AN award-winning Cornish upcycling company which specializes in turning waste into fashion and accessories is teaching the public how it's done. 

Flotsam Flo will host a series of workshops where people can learn, not only how to sew, but how to turn broken plastics and inflatables, which can’t easily be recycled into bags, purses, and accessories.

The company was launched in 2021 by Kate Doran. Kate was a secondary school teacher for ten years, but after suffering from a life-changing brain haemorrhage, she realised tomorrow was never promised and took a ‘lead of faith’.

Falmouth Packet: An upcycled Christmas decoration An upcycled Christmas decoration (Image: Flotsam Flo)Kate wanted to do something with materials that couldn’t easily be recycled and started experimenting with other ways to use plastic, waste, and wetsuits. She now transforms them into bags, purses, and other items.

As well as creating fashion items and accessories with various unrecyclable waste, Kate also gives talks to organisations in the local community regarding plastic waste and what she has upcycled.

Now, for the very first time since its launch, Flotam Flo is opening its doors for the public to come in and learn how to upcycle plastics into fun fashion items.

The workshops will be a maximum group of four people at a time and will be based near Redruth.

Falmouth Packet: Kate Doran, founder of Flotsam Flo in Cornwall Kate Doran, founder of Flotsam Flo in Cornwall (Image: Flotsam Flo)Workshops are currently available from October to January with a range from Christmas decorations, Christmas Wreaths, and purses to tote bags.

People planning on attending are welcome to bring a friend, and items created can be given as a gift to a friend, or for yourself.

Workshops will cost £25 for two hours and £30 for two and a half hours.

To find out more about Flotsam Flo and the workshops, visit www.flotsamflo.co.uk