65: The Upcycling Experiment: Crafting Outside the Box

Ever looked at your old stuff and wondered, "What if?"

Our newest HobbyScool podcast episode is here to spark your creativity and show you the endless possibilities of upcycling!

Join us as we sit down with Jan Howell, a lifelong crafter, with a knack for seeing potential in the overlooked.

Jan shares her journey from repurposing old t-shirts into baby clothes to crafting cozy mittens from discarded sweaters.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Clever ways to source materials (hint: start with your own closet!)
• Unexpected items you can transform (garden tools as decor, anyone?)
• Simple techniques to get started, even if you've never crafted before
• How to embrace the learning process and have fun along the way

Whether you're looking to declutter, save money, or reduce your environmental impact, this episode is packed with practical ideas to get you started on your own upcycling journey.

Ready to see your old belongings in a new light? Tune in now and let's turn that potential clutter into creative gold!

Key points from the episode:

• [00:01:45] Jan introduces her background in sewing and crafting, including her YouTube channel for teaching basic sewing skills
• [00:03:34] Jan shares how she got started with upcycling, from making baby clothes to creating mittens from sweaters
• [00:05:32] Discussion on where to find materials for upcycling projects, including thrift stores and your own closet
• [00:06:28] Creative ideas for repurposing items like garden tools and old mugs
• [00:10:59] Basic tools needed to get started with upcycling projects

Mentioned in this episode:

• Where to find Jan: Website and Instagram
• Jan's Etsy Shops: jHowellDESIGNS and fibersandtwigs
• Jan's Free Gift: DIY Sweater Upcycling pdf guide
• Podcast show notes: https://www.hobbyscool.com/podcast/upcycling