Many of us have fond memories of building and fixing things with our dads when we were young. Why not pass this tradition on while teaching eco-friendly ethics? From glass to furniture and terrariums, these upcycling workshops will give you and your brood a good reason to ditch the iPad for an afternoon and flex your creative muscles.
Indeed, once you get the kids started on their renewable art journey, they may begin to see opportunities to create their own upcycling projects in unexpected ways, and reduce wastage and their carbon footprint for life.
Bespoke Glass Art
Create your own tumbler, drinking glass or vase with recycled glass bottles. Art Glass Solution’s Hot Glass Pickups Workshop will give you the rare opportunity to work with hot glass at temperatures of more than 1,000 deg C, and use a blow pipe to create your own unique artwork. This workshop is run by veteran Australian glass artist Barbara Jane Cowie who created the fish installation at Ocean Financial Centre, as well as the bouquet-shaped sculptures with mosaic, mirror accents and glass petals at Changi Airport Terminal 2. The workshop is suitable for adults and kids above the age of 10.
This 180-minute workshop costs $450 for up to two pax. Art Glass Solutions is located at 8 Jalan Tembusu, Tel: 9827 4760. By appointment only.
Build A Terrarium
What better way to celebrate Earth hour this year than by creating a terrarium with recycled materials? Green Sproutz Singapore’s Eco-Terrarium Workshop will provide you and the kids with the know-how and items to find your green fingers and create your own little eco-system. You will receive two air plants, two figurines, pebbles, a pine cone, beverage carton, template and step-by-step instruction sheet.
This 60-minute workshop will take place on 21 March 2021, from 11am to12pm. While the workshop is provided free by Green Sproutz Singapore, participants will have to pay $12 for the cost and delivery of materials.
Design A Backpack
Before you head out on your next grand adventure or hike with the kids, why not create an explorer backpack together? Fashion Makerspace’s Kids Backpack Workshop will equip your little ones to make their own pleated backpack with a double-ended zipper and an inner pocket. Working with a sewing machine and recycled canvas fabric, they can create their favourite superhero or camo designs.
This two-session workshop will take place on 15 and 17 March, 1pm to 3pm, and costs $98 per child (10 years and above). Dad may join in for an add-on $10 fee. Fashion Makerspace is located at 42B North Canal Road, Level 3, Tel: 8139 7787.
Other Upcycling Workshops
Can’t get enough of upcycling? Terra SG offers a wide variety of upcycling classes from making plastic carton LED lamps to fabric multi-holders, glass bottle LED lamps, and milk or juice paper carton pouches. LessonsGoWhere also posts upcycling workshops where you can learn to create a knick-knack bowl with old t-shirts, or a document bag with recycled fused plastic. Dates and details are yet to be confirmed, so visit their respective websites for more details.
Have you tried upcycling your pre-loved items? Tell us how it went at magnsman@sph.com.sg!
