Ntehwast old vase you’ve taken to a charity shop could be freshened up, says Gintare
IT’S a common sight when we pop into a charity shop and see old vases, which someone has decided to get of rid of as part of a freshening up of their home, on sale for next to nothing.
Some of these items may remain on the shelves for months gathering dust...but a Burton student has discovered they too can be freshened up.
Gintare Brasaite has been doing a foundation degree in contemporary creative practice (fashion and textiles) at Burton and South Derbyshire College.
As part of her course, she used her creative skills to upcycle old and tired vases.
The sustainability project involved creating everything from secondhand materials, meaning everything from the vases, paint and brushes had to be reused.
Gintare collated her materials from charity shops and donations, and began gaining inspiration for the finished pieces.
After much research, she learnt a technique of mixing paint with baking powder to create the perfect texture and colours.
Gintare said: “It’s amazing to see how we can transform older- looking vases into something modern and new. I would encourage anyone with a passion for creativity to take this course. “You learn so many different things, from silk screen printing to laser cutting, and it helps you choose your specialisms.” Originally from Lithuania, Gintare first came to the college 10 years ago to develop her English-speaking skills with an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) course. Eight years later she returned to try an evening Fashion Construction course, and that was where she discovered her love of all things creative. Gintare plans to return to the college in the next academic year to continue her creative journey by undertaking the BA Hons in Contemporary Creative Practice (Fashion and Textiles) course.
“Her ultimate goal is to set up her own dress-making business.
She said: “I would like to get into making wedding and occasional dresses – being Muslim, it’s not easy to find modest occasional dresses so this is the area I would like to specialise in.”
She added: “My biggest inspiration has been my husband who left his comfortable position as a manager to follow his dreams, changing his career direction completely. “My advice for others who are thinking about studying is that it’s never too late!
“I am in my early 30s with two children and it is amazing to be able to show them that no matter how old you are, it is never too late to learn and follow your dreams.”