Upcycling & Repurposing

A writing board is something I didn’t think I needed until I tried to write on a lumpy page in my junk journal. I reached for a piece of thick card and had a crafter's epiphany.

Teabag paper feels a lot like textured crisp papyrus paper but is far easier to make. All you need are some old teabags and the water leftover after cooking pasta.

Upcycled puzzle pieces of any size can add a real design flair to an art project. It's earth-friendly and perfect for junk journaling or as a kids' craft project.

Teabags are incredibly versatile as craft paper. I didn’t realize how many times I could repurpose teabags until I started using them in my art projects. Faux teabag leather was certainly not on my radar, but I love how this art hack turned out.

Here's a unique idea for turning a plastic soda bottle into a gift box. These step-by-step instructions will help you upcycle an old plastic bottle into something special.

This article shows how a creepy dollhouse (or haunted cat manor) was made using repurposed materials. This step-by-step guide takes you through the process with photos and visual aids.

Looking to find out how you can repair broken glass, ceramics, or pottery with kintsugi? In this instruction guide, you'll learn how to do just that.

Combine old and new to create a stunning clock wreath in celebration of National Book Lovers Day! All you need is a book or two, some craft supplies, an old smartphone if you happen to have one, and this step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to use recyclable and discarded plastic packaging to mold fiberglass and cast resin objects.

Create a fun, unique wreath for summer with step-by-step instructions and a how-to photo guide!

Why buy flower pots when you can make your own—and design them as well? If you're feeling encouraged to go DIY, this article shows you how to recycle and repurpose a food can into a planter. A very relaxing project.

Do you have a sentimental sweater or sweatshirt you no longer wear? Maybe it's a gift from Valentines Day, Halloween, Christmas, or any other special occasion. Take it out of storage and make it into a pillow that you can use in the appropriate season.

A simple craft that can be made at home. Recycle an old bottle or jar and create an eco-friendly gift or decoration.

Reuse your old incandescent light bulbs to make adorable Christmas ornaments.

Celebrate the holiday season with an Earth-friendly idea.

Feel good about supporting the Earth by re-using glass jars in these fun, simple, and creative ways!

There are so many creative projects that can be made with mason jars. Here are three fun and easy ways to use old jars to make decorations.

Here's how you can make a super cute rope storage basket or any other decorative rope storage bin!

If you're a crafter, don't throw out tissue boxes. I never throw something out without wondering how I might be able to reuse or repurpose it. This is exactly what happened when I went to throw a tissue box in the recycling bin.

Tea bag embroidery is simple and fun. It is another way to repurpose a tea bag into a beautiful art project. The possible stain colors and embroidery designs are endless. This craft is suitable for any skill level.

Learn how to use teabag stains on paper as a starting point for drawing. I've traced the shapes and made amazing pictures out of them.

Since I was very little I loved to upcycle random objects. As an adult, I find that recycling brings out my creativity. Upcycling and creating art with used tea bags has been incredibly satisfying. Tea bag roses are organically beautiful and so easy to make.

Every time I threw out a tea bag, I felt guilty. So I started saving the used ones in a bowl. I noticed the tea stain on a raspberry zinger herbal tea bag one day. It was pink, pretty, and reminded me of a rose petal. It was the first of many tea bag art ideas.

Our upcycled do-it-yourself lemonade stand with step-by-step instructions for making it.

Don't throw out those old jeans and fabric scraps. Repurpose them into this cute and festive table runner. The entire project only takes a few hours. Easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step photos are included.

I design hats for performance art and events. I've illustrated a how-to guide to help you make a Mad Hatter top hat. It's like in the story, but it uses upcycled materials found around the house.

Upcycling, or giving old items new life, is becoming increasingly popular as a way to keep items out of landfills. Learn how to turn crop jeans into a tote to get started!

Repurpose glass jars with metal lids into fabulous coin banks, tip jars, and donation jars. In this tutorial, you will learn how to punch or poke a rectangular slot into a metal lid using basic hand tools. No power tools required!

Duct tape art is a creative form that uses tape as the main medium of design. It is practical at home and requires a few basic skills. Tape art is fun, unique, and easy to make!

Turn a thrift store find into a jewelry case using some paint, stencils, scrapbook paper, and vintage postcards! This tutorial is simple to follow and easy to customize to fit your style!

Making a book sculpture is a fun, easy process, and you probably already have almost everything you need sitting around your house!

Learn how to create one-of-a-kind yard art from found objects using a mosaic artwork technique.

A step-by-step guide on how to decorate your DIY headphone case to create a marble design using nail polish. Use these simple instructions for help!

If you love making things and experimenting with different materials, this article provides some basic tips for working with old DVDs and will give you some ideas on craft items to make or decorate.

When searching for new craft supplies, look at your unused picture frames for inspiration! Learn how to use picture frames and some other basic materials to create this festive fall door decoration!

Make a bright and cheerful beach-themed welcome sign for your home! It's very easy and uses a basic frame, some wood pieces, paint, and ribbon.

For years we have looked at a clock on our wall and time has stood still. The clock was broken. Today, I purchased a clock kit and cut a photo for the face. Here's how I did it.

Need a little fun in your garden? This unique Mat Hatter-inspired flower pot will be sure to start some conversations!

Those poor leftover and lonely socks without a purpose after the dryer eats its mate! Here are 5 genius life hacks and ideas that actually work to give purpose to those socks!

Are you ready to work your way through your stash of unused craft supplies? Here's the first project in my attempt to use up all my art supplies before I buy more materials: ladybug fridge magnets.

Here's a quick and easy weekend crafting project: turn a used hardcover notebook into a scratch pad of recycled office paper.

Sock snowmen are fun and easy to make for Christmas and the winter season. This tutorial includes directions for making three different sock snowmen projects, with their cozy clothes and accessories.

These wine bottle craft tutorials are simple, fun, and easy projects. They're also unique and elegant ideas, great for decor or gifts.

This cute snowman and Santa figure are fun to make for the holidays. Using recycled salt and pepper shakers for the bodies, their costumes can be created from whatever materials you have on hand.

How to upcycle and repurpose an old wooden tool chest to a sewing box. This guide will add wheels and a seat for easier storage under a table when not in use. This box can be multi-functional by doubling up as a stool.

How-to guide on making a sofa tables on a low budget by repurposing an old oak valet stand, and by recycling wood from solid teak French doors to make a second one to the same design.

This adorable snowman wreath will welcome your guests and compliment your holiday decor! It's simple to create, using items you already have on hand.

Turn a gift box and lid into a holiday floral arrangement and Christmas tree decoration with a few supplies, some creativity, and holiday spirit!

A free template, tips, and techniques are freely shared in this wet felting tutorial. Recycled Crivit Beach shoes are used in the place of shoe lasts and recycled soles are attached on completion.

You can make or repurpose a birdhouse into a beautiful planter or flower vase for your home or garden. With a few charming details, these birdhouses can add a decorative touch to any yard or home.