How did you get into the world of DIY?

I inherited my love of diy from my dad, I remember him building my mirrored wardrobes when I was around 9, the height of sophisticaion in the 80’s! Unfortunately, I also inherited his inability to throw things out! When I bought my first home 17 years ago I had no money and needed to get creative to furnish the space, this included a few skip finds and lots of painted furniture along the way, repurposing things I already owned rather than throwing them out. I have an obsession with interiors and creating your own pieces can be so rewarding.

Where do you find most of your inspiration?

There is inspiration all around us and nature is the most amazing source of colour combinations. I have a big addiction to homes magazines, I actually own every issue of LivingEtc since it began back in ‘98 and still look back through them for inspiration. Pinterest is great for all things creative too. It’s a great starting point for any project, especially weddings, I wish it had been around when I got married 12 years ago.

How would you describe your design style?

My own style is probably best described as neutral with a good splash of colour and creativity. My clothes tend to be a mix of charity shops, quirky finds and high street bargains. I tend to live in skinny jeans, converse and a good blazer in the summer and just replace my converse with ankle boots over the winter. You can also never have enough scarves and jewellery to accessorise with. However, when I’m in the workshop creating and making, it’s my Timberland steel toe caps and checked shirts all the way!

How would you describe your own home?

My home follows a similar pattern to my personal style really, full of things that I’ve inherited and collected over the years, upcycled pieces, design classics and hopefully just the right amount of high street. I tend to go for neutral larger pieces like sofas and carpets then accessorize with cushions, pictures and vases. I think everything in a home should have a story, I’ve got vintage finds along with inherited leather suitcases for storage and an office desk I made myself. I only wish I could spend more time creating things for my own home.

Are there any recent projects you’re super proud of?

I’ve recently worked on my first commercial interiors project, The Nest Cafe and Community Rooms in Low Fell, Gateshead. I worked with the owners to upcycle all of the interiors. Virtually everything in the cafe was sourced from Gumtree, Freegle, free from friends or rescued from skips, then upcycled to create the beautiful interiors. I created a play table with a fake grass top for the toddler area from a cable reel found in a skip, painted 25 vintage school chairs with painted donated by Rust-oleum, clad the service counter with all the left over wood from the build and painted chalkboard walls for the menu and play area. I’m really pleased with the finished result.

You were recently awarded blogger of the year at The North East Blogger Awards, tell us a bit about the experience?

I started my blog just over a year ago as a way to document my creative ramblings. It’s developed with inspiring interiors, simple how-to’s, and lots of tips and ideas on upcycling. To be nominated for two categories in the North East Blogger Awards was amazing but when they announced my name as Blogger of the Year, I was in shock for a few weeks! I’d love to work with a few brands but most importantly I really want my blog to inspire people to give things a go and get creative on their homes and projects.

Why do you think the more brides are wanting to inject some DIY crafty work into their weddings?

Weddings are quirkier and more creative than ever before and I think brides are injecting a lot more of their own personality into their big day. They are also much more conscious of money and creating your own wedding theme can not only look amazing but could save a huge amount of money. Creating your own wedding decor guarantees it’s unique too.

What can we expect to make in the workshops at the shows?

I’ll be showing brides how to make table decorations from old jars and bottles, chalkboard table numbers and place settings, tissue paper pom poms, no sew bunting with upcycled fabrics plus a big dose of inspiration to go and create their own handmade weddings.

Lastly, what does 2016 have in store for All Round Creative Junkie?

I’m busy planning my upcycling workshops for the first few months of the year, including some handmade wedding ones, plus maybe some Upcycling Hen Parties. I’ll be filming more How-To videos for Rust-oleum, while also looking to create some how-to videos for my own blog. After winning Bloger of the Year I’m hoping my blog is going to grow even more in 2016 to inspire even more people to get creative.

You can find Cheryl Lumley at #TNEWS where she will be offering crafty Workshops for lucky event attendees all weekend!

January 16-January 17- Newcastle Metro Arena.

Read all about it here!