A Masterclass in Luxe Upcycling

Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to become an upcycling artist?

I spent over 20 years in London and Manchester in fashion and lifestyle PR, working for incredible brands like MAC cosmetics, London Fashion Week, and celebrity hairdresser Nicky Clarke. I was immersed in an inspiring, cutting-edge environment in which I had the privilege of seeing leading creatives, designers, and artists’ work backstage and up close. It definitely heightened my aesthetic awareness and fuelled my fascination with design in general.

It was perfect for me at the time, but following the birth of my sons, I needed a career that enabled me to be at home more. I knew I had to be creative to be happy, so I followed my heart.

In 2017, I gave up my full-time media career to develop my life-long passion for interiors and vintage furniture. What started as an obsessional hobby/side hustle has naturally and organically flourished into a small cottage industry, with commissions for artfully salvaged and one-off pieces now an integral part of the business.

Can you describe your creative process from idea to finished piece?

Generally, my work is commission-based, so it starts with the customer, usually with numerous chats over Zoom or in person if they’re local. I consider their interior scheme, their lifestyle, and their aspirations. The most interesting part of my work is weighing up what a customer thinks they want versus what I think will look amazing in the space. The creative process is a carefully considered balance between the two. I draw up ideas, either physically or utilising design software, present the options, and then go from there. Once the idea is agreed, the work begins. I like to stay slightly outside of my comfort zone whenever possible.

Who or what are your biggest influences in the world of upcycling and art, and where do you find inspiration for your projects?

I’m influenced by life in general, things or people I see on my travels, literally anything can ignite an idea. It could be the colours and textures of a fallen leaf or an outfit I see a stranger wearing on the street. I take note of contemporary interior trends and love referencing the “now,” but avoid being a slave to it. I notice a scheme in a magazine or on social media, fall in love, and save it to my inspiration file. I may never utilise it, but I have hundreds of references on which to draw.

My mantra is that every piece I create must reflect my core style, which I suppose is loosely “glamour with an edge.”

What is your biggest challenge in running your own upcycling business, and what has surprised you the most?

The biggest challenge is juggling every facet of running a business alone. I decided I didn’t want the responsibility of employing full-time hands-on help, so I do pretty much everything myself—from design, marketing, hosting workshops, and social media to stripping paint and sanding. Also, when you’re self-employed, you don’t get holiday pay, so I’m a self-confessed workaholic! Nothing about it surprises me; I knew it would be tough sometimes, and I wasn’t wrong!

Can you share the story behind this particular featured piece(s), including its creation process and finished design?

This commission was such a joy! I was offered the opportunity to submit design ideas for a huge dining table to the well-known TV personality Amanda Holden via my friend Avalana at Avalana Designs. Amanda was having her dining room totally overhauled and redesigned ahead of a celebrity dinner party taking place about five weeks from the day I was briefed.

Deadline! Yikes! Once I saw the interior design plans featuring Avalana’s striking golden chinoiserie-inspired mural on the walls and the ceiling, I knew my approach needed to be simple enough not to compete with the drama of the scheme but bold enough to make a statement and to anchor the space. I don’t like complex dining surface designs—they look chaotic when the table is laid and dressed!

I submitted several ideas using black as the anchor colour, with distressed gold detail to complement the wall and ceiling murals. Amanda plumped for an art deco-inspired striped border design, which I loved executing.

The table itself was absolutely massive, and once couriered to me, had to be painted in my conservatory because it was too big for my workshop. Cue total chaos at home for two weeks!

The process was relatively straightforward but had to be thorough because the surface needed to be completely sealed and resistant to scratches and drink spillages, etc.

I first sanded (it wasn’t solid wood. It was an MDF construction with a grained wood effect veneer) to give the surface a good grip. I then applied a light priming coat using grey Zinsser with a foam roller. Once dried, the entire piece got two coats of Jubilee Jet Black, lightly sanding in between coats once dry.

I hand drew the striped design, preferring not to measure meticulously to achieve a more organic look. Then I got the low tack decorators tape out! I use Frogtape Delicate Surface Masking Tape.

To create the distressed, almost gilded marquetry effect, I used my own Metallic Skin product in Autumn Gold, then blended in and hand-painted a fine borderline using Guild Lane Gold Enamel. To seal, I outsourced a local company to apply a coat of low-sheen epoxy resin because this was not the time to experiment with a new finishing technique!

Despite a few stressful moments getting the epoxy finish exactly right, I managed to get the table back to Amanda in time for her big dinner party! And guess what?! I got another table commission out of it from one of her guests: Alan Carr!!!

Tell us about the colour(s) you’ve chosen for this piece and why.

It was always going to be black and gold, regardless of design. I was dictated by the surrounding scheme. Sometimes simplicity is the only viable option. Jubilee Jet Black and Super GILD Gold Acrylic Enamel were perfect for this project.

Why do you like working with Guild Lane products?

It’s a privilege working with Guild Lane because the products are absolutely premium, making my job a million times easier. The colour palette in the Jubilee range serves all my needs, and I often mix colours to create the exact shade I want. Texture and application is amazing, as is the final finish.

I also love using the metallic enamels because the pigment quality is incredible, and a little goes a long way.

Last but definitely not least is Guild Lane PEOPLE. People buy from people, right? I instantly gelled with Jenifer and the team, and honestly, it’s as if I’ve known them for years.

Why should people invest in upcycled and repurposed goods? What are the benefits?

For me, it started as a necessity. I moved to London, bought a flat, and needed to fill it on a tiny budget. I’ve always thrifted—it’s in my DNA. I’d still do it if I was a millionaire! But even if budget is irrelevant, it’s about choosing pieces which are unique and usually much better crafted/manufactured than mass-produced items coming out of factories overseas.

Of course, recycling is everything these days—even my high-end clients with big budgets have moved towards wanting “upcycled” pieces in their home, not only to embrace sustainability, but also to acquire unique, personalised “art pieces” (usually vintage but not always) which are personal to them.

Let’s face it, there’s nothing more luxurious than commissioning a bespoke item. It enables a person to have exactly what they dreamed of (or beyond their dreams in most cases). In the right hands, it’s the equivalent of investing in couture clothing. What’s not to love?

What are your goals for the future of your art practice, and where can people view or purchase your work?

My goal is really very simple: to keep doing the work for as long as I enjoy it. I need to keep moving on, experimenting and diversifying, or I get bored! I won’t regurgitate old designs unless I feel they’re perfect for a particular brief, meaning I occasionally turn work down. I appreciate that’s a huge luxury, but one I’ve worked hard to achieve.

Income-wise, I’m still earning less than my role as a PR Director, and I miss paid holidays and a company pension! Fortunately, I’m at a stage in life when I can finally prioritise happiness and family over “just” money, for which I’m blessed.

Most of my work is now commission-based, which I showcase on my social channels and website.

Do you have any tips for budding upcycling/makers and do you have any exciting plans for the future?

Tips! How long have you got?! In a nutshell, I’d say if you are upcycling for pleasure and not an income, don’t be afraid to experiment and try new products and techniques, because it’s fun and very therapeutic.

If you want to make a living out of it, I think first understanding your local market and demand is crucial. Build a reputation organically through being professional, meticulous in your craft, and by forging great customer relationships. Understand that financial rewards are very hard to come by, and that it’s not a 9-5 kind of vocation!

Future plans include working closely with more independent interior design destinations, one of which is a new boutique in the Cotswolds….more news soon! I’m also planning more collaborative workshops with like-minded brands, but probably not until after Christmas.