coolupcycled

Pallet compost bins

I like using recycled pallets to make things for the house and garden. These four compost bins were made using the sturdier euro pallets. I dug a square trench, lined with recycled plastic sheet to try and prevent rotting, inserted holes for drainage, and after coating in some leftover fence paint, I placed the palletsContinue reading “Pallet compost bins”

Olive barrel water butts

Recycled and upgraded olive barrels, bought from Bunker Hill Nursery can be used for both planters and water butts. I have used mine for the latter. You can buy taps to drill in, but water butts are not expensive, and you run the risk of leakage. Trying to keep my garden as self-sufficient and environmentallyContinue reading “Olive barrel water butts”

Wedding Decorations

I was asked by a friend, with a wonderfully creative eye for detail, to help her with some wedding decorations. This was due to either my ability to bodge things together, or because she wanted to involve me! Either way, I was delighted and tasked with a making things for the cake table and theContinue reading “Wedding Decorations”

Whisky barrel planters

Probably one of the most un-original upcycles… but a great way to use whisky barrels is for planters. I bought two half barrels from Bunker Hill. They were lined and a had a gap left at the bottom for water to drain away. I then use willow to grow beans up. They are practical andContinue reading “Whisky barrel planters”

How to make a cob pizza oven

Having completed my Pizza Oven Course I knew how to make a cob oven. The real problems related to logistics. This wasn’t a minor undertaking when you work a full-time job and have a small car. Why? Well, just the pizza oven required 200kg of clay, 500kg of sand and 30 driveway red paving blocksContinue reading “How to make a cob pizza oven”

Bunker Hill Nursery

We are blessed with eccentric suppliers in Oxfordshire. Continuing in my thread of supporting and celebrating, Bunker Hill Nursery, is a garden centre with a difference. A winding Aladdin’s cave of a place that offers free coffee. They recycle anything as a plant pots and you will even find old phone boxes with plants inContinue reading “Bunker Hill Nursery”

Pizza oven course

I had long talked to my wife about wanting a cob pizza oven. The construction aspect interested me but I was also fascinated by such an ancient style of cooking using natural materials. Therefore, when my wife bought me a surprise present to attend a course, I was delighted. We went off for a nightContinue reading “Pizza oven course”

Broomstick handles

How to upcycle a humble broomstick handle? Not quite recycled, although I imagine you could. My demands for them are great and I am not quite sure I could source enough recycled. I buy mine new, around 50, for £25 and use them everywhere. Often to prop trees, but also as cross supports for structures,Continue reading “Broomstick handles”

Cable reels

Every time I went into Oxford Wood Recycling I always spotted cable reels, and could think of many things to do with them. The only issue, was how to get them home when you have a small car? Luckily, Oxford Wood Recycling delivers, so when I needed a large order of wood, I added in aContinue reading “Cable reels”

Parquet and black pipe side table

If using parquet is a labour of love then this table was my most extreme upcycled project to date. My original vision was for a pair, I even made two matching tops. There was so much time and hard work in making this table I haven’t yet got round to making the second! I doContinue reading “Parquet and black pipe side table”