Re-Imagine Day: Upcycling for Fun and Function

What a fantastic buzz filled Brayton Community Centre this past Sunday for our Re-Imagine Day upcycling event! The energy was truly infectious as members of the community came together, eager to celebrate creativity, sustainability, and the simple yet powerful act of giving old items a brand new life.

It was inspiring to witness so many hands-on learners diving into the world of upcycling. From transforming tired textiles to breathing new life into forgotten furniture, the room was alive with innovation and a shared commitment to reducing waste. Attendees weren't just observing; they were actively learning practical skills, swapping tips, and discovering the sheer joy of creating something unique from something old.

The connections made throughout the day were truly heartwarming. We heard from so many attendees who struck up conversations, shared their upcycling visions, and even made new friends over a shared love for making the most of our resources. You could feel the enthusiasm and energy in the room, with many buzzing about their own upcycling projects they were keen to tackle at home – armed with newfound skills and a fresh wave of inspiration!

The day was packed with fantastic demonstrations and activities. Su Morgan led a popular snufflemat making station, where attendees transformed old materials, in this case donated school uniforms, into engaging chew toys for dogs. The completed snufflemats will be donated to local charities, the RSPCA and Guide Dogs for the Blind – a truly wonderful example of upcycling with a purpose.

Our collaborative spirit was evident at the bunting making station, where an old duvet cover set was creatively repurposed into colourful bunting. These vibrant decorations will now have a permanent home at Brayton Community Centre, brightening up the hall for future events.

The jewellery upcycling section drew big crowds, with attendees eagerly learning how to transform pre-loved jewellery and materials sourced from local charity shops into stunning new pieces.

Jolene captivated attendees by demonstrating just how accessible upcycling can be, showing people the simple steps to turn a pallet into a functional footstool. She also showcased ingenious ways to create bug hotels using everyday household items, encouraging a love for nature and resourcefulness.

Rebekah shared her natural crafting talents, guiding participants in creating beautiful hanging baskets from willow and repurposed hanging basket frames. She also led a session on making charming wooden decorations from reclaimed pieces of wood, highlighting the beauty in often-overlooked materials.

Even our youngest attendees (and the young at heart!) got involved at the Mother's Day card upcycling station. All the materials for creating heartfelt cards were bought from the SCRAP store in Selby, demonstrating the fantastic potential of rescued and recycled items.

A huge highlight of the day was the insightful talk from Su Morgan from Tadcrafters, who shared her expertise and passion for tackling textile waste. Her words resonated deeply, sparking thoughtful conversations and further fueling the desire to make more sustainable choices in our everyday lives.

Our talented local demonstrators were a huge part of the day's success. Their passion and willingness to share their skills were met with genuine enthusiasm from attendees, creating a vibrant and collaborative atmosphere. In fact, many of our demonstrators were asking when the next event might be, eager to continue sharing their knowledge and connecting with the community! We believe this unique blend of diverse upcycling disciplines under one roof might even have made Re-Imagine Day the first event of its kind in the country (that we know of).

And it seems the attendees felt the same way! Throughout the afternoon, we were met with enthusiastic requests for another Re-Imagine Day. The feedback was clear: Selby is ready for more opportunities to upcycle, connect, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

A massive thank you to everyone who came along, our incredible demonstrators who generously shared their time and talents, and our inspiring guest speaker, Su Morgan. Your energy and enthusiasm made Re-Imagine Day a resounding success.

Let's keep this upcycling momentum going, Selby! Share your own upcycling projects with us using #OurZeroSelby. We're full of ideas for the future, so stay tuned for more opportunities to get involved in creating a greener, more resourceful community. If you have any questions about the event or Our Zero Selby, please contact Claire at claire@upforyorkshire.org.uk or call 01757 201111.

Please sign up to our Zero Hero talk with Su Morgan on Sustainable Fashion on Tuesday 24th June 6.30-8pm at Portholme Church.