On2ndthoughtupcycling

Some people just stop you in your tracks...their energy, talent, and beauty captivating you. @nickolamagnolia is one of those people. While the lockdown has temporarily shuttered her business, @nicks__studio, she's laying the foundation for the release of her debut album.... And she's not letting this vintage hand-crocheted table cloth upcycle languish in her closet either. Nope. She's bringing it every day, lockdown or not. Stay safe, be well.

@grammiesewell53 has exactly the attitude I'm looking for with this series..."I didn't save this from landfill so it could sit in a closet!" What do you think we caught her doing, looking so put together? Here's a hint. We all do it, usually weekly or less often if we're careful.... Ok, she's taking out the garbage!...and making it look fun When I upcycled this piece, I knew it would require a special person to pull it off. I mean there are jean pockets on the sleeve and back, and the skirt was a curtain, and its brown and shiny! I love the way Carolyn has styled it. And I'll just bet you kinda want to take your garbage out in style now too, right? Job done. Stay safe, be well.

For some of us, pets have been a blessing during lockdown...I mean we need someone to talk to in person, right? Alice is a studio neighbour of mine in Port Hope, creating glorious visual poetry at @alice.teichert_visual.poetry She is also an On 2nd Thought customer, having picked up this upcycled tapestry and denim vest from @pohoboho last fall.... I love that she paired it with cozy knits, to create a perfect outdoor layer for exercise, fresh air, and 1 on 1 time with her doggo. Stay safe, be well.

When I put out the call to my customers for lockdown pics, Paula was the first to respond. And for good reason! Her jackets are great examples of lockdown fashion...perfect whether you're coming or going, or hunkered down with a glass of your fav red. I forgot how much I loved making both of her upcycles. Sometimes the bliss comes from the jacket; sometimes from the accent material, and sometimes from both.... Paula proves that the bliss is alive and well and I hope she feels as special as we know she is!

Most of my upcycles aren't exactly mainstream fashion. Often they're statement pieces considered appropriate for special occasions, or items we might only wear when we're "feelin it". During lockdown I've heard folks lament that they're living in sweats and stretchy pants.... Well to that, I say this...I did not save all this fabric from landfill to have it sit in a closet! I make pieces intended to make you feel special, that brighten your day, that bring on the bliss I feel when I'm making them! So I asked my customers for pics of them wearing their upcycles while doing something typical during lockdown and "feelin it". I share these with you in the hope that you find ways to feel special during lockdown too...that normal activities become blissful because you found a way to make them so. First up is Terry of @whynotrecreations making her upcycled glass flowers, and relaxing with a colouring pad and magical view, all while wearing her upcycled lacy jacket and multi-plaid shirt. She commissioned these 2 years ago, making her my first custom customer. Thankyou Terry.

I don't typically follow trends, but the Granny Square craze has me hooked! This afghan was made by a lovely lady on Lake Katchawanooka, north of Peterborough, who had to quickly move into a LTC home. Her efforts are preserved in this one of a kind, boxy style sweater jacket with vintage denim legs (as sleeves), pockets, and waist band (as collar).... Size Large, $150 Available at Markets By Dreamday, Bowmanville. #boho #upcycle #bohochic #upcyclechic #upcycledclothing #upcyclefashion #grannysquare #grannysquareupcycle #grannysquarejacket #keeptextilesoutoflandfill #keepfabricoutoflandfill #on2ndthoughtupcycling

Markets By Dreamday is one of 3 local businesses that carry my upcycles. This lovely lady Lynne, is a big part of the heart and soul of MBDD. She was one of the first to welcome me with smiles and answers to my questions. And she was my very first customer there...purchasing the jacket she's wearing in this beautiful portrait. Having just added a 3rd location at the Pickering Town Centre, MBDD is a fast growing local maker market.... I'd urge you to follow and check out their shops in Brooklin, Bowmanville, and Pickering to experience all that feel good, shop local love. Oh, and you'll find some of my pieces in the Bowmanville shop where every clothing purchase gets you a complementary tote bag! #upcycle #shoplocal #makermarket #upcycledjacket #marketsbydreamday #on2ndthoughtupcycling #downtownbowmanville

Fall is when we reinvent ourselves and unleash our inner goddess. This vintage afghan called so clearly to be reinvented. Say hello to her inner goddess. Poho Boho. One size fits all. $150... #boho #upcycle #bohochic #crocheyedcoat #upcycledclothing #upcycledfashion #upcycledafghan #vintageafghan #handmadeinporthope @downtownporthope #on2ndthoughtupcycling

One of the most meaningful commissions I've received was to create an upcycled wedding coat for this glorious bride. 2020 may have dealt us all hands we did not expect, but for me it has offered up opportunities to get out of my comfort zone, and take on new challenges. My heart and soul are full.... Oh, and how perfect was it that we used the mother of the bride's curtains to create this memorable piece. Ana, I'm grateful that you've come into my life, and I wish you and Scott a long and loving one. #upcycle #bridalcoat #weddingcoat #upcycledcurtains #covidweddingwear #keepfabricoutoflandfill #on2ndthoughtupcycling

I don't often make pieces specifically for curvy girls...but when I do, they rock! This one was so fun to make! -the sleeves were legs of maternity pants -the collar was a scarf... -the pockets were vintage denims -the back was part of a velour skirt -the bodice was part of a dress & denims Coming to @pohoboho today. $125 #upcycle #upcycledclothing #upcycledfashion #upcycleforcurvygirls #curvygirlsrock #upcycleddenim #upcycledmaternitypants #upcycledscarf #keepfabricoutoflandfill #on2ndthoughtupcycling #handmadeupcycle

Who dis? and what is Poho Boho?...."its a big walk in closet where boho babes come to play" We did just that yesterday...see what we were up to and who this boho babe is by following @pohoboho . #boho... #bohochic #bohobabes #bohofashion #bohofashionstyle #girlsjustwannahavefun @downtownporthope See more

Deb is a great customer whose custom requests take me way out of my comfort zone. I'm thankful to be challenged in a way that builds skill and broadens creativity. This skirt weighs about 10 pounds; used nearly as many pairs of jeans; and is a full 360.... What custom piece do you dream of? #boho #upcycle #bohochic #bohoskirt #circleskirt #upcycledskirt #upcycleddenim #upcycledclothing #bohochicfashion #handmadeinporthope #keepfabricoutoflandfill #on2ndthoughtupcycling

What do you do with old instant coffee? Well, I filled a sink with it and soaked some pure white thrifted curtains in it for a full day and night. This is how they emerged (after laundering). ... They were as white as the mug and now they are a lovely soft beige, perfect for Fall upcycling projects. I'm thinking a long, fantasy, lace gown... perfect for boho style photo shoots. Stay tuned! #coffeedye #dyedcurtains #coffeedyeexperiment #keepfabricoutoflandfill #on2ndthoughtupcycling

Yesterday's vintage patchwork quilt is today's Fall coat. Lined in what I suspect were wool curtains, this coat has weight and warmth. A shawl's fringe adds some cozy at the collar, no scarf needed.... This piece comes complete with vintage leather belt, matching tote bag and mask. Add some vintage boots from @pohoboho and you're good to go for the crisp days ahead. At Poho Boho, Port Hope now. #upcycledclothing #upcycledquilt #fallcoat #handmadeinporthope @downtownporthope #handmade #slowfashion #keepfabricoutoflandfill #coatofmanycolours

Ideas. So many ideas! I woke up early this morning with a head full of exciting upcycle ideas and there is NOTHING that I love more than that. Because it means that I'm thriving. I actually live in fear that one day those ideas will be gone and the void will swallow me up and throw me into a deep depression.... Its happened before. Those of you who have lived with that loss of interest know how debilitating it is. So here's to the joy of ideas...may they inspire, motivate, and spread joy everywhere. Happy Wednesday everyone.

I just love collars. They frame our face, our smile. This Fall piece is a great example, with a double stand up collar & fringe.... What is your favourite collar style? Available at @marketsbydreamday, Bowmanville. #fringe #upcycle #fringecollar #uniquecollar #doublecollar #upcycledthrow #upcycledthrowblanket #keepfabricoutoflandfill #on2ndthoughtupcycling

In my opinion, quilts and sweaters just belong together, especially in upcycled Fall fashions. Nicola radiates beauty and warmth in this upcycle, don't you think? This piece is size Small, $85 and is available at @marketsbydreamday... In Bowmanville. Photography by @malloryfordphotography #upcycle #upcycledclothing #upcycledquilt #upcycledsweater #falllayers #thriftfashion #handmadeinporthope #keepfabricoutoflandfill #on2ndthoughtupcycling #paisleyquilt #chunkysweaterupcycle

Lets play the game...who knows what this sweater/coat is upcycled from? The first person to correctly guess in the comments wins 2 masks of their choice from my studio stock. This piece has a fascinating back story and comes complete with time earned blemishes. It features flared sleeves, vintage fur collar and a vintage clasp. 100% wool.... At Poho Boho now. Size M/L. $175. #upcycledclothing #upcycle #handmadeinporthope #bohosweater #100%wool @downtownporthope #on2ndthoughtupcycling #keepfabricoutoflandfill #vintagefurcollar #vintageclasps

I love to add a little interest to the back of my jackets. In this case it is a divine fabric sample from @acanthusinteriors1 . The backdrop bedding is also from Acanthus...providing the perfect setting for Nicola and this jacket.... The follow up pics show @malloryfordphotography at work creating this beautiful image. Jacket available at Markets By Dreamday, Bowmanville. Size Small, $85. #photoshoot #upcycledfabricsamples #beautifulbedding #upcycledjacket #fabulouscuffs #beauty #keepfabricoutoflandfill #on2ndthoughtupcycling @marketsbydreamday

I've been waiting to introduce you to the lovely Nicola. This shot was taken before Covid, and now that the weather has turned, the time is right to show off the fall jacket she's wearing. This upcycle combines a thrifted jacket, an upholstery sample and very vintage Persian lamb on the 3/4 sleeve.... Size Small, $85, now at @marketsbydreamday in Bowmanville. Stay tuned for more of Nicola in the coming days. Photo by @malloryfordphotography #upcycle #upcycledclothing #upcycledjacket #persianlamb #keepfabricoutoflandfill #on2ndthoughtupcycling #thriftedjacketupcycle #beauty #precovidphoto

The warm and fuzzies are here. I just dropped these 3 pieces off at @thenookscanada . Sizes Medium and Large.... Check my stories for more than this sneak peek! #upcycledblanket #upcycledtextiles #upcycledscarf #shopmynookporthope #fringefanatic #cozysweater #handmadeinporthope #bohochicstyle #bohochicfashion #bohofringe #bohosweater #keepfabricoutoflandfill #on2ndthoughtupcycling @downtownporthope

Always give them a reason to turn around and keep looking. Available at The Nooks, Port Hope. #upcycle... #laceinsert #bohojacket #upcycledlace #upcycleddenim #upcycledjacket #partyintheback #on2ndthoughtupcycling See more

I'm having so much fun upcycling thrifted denim jeans into traffic stopping statement pieces. These jeans have ivory and orange stitching...the same colours as the bottom flares! Available at The Nooks, Port Hope. 31" waist, $75. With matching mask and upcycled tote bag.... #boho #upcycle #bohochic #bohojeans #vintagedenim #bohochicstyle #matchingmask #upcycledclothing #flarebottomjeans @downtownporthope #jeansandmatchingmask #on2ndthoughtupcycling