Do you have clothes that you don't wear any more and that are sitting in the back of your closet? Items you no longer need and don't know what to do with? Have you heard ofupcycling, the practice that givesyour stuffa second life? Thebasic principle isto make new things out of old. Easy to say... But how do you actually go about it?Upcycling at homeisn't rocket science. Here are some tips and ideas to help youtransform your old items into new ones. Whether it's for fashion or home decoration, you'll be able togive new life to your clothes and everyday objects!
Fashion: upcycling by giving your clothes and jewelry a second life
Bringing things up to date
Your dressing room is overflowing with treasures you may not even realize are there. That's right, in the mass of dresses and pants hanging on your hangers and the pile of T-shirts in your closet, there are clothes just waiting to be given a new lease of life. Like Cinderella, from rags to ball gowns, all it takes is a wave of the magic wand, or rather a quick snip of the scissors.
Don't worry, you don't have to be a master seamstress to transform an old sweater or an old-fashioned skirt. Upcycling at home is a no-brainer! Here are a few examples to inspire you.
You love that little top, but the collar is stained... How about cutting out the neckline to create a large V-neckline in front and back?
You bought a pair of wool tights a few years ago, but you're not wearing them and they're cluttering up your drawer? Cut off the crotch and toe and you'll have a trendy crop top in less than 2 minutes. Add a ribbon or lace at the waist for a touch of color to complete the look.
What about that dress you loved so much a few years ago, but which is now totally out of fashion? Tobringitup to date, you can create a thigh-high slit and shorten it a little. And check your closet for a pretty belt to dress it up and cinch it down.
On the other hand, there's nothing you can do about that T-shirt. It's beyond repair! So all you have to do is cut it up into pieces. The most damaged ones can be used as rags. That way, you won't have to buy cleaning cloths or use paper towels. Zero waste spirit! As for the prettiest ones, make them into scrunchies. This fashion accessory is very trendy right now. Don't be afraid to make them in any color to match your outfit.
And what to do with those pendants you no longer feel like wearing on a necklace? Put them in your hoop earrings, and they'll give your earrings a new look. And don't forget to look after your jewelry regularly, to keep it looking as good as new.
Exchange or give away
Despite the simplicity of making your own jewelry, you may not be keen on DIY (Do It Yourself: manual activity aimed at creating or repairing an object yourself). And yet, you've grown tired of wearing certain items of clothing, but you don't want to throw them away. That would be a shame, as they're still in good condition! Have you ever thought of swapping with your friends or colleagues?
Swapping a white shirt for a black skirt, a wool sweater for a pair of tailored pants - the swap concept is all the rage. It allows you to renew your wardrobe without spending money, while saving the planet's natural resources. It's another way ofdeveloping responsible, sustainable fashion.
So why not get in touch with your girlfriends and arrange a date for a clothes swap? Chatting over a snack will also be an opportunity to spend a convivial and pleasant moment...
If you don't find any takers for your clothes at the swap, donate them to associations that will distribute them to people in need. A great solidarity actionthat we support!
If some of your jewelry is broken or damaged, do you know that you can recycle it? Instead of ending up in the garbage can and eventually in nature, they can be used to create new necklaces, bracelets... At aglaïa & co, some of our creations come from recycled silver. And in 2021, an entire collection will be made from 100% recycled silver.
Deco: upcycling at home by diverting an object from its original function
Creating something new from something old, upcycling helps reduce environmental impact by giving an object a second life. Old furniture, for example, can easily be rejuvenated after being sanded and repainted. But upcycling also meansgiving objects a new function. From the simplest to the most sophisticated, from the most classic to the most unusual, when it comes to decorating, there's no shortage of ideas.
Examples of atypical shelving
Upcycling at home can be done in surprising ways. To dress up your walls with originality, have you ever thought of using :
- a skateboard ;
- wooden crates ;
- drawers ;
- cut-out suitcases ;
- a wooden ladder?
And yet, these unlikely elements are worthy of the greatest designers for your interior.
Upcycling ideas for light bulbs
When your light bulbs stop working, remove the interior elements and transform them into decorative objects that will give your apartment a very warm feel.
Invert the bulbs and fill them with pebbles, sand and tiny plants. Attach a small string to the base and hang them from the ceiling, and you've got yourself some wonderful homemade hanging lights. By punching a hole in the base, you can fill the bulbs halfway with water and place a flower inside. Place them on a piece of furniture and they'll transform into eco-friendly vases.
Planning a wedding or christening? They're the perfect substitute for wedding favor boxes.
Or take advantage of the festive season to organize a creative workshop with your children. Decorate your bulbs and turn them into unique Christmas ornaments.
Frame to transform into a jewelry holder
Think your necklaces are too pretty to be locked away in a box? Photo frames make great jewelry displays.
Remove the broken glass and hang a thick cloth over the frame. Attach a few hooks and you're ready to hang your jewels. Depending on your style, you can choose wire mesh, ribbon strips or lace instead of fabric. Rustic or delicate, use your imagination to suit your tastes.
Everyday upcycling, the final word
Every everyday object destined to be thrown away deserves to be asked: can I give it a new life? Perhaps in a different form, with a new purpose, or simply by giving it a modern twist.
Now that you've startedupcycling at home, you're one step closer toresponsible consumption. Don't hesitate to take inspiration from the many ideas that abound on the Internet, and help yourself to online tutorials.
We'd love to see your upcycled creations. So, if you haven't already, follow us onInstagram and tag us (@aglaiaco) on your posts and stories so we can admire your creations and share them again.