Making Upcycling work for you! Join Emily from Tilly Makes

Everyone dreams of having time off work to focus on themselves, do the odd bits around the house and catch up on the soaps missed during the busy hustle and bustle of life. But what about when it’s forced upon you? For 6 months!

Hi, my name’s Emily and I was furloughed just like a huge percentage of the population from March to just yesterday, actually! Working 40+ hours a week, socialising with friends and family to then being isolated in a two bedroom cottage with a very hyperactive yet loveable cocker spaniel was a big shock to the system! I needed something to do. So, this is where my journey started.

I’ve always been quite a creative person and although I haven’t owned a property, I’m very house proud. With boredom creeping in, I put two and two together and with my landlords blessing, I began updating the bland, dark kitchen. Having spent two weeks unscrewing, sanding and painting, I was finished! A brand new kitchen for under £60! That was it! I’d caught the bug. Every room in my house followed - tape and rollers coming out of my ears.

Emily's creations

Two months in and the 80% wage wasn’t stretching too far after the visits down various B&Q aisles so something had to give. That’s where up-cycling and Marketplace came in. My first project was a lovely little mahogany coffee table that needed a bit of TLC, a lick of grey paint and decoupage. Next came the black sideboard with tropical toucan wallpaper and a bit of trial and error while learning how to mitre.

A writing bureau, desk and dressing table later, here I am, TillyMakes. I now work part time in administration while sanding and painting the rest of my day away and I love it! I’m based in Hartford, with my cocker spaniel (he helps where he can), so make sure to look out on Facebook at pieces for sale or get in touch if you have a pre-loved item that you would love bringing back to life.