Woman creates stunning shelf from table destined for the skip

• Helena Labron, 40, loves to up-cycle old materials
• She saw a table destined for the skip and transformed it into a stylish shelf
• Helena provides tips to do the same

Before you throw away old furniture, be creative and think about what alternative uses your ancient tables, chairs or sofas can have.

Because if you’re anything like this clever mum, you’ll spot the potential in an old piece of furniture and up-cycle it to create something new and fabulous.

Helena Labron, 40, from Stockton-on-Tees, creates budget shabby chic furniture and accessories, selling her items on Facebook. When she spotted a table headed for the skip, Helena knew it would make the perfect shelf.

Helena, a mum of two, told money-saving community LatestDeals.co.uk: "I up-cycle, re-cycle and love second hand shops and boot sales.

"My health the past few years has not been great, but while my hands still work they will work!

“I believe any kind of art is good therapy for any mindset. So I want to share what I know with others.

"I hate the waste that adds up in our landfills. Most of the time it’s beautiful furniture that gets thrown out still with lots of life in them.

“However, even the items that seem far too gone or seem to have little purpose, I hate to waste even more.

"I can just see in my mind's eye what I can do with that item and the potential it has before allowing it to be skipped. Age is beauty, and the more old and used the better for me!”

When Helena came across an old and tired table destined for the skip, she just knew she had to give it a new lease of life.

“The circle shelf came about as I’m into retro at the moment,” she explains.

"I was given the table by a client of mine. She said it was heading for the skip.

"I planned to paint it up and pair it with chairs, however it wasn’t in the best of shape.

"I’d noticed the frame was a solid circle, and it was a separate piece. I knew instantly its new lease of life was to be a shelf for the plaque wall in my kitchen.

"I had some off cuts of pallet wood in the shed so I cut them to size. I didn’t sand them to bare wood as I wanted the rustic look.

“To make the same, you’ll need a jig saw, a mouse sander for splinters, screws, Rust-Oleum antique white paint and wax, and plugs and screws for hanging.

"It was a really easy project to make, and it looks amazing in my kitchen!"

Helena’s top tips:

• Be frugal and search for cheap fixings
• For materials, use curtains or bedding second hand
• Find inspiration anytime - Pinterest is fab!
• Don’t make anything too complicated. Use the skills you're comfortable with and build confidence from there
• Don’t hoard things - if you get a project, start and finish it.
• Don’t let anyone take away your inner peace with negative comments.
• We all have our own tastes, strengths and weaknesses. Embrace who you are - you can do it!
• Be wise and be safe while doing anything.
• Be proud of what you’ve achieved.

Tom Church, co-founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, says: “Helena’s incredibly creative project is proof that you really can up-cycle anything in your home. This kind of project is eco-friendly, provides a creative outlet and also ensures you’ll have totally unique pieces of furniture that will be the envy of all your friends!"

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