Upcycling: The process of using waste materials or otherwise obsolete items to create new functional items, saving landfill.

Upcycling is one of my all time favourite things. Ever! Even as a youngster, I was always creating new from old. My specialty was clothing. I used to spend all my weekends fossicking through Op-Shops, looking for little gems to take home and alter into amazing works or wearable art! It’s still a passion, but not something I get much time to indulge these days.

Last year I introduced this concept to the Dabble Art crew and they fell in love with it too. So much so that they begged for a repeat. In our first workshop, we made single tier cake stands from old dinner plates, teacups, mugs and glasses. The results were off the charts and the kids were thrilled with the idea that the uses for this cool creation were unlimited.

For our most recent upcycling workshop, they wanted to make another stand, so this time we went for a double tier. There was a little more tinkering involved this time, as we needed to make sure the top layer was appropriately sized to ensure the bottom layer was fully functional and not hindered in any way by the top layer. Considerations also needed to be made regarding the height of both layers for aesthetics, functionality and balance. The size of the bottom support, the middle support and the top layer plate had to be just right.

I think their finished products were super neat! But you can see for yourself.

xx