Because...why not explore our own creative — and upcycling — potential?
If you’re not following Nicole McLaughlin, we advise you to stop what you’re doing and add her.
You’re not likely to find someone who can inspire, entertain, and sometimes confuse you to quite the same degree she does. And we mean that in the absolute best way.
Among those qualities that make her work so incredible: she reuses/repurposes nearly EVERYthing, breathes a most clever and unique new life into said everything, and often puts her creations through a personal wear test if for no other reason to show that her designs provide both form and function. And let’s not forget fun.
In addition to answering a few questions about her foray into the realm of repurposed art, Nicole was gracious enough to craft THREE exclusive DIY projects for you to recreate at home, and hopefully to give away as gifts?!. Today, we’re sharing with you the first — a very darling rabbit—esque dog toy, made only from a pair of overalls and a jacket sleeve lining. The real beauty of these DIYs is that — you use what you got. If a pair of old overalls aren’t at your disposal, challenge yourself to see what in your closet/dresser might work instead.
If you need inspiration, trust us — Nicole’s IG is ALWAYS a great place to start.
Tell us about the first upcycled piece you made. What sparked its creation?
I used to work as a graphic designer for a sportswear brand, and it was there that I started to see the piles of samples and products, the negative side of fashion. I began to think about the amount of stuff produced and what happens to the leftovers. So one day, I thought about using the samples to explore and create my own projects. I was always curious about the making process, so I took things apart and put them back together in new ways. After that, I started thrifting and looking for second-hand items I could rework. I was new to all this and didn't want to cut up something nice if I was going to make a mistake, so I focused on pieces with stains or holes. Used things can present creative challenges, but a roll of brand new fabric does, too.
As for my early work, some prototypes have definitely never seen the light of day! But one of the first was tissue paper from a Dover Street Market bag that I turned into a not very wearable button-down shirt. I didn't know how to sew back then, so some of the assembly was a bit haphazard. It was more about understanding the construction of things and getting my pieces to a point where they are somewhat functional, if not wearable. I made a bubble vest using leftover packing material around the same time, which was 100% wearable.
Favorite creation to date, and why?
The volleyball shoe is still my favorite. Taking a ball with a specific purpose and altering its appearance and function, but it's still that thing, opened up a new world of possibilities.
Do you have a favorite medium?
Waterproof materials are always fun to use.
Why upcycle?
I think the question here is — why isn't everyone upcycling? If someone like me, untrained and self-taught, can make the things I do, people should reconsider their own creative potential and try upcycling.
How and where do you find inspiration?
It might sound cliche, but I find inspiration in everything. Mostly, the materials themselves. They tell a story in their design, construction, etc., and all I want to do is amplify that message and challenge people's visual perception of what you can do with it.
Tell us about the DIY pieces you're curating for FP!
The DIY project was a lot of fun. I had the opportunity to make things I had never made before, like a dog toy. But I also wanted to be thoughtful of the materials Free People provided and utilize them in easy and creative ways so everyone could do it themselves at home. I made a tote from overalls, pillows from pants, and a dog toy, my favorite piece.
NICOLE MCLAUGHLIN’S UPCYCLED DOG TOY DIY
Step 1:
Remove the back pocket from overalls (or any pant). Make sure you remove the entire thing, including the base material, so it’s still functional.
Step 2:
Next, remove the straps from the overalls. If you’re using pants, you can cut straps from scrap material.
Step 3:
For the filling, feel free to use any stuffing or scrap material to make your toy. For this video, I’m using the sleeve of an old fleece jacket. Be sure to cut a piece that’s a bit wider than the pocket to ensure an even look and feel.
Step 4:
Take an extra piece of the fleece, roll it into a ball-like shape, and play with its placement on the back pocket. Be sure to remove the stuffing before sewing it on.
Step 5:
Take the overall straps and cut three inches below the pointed ends, using them as ears. Tuck the cut ends into the top of the pocket, make sure the stuffing stays inside, and sew the opening closed.
Step 6:
Add a label to finish!
Follow Along With Nicole’s Video Below
Among those qualities that make her work so incredible: she reuses/repurposes nearly EVERYthing, breathes a most clever and unique new life into said everything, and often puts her creations through a personal wear test if for no other reason to show that her designs provide both form and function. And let’s not forget fun.
In addition to answering a few questions about her foray into the realm of repurposed art, Nicole was gracious enough to craft THREE exclusive DIY projects for you to recreate at home, and hopefully to give away as gifts?!. Today, we’re sharing with you the first — a very darling rabbit—esque dog toy, made only from a pair of overalls and a jacket sleeve lining. The real beauty of these DIYs is that — you use what you got. If a pair of old overalls aren’t at your disposal, challenge yourself to see what in your closet/dresser might work instead.
If you need inspiration, trust us — Nicole’s IG is ALWAYS a great place to start.
Tell us about the first upcycled piece you made. What sparked its creation?
I used to work as a graphic designer for a sportswear brand, and it was there that I started to see the piles of samples and products, the negative side of fashion. I began to think about the amount of stuff produced and what happens to the leftovers. So one day, I thought about using the samples to explore and create my own projects. I was always curious about the making process, so I took things apart and put them back together in new ways. After that, I started thrifting and looking for second-hand items I could rework. I was new to all this and didn't want to cut up something nice if I was going to make a mistake, so I focused on pieces with stains or holes. Used things can present creative challenges, but a roll of brand new fabric does, too.
As for my early work, some prototypes have definitely never seen the light of day! But one of the first was tissue paper from a Dover Street Market bag that I turned into a not very wearable button-down shirt. I didn't know how to sew back then, so some of the assembly was a bit haphazard. It was more about understanding the construction of things and getting my pieces to a point where they are somewhat functional, if not wearable. I made a bubble vest using leftover packing material around the same time, which was 100% wearable.
Favorite creation to date, and why?
The volleyball shoe is still my favorite. Taking a ball with a specific purpose and altering its appearance and function, but it's still that thing, opened up a new world of possibilities.
Do you have a favorite medium?
Waterproof materials are always fun to use.
Why upcycle?
I think the question here is — why isn't everyone upcycling? If someone like me, untrained and self-taught, can make the things I do, people should reconsider their own creative potential and try upcycling.
How and where do you find inspiration?
It might sound cliche, but I find inspiration in everything. Mostly, the materials themselves. They tell a story in their design, construction, etc., and all I want to do is amplify that message and challenge people's visual perception of what you can do with it.
Tell us about the DIY pieces you're curating for FP!
The DIY project was a lot of fun. I had the opportunity to make things I had never made before, like a dog toy. But I also wanted to be thoughtful of the materials Free People provided and utilize them in easy and creative ways so everyone could do it themselves at home. I made a tote from overalls, pillows from pants, and a dog toy, my favorite piece.
NICOLE MCLAUGHLIN’S UPCYCLED DOG TOY DIY
Step 1:
Remove the back pocket from overalls (or any pant). Make sure you remove the entire thing, including the base material, so it’s still functional.
Step 2:
Next, remove the straps from the overalls. If you’re using pants, you can cut straps from scrap material.
Step 3:
For the filling, feel free to use any stuffing or scrap material to make your toy. For this video, I’m using the sleeve of an old fleece jacket. Be sure to cut a piece that’s a bit wider than the pocket to ensure an even look and feel.
Step 4:
Take an extra piece of the fleece, roll it into a ball-like shape, and play with its placement on the back pocket. Be sure to remove the stuffing before sewing it on.
Step 5:
Take the overall straps and cut three inches below the pointed ends, using them as ears. Tuck the cut ends into the top of the pocket, make sure the stuffing stays inside, and sew the opening closed.
Step 6:
Add a label to finish!
Follow Along With Nicole’s Video Below
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