Recycled & upcycled Christmas gift ideas with Emmaus

Earlier this year I was asked to join up with the charity, Emmaus to create something upcycled to celebrate Recycle Week. I created a cushion made from men’s ties and thoroughly enjoyed it on two levels. One, I loved making the cushion but more importantly, I loved sharing with you all the great work that Emmaus do, and was proud to be involved. So when they asked me to do it all over again I jumped at the chance! They have tasked me with recycling some of their items that they had for sale at my local branch in Carlton, Bedfordshire and creating something that can be given as an upcycled Christmas gift this year.

I chose a few glass and crystal items; 2 planter style bowls, 2 trifle bowls, a small heavy basket and a lidded posy bowl. I decided to add items to show you how easy it is to buy a nice piece from a charity shop and turn it into thoughtful Christmas gifts.

I have planted spring bulbs in the first one; something which I love. I really love the fragrance of hyacinths on my kitchen window sill. I bought these bulbs from Budgens as they didn’t come in a fancy pot already (they were £1 for 3) and were already sprouting.

I love the idea of planting herbs in unusual things (I planted some in vintage glass jelly moulds in my book) so loved the idea of getting three into one piece of crystal. The herbs were from Aldi so super cheap!

I remember as a child going to my grandma’s house who always had sweets in glass bowls on every surface at Christmas. With this in mind, how about filling bowls with sweets to give as gifts. You can buy cellophane to wrap them up if you so wish too.

Rather than creating a hamper this year, how about using a vintage bowl instead which can then be used to serve up salad or trifle for years to come. Here I have a 1920s coloured pressed glass bowl filled with cheese and chutney and vintage baubles.

My final idea is to fill a glass bowl with pamper gifts including this lovely bath oil by Olverum. Again you could wrap the whole thing in cellophane and add a bow!

I love creating gifts using vintage pieces to offset the goodies. I hope you like them and most of all, to check out Emmaus and see all the good work they are doing.

Have a happy Christmas everyone and THANK YOU for all your support in 2017 x