Upcycling challenge is on!

Sunday 08 July 2018

The Acorn Reuse Centre has officially launched its island-wide upcycling challenge to answer the age-old question: ‘why is a soil box like a writing desk?’

Acorn is challenging islanders to upcycle a soil box into a unique piece of furniture in a competition that was launched by Channel 4’s Salvage Sister, Charis Williams, who will also be judging the entries.

To enter the contest, entrants must post a picture of their upcycling efforts on Facebook and tag the Acorn Enterprises page to be in with a chance of winning a trophy hand-made by Charis with wood and an old disc brake from her own motorbike.

Charis officially kickstarted the challenge this week when she visited the Acorn Centre to give a workshop for Jersey Employment Trust (JET) clients.

I’m in #Jersey at @acornjersey doing what I love, surrounded by gorgeous #reclaimed and #salvaged #wood and #materials! Tomorrow I’m #making #lamps from items I’ve plundered from their massive warehouse.... AND.... I’ll be #teaching the class how to #upcycle a #wooden soil box! pic.twitter.com/hX35B6BCm7

— Charis Williams (@CharisWilliams) 2 July 2018

The boxes can be collected from Acorn in Trinity for £5 each and the competition is open until 31 August. Details of the challenge as well as a 10-step-guide explaining the basics of making a coffee table out of the soil box will be on the Acorn Facebook page where the winner will be announced and pictures of the designs will be posted.

The competition is in line with Acorn Centre’s ethos which promotes upcycling and reusing tonnes of unwanted items and materials.

Pictured: Channel 4's Charis Williams making the coveted Acorn Challenge trophy at her workshop this week.

The centre itself, which also provides training and employment opportunities for people who might otherwise struggle to find them, is currently undergoing its own transformations, with its new, expanded facilities opening in September.