Fabric Upcycling with Silver Empress at Florida Thrift Shop
The first “Upcycling Fabric” workshop, hosted by Janine Tarr, from Silver Empress in association with XEDRI: Experimental and Experiential Events (@XandXevent), took place July 2025 at Thrifty’s (Florida Thrifty Shop) (formerly Dorcas Aid) 4 Madeline Street, Florida, Johannesburg, 1709.
The workshop centered around practical skills education, where participants, from beginners to experienced makers, were guided to create their own pieces from bags, pouches, scarves, tshirts and more. We’ve found that many in the community are looking to learn new practical skills. Especially amidst the recent retrenchments in tech spaces due to automation as well as due to COVID with many losing employment during this period. With continued challenges in securing employment.
But it wasn’t just about upcycling. The core was to focus on sewing basics, such as hand sewing, creating products which don’t require sewing, as well as learning various stitching techniques from Janine Tarr.
These lesson are in preparation for our upcoming fashion show: “Fighting Fast Fashion” where upcycling brings the community together in a competitive, yet collaborative spirit. The core purpose of the event is to self organise in teams of 5-10, of models, makers, menders and imagineers (stylists, hairdressers, barbers, make up artists etc). To bring all the aspiring fashion show teams who are currently unemployed to showcase their skills through this difficult challenge of making the broken, pre-loved clothes and materials and turning it into something new.
Florida Thrift Shop has been kind enough to donate broken clothes toward our cause. And we have had a few sign ups for model, makers, menders and imagineers. If you’re keen to sign up, fill in the relevant forms below:
Makers, Menders, Imagineers Sign up form
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
If you missed the launch last year of “Canvas, Couture & Cocktails,” don’t worry—there’s more to come! Due to the overwhelming success and positive feedback, XandXevent will be hosting several follow-up events. These sessions will continue to focus on art, fashion, and the unique experience that the Johannesburg creative community has come to love.
Each of these upcoming events will serve as both a creative outlet and preparation for the highly anticipated silent auction and gallery opening, scheduled to take place soon (Gallery opening date to be advised). Attendees will have the chance to refine their artistic skills and submit their mandala pieces to the auction, where 80% of the proceeds will go directly to the artist, and 20% will support future programs and various causes initiated by the public benefit organisation, Xedri NPC (246-490 NPO). PBO NUMBER:930085315
The gallery opening will be the grand culmination of these creative sessions, featuring an exhibition of all the art works, fashion designs, created throughout the event series. It will offer another chance for art lovers and fashion enthusiasts alike to come together, celebrate, and support local talent.
A Creative Community in the Making
The “Canvas, Couture & Cocktails” series has already started to foster a close-knit community of aspiring artists, designers, and creatives, all eager to share their passion and ideas. Whether you’re an experienced artist or simply someone looking for a new and exciting way to spend your evening, our follow-up events are not to be missed.
Stay Connected
Follow XandXevent on Instagram Facebook or Quicket for updates on upcoming sessions and event details. Be part of the journey leading up to the gallery opening and fashion show, and don’t miss your chance to get involved in this unique and inspiring artistic movement.
Stay tuned for more dates and info about how you can join the next “Canvas, Couture & Cocktails” event!
How you can support this cause
Janine, from Silver Empress has handmade scrunchies which she created to support fundraising for our cause. If you’re interested in purchasing scrunchies from Janine, reach out to place your orders via:
the.silver.empress@gmail.com and cc info@mzansimade.africa
Subject line: Purchase with Purpose – Silver Empress Scrunchies
Upcoming Events:
Coming soon Saturday, 1 November 2025 – the ABC’s of Sewing hosted by Janine Tarr.
RSVP to book your space (limited seating)
(PURCHASE WITH PURPOSE: This is a paid event unlike our free weekly educational events). Supporting our events via ticket sales directly contributes to our continued work.
Stay tuned for announcements on the next “Canvas, Couture & Cocktails” gatherings.
Several follow-up events are planned before the big silent auction and gallery opening, so there’s still plenty of time to get involved! Keep an eye on XandXevents for ticket releases.
A special thank you to everyone who helped support our workshops:
- Thank you to all those who participated in our fabric upcycling workshops: Zuko, Fusi, Cole, Innocent (from the brand Voer Waai), Quincy. (If I have forgotten to mention any names, please reach out directly and I will update the list)
- Janine Tarr from Silver Empress – for hosting our fabric workshops. You’ve helped prepare workshops, facilitate classes and provided the use of your own tools and materials for everyone to be able to participate effectively. Your unwaivering consistency in attending weekly, not only the fabric workshops, but also the furniture workshops has really been appreciated not only by me, but all the members of the team. We all always look forward to your sessions. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to help support this cause.
- Florida Thrift Shop for use of their venue for our workshops as well as trusting us with our first initiative furniture upcycling which sold items contributed to our continued workshops. As well as clothing donations toward our upcoming fashion show
Fashion Upcycle 18 July 2025 Mandela Day- camera uploads
Have a sneak peak – behind the scenes EcoBranding Packaging Conceptualisation Process
Initially Janine from Silver Empress sponsored her handmade scrunchies to support our mission. However, potential customers were hesitant to purchase without any branding or packaging. To thank Janine for her continued support, Custom EcoBranding Packaging was created by ECOBRANDING
