Each month we want to share with you some of our favourite UpCirclers' upcycles to help provide inspiration to transform your trash to treasure. This month, fellow sustainable brand Upcycled Upholstery who upcycle and upholster home interior products using recycled materials, will show us how you can transform that old dressing table stool into a beautiful new one fit for a queen. So, without further ado..

“How to Upcycle your dressing table stool…”

Whilst you apply your daily skincare routine with your UpCircle Beauty products, it is not only your skin that can get a uplift! With vintage furniture and recycling on the UP, as more people come out the other side of Lockdown with a newly learnt creative skill and a new found sense of well-being. Could upholstering be one of your new-found hobbies?

Here is a simple step-by-step guide to recovering that shabby looking stool – of course, in the most sustainable, stylish way in keeping with both our brand values...

Tools Check-List
• Fabric (fire retardant)
• Fabric Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Needle
• Thread
• Paint (if needed to repair marks)
• Fabric Pins
• Measuring Tape
• Stapler and staples
• Pliers

1. Preparation
• Decide on the stool you are going to give some love to (take a ‘before’ photo for self-appreciation purposes)
• Repair any scratches/chips with a touch up of paint
Tip: We recommend fusion mineral paint, a like-minded eco-conscious brand, which is non-toxic and available in an array of gorgeous colours
• Remove any existing staples with pliers to create a smooth surface
• Choose your desired fabric material and colour (the fun part!)

Tip: Pre-order fabric swatches first as buying online without touching/feeling always brings up unexpected surprises! Most fabric houses online offer a free sample service.

• When selecting a colour I strongly advise bold, bright colours to create a statement piece especially in a bedroom stool. I’m an avid fan of colour well-being and bringing colour to our home can really have positive emotional impact on our daily happiness. Have fun and experiment with vibrant velvets, colourful prints or eco-friendly materials!
• Ensure you order a Fire Retardant fabric to comply with Fire and Safety Regulations or if the material is 70% natural fibre you can use a schedule 3 interliner- for more info on this please read this handy guide.
• Measure the dimensions and ensure you order enough material; always go bigger if in doubt!
• Check the quality of the foam – replace if needed.

2. Execution
• Strip the existing material very carefully – using sew pick & scissors and keep in-tact as much as possible as you’ll be using this for the pattern
• Pin the pattern pieces (of the old material) to the new fabric
Tip: strategically layout to ensure you are using maximum use of the fabric to minimize waste
• Cut out the fabric ensuring you have allowed for seam allowance (1.5cm each side)

• Pin the seat pattern (top) to the edge (side) with the front side materials facing inwards together
• Using a sewing machine, sew together the pinned pieces allowing the 1.5cm from the edge and using a tonal thread colour

• Turn the sewn-together piece the correct way up (front facing material)
• Pull through any loose threads with a needle to ensure no threads are visible

3. Finalisation
• Pull the fabric over the stool seating area
Tip: This may appear tight to begin with but keep slowly easing the fabric over the seat area, do not pull. The best upholstery fits like a glove

• If it is a little too big or a little too small first time round: no problem, re-stitch adjusting the seam allowance accordingly
• Cut a V-shape around the stool legs
• Neatly fold the material above the leg
• Wrap the excess over-hang material underneath the bottom of the stool
• Secure the material in place with a heavy duty stapler (under-side)
• Sit comfortably on your newly upcycled upholstered make-UP stool and apply your UpCircle Beauty products !!

Happy upcycling and upholstering!

Louise x
Founder, Upcycled Upholstery

UpCirclers' Upcycles

Chopping Board Shelf by @natalie_pluck 

Packaging Wrapping Paper by @thenorfolkecologist 

Aluminium Can Product Holders by Niamh Emma

Are you an upcycling whizz?? Show us your creations! We would love to share them with the rest of our UpCircle tribe. X x x