Make, Mend and Lend Retail Hub

Aim

Help build a creative community hub with a unique blend of retail and workshops promoting sustainable solutions via upcycling.

The Project:

Tavistock is a beautiful market town in Devon, where independent retail outlets play a large role in the community. My vision is to create an inclusive workshop/studio space where I can assist people in creating up-cycled pieces; collecting things they love, revamping in a style which is special to them and letting their home become their story. As we grow ever more aware of the importance of sustainability, it is crucial that we substantially reduce waste through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse. 

My Vision:

Recently graduating with a first class honours in Interior Decoration, Design and Styling at Plymouth College of Art, my third year specialist area of interest was 'upcycling'. 

I am fascinated by how, using creative skills and a great deal of imagination, we can repurpose fading and tired possessions into exciting, unique pieces in-turn promoting a new lease of life and avoiding excessive landfill. 

I was able to learn a vast array of diverse skills throughout my school and university years in technical workshops and from work experience placements, and now the dream is to open a small space in my hometown where I can create commissioned pieces, sell my art and run small intimate workshops which teach people: 'lampshade' making, 'decoupage', 'gold and silver gilding' and more. 

Why support this project?

By bringing people together and sharing stories and skills, I can deliver an inclusive hub for the local community, as well as passing tourists, which encourages a change in attitude regarding wasteful behaviour and provides a buzzing inspirational place with colourful and boss creations!! 

The dream is to deliver a space with three aspects: 

1) Retail shop: With a variety of different price-points I would like to advertise my work through a shop window display, showing my colourful upcycles. 

2) Workshops: A chance to meet friends and learn new skills, expanding to skill-share evenings, such 'knit & natter' and craft nights. 

3) Upcycle Commissions: Offering restoration and creative revamp services, changing and re-using customers own pieces, or by sourcing recycled pieces and redesigning them. 

Who am I?

My name is Kelly Rice and I have lived in Tavistock most of my life. I am super passionate about fashion, interiors, music, art, graphics, painting, drawing, colours, cooking... 

Tavistock is très beautiful and it would be amazing to launch a project like this here, with close links to Plymouth and the surrounding villages

How funds will be spent?

The money would be spent on renting and restoring the premises to make it fit for purpose, purchasing speciality tools and initial set up costs. The premises do not have to be very big as I wish to take on a small-scale workshop to launch, progressing to a larger site as we grow. 

This project successfully funded on 4th October 2019