Upcycling projects to try
THREE DESIGNERS MARK EARTH DAY WITH UPCYCLES GOOD FOR THE PLANET – AND YOUR POCKET.
YOU WILL NEED
An old vintage-style suitcase Four hairpin legs
A piece of plywood for the base of the suitcase
A saw
Screws to attach the legs
TO DO
1. Source an old suitcase from a charity shop or car boot sale – you might even find one forgotten at the back of a family member’s attic. The type of suitcase that has a flat, more box-like shape will be the best to work with here.
2. Mark out on a piece of plywood the shape of the bottom of the suitcase and then cut out the shape you have drawn on the wood with a saw. Fit the piece of wood you’ve cut out into the base of your case. This gives support and something firm to drill the legs into.
3. Source some legs for your suitcase. I like to use hairpin legs as the modern, simple style contrasts nicely with the vintage suitcase. You can get these in my Amazon Warriors On Waste shop on my website, in the upcycling section.
4. Turn the suitcase upside down and in each corner, hold the legs and mark through the screw holes with a pencil to show where you need to drill the holes to secure the legs.
5. Next drill a pilot hole, slightly smaller than your screw, where you made the markings for the legs to go. This will make it easier to fix the screw into place.
6. Above the holes that you have drilled, place the legs and screw them tightly into position using a screwdriver.
7. Turn over and style!
You now have a fabulous upcycled suitcase coffee table to add character and originality to your home. Happy Making.
For more of Lynne’s design work visit lynnelambourne.com or see Instagram @lynnelambourne For more tips on sustainability visit warriorsonwaste.co.uk
LAURA DELLER (inset) has upcycled this chest of drawers twice before. This time she has given it a bang on-trend herringbone update using lollipop sticks. Laura, who is renovating a 1970s fixerupper, says that with this makeover, ‘you can save money, be sustainable and change the look of an old chest of drawers for less than £20’.
YOU WILL NEED
1,000 lollipop sticks (£8.99, Amazon) No More Nails Adhesive (£4.50, B&Q) Lip handles (£4 for two, Ikea) Spirit level
Pencil
Sharp scissors or mitre shears Plenty of patience
TO DO
1. Remove existing drawer handles.
2. Mark a centre line on the drawer front.
3. Add a thin layer of adhesive to each stick and place on the drawer front 45 degrees from the centre line.
4. Alternate positioning sticks either side of the centre line – you get a couple of minutes to reposition the sticks if needed.
5. Use a spirit level on the ends to keep the herringbone lay straight.
6. To lay to the edges, place the lollipop stick, mark with pencil, cut with scissors. Start the next row.
7. Once complete, lay a flat border to edge the drawer front.
8. Use a handheld sander to smooth the edges and drawer front.
9. Add lip handles. I used Ikea Billsbro handles which I sprayed black.
Laura offers an ‘interiors buddy’ consultation service via Zoom for those seeking inspiration or help with their home design, visit Instagram @houseproject_36