We're loving seeing the cool upcycling projects people are taking on in lockdown.
Already we've seen incredible outdoor bars made from palettes, fairy gardens made from old tyres and seriously pretty garden glamping situs. But the latest DIY idea that's caught our eye involves just some old tyres and string.
Alicia Mellor, a 48-year-old mum of two and events organiser from South Yorkshire, has been creating stunning one-of-a-kind household pieces such as coffee tables and lamps using just old tyres and a bunch of string.
The technique, called stringing, simply sees the items given a revamp by being wrapped in jute string or colourful alternatives.
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"It all started with two old lamps and some garden string! I've always been crafty, so I thought I'd string wrap them to give them a revamp," she told LatestDeals.co.uk.
"I had loads of time on my hands so this then led to me making more things. It's so therapeutic and such an easy thing to do. Soon I had all my friends, family and colleagues stringing everything in sight!
"That led me to an old tyre I had lying around. My husband laughed when I said I was going to string it and make a table, but several hours later I had one natural jute twined tyre.
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"I haven't bought anything other than the string and a glass top. I just used a giant plate for my Moroccan style table, and an old recycled garden table for the grey feng shui table.
"The bottom is just a tyre cut in half and turned upside down, and I then sparkle sprayed it.
"This then had everyone dropping me their old tyres off to see what I could do. It's amazing what you have lying around that you can recycle.
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"For example, I used a fur throw I had and made a footstool. I already had some MDF so I got my old jigsaw out and cut two circles for the base and top, glued it together and popped some legs on, which you can get from eBay really cheaply."
Alicia said her projects have kept her distracted during lockdown and the technique has even helped her friends with their anxiety.
"It's been amazing creating beautiful things with almost all recycled things and online ordering," the mum adds.
"My friends have messaged me saying how just stringing a wine bottle has given them a hobby and helped with their anxiety!
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"I just love crafting and making new things. I recently left my career at Tesco to pursue my dream of doing small weddings and baby showers but before I got chance to get out there, Covid-19 hit us.
"Luckily I had taken a small merchandising job to fall back on but I'm sure I'll get back out there when this is all over."
Alicia sources most of her materials from friends, though she's occasionally spend a small amount of money on string or second hand attachments.
"I spend between £6 to £35 on each tyre creation and I source most of my stuff for free," she says.
"I look on Facebook Marketplace or I simple ask friends and family if they have what I need - for example, with the bistro table top on my grey feng shui table, someone was throwing it away because the legs were broken but I didn't need those so it was perfect for the job.
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"My advice would be to start small with jars and wine bottles, and you learn your own technique that way. I use a glue gun but just a tube of superglue will get you started.
"I'm self-taught but I'm sure there are tutorials on YouTube - that's my go-to place when I want to do anything!
"My motto is to keep calm and get stringing!"
*Googles 'How to string'.*
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Topics: Life News