Metro Magazine

How To: Turn old Magazines into an Umbrella

(Photo by Bryan Nanista)

You know that well-worn, dog-eared stack of METROs you've been keeping around? When the time comes to make more space on your crammed shelves (with more METROs, naturally), don't give them the heave-ho. "Upcycle" them: the neo-crafty movement's answer to recycling. We asked local designer Rebecca Yaker—the mastermind behind the handmade baby goods studio Hazel and Melvin's Room (maker of our favorite sock monkeys)—to show us how she upcycled her used magazines into this lovely parasol.

Sun Shiny Shading Parasol

From Rebecca: This parasol has been upcycled using materials that would have otherwise ended up in the trash heap. It is fully functional and will, indeed, protect you from the sun. But do think twice before stepping out in the rain!

Components:

Discarded, collapsible umbrella (must be able to open and close)

32 pages from salvaged magazines

Clear plastic contact paper or shelf paper

Pre-packaged, double-fold bias tape

Tools:

Scissors

Sewing machine

Needle and thread

Disassemble the umbrella by removing the shade from the frame. Remove the tips from each of the umbrella ribs; keep them handy, as you will need these later.
Note that there are eight wedge sections in the original umbrella shade. Cut out one of these sections and add 1/2” on all three sides for seam allowance; this will serve as your pattern template.
In order to laminate each section, place each magazine page on the sticky side of the contact paper (note that the contact paper should be slightly larger than the magazine tear). Flip this page over, and cover the other side with another piece of contact paper so both sides have been laminated. Trim excess contact paper from edges. Repeat process until all 32 pages have been laminated.
Create larger sheets using four laminated pages, overlapped slightly at the edges. Topstitch together using your sewing machine. Repeat process until you have used all 32 pages to create eight assembled sections.
Using your pattern template from the original shade, cut out eight wedge sections.
Using 1/2” seam allowances, sew all eight wedges together to create your new shade. Remember to leave a small opening at the top for the umbrella end.
Use your double-fold bias tape to trim the seams and edges. Pin it only at the beginning of each seam to hold the tape in place until you lower the presser foot, then hold it in place with your fingers as you sew. First cover the individual seams before binding the outer edge of the parasol.
Drape your new shade over the end of your umbrella. Pull each shade point taut over each umbrella rib one at a time and hand sew the tips back in place, securing the shade to the ribs.
For added security, stitch the shade in place in two spots along each of the eight umbrella ribs.
Enjoy happy shade with your parasol!