LAST WEEK WE told you all about You Generation’s ongoing search-for-a-stylist competition. The entrants were given two rules – it had to be on the theme of “candy” or had to include a bit of fashion upcycling.
“But what is upcycling?” we hear you cry. WELL. It’s taking old things you don’t want and transforming them into something new. There are plenty of examples of doing this well – such as this amazing map of Dublin made from old circuit boards or even this Picasso sculpture of a bull made from an old bike saddle.
But sometimes upcycling goes wrong.
Horribly wrong.
Belt up
Image: viaThis chicken feet belt is the very thing to set off your favourite outfits. Why let those chicken feet go to waste?
Glam up your bear
Image: viaWhat a great use of your old cherished teddy bears. Poor old Ted doesn’t look ridiculous at all. Not even in that bra he’s wearing.
Failed life hacks
Image: viaCan’t bear to throw out that empty ketchup bottle? Upcycle.
Crafty disasters
Image via:Failed craft upcycling is a reminder of all those rubbish primary school art projects. The paper with pasta shells falling of it, the clumps of PVA glue, the uncooperative balls of clay…
“Art”
Image: viaOr how about trying to upcycle household items into art pieces?
Throwing shade
Image: viaGot a spare old lampshade? Why not just put it on top of your old lampshade and call it interior design?
For the birds
Image via:Let’s be honest. This piece of upcycled craftwork is crying out to be thrown firmly in the nearest bin.
This doesn’t rule
Image: viaIf you’re making a lampshade out of rulers, you might have a little too much time on your hands. Plus, it’s not even shading the bulb. Come on guys!
Let there be light
Image: viaThis is a candle holder made from an old beer can. Excuse us, we’re just going to make one out of an old can of Dutch Gold. Interior design masterstroke!
Or maybe a beer lamp…
Image: viaOr even a “canvertible”…
Image: viaForty Coats
Image: via Lara Owens/Etsy
This is a great example of the important rule “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should”. One fabric is fine for a skirt. Two, at a push. But eight? EIGHT?
Want to check out what the style wannabes upcycled? Check out the You Generation channel to see all the best (and worst!) entries.