Discover the Unique Mission of Flotsam Flo
About Flotsam Flo
I founded Flotsam Flo in 2021 as a way to breathe new life into materials that were difficult to recycle — wetsuits, life jackets, paddling pools, banners and more. What began as a creative experiment grew into a small, passionate movement dedicated to tackling plastic pollution through upcycling and thoughtful design.
I transformed these materials into functional, character-filled bags and accessories, each piece made with purpose.
Flotsam Flo has now come to an end, but the values behind it remain at the heart of what I do. I continue to champion sustainability, creativity and resilience through my work today, especially through the talks I deliver on overcoming adversity, finding strength in unexpected places, and the role creativity played both in my recovery and in the life of Flotsam Flo.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Even though the brand has closed, its spirit lives on in the conversations, connections and creativity it inspired.
How Flotsam Flo Made a Difference
Flotsam Flo was built on a simple guiding principle: to give new purpose to materials transforming them into something handmade and different.
Every piece was made in Cornwall by me and because the materials were so varied, from well-loved wetsuits to old banners and inflatables, creations were often very individual. The designs were shaped by items that arrived at the workshop.
Sustainability sat at the heart of everything I did. I sourced as much packaging as I could from local shops and the community and used biodegradable tape. While some materials weren’t suitable for my processes (such as thicker wetsuits, boots and gloves etc) I always looked for opportunities to incorporate different materials wherever possible.
One project especially close to my heart was repairing the canopy at our local GP surgery after it had been vandalised. Using colourful, plastic-based offcuts, I created hand and heart shapes to restore and brighten the canopy. It became a small celebration of creativity, resilience and community spirit — the essence of what Flotsam Flo represented.
