What inspired you to start your journey in upcycling, and how has your style evolved over time?

For me, it was finally discovering my creative niche during the pandemic. I had painted furniture as a hobby for many years, but it was always just a quick coat of wall paint to match new décor. However, during lockdown, I had the time to hone my skills, learn, and experiment with new techniques. My first attempts were with wall paint, cheap brushes, and not much character to them. Slowly, I invested in professional paints and tools to improve my work.

Now that I’ve found my passion and niche, I have a much better feel for each piece and can adapt my designs to suit. I cringe when I look at some of my first pieces (which are still in my home) and see how novice they were. But at the same time, they represent my journey, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. When I compare them to the pieces I create now—much more experimental and of a professional standard that my clients pay for—it makes me feel tremendously proud!

How do you decide which pieces are worth upcycling? Is it the history, shape, or something else that catches your eye?

How I decide on a piece is a combination of things. As much as I’d love to save ALL the furniture I simply don’t have the space so I am careful to be selective. Firstly, I choose pieces that are for the most part structurally sound (I can do some repairs and fixes but I’m not a carpenter so I stick within my skill set). Secondly, does the piece have character, quirky or interesting features, something that makes it unique? These are usually the pieces I grab! Cost is another factor; I have a rough budget that I use as a guide (depending on the piece) otherwise that eats into my costs and profit margins. If something is going to be more hours and materials worth of work than I can expect to charge for the finished pieces then I may side-step it (it’s hard though!).

Can you tell us the story behind the piece being featured—what inspired the transformation, and how did you approach the process?

This tropical glam cocktail cabinet is light years away from where it started. I found it on Facebook Marketplace and sent my long-suffering husband to collect it en route home from work. When it arrived, it was in a much poorer state than had been advertised. Mouldy and stinky inside, only one solid leg, the other three were loose and swivelling. It took many hours of cleaning, repairing and prep before I could even get a coat of primer on it. Due to other commitments, it was packaged at the back of my garage waiting for its day to shine.

Then one day inspiration hit. This ugly cabinet needed to be bright, bold, blingy and glamorous! I started with bright orange and I could visualise bold gold stripes. Having recently seen the GILD and Super GILD range in action at the Painters Business Academy Conference, I knew GILD would be perfect for the job. After trialling and ‘mood boarding’ various designs, I decided on strong vertical stripes in alternating Super GILD Gold and Burnt Copper (the perfect metallic orangey tone to complement the paintwork). Finally I gilded the ball and claw feet as well as the trim, applied some tropical plant transfers with accents of GILD Gold to finish it off. Now Cinderella is resplendent and ready for the ball!

What are your favourite tools or materials to work with, and why? Do you have a go-to product from Guild Lane’s range?

I love to experiment with new products that can give me new techniques to apply to my designs. I tend to stick with those products and tools that give a professional finish and are easy to use. That way, I can ensure the durability and quality of each piece is up to my (somewhat finicky) standards! I love Staalmeester brushes for painting furniture. Their quality is outstanding and they give a super finish. For smaller areas and detailing, I use little artist brushes.

My go-to tools are my orbital sander, carbide scraper and my pot of Homestrip Ecostripper. After all, most of the work is in the prep, and if you don’t start with a good surface it doesn’t matter how good the paint is—it just won’t stand the test of time.

What role does sustainability play in your work, and how do you encourage others to embrace upcycled and repurposed goods?

Sustainability is at the heart of everything I do. I even choose where to purchase my products based on how they package their orders. It’s a given that I love to rescue old furniture, but my aim is to make beautifully upcycled—or I prefer the term refinished—pieces more accessible to the wider public.

My vision is to create a one-stop upcycling shop, a hub where sustainability is at the forefront and clients can come to buy beautiful reclaimed items. I even have my favourite couriers because they handle everything with so much care and use reusable packing blankets, so I don’t have to use countless metres of plastic and bubble wrap.

What has been the most rewarding part of running your own business? And what has surprised you the most?

Knowing that I am finally doing something that truly makes me happy down to my soul, something I’m passionate about, is so rewarding. Working on furniture fills me with good vibes and happiness, as well as a sense of calm when things get crazy. I get such a buzz from creating a piece that someone loves so much that they pay for, and I still do a happy dance with every sale or commission. I can honestly say I’ve never experienced that in another job.

The most surprising thing is how my confidence has grown and I’ve stepped into a new, improved version of myself. Whereas previously I shied away from the camera, client phone calls or anything that meant putting myself out there too much, now I’m in everyone’s faces on social media and there’s no shutting me up—ha!

Where can people find your creations? Do you sell online, in shops, or primarily work on commission?

Currently, I sell my own pieces that I’ve created online via Etsy and Upcite. I tend to avoid Facebook Marketplace as I find people want cheap deals there. I am now also selling my furniture at The Furniture Barn in Haywards Heath, a physical store offering a lovely range of reclaimed furniture with some upcycled pieces by myself and another talented refinisher.

A large part of my business comes from client commissions, and this works well for me as it’s guaranteed income without the stock hanging around waiting to sell—key when storage space is at a premium! Sometimes I transform family heirlooms for clients, but I also advertise the ‘naked’ pieces I source for commission, so clients can have one of the pieces I have hand-picked refinished bespoke for their home.

If you could upcycle a dream piece or collaborate with anyone, what would it be and why?

I don’t have a dream piece in mind as such. I love the variety that comes my way, and there is no one style that I choose over another. I do, however, definitely believe that collaborations and community are the way forward. I’m delighted to have collaborated with Guild Lane on their GILD range and have also done a little work with Frog Tape and Homestrip Ecostripper. There are other brands I have in mind for the year ahead, alongside my other plans that I am hoping to launch in 2025!

What exciting projects or plans do you have for the future? Is there something new you’re hoping to try?

I have a HUGE plan that I’ll be driving forward in 2025. If you read Reclaim magazine, you may have seen my feature in the January edition where I announced my vision of creating a kind of upcycling hub—a gorgeous venue where both clients and creatives alike can come. A place for the creative community to sell from, learn and develop new skills, grow their business, and meet up with their tribe. It can be a lonely place working alone in our sheds, garages, studios, or kitchens!

At the heart of every creative journey lies a community, a vibrant network of passionate minds, each striving to bring their unique vision to life. My own journey has led me to discover just such a community, filled with incredible talent and a shared passion for beauty, craftsmanship, and sustainability.

Inspired by this collective energy, I’ve made it my mission to unite these creatives under one roof—a true one-stop shop for artistry. Imagine a space where creators can not only showcase and sell their stunning pieces but also expand their skills, experiment with top-tier professional supplies, and connect directly with discerning clients who value one-of-a-kind, sustainable designs.

This vision is more than just a business; it’s a movement to celebrate creativity, empower artisans, and transform homes into spaces of unique beauty. Together, we can build a community that thrives on collaboration and inspires a world that values the handmade, the sustainable, and the extraordinary.

Feel free to reach out (@upcycledreloved_byjodi) if you’d like to join me in shaping this dream into reality, because creativity deserves a place to shine!