It’s always fun to educate by doing, especially with young and enthusiastic participants. In addition to upcycling denim it is also important to educate. Recently I gave a joint workshop to the MAPEKO Foundation in Nicaragua. This organization is a worldwide movement founded in 2019 and now in 31 countries. Its mission is to stop the climate crisis before the point of no return.
A special guest from SASTRA was invited to discuss her work. Adriana reduces pollution by upcycling publicity vinyl into useful products after their short promotional lives. Both Maria Magnolia Designs and SASTRA have the same mission: Reduce waste by upcycling! The concept is simple, but its execution needs a little encouragement, creativity and reassurance.
First, we learned 3 hand stitches: sashiko, blanket and ladder. Participants brought jeans with holes and tears, so we discussed ways to visibly mend them using different techniques like embroidery, applique, reverse applique and more.
Different ways to use the publicity denim were shown and included”fanny” packs, coin purses, and multiple bags for carrying items. We also made “feather” earrings by using belt loops and cutting and then fraying pieces to make “feathers.”
Upcycling denim and publicity vinyl are just 2 of countless ways to reduce the dumping of materials whose lives can be extended and transformed into useful objects. Showing how you can do it yourself or contribute to recycling and upcycling is both rewarding individually and as a member of society.