Samantha Gleisten knows where to prospect for the best stuff in junk shops, thrift stores, salvage yards and alleys, and how to work with it creatively. Why? Read on.Samantha's mother shopped almost exclusively at thrift stores, so Samantha began learning about creative re-use at a very early age. Today, junky-to-funky transformations are Samantha's hobby and her passion. She's made a "luggage loveseat" for her living room out of four vintage suitcases, turned the grill from a 1961 Rambler into a headboard for her bed, and even warmed 78rpm records in the oven and molded them into the popcorn bowls she uses for snacks!
Samantha earned her BFA in theatre at the University of Colorado while holding down a job in the college scene shop. She was a technical assistant who taught underclassmen how to use tools and create scenic elements. In the process, she helped build 25 sets, and became skilled in construction, power tools, carpentry, painting, and even welding.
Samantha has appeared in many Chicago theater productions. She is now a company member of The Hypocrites, Barrel of Monkeys and Wavelength, Inc, well-respected small theater companies with whom she acts, teaches, constructs and strikes sets.
Catch Samantha's insightful ideas on DIY Network's From Junky to Funky!
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