(Lead Image: Usplash)

Upcycling can be a great way to breathe new life into old furniture, which is not only better for the environment, but also beneficial for your bank account too.

Social media is awash with time-lapse videos showing people turning preloved tables and cabinets from drab to fab – and while satisfying to watch, those ten second reels don’t fully represent the time and effort applied to each transformation.

It can be a daunting prospect to pick up a paintbrush or sandpaper and give it a go, but everybody has to start somewhere. The Stray Ferret spoke to Yorkshire artists and enthusiasts involved in upcycling and sustainability, to share some handy tips.

 Don’t be afraid to experiment

Jodie with one of her creations (Jodie Flavell Artist)

 Last month the Stray Ferret spoke to Harrogate-based artist Jodie Flavell about her background and the imminent opening of her new shop on Mayfield Grove. Although she had no formal training in interior design or art before she started working on preloved furniture, she managed to take what was a creative outlet and make it into a fully-fledged business.

She also shared some of the key learnings she’s taken from her experience, especially lessons she had to discover for herself along the way. Her first tip would be to carefully choose the right ‘canvas’ or item of furniture to work on.

Jodie said:

“Proper wood, even veneered wood is better as it can be sanded down, but cheaper, laminated wood effect is much harder to upcycle, and doesn’t take on paint as easily.”

Secondly, upcycling is all about experimenting – Jodie recalled that through her own trials and errors she realised ‘you don’t need to paint things one colour’ and that a light touch is needed.

“Sometimes people feel like they need to get as much paint on there and can be heavy-handed which is what causes drips and streaks.”

Start simple

Before and after (Image: Jessie Parker)

According to upcycling enthusiast Jessie Parker, an easy route into upcycling requires two simple variables: a spray can and a flat surface.

She explained:

“I’m a big fan of making my home look lovely, but I’m not a big fan of buying new. That’s why I love finding items in charity shops that look a bit sad but, with a bit of work, have real potential.

“Things like mirrors and old metal picture frames can be easily revived with a bit of spray paint.”

Jessie’s favourite colour to use is metallic gold as it can instantly make an item of furniture more vibrant. She recommends thoroughly sanding down the surface first and wiping it over with a damp cloth to remove any dust, so the colour has the best chance at holding.

Equally as important is to make sure when spraying the item, it’s placed on a flat surface, otherwise the risk of bumps, drips or uneven coverage can increase.

She added:

“You then want to shake the spray paint for at least a minute to avoid the fluids separating. I usually do three coats but you can experiment with this to get your desired results.

“You’ll soon have the spray painting bug and always been on the look out for new things to upcycle and rehome.”

First impressions aren’t everything

(Image: Usplash)

 It can be easy to see a chair upholstered in a loud 80s fabric or a careworn table and immediately write it off as unsalvageable – or simply too ugly to transform. However, learning to look past the dated exterior and consider the potential in the piece is something that James Gascoigne from Leeds realised the hard way – and it left him kicking himself on the missed opportunity.

He explained:

“I moved into my first home in August 2022, and I was pretty hard up after buying a house, but I didn’t want to just buy cheap for-now pieces that I didn’t really like and would end up replacing quickly.”

James turned to Facebook marketplace for some of the larger items of furniture and came across a chair that he liked the look of – despite what he described as its ‘poor condition’.

However, after sending the picture to his partner he was dissuaded from buying it. It wasn’t until a several weeks later, when he mentioned it to a friend that he realised just what he’d passed up on.

“I showed this friend and they said they thought it was worth something and it looked pretty vintage – she thought it was a Ming chair, a famous style of furniture.

“When I Googled it, she was right – although we didn’t know how old the one on Facebook marketplace was, some of the high-end stuff goes for upwards of £400 and this had been sold for a fraction of that. Oh yes – it was sold straight away, no doubt to someone who didn’t hesitate.”

James didn’t make the same mistake twice and has successfully turned his hand to many other upcycling projects since around his home. His advice would be to at least view the item if you’re unsure – it’s a good way to check out the vintage credentials.

Not all projects are created equal

(Image: Pixabay)

With previous experience transforming preloved furniture to sell on as a passion project, Harrogate-based Steph Flint has several pearls of wisdom to share with budding upcyclers.

Explaining why she enjoys the process of giving furniture a new lease of life, she said:

“I can never find a piece of furniture in a shop that I like enough to purchase. I prefer old furniture with character that has stood the test of time.

“It’s very satisfying seeing an old dark unloved cabinet that nobody wants, become the focus point in a room, with a new purpose. I find painting furniture very relaxing, and I enjoy the creativeness. It can become quite addictive.”

In her time, she’s found that dark, ‘post-war’ furniture takes on paint easily, and is often sold cheaply, as it isn’t considered to be in fashion. But the right type of furniture isn’t everything; using the correct tools is important to the success of the project too.

Steph added:

“Start with something small – a small table or a chair. I prefer to use chalk paint.  It is very forgiving and there is no preparation required before you start.  Top tip – use synthetic paint brushes, they don’t shred and clean very easily.”

Read more:

• Discover the Harrogate artist transforming furniture as part of the ‘upcycling revolution’
• From Beyonce to Birstwith – meet the new chef at The Station Hotel

Harrogate BID is set to launch its campaign for a second term at a meeting of its members later this month.

The business improvement district, funded through a levy on business rates for commercial premises in the town centre, was first voted in in January 2019.

Its first five-year period will end at the beginning of next year – but its manager and board are hoping to win support for a business plan for another term.

Harrogate BID chairman Dan Siddle said:

“Harrogate is a key visitor destination and working with our members, BID ensures the town centre excels as a place for business, to shop, visit and enjoy.

“The work of the team over the past five years has been focused on the delivery of five key areas: marketing, promotions and events; access and car parking; safe, clean and welcoming; business plus; and evening and night-time economy.

“The new business plan will see these five areas re-focused on three all-encompassing objectives, with even greater scrutiny of the return on investment in relation to each one.”

The new business plan will be presented to BID members at the Majestic Hotel on Wednesday, April 26. As well as showcasing the draft business plan, it will be an opportunity for the BID to highlight its achievements since it was established.

Among those are events in the town centre designed to draw visitors in, such as a lego trail last summer and attractions over the Christmas period.

It has also carried out regular deep-cleaning of streets, and added floral and artistic installations to make the town centre more attractive to visitors and residents.

It has employed a street ranger and used hosts to welcome visitors to town and give directions, as well as sponsoring free parking and free bus travel on selected routes to boost footfall in the town centre.

The ballot for the BID will open on June 1 and members will be asked to cast their votes by June 28. The result will be announced the following day.

Mr Siddle added:

“I am confident that the offering of our new five-year business plan and streamlined objectives will see a positive vote for the BID – from which we look forward to continuing our work in support of our members to make Harrogate thrive long into the future.”

Any BID members wishing to attend the event at the Majestic on April 26, which runs from 5pm to 8pm, can sign up by emailing the BID.

Read more:

• New chair to take the reins at Harrogate BID
• Harrogate firms prepare to vote on whether to continue funding business group

A judging panel made up of leaders from top local businesses and organisations have shortlisted finalists for the Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023, sponsored by Prosperis.

It wasn’t a simple task, with more than 100 entries across 10 categories, which highlighted the strength of the local business community.

Our four judges were Marcus Boardall, chief executive of Reed Boardall, Black Sheep Brewery chief executive Charlene Lyons, Cloud Nine founder and chief executive Martin Rae, and James Farrar, chief operating officer of York and North Yorkshire LEP.

The judging panel met at West Park Hotel in Harrogate in the morning and debated well into the afternoon.

On Friday, January 20, the Stray Ferret will announce the shortlist for each of the 10 categories.

From growing businesses to the up-and-coming stars of the future, the categories are designed to allow businesses to showcase their strengths.

The glittering, black tie awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 9 at Pavilions of Harrogate. To book your tickets, click or tap here.

More pictures from the judging day:

There were lots of entries for the judges to get through.

Our judges enjoyed debating about each of the entrants.

Marcus Boardall of Reed Boardall and Martin Rae of Cloud Nine.

James Farrar of the York and North Yorkshire LEP and Charlene Lyons of Black Sheep Brewery.

The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023 are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district.

In these final few days before entries close, we are revealing the last of what our judging panel is looking for when it comes to each of the 10 categories.

The final category up is the Best Digital Marketing Campaign Award, which is sponsored by Next Chapter.

Digital is clearly the way forward. This award recognises the work of businesses that have run incredible campaigns on purely digital campaigns.

Companies looking to enter need to provide information on the digital marketing plan, including its aims and objectives. Also provide statistical information on why the campaign was a success.

Does your business deserve to win the Best Digital Marketing Campaign Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards? Entries close at 12pm on January 16. It’s simple and quick, so enter today!

Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.

The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023 are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district.

In this final week before entries close, we are revealing the last of what our judging panel is looking for when it comes to each of the 10 categories.

Next up is the Best Employee Development Award, which is sponsored by Jones Myers, Family Law Solicitors.

This award is designed to highlight businesses that develop their employees, giving them the best start for a new career.

Those looking to enter this award need to give details of the business values and culture that lead to the creation of the training programme and highlight employee successes that came as a result.

Do you know a person that deserves to win the Best Employee Development Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards? Entries close on January 16. It’s simple and quick, so enter today!

Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.

More than 500 bags of food and gifts were distributed to families across the Harrogate district after an annual Christmas appeal run by the Salvation Army in Ripon.

Each year the church and charity takes part in the nationwide Salvation Army appeal, which provides food and festive gifts anonymously to people recommended by agencies in the community.

Church leader Pat Clark said:

“This year, with the cost of living crisis, we faced a tsunami of need and we would like to say a big thank you on behalf of all the families supported by the appeal.”

Approximately 250 bags of gifts and 300 bags of food were provided, with each family member receiving a main present, chocolates and several small gifts. The food bags contained basic non-perishable foodstuffs and festive goods – mince pies, cake and puddings.

Ms Clark said:

“The huge effort was only made possible through the work of volunteer packers and sorters, donations from the public and other churches , schools and businesses.

“Planning for next Christmas is already underway, as arrangements have to be made to store cans and packets of food ready for the huge demand in December.”

Read more:

• Wildflower planting programme launched at Ripon nature reserve
• Plan to install donation point for upkeep of Ripon park

The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023 are for businesses across all sectors in the Harrogate district.

In this final week before entries close, we are revealing the last of what our judging panel is looking for when it comes to each of the 10 categories.

Next up is the Unsung Hero Award, which is sponsored by Big Bamboo.

This award is designed to shine a light on those people who are truly the glue of the team.

These people are not only integral to the day to day, but they also bring a personal touch that makes the business that bit brighter.

Those looking to nominate for the Unsung Hero Award need to provide details of the contribution and the impact this person has made as well as details of the person’s background and current position.

Do you know a person that deserves to win the Unsung Hero Award at the Stray Ferret Business Awards? Entries close on January 16. It’s simple and quick, so enter today!

Click here or the banner below to enter for the Stray Ferret Business Awards, sponsored by Prosperis.

The Stray Ferret Business Awards 2023 sponsored by Prosperis is set to celebrate the best of businesses from across the Harrogate district.

With the deadline for entries fast approaching on Monday, January 16 we are revealing the top reasons why businesses simply cannot miss the opportunity to get involved.

The entry process is simple, fast and free, so what are you waiting for? Enter or nominate today!

Shout about your achievements

We know the Harrogate district is home to thousands of incredible small, medium and large businesses.

In the face of the coronavirus pandemic and now a cost of living crisis, local businesses are doing amazing things for their staff and customers.

So why not get recognition for those achievements? Whether your business has seen significant growth, made positive changes for sustainability or inclusivity, we can help you celebrate.

Attract top talent and keep employees motivated

Now more than ever we know just how important it is to attract new employees and keep your existing employees motivated.

Winning or being shortlisted for an award is a great way to set your business apart from the rest. Who doesn’t want to make for an award-winning business?

Not only do we have awards celebrating overall business achievements, we also have awards geared specifically towards celebrating the work of your best staff.

So if you have a Rising Star Under 30 or an Unsung Hero at your business then show them your appreciation and nominate them today.

Exposure with the Stray Ferret’s audience

The Stray Ferret has a huge, local audience. We get more than 200,000 readers every month from across the Harrogate district and beyond.

With ten categories come ten winners and we will profile the great work of all of our winners. So this is a great chance to get your business in front of our readers.

Incredible judging panel

When you are looking to get recognition for your business, it is key that those on the judging panel are the best of the best.

That is why we have handpicked the leaders of top businesses from across the Harrogate district with expertise and experience in a wider variety of sectors.

We have Charlene Lyons, CEO of Black Sheep Brewery in Masham, Marcus Boardall, CEO of Reed Boardall in Boroughbridge, Martin Rae, CEO of Cloud Nine in Harrogate and James Farrar, COO of the York and North Yorkshire LEP in Northallerton.

Network with the best local businesses

The Stray Ferret Business Awards will be a great way to network with the event culminating in a glittering awards dinner on March 9.

With our stellar judging panel, sponsors and shortlisted businesses for each of our ten categories, this is not an event to be missed.

You can see a full list of award categories on the Stray Ferret Business Awards page. Entries close on Monday, January 16.