|
This new project of mine explores the art of upcycling, giving new life to objects through a mindful and sustainable approach. I've been carefully sourcing bits and bobs from charity shops and car boot sales for a while now, and I just love that each piece comes with its own history and character. Once collected, I've been letting them sit in my garage till the inspiration strikes me and then I get to transforming them! I'm loving investing my time and creativity into redesigning, repainting, and repurposing them. For me, this process is much more than a craft, it's a mindful practice that really helps me manage anxiety, focus my thoughts, and engage in a real calming, therapeutic activity.
I feel like shopping for these items, and finding the materials to upcycle them in little scrap stores, is part of the journey. Because of my job I tend to spend a lot of my time visiting many different towns around the country, so I make a point of browsing their charity shops for hidden treasures. I really find that this is not only a practical way to find interesting bits, but also is a great thing to do before a show to help reduce stress, turning what could be idle time into meaningful,restorative moments. |
Now that I've got a good amount of finished gorgeous pieces under my belt, I think I've really hit my stride with the whole thing and feel confident enough to sell them! Friends have been nagging me for a while so I thought, "Why not?" So that's exactly what I'm doing, with a portion of the profits donated back to charity of course! This, for me, ensures that the impact is continuous: the charity benefits from the initial sale, and again when a portion of the profits returns. Meanwhile, the items themselves are given a second life, preventing them from ending up in landfill and contributing to a more sustainable, eco-conscious cycle!
Mindfulness isn’t only found in seated meditation with closed eyes and crossed legs. It can also live in the gentle rhythm of crafting. Slowing down, focusing, and creating with intention. Working with your hands is a deeply mindful practice, a wonderful way to begin a mindfulness journey or deepen an existing one.
For me, long meditation sittings have always been a challenge. But upcycling and creative crafting have become my way in — a calming, focused practise that helps me quiet my mind while bringing new life to forgotten things.
For me, long meditation sittings have always been a challenge. But upcycling and creative crafting have become my way in — a calming, focused practise that helps me quiet my mind while bringing new life to forgotten things.
|
|
I'm now so pleased to be introducing a few carefully selected artists to join me in this venture. To work and sell under the Upgrade Your Day banner, and its been a joyful experience!
Through this process, I think I've managed to combine creativity, mindfulness, as well as a bit of social responsibility. With each piece telling a story. Not just of the object itself, but of the care, attention, and intention that I've put into its transformation. Hopefully, buyers are not only acquiring a unique, hand finished item, but are also supporting charitable causes and the broader mission of reducing waste.
Through this process, I think I've managed to combine creativity, mindfulness, as well as a bit of social responsibility. With each piece telling a story. Not just of the object itself, but of the care, attention, and intention that I've put into its transformation. Hopefully, buyers are not only acquiring a unique, hand finished item, but are also supporting charitable causes and the broader mission of reducing waste.
|
The Upgrade Your Day Home Collection available now from Craft Coop Windsor
|
