From Charity Shop Find to One-of-a-Kind Jacket
One of the questions we get asked most is: "Where do you actually find the denim?" And the answer is simple — charity shops, car boot sales, vintage stores, and sometimes even Facebook Marketplace. Basically anywhere that pre-loved clothing finds its way to.
Today, I want to take you on a journey with one particular jacket — from the moment I spotted it on a charity shop rail to the moment it left our workshop as a finished, personalised piece.
The Find
It was a Tuesday morning (my favourite charity shopping day — fresh stock tends to go out early in the week, in my experience!). I was in our local British Heart Foundation, working my way through the children's section.
And there it was. A little denim jacket, age 2-3, in absolutely brilliant condition. The colour was that perfect mid-wash blue — not too dark, not too faded. The stitching was solid. No marks, no rips, no worn patches. Just a lovely, well-made jacket that someone's little one had obviously outgrown.
Price tag: £3.50. Honestly, charity shops are an absolute goldmine.
The Prep
Back at the workshop (okay, it's our kitchen table — keeping it real here!), I gave the jacket a thorough wash and inspection. I checked every seam, every button, every hem. Then I pressed it flat and got it ready for its transformation.
The Brief
This particular jacket was for a little girl called Rosie (not her real name!). Her mum wanted:
- Her name across the back in a pretty script
- Autumn leaves and acorns
- Warm colours — oranges, reds, golden yellows
- A little robin hidden somewhere as a surprise
I LOVE briefs like this. The more detail, the better — but I also love the freedom to interpret it in my own way.
The Creation
I started with pencil sketches directly onto the denim, mapping out where everything would go. Then came the painting — layer by layer, building up the colours and details. The autumn leaves cascaded across the back, with tiny acorns tucked between them. ROSIE was painted in a beautiful script right across the shoulders.
And the little robin? I tucked him inside the jacket, right on the inner label area. A secret surprise just for Rosie.
The whole process took about five hours over two days (paint needs drying time between layers).
The Finish
Once the paint was dry, I heat-set everything with an iron to seal it. This makes the designs washable and durable — because let's be real, kids' clothes need to handle some serious wear and tear!
I photographed the finished jacket (for our records and Instagram — obviously!), wrapped it up in tissue paper, and posted it off.
The Result
Two days later, I got a DM from Rosie's mum with three photos and the message: "She won't take it off. Thank you SO much."
And that, right there, is why we do what we do. From a £3.50 charity shop find to a treasured, personalised keepsake.
Want us to create something special for your little one? We can't wait to get started!