Meet the Maker: Tideline Trash and Treasures

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We’re really pleased to introduce another new maker to you today. Meet Carmen who turns trash into treasures in the most beautiful way!

Please introduce yourself and your brand….

Hi I’m Carmen Haselup from Tideline Trash and Treasures. I turn trash collected on Sussex beach cleans into something to treasure and can usually be found sticking bits of beach plastic together while chatting on about why we need to protect our seas and marine wildlife from plastic pollution.

How would you describe your style and your creations?

I love to experiment with different ways of using the trash I collect, making original and unique beach trash art pieces, fishing rope baskets, beach plastic jewellery and unusual gifts. I mostly make realistic pictures of the animals and wildlife that are impacted by the trash I collect. My work is very textural, with loads of different materials layered in to each piece. I like to make things that you can touch and explore and wonder about.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I really enjoy the adventure of creating with unknown and unexpected materials. I never know what is going to wash up on the shore and how it will inspire me. It’s fun working with such a variety of materials, with so many different colours and textures. The way the sea, sand, shingle and weather have already impacted the beach trash means that no two pieces of rubbish are the same and every piece already has its own sand-blasted and weather worn story. It feels like I’m continuing that story with the pieces I create, which in turn tell a wider story of plastic pollution. I love being a part of that process and being able to share it with people.

What can we expect to find on your stall at So This is Christmas on Sunday 4th December at Worthing Charmandean? And are you looking forward to taking part?

I always visit the Fairytale Fairs so am very excited to be taking part from the other side of the table for the first time this year. I’ll be bringing robin, penguin, and kingfisher beach trash pictures, jellyfish made from plastic bottles, and faux taxidermy seal heads made from washed up tennis balls and socks. I’ll have lots of hand printed eco tote bags and greetings cards as well as decorations made from reclaimed materials, plus a couple of surprises.

Do you have a best seller?

The colours in my kingfisher pictures have always made these a best seller but it’s currently my jellyfish earrings that are getting people chatting.

Do you have any plans or ambitions for the future?

In 2023 I’ll be working with Sussex Seabed Restoration Project to create art that shares and supports their important kelp restoration project. I’ll also be taking my beach plastic workshops into lots of schools to share the creative fun and working more with local community groups. I’m also hoping to partner with some local indy businesses and sell my work through our awesome community.

Do you have a motto or inspirational quote?

I think in the current uncertain climate it’s very easy to feel guilty for not doing enough or for doing things ‘wrong’ so I always fall back on ‘We don’t need a few people doing it perfectly, we need everyone doing it imperfectly’. It’s a quote that you can apply to so much in life, as a way of telling yourself that it’s okay to be kind to yourself and just do your best, whatever that may look like for you.