It all started a few months ago, when Mike and I were invited to visit his cousin’s new home in West Sussex. They had a few things to celebrate: moving into their first family home, his cousin’s hubby’s 30th birthday and the arrival of their bouncing baby boy a few weeks earlier. Mike wanted to created a personalised gift for them which was personal and unique. Meanwhile, we had started putting together some ideas for our future home, which included some fantastic ideas about using old pallets to create upcycled furniture and other decorative items. We both love the idea and ethos of creating something from a seemingly throw away item which, when looked at and put together in a different way, because something special. And so an idea was sparked.

In short, our back garden and office has morphed into a workshop space. My office has swiftly been relocated into the house, without too much protest from my side. I have to say that the items which are popping out of it are so beautiful. Each time, I am amazed at the transformation which has taken place. It fascinates me that something which started out as a palette a few days ago has been sanded, cut, reassembled into something so far from where it started. Where photography is about a selective personal vision, a narrowing down of what you see in front of you, this craft is an additive process. You need to visualise where it’s going before you even begin. Here are a few of the items which Mike has lovingly created over the past few months. I can’t wait to see what pop out next from his workshop!

Watch this space for updates on where finished pieces will be available for sale. In the meantime, Mike is taking on selected commissions, contact him on info@upcycled.works