upcycling – Nina's Apartment

Upcycled water bottle carrier tutorial

Published on May 29, 2020June 15, 2020 by Nina’s Apartment blog1 Comment

This coronavirus lockdown of 2020 has encouraged a lot of creativity in our household, including the upcycling of old clothes. If you can’t go to the shops, you got to be resourceful! Upcycling is an old hobby of mine and I had a lot of fun making these super quick water bottle carriers out of an old pair of jeans. How I did that? Read on for the DIY tutorial.

Easy DIY water bottle carrier

If you have kids, then as a mum you know that on trips and hikes you are basically a packing donkey carrying everybody’s junk. Right? Now on a hot day, it can get a bit heavy dragging around litres of water for everyone. You also get fed up having to take out the bottles again because little Johnny needs another drink, even though it was only five minutes since the last one. Solution? Let them carry their own water!

It is super easy to make this DIY water bottle carrier out of denim. I don’t claim to be a neat sewer, I am a quick results, practical kind of person, but feel free to make your own improved, beautiful version of this bag. Mine looks pretty good I think, is sturdy enough to hold a bottle and wide enough to carry your phone or small purse too on your walks. I added a little pocket for a snack (or your public transport card!), which took a bit more time, but otherwise, you will have this made less than an hour.

What do you need?

An old pair of ladies jean trousers, ideally stretchy and tapered at the ankles. It needs to fit snug, but not too snug around your water bottle. You can, of course, use a wider trouser leg for a larger bag that holds more.
A thick, wide ribbon or fabric belt of a dress or something for the shoulder strap.
Optional pocket: a different piece of fabric or denim and a button for decoration

My eldest monkey, normally asking me for water every two minutes when out on a walk. No longer!

Step 1. Cut the trouser leg

You will be using the bottom part of the trouser leg. The best thing is to place your water bottle on top of the leg before you cut. Cut the fabric about 2cm (1”) longer than the bottle is. The hem of the trouser leg will be the top of the bag, so that bit is already done.

Step 2. Sew the bottom of your water bottle bag

Turn the fabric inside out and sew the widest opening (and not the existing hem) shut. Sew a straight line about 2cm/1” from the edge. Cut off the excess and sew a zigzag to finish to prevent the edge from fraying.

3. Add elastic through the top hem

Next I cut two small holes in the top of the existing hem (which of course is a ready-made hollow tube!) and used a safety pin to pull a piece of elastic (19cm) through. Now you could choose to pull a drawstring through the top, but I chose to put elastic in instead. A wider strap is more comfortable on the shoulder than a drawstring, but that doesn’t fit through the small holes of the top hem. Once you have the elastic through, tie both ends together. Tie it so that it makes a slightly smaller, stretchy opening without making it too hard to fit the bottle in. The elastic is really just to keep the bottle in place rather than to close the bag completely.

Step 4. Sew the pocket on

You can leave the bag like it is and skip straight to sewing on the shoulder strap, or you can embellish your DIY water bottle carrier with a handy pocket. I cut out out a piece of around 12 x 10cm of blue denim for contrast, using the bottom hem as the top of the pocket. With the square being quite small, I decided to zigzag the edges instead of folding them over, as that would become too bulky. Once you have done that, sew the pocket onto the bag, either using your machine or stitch it by hand. I added a little button just as a colour accent.

Step 5: Sew on the shoulder strap

The shoulder strap can be pinned onto the bag along the top across the full width. I sewed a straight line both along the top and the bottom of the strap to secure it. The ends of the strap can now be tied around the shoulder, adjusted to the person using it. It will be shorter for a child than for an adult obviously.

And you are done!

Eco-friendly Christmas decoration without tinsel

Published on November 15, 2018 by Nina’s Apartment blogLeave a comment

Who’s up for making some eco-friendly Christmas decoration? Christmas is a time of indulgence. Too much food and drink, too many gifts and a house full of decoration. Fun times for sure, but every year tons of plastic tinsel end up in landfill, as well as other stuff like broken fairy lights, plastic baubles and other Christmas decoration. Because stuff is so cheap these days, it is very tempting to go to low cost supermarkets and pound/euro/dollar stores and fill your basket with new glittery pieces every year. I’m no saint, I’ve done it too! Because sometimes temptation gets the better of you and you think, nevermind, it won’t make much of a difference if it’s just me doing it. But it does.

Five DIY alternatives to tinsel

Today I am suggesting some alternative, fun and in most cases far more durable alternatives to plastic tinsel. Let’s get making! No time or skills or too much faff ? Find decorations at your local craft fairs or have a browse on Etsy.

1. Paper Christmas decoration

Last year’s Christmas cards cut into circles, stars or triangles make great garlands and bunting. Paper chains are easy and fun to make too. Get the kids involved on a rainy Sunday afternoon! Possibilities are endless with paper and an ideal way to kick off your eco-friendly Christmas this year. Keep it really simple or turn it into a more complicated project with folds and creases, or sew the pieces onto a string.

2. Christmas decoration with poms

Oooh…do you remember making these at school? Pom poms are so much fun to make and easy enough for little hands to help too. Use up old wool, or unravel an old scarf or jumper if you really want to go down the upcycling route. Tie them onto a string and create a fabulous home-made alternative to tinsel. Hang them in the tree or use as a garland. Read my other blog post about Christmas pom poms here.

3. Eco-friendly Christmas decoration with pine cones

For a nice minimalist, kind-of Scandi look, go and collect pine cones on your next walk in the woods. Add a bit of silver or white paint to the tips if you like for a nice Christmassy touch.

4. Fabric Christmas bunting

Bunting is easy to sew and fun to create from any scrap fabrics lying around or old clothes. Choose reds and whites to make one in Christmas colours. Another easy idea is to cut triangles out of burlap and just sew the tops to a ribbon to create some home-made bunting. Still more fabric lying around? Make a wreath!

5. Beads and buttons

For more delicate looking decoration for your tree or fireplace, try stringing beads or vintage buttons (or remove them from clothes you no longer wear – you could use the fabric for bunting or a fabric scrap wreath!) on a thread at regular intervals for a ‘necklace’. Reusing your old clothes and buttons is a great way to create eco-friendly Christmas decor.

Upcycling tutorial: make a tote, basket or rug with plastic bag yarn

Published on September 12, 2018June 26, 2020 by Nina’s Apartment blog1 Comment

The plastic problem is still huge and creating big problems in oceans, in landfill and just generally making the earth look very ugly. Still, I am an optimist, and I believe change is coming, not tomorrow maybe, but we are heading in the right direction. People are generally becoming more aware of the ecological impact of especially single use plastic and social media is full of posts showing ideas of how to reduce the use of it in your own household. I am still guilty myself of doing unplanned, spontaneous grocery shopping, subsequently accepting single use carrier bags. I buy coffees on the go in takeaway cups. It is hard to be consistent and strict about these things while they are still constantly offered to us.

Last year India banned all forms of disposable plastic in Delhi. Europe is proposing a ban on single-use plastic items such as cutlery, straws and cotton buds in a bid to clean up the oceans. The legislation is not just about banning plastic products. It also wants to make plastic producers bear the cost of waste management and cleanup efforts, and it proposes that EU states must collect 90% of single-use plastic bottles by 2025 through new recycling programs.

Upcycling tutorial

So that’s a bit about where we are at with single use plastic…but what about turning single use carrier bags into something that is usable for much longer, while they are still in existence? I am always in awe of how creative and resourceful humans are around the world. Who knew you could knit and crochet with the stuff?

How to make plarn?

1. Make a Crocheted tote bag our of plarn

plarn tote bag upcycling tutorial — Image and tutorial (in Spanish): La ventana azul

Image: MontClairMade

Plastic bags can be incredibly versatile and turned into very strong yarn for crocheting. When choosing bags for your project, consider color and texture. Select bags that are similar in thickness to create an overall good effect. Combine different coloured bags to create a pattern of colour, colour changes and patterns.

Supplies you’ll need:

20-25 clean grocery bags
Plastic crochet hook, size 6.50mm K
Scissors

Ready to give it a go?

plarn basket upcycling tutorial — Image: Jessyratfink

2. Make a basket out of plarn

A waste basket…out of waste! I love baskets for all sorts of uses, including toys, craft supplies, hats and gloves at the front door or yes, for paper waste. How cute is this one made out of plastic carrier bags? And even better, no crocheting required.

Want to learn how?

3. Make a rag rug out of plarn

Great for outdoors, at the front door or in the bathroom, rag rugs made out of plastic carrier bags make surprisingly great mats. Here is an upcycling tutorial on how to make them. No crocheting needed.

Book tip: Life Without Plastic : The Practical Step-by-Step Guide to Avoiding Plastic to Keep Your Family and the Planet Healthy.
19,38 € Buy

Upcycling project: from smelly display cabinet to oriental chic

Published on February 1, 2015June 14, 2017 by Nina’s Apartment blog11 Comments

I don’t have much time these days to work on furniture as much as I did on this one, but I think it paid off. I found the display cabinet in a charity shop and it immediately caught my eye. It is always a guess what you come across in these places, but I just knew that this one had potential. Gorgeous carved detailing around the edges, rippled antique glass panels and a design on the doors that reminded me of Japanese patterns.

It was a smelly old thing though and the first thing I did was ripping off the old vinyl lining paper from the back wall, that obviously had been stuck on in the sixties. I considered sticking some kind of patterned paper back on, but then I remembered a patchwork I had been trying to turn into a blanket and never finished, made with a stack of vintage Japanese kimono silks. That would be perfect!

I chose a graphite chalk paint to cover up the dull dark brown varnish on the wood, and lightly brushed some dusky pink over the floral carving on the edging to make it stand out more. The inside I painted with the same pink. A wax and a bit of elbow grease gave the cabinet a nice sheen without becoming too glossy.

It is so satisfying to bring an old discarded piece of furniture back to life and I think that whoever owned it in the past would be pleased to see it being loved again.

Do you like this eye catching cabinet? It is for sale in the shop! Please get in touch if you would like to see it up close.

Upcycling project: a vintage display cabinet goes oriental

Published on February 1, 2015 by Nina’s Apartment blog11 Comments

I don’t have much time these days to work on furniture as much as I did on this upcycling project, but I think it paid off. I found the old display cabinet in a charity shop and it immediately caught my eye. It is always a guess what you come across in these places, but I just knew that this one had potential. And for 30 pounds, it was a steal.

seeing the potential

The vintage cabinet had gorgeous carved detailing around the edges, original, rippled antique glass panels and a design on the doors that reminded me of Japanese patterns. Japanese patterns, I thought? I think I have just the thing for that. Time to breathe some life into this treasure.

Repurposing vintage kimono silks

It was a smelly old cabinet. The first thing I did was rip out the old vinyl lining paper from the back wall. It had obviously been stuck on in the sixties. I considered sticking some kind of patterned paper back on, but then I remembered a patchwork I had been sewing ages ago. I once ordered a batch of vintage kimono silk remnants and been trying to turn them into a blanket. As with many projects, it never got finished. How about I try and line this display cabinet with it? That would be perfect!

graphite chalk paint for the upcycling project

I chose a graphite chalk paint to cover up the dull dark brown varnish on the wood. I lightly brushed some dusky pink over the floral carving on the edging to make it stand out more. The inside I painted with the same pink. A wax and a bit of elbow grease gave the cabinet a nice sheen without becoming too glossy.

The cabinet is beautiful, unique and I am proud of the way it turned out.

It is so satisfying to bring an old discarded piece of furniture back to life and I think that whoever owned it in the past would be pleased to see it being loved again. I hope the future owner will treasure it forever.

New stock: rocking chairs, sofas and retro writing desks

Published on August 21, 2014June 2, 2016 by Nina’s Apartment blog1 Comment

‘Upcycled’ metal rocking chair £135

Pair of kitchen stools, recovered in floral oil cloth £35 each or £60 for both

Mid century Danish teak sofa, reupholstered in grey cotton blend fabric £295

Lovely collection of purple glassware, from £6

Mid century Danish teak writing desk £160

‘Upcycled’ (painted top, sides and front details) vintage writing desk £95

Rocking chair revamp – patchwork project

Published on July 3, 2014June 2, 2016 by Nina’s Apartment blog2 Comments

I recently picked up a rocking chair – not incredibly ‘vintage’ (probably less than 30 years old), but a good shape and well built – possibly G Plan. The cushions had seen better days though and when a customer showed an interest in buying the chair I suggested doing it up for her in a patchwork style, using lots of lovely blue and grey fabric scraps I had lying around in the studio. I left the frame in its original blond wood state as I felt it matched the ‘Scandinavian’ look of the patterned fabrics and style of the chair. This is the result. I’m pretty pleased with it and I am sure it’ll look lovely in its new home!

Create an eclectic country cottage look with this vintage Ercol style suite, glass light shades and upcycled kitchen dresser.

Published on June 10, 2014September 29, 2016 by Nina’s Apartment blog2 Comments

Wonderful vintage cottage suit Ercol-style. Painted cream and with new foam cushions in sage green. £195.00 for the sofa, chairs £125.00 each or buy the whole set for £395.00. Width of sofa approx 120cm, chair 70cm.

Please contact me to arrange a viewing or to purchase.

Lovely delicate glass pendant light shades. One small, one larger. Great for kitchen or hallway. £15.00 and £25.00.

Beautifully painted and lightly distressed kitchen dresser in duck egg blue eggshell paint. perfect for your country kitchen. Top shelf bit can come off. Dimensions 170 (incl top bit) x 96 x 45cm. £195

Nina’s Apartment is restocked and open for business!

Published on May 1, 2014September 29, 2016 by Nina’s Apartment blog1 Comment

My latest creation already supervising an upcycling project

So I guess my maternity break or whatever you call it when you’re self-employed is kind of over and I am back to work. Well, as much as is practically possible with a 9-week old baby and a toddler to look after in between gathering stock, painting, styling, taking photos, advertising and speaking to customers. But as a true ‘mumpreneur’ that won’t stop me from doing what I love: hunting down beautifully designed pieces, giving them a new lease of life and selling it in my shop!

After the successful pop-up events at Nina’s Apartment in March organised by fellow traders, I have my shop to myself again. New stock is now arriving regularly, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the website or facebook page to see what’s new.

The shop is currently open by appointment only, but visits can be arranged on most days, so please get in touch if you want to come by. No obligation to buy anything, if you just want to pop in and have a look that is absolutely fine. Hope to see you soon! Nina X

Here’s a few photos of what’s in the shop just now:

Solid teak retro dressing table + stool by Austinsuite £195

Upcycled retro dressing table £125

Retro mirror £25, painted mirror on the floor £49, upcycled Parker Knoll rocking chair £185

Vintage demijohn £49, metal trunk £45, antique wooden travel trunk with labels £85, foldable cake stand £25

Retro (McIntosh?) extending teak dining table with six chairs £350

Vintage G Plan wing chair upholstered in blue velvet £150

The transformation of a battered old retro dressing table

Published on January 24, 2014June 2, 2016 by Nina’s Apartment blog1 Comment

I buy furniture mainly to give it a good clean, polish it up or paint it and then resell it in my shop. But sometimes I come across pieces that I keep for my own use. I picked up this £20 dressing table last week without viewing it, and when it was delivered at my house I was a bit disappointed with the state it was in. I know, what do you expect for £20, but still!

It had a lot of water marks and scratches on the surface and even a big black burn mark from a candle. I tried to give it a polish to make it look any better, but it wasn’t doing anything for me. So last night, as I was painting some other bits of furniture in Annie Sloan’s French grey chalk paint, I thought ‘well, it can’t get any worse than it is!’ and within an hour I had painted the top and sides of the dresser grey. I finished it off this morning with some bees wax to seal it and voila – revamped, updated and looking good!

I am keeping to myself, but if you fancy something like this – a dressing table, cupboard, sideboard, etc – I can hunt down and revamp a similar piece of furniture for your own home. Just get in touch!

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