My new-found passion for upcycling started with a workshop run by the fabulous Zoe Pocock of the equally-fabulous @mucknbrass. I have now been to three (count ’em)  workshops at the Muck N Brass hq in South East London and I have to tell you, they are absolutely AMAZING!

Step One – basics

As a complete beginner, I first went to the Table Manners workshop. There were about six of us – we were each given a small end table to paint and decoupage under Zoe’s watchful eye. Everything you need is provided for you. I can absolutely confirm that this is totally suitable for complete beginners. I’d never done anything like this before and I loved the end result. The table is perfectly lovely and only reason I haven’t included a pic for you is that I don’t want to give everything away – I’m encouraging you to try out the workshops for yourselves.

Step Two – improver

I next progressed onto the Skill Builder workshop. You must attend the Table Manners workshop first, or be a confident and proficient painter. For this workshop, you source your own small chest of drawers or cabinet. Zoe helps you build on your previous skills to upcycle your item of furniture. I sourced a small cabinet from my local charity shop. It didn’t look too handsome and I was worried that I had chosen the wrong thing. If you’re not used to buying furniture from charity shops, it can feel a bit daunting at first. You have to relax, take your time and wander round looking at everything before you buy. My eyes simply weren’t trained to look at old furniture and to be able to see the potential. After a few visits, it becomes a lot easier. The main pic is my actual cabinet, which I’m really pleased with!

My mannequin lamp!

My mannequin lamp!

Step 3 – getting a handle on this

My third workshop was a bit more racy – converting a shop mannequin dummy into a functional and very sexy lamp. Lots of different options and techniques are on offer for this one – painting, spraying, glazing, gilding, drips (intentional), varnishing.  Great fun as usual and lots of admiring (at least I think they were admiring!) glances on the train journey home.

And I haven’t even exhausted all of the courses yet. There are plenty of new ones that have just gone up today.  What are you waiting for?

The workshops are great fun and a creative, relaxing way to spend a day. Zoe is truly crazy about what she does. She is so, so generous with her guidance, fantastic tips and lots of detailed pro advice, that you can leave with the skills and confidence to be able to carry on with your next project on your own.  I’m not on a commission, but I can’t recommend these workshops highly enough. While you’re there, you might even get to give a head massage to Dave, if you’re lucky! And that is one heck of a bonus!