MMU Futures Talk on Upcycling & Sustainability

Upcycling is...

Some of my fabric selection for repurposing by the students

creative flow

Items to be Upcycled

Choosing fabrics 

Paper beads

I recently found out about Stitched Up in Chorlton, an Eco Fashion hub for swap shops, workshops and tutorials. After speaking to the ladies there, they asked me to come on board with a workshop they were delivering at Manchester Metropolitan University as part of their MMU Futures Events. The theme of the workshop was Sustainability & Environment, with an emphasis on Upcycling, across all platforms, fashion/interiors/furniture. 

The students had a talk from myself, from Sara Han of Stitched up, and from a representative from Innospace  the start-up business incubator hub at MMU. They were then let loose on the materials and supplies to begin to form their initial ideas for their Upcycled pieces. They will then work on their items over the next 6 weeks with an exhibition of their work going on display at the end of June.

I can't wait to see what their finished pieces are, and it has really inspired me to apply more upcycled elements into my own work - and to be creative again! 

Photos courtesy of Anca Asmarandei www.behance.net/asmarandei

Sophie's Project

the cabinet after refurbing - so cute!

Oliver Bonas version

The chair it was made to match

A very pleased Sophie with her own handiwork

For a few weeks in February I was lucky enough to have some assistance from the talented Sophie Donaldson, (former fashion marketing student and future high flying lawer)  Those of you who came to the Pop-Up Shop might have seen her whooshing around with cakes and a clipboard. She helped me with my marketing, and in return I offered to help her with some furniture renovating.  We found a little dressing table in a second hand shop in Mold and Sophie decided to take some inspiration from Oliver Bonas and paint the front of the draws in different colours. For Christmas Sophie was given my Country Cottage floral bedroom chair as a gift and so she selected the colours from the greens in the print.  The pewter finish handles came from an online hardware shop and although cost more than the dresser itself, we thought they really made it!

I love helping others in their design decisions, if you have a project you need some help on, drop me a line at info@laurasattic.co.uk

Laura.

Chaise Longue

the chaise before refurb

the frame after stripping down

rebuilding in process

Ta Dah! the finished piece complete with matching cushion and footstool

In between other smaller jobs and things like the pop-up-shop, I have been working on this large chaise. It required a lot of attention, and was given some serious TLC to bring it back to life - but I think its done the trick...just look at her now! Resplendent in bright pink and red with lime green piped trim to make it pop. Complete with bolster cushion to match and she's good to go.

Meeting Prince Charles : July

St Asaph Cathedral in North Wales

My display inside the Cathedral

a bit nervous! with my new dress on.

hello Charlie! Look at my chairs!

We met, we chatted, he's lovely. Camilla went straight for the guy with tattoos next to me. I actually hadn't realised how far-reaching the work of the Princes Trust is. They help all sorts of youngsters get back into work, get trained up, or even just help them concentrate on their schooling. And they helped me to get a loan to retrain in upholstery, which is essential to my business. If you know someone who might need a helping hand, have a little look here: http://www.princes-trust.org.uk/

Helfa Gelf // Art Trail | North Wales

The Helfa Gelf //Art Trail around North Wales was a brilliant success last year, and Laura's Attic is going on the map again. This year in September we will be open every weekend for visitors, but to keep you going till then, here is a sneak peak. There will be lots of furniture on sale and cushions, bunting and gift items to buy. You can have a poke around my fabric stores and see the upholstery process up close. I might also put an order in for some home-baked goodies for my visitors from Birch Bakes. YUM.
Art and cake has to be a winning combo!

Creative Futures Week at Glyndwr Uni

A couple of months ago, the chap behind Salle Piere Lamy who works at Glyndwr University put my name forwards to be part of their Creative Futures Week - I was flattered to be considered and put together a bit of a slide show presentation, telling the story of my own creative journey. 

I remember being on the other side of the lecture, so I tried to keep it short and sweet, talking about my own Uni experience, previous design jobs, living in India and the ups and downs of setting up my own business. 

Thanks to all the students who came to my talk, and I look forward to seeing some of them when I open the studio for the Helfa Gelf arts trail in September.