This Autumn, we're launching our Repurposing and Upcycling Initiative. Giving members the opportunity to create something new or showcase something previously repurposed.
Anything that might have outlasted its original use, which you have restored or found a new use for, we want to see and share to inspire others.
Considering the environmental and cost-saving benefits - the possibilities are endless!
We are always so impressed with the creativity of our members, whether it's turning wooden pallets into garden furniture, or creating artwork from bottle tops.
If you've got something that you or your u3a group has repurposed or upcycled - let us know!
Carol from Warrington u3a fixed a rotting bench with old skis.
Christine of Wetherby u3a
Christine got extremely creative in recycling old magazine cutouts and birthday cards. The result was some lovely colourful furniture and a snazzy new tray!
"I upcycled a plain tray using cut up birthday cards.
I cleaned and dried the tray thoroughly before gluing cut up birthday cards onto the tray. I used Mod Podge glue which I find easy to spread without leaving a residue. I also used it across the end result to give a firm and clear finish."
"The most difficult part was choosing which birthday cards to use, I laid them in place and moved them around a few times before settling on the end result. Two friends have since copied my idea."
Christine says, "After the success of my tray I then transformed an old table by painting it and adding cut up photographs from a gardening magazine. The table belonged to a neighbour and was heading for the local household waste recycling centre. It now sits proudly in my conservatory."
Two wonderful items that have been given a whole new lease of life.
Robin of Clitheroe u3a
Robin has turned an old speaker into a plant stand. The front was covered in plywood and then painted to create this lovely new stand to elevate plants.
Carol of Warrington u3a
Carol thought innovatively when her old bench was past its best.
"This was an existing bench but the seat was rotten due to a few years of being outside. It nearly went to the tip. I then remembered I had 2 pairs of old skis. These made the new seat.
You need a saw to saw the skis to length and screws to hold them in place. Also ensure what you lay the skis on isn't rotten.
The bench nearly went to the tip. It can now be used for a few more years. The skis have also been repurposed and they won't now go to the tip."