Upcycling is a wonderful way to give pre-loved items a whole new personality. There’s no end to the possibilities of what they can become. If you’re wondering how you can get started with upcycling, we have some tips and tricks to help you.
Where To Find Items To Upcycle
There are a few places that you can find items to upcycle. Charity and second-hand shops can be filled with options. You could also check out your local car boot sales and Facebook Marketplace. Sites like eBay might also have just the thing you’re looking for. Check out groups where items may be listed for free as well. However, the very first place you can check is your own home. Many different items can be upcycled to give them a new lease on life.
The Best Items To Upcycle
Shoes
Customised shoes are one of the best and most fun upcycled items. You can paint on popular characters or themes, or glue on rhinestones and crystals.
Furniture
Restoring or upcycling furniture has been a popular hobby for several years. Refinishing or completely repainting furniture can add value, and make a piece really shine. Recovering fabric is also simple enough and can make furniture stand out.
Silverware
Old silverware can be completely transformed. There are many different ideas from jewellery to wind chimes and garden ornaments. Upcycling silverware means that you can really let your imagination run wild.
Musical Instruments
Old musical instruments can be turned into unique home decor. Art, furniture and plant pots are all possible from an old musical instrument.
Clothing
There’s a wide range of possibilities when it comes to upcycling clothing. You could turn a shirt into a skirt, or any other possibility you can think of. You can completely change the purpose of the item, or you can customise it by adding rhinestones, ribbons, fabric paint, or anything else to suit your style. Another option for upcycling clothing is to turn it into something else entirely. Think about how you could turn your old jeans into pillows, handbags, coasters, placemats – if you can think of it, it could be done.
Tips For Upcycling
- Preparation and planning are key when it comes to upcycling. It’s good to ensure you have the right tools and equipment for your project. Also, make sure the item has been cleaned and dried before you begin.
- Don’t limit your imagination. Let it run wild. Upcycling doesn’t just mean repainting an item, you can completely re-purpose items as well.
- Sometimes, you may want to match your upcycle design to the era that the item is originally from. Some items look their best when they have authenticity.
- Invest in quality tools. Good brushes for painting and quality power tools can make all the difference to both the time you have need to put in, and the finished look of the item itself.
- Have fun. Upcycling can be a great creative outlet for you, so have fun with it.
