Interviews
Why Being a Mother for Me Is So Much More Than Being a Mother
I always wanted to be a mother. I thought I'd be a natural. I wasn't. The reality came as a real shock to me: the birth was horrendous and life with my firstborn was a nightmare. He just wouldn't stop crying, whatever I did. I cried along with him almost every day. This Mother's Day, let's take time to reflect on what it means to be a mother.
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Meet WhatRachelMakes - Upcycled Denim Jackets and More
Perfect to wear throughout the year, a denim jacket is just like putting on your favourite pair of jeans. These jackets are so long-lasting that you can hand them down or pick them up second-hand in great condition. But denim jackets get even cooler when they're upcycled!
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Meet ConvertYourShirt: Upcycled Football Shirts for Dogs and More!
Three football clubs alone sold over 8.7 million football shirts in 2021, so you can start to imagine just how many shirts are produced every year around the world. While many people choose to collect football shirts, many more shirts end up redundant and unworn when the new kit comes out.
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Meet Rebecca Anne Jewellery: Ethical, Upcycled Accessories
Jewellery and accessories are a great way to enjoy your favourite outfits again and again in all kinds of combinations, colours and styles. But what if you want to buy ethical, sustainable jewellery from a smaller business? Well, you're in luck!
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Meet Spanky Spangler Design: Intricate Steampunk Jewellery and Sculptures
If you've ever wondered what to do with those pesky dead lightbulbs, you will surely find inspiration in Spanky Spangler Design. Denise Humphrey has been creating wearable art using broken watches and bulbs since 2009. Each piece is carefully hand-made, inspired by science-fiction.
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Meet Jacqui Kevan, a Primary School Deputy Head With a Green Heart
In the lead up to Great Big Green Week in September 2021, Green Heart Collective reached out to local Primary and Secondary Schools to create a connection - and we did! Jacqui Kevan, Deputy Headteacher of Brighton Avenue Primary School, Gateshead, invited Helen into school to deliver a presentation.
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Meet SmoothEdge - Upcycling Bottles Into New Glassware, Jewellery and More
Empty bottles left strewn on beaches and in streets are an all-too-common sight. But a Chichester-based business is taking these waste products and turning them into fantastic glassware. Smooth Edge sells upcycled glasses from gin, vodka and rum bottles, and also stocks a range of recycled jewellery and clothing.
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Meet Kate Stuart, Founder of The Phoenix Green
Creativity can trump waste, and we love seeing the wonderful creations of local upcyclers who come up with something special. Kate Stuart, Founder of The Phoenix Green works with reclaimed, recycled or repurposed materials to produce brilliant designs that are also long-lasting and could be passed down.
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Christmas and New Year Gift Ideas from Local Newcastle Upcyclers
Supporting local sellers is great, but it is even better when you support those makers who turn used or found materials into something truly special. You're helping people and the environment with each gift you choose. We've scoured Newcastle and Gateshead for makers who are offering some brilliant upcycled gifts.
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Meet Scatty Knits - Eco Maker with a Focus on Zero Waste Production
As part of our Christmas and New Year special, we reached out to local Tyneside makers and sellers who are transforming used materials into something special. This edition features Scatty Knits, creator of fantastic recycled hand knitted mittens, beanies as well as dog snoods and coats.
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Meet Deadwood Studio - Earth-Conscious Handmade Home Decor
As part of our Christmas and New Year special, we reached out to local Tyneside makers and sellers who are transforming used materials into something special. This edition features Deadwood Studio, who have a range of stunning upcycled Christmas decorations using driftwood, including some extraordinary Driftwood Stars
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Meet Northern Siren Crafts - Handmade Jewellery and Home Decor
As part of our Christmas and New Year special, we reached out to local Tyneside makers and sellers who are transforming used materials into something special. This edition features Northern Siren Crafts, who has a range of fantastic jewellery and home decor, including some stunning unique upcycled stamp rings.
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