, and matches the buffet I refinished which was a blonde wood flood rescue. I will use it as a mail/package station and drop off zone. Quite pleased with my decision. ❤️

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