Stayner artist keeps favourite clothing from landfill
A rip or stain doesn’t have to be the end for a favourite garment.
April Herbert is passionate about keeping things from ending up in the landfill by refashioning them.
Herbert is one of the artists who will be displaying her upcycled work at the on July 15.
Herbert went to high school in Penetanguishene and graduated from Georgian College’s graphic design program, but said the 12 years she spent living in the West Coast community of Sooke, B.C., is where his upcycling passion took hold.
“They’re so green out there,” Herbert said. “Which is why we started this store: to save stuff from the dump.”
Herbert opened Nifty Thrifty in Stayner, selling used furniture, clothing and decor, in June, but her passion for refashioning has been lifelong.
“When I was eight I made a par of denim overalls for one of my stuffed animals,” Herbert said. “I remember being 10 years old and making Barbie furniture out of a bleach bottle.”
Now, Herbert said she tries not to buy anything new.
“That’s really important to me. The thread is second hand. It’s almost 100 per cent recycled, buttons and everything,” Herbert said.
Nifty Thrifty Shop is located at .