AS artists, adding value to raw material is one of the things that we do. When we transform raw material into a masterpiece, it gives that object a higher value. One of the greatest things about being an artist is that one can never run out of materials to create. Christmas presents an opportunity to turn trash into treasure. This process is called upcycling. Upcycling is the process of recycling something in such a way that the resulting product is of a higher value than the original item. It’s simple, fun and inexpensive.

‘Tis the season to upcycle. Create simple toys, cards and decorations, using materials you would usually discard from your home. As a child, I made Christmas cards for my family using cardboards and scrap materials I had gathered during our cleaning and decorating process. It brought me great joy and satisfaction to give handmade gifts. Last year, I made a Superhero Mansion for my godson using discarded materials. It had three gaming compartments, namely football, basketball and car racing. Not surprisingly, he loved it. It doesn’t take a lot to impress young children. Simple gifts may help to expand their imagination.

During this season, encourage your children to make gifts. Some of them would have learnt a lot of new craft ideas during the July-August vacation. Have them utilise those skills now. It’s a great idea because unlike a store-bought item, they can make the toy, play with it, destroy it and remake it. In the end, there will be less complaining over a broken toy. Upcycled toys can take the form of animals such as a monkey, crocodile, dog, etc. You can also create ornaments using popsicle sticks and plastic containers. There are endless possibilities.

Christine DeCambra-Forrester is the owner of Everything makes Craft. When you enter her store you’ll see how it lives up to its name. She makes beautiful objects with simple materials. Besides owning her business, she enjoys sharing her skills and expertise with others. Christine would usually collaborate with schools and other entities to conduct various craft-making sessions. Her craft would engage children between the ages of 3 to 17. Interested adults are encouraged to learn. Most recently she collaborated with the Protected Areas Commission for an afternoon of music and family fun entitled Garden Rhythms.

The benefits of upcycling are personal, social and environmental. Personal because you create something unique which testifies to your creativity. You also develop craft repair skills that will, in turn, save you money. Upcycling is also your contribution to a more sustainable environment. One social benefit is the support it lends to the creative industry. Upcycling celebrates the craftsmanship of individuals who choose to work with their hands. Environmentally, upcycling conserves the environment by reducing the number of waste products dumped in landfills and elsewhere.