A Beginner's Guide To Upcycling

What is upcycling? 

Upcycling is a form of recycling where you take a product that you would otherwise normally discard and give it a new use or lease of life.  It gives you the freedom to be creative and to find a new use for items in your home that you would normally recycle or throw into landfill.  The great thing about upcycling, is that not only is it sustainable and cost effective, but everyone in your household can join in.    

Upcycling: Where do I start? 

Every time you go to throw something away, ask yourself is the product something you can reuse for other purposes?  An old sock could be used as a cleaning cloth or an old jam jar could be used as a vase.  If you use your imagination and creative thinking, there are endless possibilities.  For further inspiration, look on Pinterest and Instagram as they are a haven for upcycling projects to get you started.     

What can I upcycle? 

Literally anything!  Cabinets, chairs, lamps, tables, the list is endless.  Have a look in your attic or ask family members if they have any old hidden gems that could do with an upcycle (just be sure that it isn’t a valuable, family heirloom!) You could also try your local charity shops.  You might be very surprised at the things you will find once you start looking!  

It is always worth searching for upcycles that cost little to no money to transform.  If it it doesn’t turn out how you imagined, at least then, it won't be a huge disappointment and you’re not out of pocket as a result.  On the plus side, it’s a huge win when you do create something special.  There are also some great upcycle finds on:   

• Facebook Marketplace 
• Gumtree 
• Shpock   

How do I ensure that I do a good job? 

The key to having a successful upcycling project is preparation, don’t rush it.  Think about the end result by having a step-by-step guide on how to achieve it.  Here are some quick tips if you wish to upcycle a piece of furniture:   

1. Sand and clean the furniture.  If you are wanting to paint your furniture, it’s best to have it cleaned and sanded so the new paint will stick to it properly.  You want to avoid any lumps and bumps! 
2. Follow the instructions on the paint you purchase.  Make sure you use enough layers of paint.  Most importantly, be patient and let it dry properly. 
3. Lastly, once you are happy with how it has turned out, add some varnish.  Varnish is great for not only protecting your furniture, but it will also give it a professional finish.  You can now sit back, relax and marvel at your handiwork!   

Finally, don’t be afraid to get started and have fun!  Making mistakes along the way is all part of the upcycling journey. Take risks and try something new as you might be pleasantly surprised with the outcome.  As the saying goes ‘practice makes perfect’.  However, sometimes depending on the piece you’re creating, you won’t want perfection as it’s the ‘imperfections’ that will add character and beauty to your creation. 

If anyone has created any upcycling pieces, we would love to hear from you.  Please send your pictures to GoGreen@serc.ac.uk 

Don’t throw away, upcycle for another day!