The Art of Upcycling: Giving New Life to Old Materials
The Art of Upcycling: Giving New Life to Old Materials
At Blake’s Makes, sustainability is at the heart of everything I do. From the very beginning, I knew that I didn’t want to just make beautiful products—I wanted to create items that not only look great but also contribute to a healthier planet. That's where upcycling comes in. Upcycling is the art of taking items that would otherwise be discarded and giving them a second life. Whether it’s paper, natural materials, or packaging, I embrace the idea of reimagining old materials and turning them into something new and useful. Each piece is a testament to creativity and environmental responsibility.
What Is Upcycling?
Upcycling is about transforming waste into treasure. It’s more than just recycling—it’s about taking something that has already had life and giving it a new, elevated purpose. Instead of contributing to landfills, upcycled materials get a second chance, helping to reduce waste and conserve resources. At Blake’s Makes, I use a variety of upcycled materials in my creations, from paper beads to natural salts, all designed to bring a touch of eco-conscious beauty into your life.
Upcycled Paper Beads: Turning Flyers into Jewellery
One of the most meaningful ways I practice upcycling is through my paper beads, which are carefully crafted from used Marie Curie flyers. These flyers may seem ordinary to some, but to me, they carry significant meaning. My father was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, and the care and support that Marie Curie Hospice in Penarth provided to him and our family during his final days was invaluable. In honour of their compassion and in memory of my dad, I use these flyers to make beautiful, eco-friendly beads.
The process is a labour of love. Each flyer is carefully selected, cut into strips, and hand-rolled into individual beads. The beads are sealed for durability, giving them a smooth, polished finish that makes them perfect for jewellery. I create necklaces, bracelets, and earrings from these beads, and each piece is unique, just like the stories behind them. When you wear or gift one of these pieces, you’re not just wearing jewellery—you’re supporting a cause that holds a special place in my heart, as a percentage of the sale goes directly to Marie Curie.
Every bead represents a piece of my father’s legacy and the kindness of the hospice team. The act of transforming these flyers into something beautiful feels like a small tribute to all the people and families that benefit from the incredible work that Marie Curie does.
Scented Salts: Nature Meets Fragrance
In addition to upcycling paper, I also focus on using natural materials for my scented salts and diffusers. The salts are made from pure, high-quality natural salts and are infused with carefully selected fragrance oils. Whether it’s the calming aroma of lavender or the uplifting scent of citrus, these salts fill your home with an inviting fragrance while staying true to my commitment to using environmentally friendly ingredients.
The packaging for these salts is as eco-conscious as the product itself. The tubs are made from recycled materials, and the salt itself can be disposed of responsibly in your food recycling bin once the fragrance has been used up. It’s a simple yet effective way to reduce waste, and I encourage my customers to embrace this eco-friendly disposal method.
Diffusers: Reusable, Sustainable Scents
Just like the scented salts, my diffusers are designed with sustainability in mind. The glass bottles I use are refillable, meaning you can enjoy your favourite scents without contributing to more plastic waste. When the diffuser oil runs low, simply return the bottle to me for a refill, and I’ll offer you a discount on your next purchase. This not only helps reduce waste but also gives you the opportunity to continue enjoying your favourite fragrances while being environmentally responsible.
As with all of my products, the goal is to create something that’s not only beautiful and functional but also sustainable. By using reusable glass bottles, natural oils, and recyclable packaging, I aim to minimise the environmental impact of every product.
The Power of Packaging
Packaging is a crucial part of any product, and at Blake’s Makes, I take great care to ensure that every item is wrapped in packaging that is either recyclable or made from recycled materials. I understand that every small action counts when it comes to reducing waste, so I strive to make even the packaging part of the solution. Additionally, I use biodegradable bags whenever possible, so you can rest assured that the packaging is in line with my eco-friendly values.
Why Upcycling Matters: Reducing Waste, One Product at a Time
Upcycling is more than just a trend—it’s a mindset that challenges the way we think about consumption and waste. At Blake’s Makes, I firmly believe that even the smallest materials can be given new life and transform into something beautiful and functional. By reusing what would otherwise be discarded, I reduce the need for new resources, helping to lessen our collective environmental impact.
It’s also important to me that each item I create tells a story. Whether it’s the paper beads made from Marie Curie flyers or the natural salts infused with essential oils, these products have meaning. They’re not just about beauty—they’re about sustainability, creativity, and the small steps we can all take to make the world a better place.
Join Me in the Journey of Upcycling
Every product you purchase from Blake’s Makes is a step towards a greener, more sustainable future. When you choose my handmade jewellery, scented salts, or diffusers, you’re not only getting a high-quality, eco-friendly product, but you’re also helping reduce waste and supporting a small business that cares deeply about the planet. Together, we can make a difference, one upcycled bead at a time.
Thank you for supporting my journey and for being a part of this sustainable movement. I look forward to continuing to share the art of upcycling with you!
Follow My Journey
I’ll be posting updates on my essential oil studies, product-making process, and craft fairs over on TikTok & Instagram (@BlakesMakes)—follow along for behind-the-scenes insights!
https://www.facebook.com/blakesmakes1308
https://www.tiktok.com/@blakesmakes
