My Story

My name is Jelena (pronounced yeh-leh-nah). I live in the West End of Glasgow in Scotland, but as you can probably guess from my name, I was born in (now former) Yugoslavia. I came to Scotland as a refugee during the civil war in 1992 and have made this magical place my home. I lost my mum a few years ago so she was my inspiration for starting a blog.

My mum was a true artist. She could draw, paint, design and was even a great photographer. She never pursued a career doing what she was passionate about; and I think she always regretted it. So, I’m following my dream because she didn’t. I get my creative side from my mum and my determination from my dad. He’s the old school model of ‘dad‘ - he just gets things done! My parents played a big part in giving me the freedom to express myself creatively from a young age. My bedroom must have had an overhaul once a year and they let me paint it every colour imaginable.

I have no training or qualifications in Interior Design, it’s just something that has driven me for as long as I can remember. We didn’t have new, or sometimes even ‘real’ toys. We had second hand dolls, but, I never wanted to play dolls, I just wanted to create a pretty house for them. My sister and I built baths out of tissue boxes, seats out of yogurt pots and beds out of shoe boxes. That philosophy has stuck with me - individual design ideas focused on using renewable and recyclable materials.

I’m a self-taught Interior Designer, DIY enthusiast and small-budget, big-impact upcycler.

My Partner in crime

If it wasn’t for Graeme’s encouragement and belief in me, then I would probably be a miserable bean-counter right now. When we met, he was a Property Solicitor who had a vested interest in fixer uppers. Early on in our relationship, he let me design one of his projects and we haven’t looked back since. We both now renovate houses full time.

Allergic to Magnolia

In a modern day culture that brings boundless choices, over-saturation and over-production - the creative process is missing! If you’re over those polished, ultramodern interiors then you’re in the right place! I believe in creating unique, small batch products that are handmade with love.

My attitude is ‘work with what you’ve got’! I’m influenced by earthy, raw and sustainable design. I base my choices on products that tell a story about the type of person that would live in that home.

Upcycgirl is a blog for the remaining artisans of this world who want an insight into the good, the bad and the ugly side of home renovation. Expect upcycling projects, tips and tricks that I’ve learned on the job and plenty of transformation photos.

Join me on this journey

You can find me on Instagram and Pinterest or by email on jelena@upcycgirl.com