Introducing the very talented Artisan, Possbella Upcycled Art. Sharon loves to turn hard-to-recycle items into unique upcycled creations in the beautiful Clarence Valley in Northern NSW.
Find out why Sharon started creating and why she is so passionate about the value of handmade.
Tell us about your creations and your handmade process.
I love coming up with unique ways to upcycle hard to recycle items. Exploring what to make from regular waste items into something that someone might want to buy is so exciting.
Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a handmade artist.
Possbella was born over 20 years ago when my first child arrived. I started sewing clothes for her from op-shop fabric remnants including curtains and doona covers. I have always needed to have a day job and my ability to spend time on my Possbella passion has waxed and waned according to how much time and energy I have been able to dedicate to my passion.
Mid 2024 I was made redundant from my fulltime senior management role and it allowed me to pour everything into Possbella. Making rings from cutlery found in op-shops and finally having the time to break down and create objects from the Aluminium cans I had been saving for years was incredible. Finding and being accepted on the Madeit platform has been the last piece of the puzzle to make all of my dreams come true.
I have realised over the last few years what the market wants and does not want.
I am doing less sewing and interest in my Aluminium art products is peaking. I suspect this is because it is different and something not many people are doing. That's exciting!
What is your inspiration or where do you find inspiration?
I love seeing other artists making things from waste materials and upcycled materials. Watching shows like Project Runway and seeing the unconventional challenge episodes is inspiring. When I go to sleep, thinking about hard-to-recycle items and what I could possibly make from them that someone might like to buy is my most favourite thing in the world.
Where did you learn your craft?
Growing up, my Nan, mum and Nanna taught me how to sew, knit and crochet and I am so grateful for that. Upcycling came from trying, testing, checking what might sell and refining again and again.
Why is handmade artistry so important to you?
Trawling op-shops is my most favourite thing. I hit an op-shop, head straight for the cutlery section, curtains and kitchenware. But it's all about being eco-conscious and promoting responsible purchasing. It's the least I can do for the planet.
I have created a list of things we no longer need to produce including plates, cups, glasses, cutlery, jigsaws, books and so many more. Just go to an op-shop and get all you need! Seeing both my husband and my kids enjoy op-shopping for their clothes, books and gifts makes me so happy. Recently my husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. He gifted me a silver dolphin necklace. I asked him for the story behind the necklace and he told me he bought it from an op-shop. That made me so happy.
Sharon is a much loved member of the MadeIt Collective, posting regularly in our Facebook Group ~ MadeIt: Handmade not Massmade Australia ~ and sharing her new creations as they are released. If you haven't connected with Possbella Upcycled Art make sure you join our FB Group and say hi!
