Creativity meets sustainability in new competition

Entries for the 'Great Manx RE-CHREE-ATE Competition' close tomorrow

People from across the Island are being invited to 'give upcycling a go' in a new competition.

The 'Great Manx RE-CHREE-ATE Competition' challenges participants to make new items from at least 50 percent recycled materials.

Organisers say the event aims to:

• Inspire creativity that promotes the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle message
• Commend creative talent and resourcefulness in the Isle of Man community
• Showcase and raise funds for charitable causes
• Provide an outlet for artisans using recycled materials to sell items
• Bring people together from all walks of life at an inclusive friendly fun social occasion to promote Act Belong Commit messages for wellbeing

Creations already seen include: old furniture transformed using Frenchic paint, spray can lids turned into colourful Christmas lights, cat food packets stitched into shopping bags, silver spoons crafted into rings, left-over flooring made into built-in shelves, and frozen food packets cut up and used as t-shirt transfers.

Bea Veayn / RE-CHREE-ATE is a UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man partner and an international partner of the Australian campaign for staying mentally healthy, Act Belong Commit.

Founder of the Bea Veayn / RE-CHREE-ATE, Gilly Street said: "It’s not just about winning. Individuals and groups are encouraged to enter their items to inspire others to give upcycling a go.

"I have been astounded by some of the ingenious ideas that people have. 

"I’m not very artistic but I’m having fun turning old jeans into purses and bags. 

"I can’t wait to see what turns up in the 12 entry categories”.

The categories are: Most Beautiful, Most Useful, Most Innovative, Best Clothing Item, Best Accessory/Jewellery Item, Best Small household Item, Best Item of Furniture, Best Outdoor Item, Best Item created by a Family Group, Best Item created by a Community or Workplace Group, Best Item created by a Primary School Group, and Best Item created by a Senior School Group. 

Competition entries are free for all school groups.

Winners of each of 12 categories will be determined by a team of judges, including 'a Mayor, an MHK, a renowned Manx artist, a head of special community projects, and leading members of three supportive community organisations'.

If you want to get involved, all items (or photos for very large items) are to be delivered and ready for display two hours before the RE-CHREE-ATE event at the Manx Legion Club, 10am to 2pm on Sunday 13 October. 

Discounted Early Bird Entry forms (£2 - available from the RE-CHREE-ATE stand at Island Inspirations, 81 Strand Street, Douglas) are due by Tuesday 8 October. 

Further entries (£3) will be accepted until midday on Friday 11 October.

It's free to attend the final event on Sunday 13 October.

More information is available here.