When it comes to upcycling the possibilities are endless. Sometimes it can be as simple as changing some buttons on a coat or handles on a dresser. However, the most daunting task of all is starting. Figuring out how to start upcycling can be difficult, which is why we would like to share some of our insider information.
Why You Should Start Upcycling
There are many reasons why you should start upcycling, but the main reason is it gives old pieces the chance at a new life! Over the past few years upcycling has started to become more and more popular. Whilst we are living in a disposable world, upcycling allows us to prolong pieces lives. Meaning it is great for the planet and if you do it well it can also be healthy for your pockets too. Not only that but if you are bored of some old furniture you can now give it a ‘facelift’. Therefore it is sustainable, cost-effective, and anyone can do it! However, you should really start walking before you can run when it comes to this, so think simple steps first. The best thing is that you are taking steps to make a more sustainable and less disposable world. There really is no limits to how far you can take your upcycling but to start upcycling then we will start with the basics.
What Can You Upcycle?
In all honesty anything! Most people think it is exclusive to furniture but in all honesty you can flip/upcycle a much larger range of items. Most of Preloved’s categories can be upcycled.
- Furniture
- Clothes
- Accessories
- Art
- Even rubbish can become a treasure if it’s the right thing
Where Can You Source Your Items
Before you can upcycle you items then you need to have your items. As we have previously said this could be an item that you already have, which means sourcing it is pretty easy. If that isn’t the case then you need to find somewhere to get your items for upcycling. Offline charity shops are a great place to hit up, aim for the slightly larger shops if you want furniture. To save yourself the miles and lugging round furniture why not get it from Preloved. Our members are selling all the items you could want or need, and you can be the reason they get another life. As we always say second hand does not mean second best.
Plan, Plan, Plan!
Now you have gotten into the mind set to start upcycling planning WHAT you want to do needs to be decided. Some upcycles will be due to necessity, so that will make the planning process easy. However, if you are upcycling as a project or starting a small business then you need to decide what you are doing first. This will make life easier because you’ll be able to research and see how other people tackled it. This also allows you to plan your shop, as you will know what you need to get, preventing going back and to. Just like anything once you’re working through the motions the worst thing to do is stop.
Planning when it comes to tailoring your clothing is important to ensure that it will still fit the person it is for. Then when it comes to furniture make sure that you try and trial out how your items you need or what you are doing.
Let Your Mind Run Free
Imagination truly is key. Painted your dresser yellow and decided you hate it? It’s fine paint over it. Don’t let your own fear hold you back from starting to upcycle. A lot of upcycling jobs are be reversed, and if not just because you don’t like the outcome doesn’t mean someone else won’t. It doesn’t have to be exclusive to just sanding and painting, you could use tiles or simply edit them by changing the shape.
Get The Basics To Start Upcycling
As we said anyone can do upcycling, but we also mentioned that you should walk before you run. So we are keeping this list basic so that you don’t feel overwhelmed. Then when that sudden urge to transform your piece or have a change strikes you can do it.
- Sandpaper/electric sander – helpful for sanding away any rough edges, stripping wood back to prepare it for varnish or paint, or distressing furniture.
- Brushes and paint – a simple lick of paint can transform a piece of furniture quickly and easily.
- Fabric – from reupholstering a beaten up chair to lining drawers, pretty fabrics can add fun and interest to anything.
- Sewing Thread & Needles – this is for making those small edits to your clothes
- Buttons – spice up your outfit by simply changing the buttons or maybe add brooches.
- Masking tape – this is vital to ensure your paint stays within the lines if you’re getting arty, as well as marking out geometric designs.
- Scewdriver and drill – these tools are useful for removing old handles and hinges from a piece, or for attaching your upcycled creations to the walls.