First prize for old into new creation
FURNITURE upcycler Julie Ruddock has won a meal for two after turning shelves into a handy box seat.
Her entry into a competition run by Oban’s Lorn and Oban Re-use Initiative (LORI) impressed artist Liz Gaffney-Whaite who runs the Heartfelt Studio at Dalmally Station and was invited to pick the winner.
Five pieces of furniture donated to LORI for re-use at its Moleigh site were offered up to the first five people up for the challenge.
Julie from Taynuilt chose the wooden shelf unit and with a bit of imagination, woodwork, embellishing skills and old curtains to upholster it – turned it into a chair.
The finished piece will now go on sale at LORI's shop at Moleigh, open 9am until 4pm Mondays to Fridays and from 11am to 4pm on Saturdays.
Julie said: ‘I was surprised to win. Doing this kind of thing is a hobby of mine, so is listening to heavy metal while crocheting!’
She makes memory bears, sells her own handcrafted cards and is currently working on revamping some old mirrors, giving them an organic look, dressing them up with bits of bark.
Julie’s meal for two prize was donated by Loch Melfort Hotel at Arduaine.
Liz Gaffney-Whaite also donated bottles of prosecco to Rhona Larkin who came second and the rest of the upcyclers who took part – Rolinke Bremer, Stephanie Summers and Heather Maclean – in recognition of their hard work and creativity.