ECOHEROES
Where do I get my materials from? Who are the people behind the donations?
My materials are generously donated by a growing network of Ecoheroes — individuals, local businesses, schools, and community groups who collect and pass on their clean, single-use plastics rather than binning them. Some call themselves Recyclers, others just want to make a difference — but every contribution plays a part in transforming waste into something wonderful. It’s thanks to their ongoing support that my work is not only possible, but deeply rooted in community and circular design.
CAFES AND RESTAURANTS
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Local cafés and restaurants also play a big part in supporting my work by saving the everyday plastics most of us overlook. Huge thanks to Antlers Coffee House and Bed & Breakfast in Abbots Bromley, who regularly collect bottle tops and food packaging for me.
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The Deer Park, Hoar Cross, set aside bottle tops and packaging plastics from new products and more. Their help not only keeps valuable materials out of the bin, but also adds real community flavour to the story behind each piece I create. I'm so grateful for their ongoing support — proof that small actions can make a big difference.​​
CURIOUS CREATIVES CRAFT RETREATS
One of my long-time Ecoheroes is my amazing creative friend, Sue — founder of Curious Creatives Craft Retreats. Always on the lookout for reusable gems, Sue kindly saves a treasure trove of clean, colourful plastics and interesting materials for me to transform.
Her passion for making and mindful creativity aligns beautifully with mine, and I’ve had the joy of running hands-on workshops at her retreats, guiding guests through the process of turning waste into wonderful. It’s always a highlight — full of laughter, learning, and that special spark that comes from making together in good company.
Grateful for my Eco Heroes — friends, businesses, and strangers who collect materials and believe in beautiful, sustainable design.
FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Whether I’m visiting family and friends here in the UK or over in Europe, I always seem to come home with a suitcase full of colourful donations! From bubble wrap and fruit net bags to food packaging, bottle tops, hessian sacks, mailing bags and more — my loved ones have become brilliant at spotting the potential in everyday waste. They know I’ll give these discarded bits a second life, transforming them into something useful, playful or beautiful.
It’s a lovely way to stay connected and reminds me just how much creativity and care can be found in community — even across borders.
LOCAL FARMS
Some of the most durable and interesting materials come from local farms, where I’m lucky to have support from brilliant rural Ecoheroes. High Ash Farm, Abbots Bromley has donated agricultural plastics from both their dairy and equestrian businesses, while Yeatsall Farm has passed on heavy-duty plastics from fertiliser stock.
These tougher materials are ideal for creating strong, long-lasting items — and I love being able to give them a second life that’s far from the field, but still rooted in local connection and sustainability.
AIRFIELDS
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Alongside household plastics, I sometimes receive more unusual donations — like old windsocks from airfields! A big thank you to the lovely folks at the privately owned airstrip in Abbots Bromley and the Leicestershire Aeroclub, who’ve both kindly passed on their retired windsocks for me to recycle.
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These bold, weathered textiles come with their own stories and add a unique character to the pieces I create. I love finding creative ways to honour their past while giving them a fresh, functional future.
