In today's world, it is increasingly important to look for ways to reduce our ecological footprint. One of the methods that is gaining popularity is upcycling, also known as creative reuse. This practice, which is much more than a simple trend, is a creative movement that finds new uses for objects that we might otherwise throw away. It's an ingenious way to reduce waste, while creating unique and personalized items.

What is upcycling?

Upcycling is a process of transforming useless or unwanted materials or products into new materials or products of higher quality. In other words, it's about giving a second life to objects by transforming them into something new and useful. It's the opposite of downcycling, which is the process of converting materials or products into new materials of lesser quality.

A common example of upcycling is transforming old clothes into cushions or rugs. We can also mention the art of transforming old wooden pallets into furniture. These examples show that upcycling is not only an ingenious way to reduce waste, but also a way to create unique and personalized items.

Upcycling is also beneficial for the environment. It reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfill sites, and it requires less energy than manufacturing new products from raw materials. It's a practice that extends the lifespan of objects and contributes to minimizing our ecological footprint.

Furthermore, upcycling promotes creativity and innovation. It allows each of us to become a creator by finding new and original ways to use the objects around us. It offers an opportunity to personalize our spaces and our lives by creating objects that have meaning and a story.

5 applications in upcycling

Upcycling can be applied in many areas of our daily life. Here are five possible applications of this ecological and creative practice:

1. Interior decoration: Upcycling can be used to create unique and personalized decorative objects. For example, an old photo frame can be transformed into a pretty wall shelf, or an old ladder can be reused as an original towel rack. Old glass jars can be transformed into elegant vases or candle holders. With a little imagination, you can transform almost any old object into a new decorative item for your home.
2. Sewing: Upcycling can also be used in the field of fashion and sewing. For example, an old shirt can be transformed into a pretty top, or worn jeans can be reused to create a trendy handbag. This not only allows you to create unique clothes, but also reduces the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills.

3. Children: Upcycling is a great activity to do with children. Egg boxes can be transformed into boats, toilet paper rolls into racing cars, and old t-shirts into backpacks. It's a fun and educational way to teach children about the importance of recycling and preserving the environment.

4. Cooking: Even in the kitchen, upcycling can have its place. Glass yogurt pots can become spice jars, jam jars can be used to store dry foods, and eggshells can be used as seed starters. It's a way to reduce kitchen waste while creating useful and aesthetic objects.

5. Travel: Upcycling can be integrated in many ways into our travels. For example, old maps can be transformed into travel notebooks or bookmarks. Old sheets can be used to make travel laundry bags. Even old travel guides can be transformed into notebooks to document your adventures. It's a way to make your travels more sustainable and creative.

In sum, upcycling is an ecological practice that encourages creativity and sustainability. It gives a second life to objects and prevents waste, while creating something new and useful. It's a way to consume more responsibly, while demonstrating imagination and ingenuity. By adopting upcycling, we can all contribute to a more sustainable and beautiful world.

Get ready to dive into my Kreadoe adventure, a memorable event that took three months of intense preparation. Here's an in-depth look at these five days of wonder, creativity, and passion for crafts.

The Kreadoe experience

Kreadoe, for those unfamiliar with this fascinating event, is a fair dedicated to crafts and DIY. I had the amazing opportunity to participate with my own market stall selling handmade products with my dear friend Paula from Little yarn tales. It was a beautiful adventure shared with my dear friend Paula from Little Yarn Tales. In addition to our market stall, I had a space dedicated to workshops, a true haven of know-how and sharing.

Workshops: a mix of colors, threads, and flowers

With over 250 participants and 50 workshops given, the experience was simply grandiose. I had the opportunity to organize several types of workshops, each offering a unique and enriching experience: pebble painting, crochet initiation, and dried flower creation.

Pebble painting workshop

This was the first time I gave this workshop and it was a great success. Our pebble partner, Blijsteen, had provided us with beautiful little pebbles in advance. So, I was able to prepare the workshops in advance with my mom, who had come to spend three weeks in Utrecht for the occasion (she comes from the south of France). We imagined designs for the workshop, prepared the paints (especially the color mixes), and cut out the sticks that we use for dot painting.

The pebble painting workshops were held every morning from 10:00 to 11:00. However, visitors were asking us all day long if they could participate in this workshop. Given the enthusiasm for this workshop, I am already planning another workshop in January 2024, in Utrecht.

Crochet Initiation

The crochet initiation workshop was a huge success. To ensure individual attention to each participant, I had limited the session to six people.

Participants had the chance to learn the technique of crochet by creating a rectangular coaster, a perfect project for beginners. It allows understanding the basics of crochet: how to mount a chain of stitches, perform a basic crochet stitch (tight stitch), work in rows, finish the project, and cut the thread.

Participants had the chance to learn the technique of crochet by creating a rectangular coaster, a perfect project for beginners. It allows understanding the basics of crochet: how to mount a chain of stitches, perform a basic crochet stitch (tight stitch), work in rows, finish the project, and cut the thread.

Of course, it is difficult to dive deeper in a one-hour workshop. That's why I encourage all participants to continue their crochet learning at the free crochet club that I organize once a month in Utrecht, or during the crochet lessons that I offer throughout the year.

Dried Flower Workshops

Participants had the unique opportunity not only to learn but also to create their own dried flower hair clips and wreaths. This activity allowed them to add a touch of natural beauty to their daily lives, incorporating elements of nature into their creations. For the Kreadoe event, I designed a special edition of these workshops: a condensed 45-minute format, offered at half price compared to traditional workshops.

This gave participants the opportunity to select from a wide range of floral elements: flowers of various colors, pampas, eucalyptus leaves, and much more. Inevitably, the success of these workshops exceeded all my expectations. It was incredibly rewarding to see so many people actively engage and show real interest in the art of dried flowers. I am convinced that the participants will continue to create, using the techniques learned during these workshops to embellish their daily lives.

The market stall: a showcase of creativity

The fair was scattered with numerous market stalls, creating a lively and dynamic atmosphere. Our location was in the last hall, hall 7, which meant that we had to cross the entire fair every day. This gave us the opportunity to observe a multitude of market stalls offering an impressive variety of products.

Kreadoe, in particular, was a real paradise for DIY and craft enthusiasts. Everything was there, from wool to stamps, patterns, markers, paint, and DIY books. It was fascinating to see how wide the product variety was, even though most of them were not finished objects.

Paula and I had decided to focus mainly on two types of sales: handmade finished objects and DIY kits. It was a deliberate choice on our part, as we wanted to balance our offer and reach a wider audience.

Looking at the final balance, we noticed that there was not a big difference between the sales of one or the other type of product. However, if we were to look at the details, it would seem that Paula's crochet patterns were more successful in terms of quantity sold.

The experience of having a market stall at a fair is something unique. It offers exceptional visibility and we both greatly appreciated this experience. Unfortunately, I was not able to participate actively in the sale itself, as I was in charge of managing the workshops during this time. However, this experience was just as enriching and I look forward to being able to repeat it in the future.

My Review as an Exhibitor:

Despite the fatigue and long preparation, I can say without hesitation that it's really worth participating in this fair. It's an experience that I highly recommend to anyone who has a passion for crafts and DIY. The sense of community, shared enthusiasm for creation, and the opportunity to meet so many fantastic people make this event an unforgettable experience.

In summary, Kreadoe was a rewarding experience, dotted with unforgettable moments and inspiring encounters. I am looking forward to repeating the experience, and I hope to see you there next year!

As you know crafts are my passion. This is why I strive to find the best places and websites to supply myself. I like when it is good quality but also at a good price. In this article, I will tell you my favorite places in Utrecht to shop for equipment. I hope this will help you get started in some DIY projects.

Best places for sewing materials

Ria’s fournituren: a small shop hidden in the city

A very small shop in the city center and yet very very well equipped. Ria’s fournituren is located in the alley that starts from the Vredenburg place and joins the famous Oudegracht street.

Its entrance is barely noticeable and yet the shop will provide you with almost any sewing accessory: bias binding, lining, lace, scissors, buttons…. The only item I can't find there are the sewing machine feet (only sold in stores that sell sewing machines).

The prices are reasonable and the quality is very good. If this is your first time sewing, I suggest you bring your list and stock up there. You will be very well received, with sellers who speak Dutch and English, who will be able to advise you and present you with the different options. It is also appreciable because we do not have this luxury when we buy at the, often crowded, fabric market.

Lapjesmarkt: the famous fabric market

The famous fabric market in Utrecht and the biggest in the country, the Lapjesmarkt is 400 years old now. It is held every Saturday from 9AM to 1PM on Breedstraat and Begijnhof.

You will find dozens of stands every week. From one end to the other, you will be able to supply yourself entirely for your sewing projects. They sell accessories, fabrics of all colors, all materials and all prices. The quality is there!

Some stands even sell coupons for €1 or €2. Enough to carry out beautiful projects without having to invest a lot of money. A little break on the sunny terrace of the Café De Stadsgenoot is in order, or for those in a hurry but the gourmands, it will be the opportunity to have a hot chocolate and a pastry to take away at Life's a Peach at Hardebollenstraat which is located at the half of the market.

For sewing enthusiasts, I advise you to take large bags to bring back your finds, it is sometimes difficult to resist these pretty fabrics at 2€ per meter! Go there around the 9-10 a.m. opening, to avoid the crowds and therefore long queues at each stand.

Crochet and knitting materials

Zeeman, the budget chain

This inexpensive chain store offers many possibilities when it comes to crochet or knitting. Indeed, you will find yarns varying from 1 to 5€. The value for money is quite satisfactory. Restocking is random so if you see any yarn you like, make sure you have enough to complete your project.

Sticks and cups: the little wool shop in the city center

A small shop in which you will find everything you need for your crochet or knitting projects. Quality balls of all colors and materials. On the other hand, the prices reflect the quality of this store.

Crafts of all kinds

Sostrene Grene - especially for wool, flower wreaths and paint

When you enter a Sostrene Grene shop, it’s almost impossible not to buy something! I really like this store because it is dedicated to creative arts and at a lower cost. You can find a lot of things there at a reasonable quality and a low price. I particularly like to buy yarn of wool there because they sell beautiful colors and interesting textures (Wool, Mohair). I also supply the wreaths when it comes to the flower wreaths or christmas wreaths workshops.

Pipoos

Of course the Pipoos store which is located on Oudegracht in the city center is a store 100% dedicated to crafts of all kinds. You will find anything to do any creative activity there. The prices are not very competitive, it must be admitted, but the quality is there. Although the store may seem small, it is very well stocked and has a great variety of products.

Action

Action stores are not specialized in crafts and yet they have a whole department dedicated to DIY. You will find anything you need to knit, crochet, paint, make collages, write on textiles, make bead jewelry, create personalized cards, draw, etc. All Action stores offer this crafts department. In Utrecht there are several shops, in the city center the store is located inside the Hoog Catharijn shopping center, on the Centraal train station side. The prices are really competitive. Attention they work by arrival and by season. So if you see something you like, stock up!

Floral wreaths

Intratuin, gardening store

To make the floral crowns, I advise you to buy plants from Intratuin. a rather well-known gardening store, which offers affordable solutions for decorating wreaths.

Flower market

The city's unmissable flower market, located on Place Janskerkof every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Whether in summer or winter, this is where I get my plants and flowers all year round. The prices are average and the flowers are fresh and beautiful.

During the Christmas period, you can also find everything you need for fir branches and other Christmas wreath ornaments.

Enjoy your crafts shopping!

With these few store tips, I hope you will find what you are looking for for your creative projects this year. Do not hesitate to share with me your finds and your favorite stores, I am always curious to discover new places in the city.

What is a vision board/ a dream board?

The vision board, or dream board is, as its name suggests, a picture in which you will express your wishes, desires and you dreams for the near future.

The more precisely these are expressed, the more likely you are to see them come true. In general, we make a vision board for the year that is about to begin or for the months to come. We can put absolutely anything we want in it.

The law of attraction

The vision board is a practical exercise in the law of attraction (The more positive you think, the more positive you attract. The more negative you think, the more negative you attract). It allows us to visualize our objectives in order to achieve them. This is a collage of visuals that represent our goals.

For example, my goal is to eat healthier. I'm going to put images of healthy dishes, vegetables, fruits, but why not also healthy people on my vision board… this will increase the chances of seeing this new healthy habit appear in my life. I will draw him to me.

How to achieve it?

To make a vision board it is important to be quiet, away from everyday life or noise. Do not think too much about your vision board in advance and above all do not set limits on what you want to put in it.

to start the vision board, you can either list the things you want for the coming year for example on a sheet of paper, or simply take random magazines (and of different types) and leaf through them.

You will thus gradually cut out images or words, or even just shapes, which speak to you and attract you.

It is not necessary to always see a meaning in it, sometimes it will reveal itself during the following year!

Be careful, the more specific you are in what you put on your board, the more likely you are to attract it to you, so don't hesitate 🙂

After selecting the images and words that speak to you, you can cut them out and paste them on a large sheet. Add, if you wish, textures, paint, colors, drawings etc. Anything that seems important to you and that you want to attract to you.

Why is it important to display it at home?

Once the vision board has been created, display it in your home. It's important to put it somewhere you'll be looking at every day.

The more you look at it consciously, the more likely you are that these elements will come true. So it is not enough to take a look at it, but really to observe it for a few moments each day.

Coming to a Vision Board workshop

let yourself be carried away by the instructions to build your vision board step by step. During a 4-hour session, you will let your creativity and your dreams shine through.

I'll walk you through the process, and we'll share this sweet moment together.

You will therefore have the opportunity to create your own vision board, by making collages, drawings, writing on a large poster. You can then take it home and display it proudly in a place you come to look at every day. Throughout the following year, you will be able to see and attract these dreams to you.

During the session, you will also share this moment with the other people in the workshop. You can come and help each other if you wish, chat, eat small biscuits and drink coffee or tea. The idea is also to spend a pleasant moment of sharing that cuts you off from your daily life. It will then be easier at this time to let your desires and your dreams speak, without thinking about it too much.