Upcycled for you by a celebrity...

If you are a regular reader of the Phonebox magazine, you'll be aware of the 'upcyced' series, which gives different upcycling and recycling ideas each month. While researching some top ideas for you to try at home, we came across upcycling legend, entrepreneur and TV presenter, Max McMurdo. 

Max first become well known in 2007 when he appeared on the BBC2 programme, Dragons Den. His pitch of eco-friendly products saw him receive £50,000 to expand his business. Today, Max designs and creates a variety of upcycled products, with a contemporary and stylish feel while still being eco friendly. Looking at his work, it's inspiring to see how such stylish products can be made out of something old and previously disregarded as rubbish.

There's currently a competition which ends today, where you could get an item of your furniture of your choice transformed by Max himself. Maybe you want to turn a bookcase into a bench, or you've got an old bath that could become a new sofa, the possibilities are endless. Avoid having to get your DIY skills out, and have it done by a professional! For a chance to win, email a photo of the item you want upcycled with your phone number and information about the item by 6pm this evening, to this email address.

Advent Begins!

The countdown is on! It's officially December and the advent calendars are started today! What type of advent calendar do you and your family have, if you have one that is... Is it a cardboard one, an advent candle, or the standard chocolate advent calendar which is probably most popular nowadays. Did you get round to taking some inspiration from the 'upcycled' feature in the Phonebox magazine and make an advent calendar for yourselves to hold a small gift, made out of fabric or toilet roll tubes? We'd love you to share your pictures on our Facebook page if you did!

Whatever type of advent calendar it is, there's something exciting about counting down the days in this way, you really notice how fast time flies when you've got a little door to open each day. 1 day down, 23 more to go (or 24 if you've got one of those rare advent calendars which gives you a door to open on Christmas day!)

Upcycling in Olney

We've been following the recycling and upcycling themes throughout the Phonebox magazine and blog over the last few months. You'll have noticed in the last issue of the Phonebox magazine we featured a unique gift shop on Olney high street; 'Afterglow', which you can read about here or see the image below.

Upcycling is a particularly creative idea, but you don't have to necessarily be arty to upcycle. There's nothing wrong with jumping on the bandwagon a bit and 'borrowing' already existing ideas to create something. With a personal touch and different base product to work with, it's unlikely that these upcycling items will ever be the same as another. These sorts of gifts are becoming increasingly popular, particularly for those wanting to find something quirky or different to give as a gift. These items are so unique that they have a real personal feel to them and make a great gift.

Saturday 19th July is the Olney Vintage Fair in the Church Hall, Church Street, and could be the perfect place to spark an interest in vintage and upcycling. Vintage and worn-out items can be the perfect basis for upcycling, items which are otherwise worn out and needing a bit of tlc can be given a new lease of life and made to feel more contemporary. Why not head over to the vintage fair and see if you can grab a bargain and turn it into something new? If you like to be different in your home furnishings, why not paint up a plain chest of drawers into something more unique, or turn a trunk into a coffee table? The possibilities are endless! If you've got a good creative imagination then great, if not then don't panic, have a google and you'll be sure to find endless ideas online, or visit to Olney's local upcycling shop 'Afterglow' and let the creative work be done for you. Upcycling is a great idea and we want to encourage more of you to be getting creative and saving from throwing things away, get involved!