Furniture with personality

Upcycling is not just a trend. Through upcycling, you can creatively make a new and unique object for yourself. Upcycling helps reduce the amount of waste and contributes to lowering CO2 emissions. Quite simply, this is because old materials are used instead of new ones. Awareness of these facts is now widespread. However, we do not always think about finding new uses for existing things and experiencing the positive effects of upcycling ourselves. After all, above all, the process is great fun.

I remember that ever since I was a child, I felt very distressed whenever I saw large amounts of waste – and that was back in the 1970s. I still feel the same way today, but now I understand why and know that I am not helpless in the face of this reality. I love feeling the materials in my hands and bringing old objects back to life.

Although I would not exactly describe myself as an artist or a gifted craftsperson, I am always highly motivated to transform or renovate objects. The discrepancy between the time involved and the financial value of the object is not a major concern for me. If I want to use only the resources available to me for a current project, I really have to get creative – and that is a great challenge.

In a certain way, you develop a connection with the object you are making; it becomes part of you through the effort you put into it and by developing your problem-solving skills, imagination and patience. The result will give you a feeling that you simply would not get from a new piece of furniture bought in a shop.

At the same time, it is also an exercise in mindfulness, and the sense of satisfaction in the end is immense. Apart from saving money, I feel free from this excessive pressure to consume. It reconnects me with my creativity and makes me feel proud and happy.

Why should this bench be better than the one I wanted to buy?

Well, maybe it isn't. But while I am fitting the wooden slats, I remember the stories my sister and I used to tell each other on this bench.

An old miner's lamp can simply be connected and looks very decorative. Whether in a mine or on the terrace, its light radiates a sense of warmth and security.

It is not that they are ugly. But nobody wants them, and I need something new.

Scraps of fabric, pieces of wood and feathers that I find on walks in the forest remind me of important moments in my life. When memories like these become woven into an object, it turns into a lucky charm.

Turning an old dark church frame into a chalkboard.

Is it really worth the time? They are so cheap, after all. – But they belonged to my mother, are in good condition and go well with my homemade table.

This was once a wooden board from the garage, decorated with shells that the children carefully glued together. And the base of an old sewing machine goes beautifully with a glass top that was saved from the rubbish.