Upcycling ideas in under a day

Bored of bland? We’ve got plenty of inspiration for adding personality to your pre-loved pieces

If you ask us, there’s only one thing better than spending a day getting down and crafty, and that’s getting creative with a piece of tatty furniture many would think skip-worthy or seeing the potential in an everyday find and making it into something rather beautiful.

Once you get started, it’s pretty addictive, so over the next six pages we’re serving up a substantial hit of thrifty inspiration to keep even the most avid of upcyclers occupied. This month, our designer Suzie has been busy creating fun beach-inspired makes, including driftwood tealight holders using old jam jars and a handy tray table, ideal for serving drinks in the garden. We’re also crushing on the scalloped lampshade to make for less than £5.

Driftwood candleholders

1 HOUR FAST FIX

Evelyn cushion, £12, Habitat. Fish embossed mug, £8, M&S

With some natural driftwood sticks, a couple of jam jars and a glue gun, you can make these beach-style candleholders in no time at all. They’re ideal for popping on the patio for an after-sunset gathering or using as rustic table centerpieces. Experiment with different sized jars or try painting the driftwood sticks different shades.

Takes 1 hour You will need

✳ Driftwood pieces, £4.25, Homecrafts

✳ Small jam jars

✳ Glue gun

✳ Tealight candles, £1 for £24, Poundland

Total £5.25

1 Sort the driftwood pieces into piles of similar lengths. Take a small jam jar and make sure it’s clean and dry, with the labels and any sticky residues removed.