Reusing Embroidery From Old Shirts?Tips for reusing embroidery from worn out clothing. Post your own ideas here.
Kinetic Wind Spoon SculptureI saw a kinetic wind sculpture on Facebook and so I looked up a few ideas with how to make one. My husband was the brains behind this project and used a few ideas from various sources and added his own. Following is what we came up with.
Strip Quilt SquareI was given a lot of fabric from a friend. Part of the donation included long strips of fabric so I found this quilt pattern for using up strips of fabric.
Simple Little BirdhouseMy husband made this cute birdhouse when we went to visit grandkids. The neighbor donated wood from a swing set and my husband used it to make the birdhouse. Even the dowels were saved from an old project. We already had the screws. So the birdhouse was no cost.
Recycled Ceramic Look VaseI used plaster of Paris to make this ceramic looking vase from a soda bottle.
Jewelry/Silverware Vintage Wall HangingI saw this idea online. I had collected a lot of old jewelry and bought some old silverware from our neighbor's garage sale. So I put the two together to create this unique wall hanging.
Upcycle Vitamin Container into Flower VaseYou can make flower vases with your empty vitamin containers. Here is a minimalist design made with duct tape (to cover the vitamin container) and some copper wire for a 3D effect.
Tootsie Roll Wrapper Fishing LureOnce when I went fishing, I caught a fish in the ocean using a shiny metal lure. I decided to make my own lure out of a Tootsie Roll candy wrapper with a little bit of a semi melted tootsie roll. I squished it and used the wrapper and twisted it and twisted it again and again to make a replica of a fish. Now I do not know what fish looks like a barcode but the inside liner was shiny foil like material, which I think during the day time the light to reflect off of it and produce an eye-catching lure for the fish!
Recycled Chair Leg Candlestick HoldersI had four chair legs left from a previous craft project (posted on Thriftyfun a few months ago). Rather than discard them, I made them into candlestick holders.
Recycle Magazines in a Picture FrameThis is another idea I came up with to use some of my vintage magazines. I was born in 1957 and all of these magazines are, month by month, from the year I was born. I had to "think out of the frame" to decide what to do with them and since I had a large picture frame, I decided to display them in it.
Pattern For Flowers From 6-pack Rings?Years ago, I made hyacinth flowers from plastic 6-pack rings and wooden skewers. After completed, I spray painted them in pastels. Anyone have the directions?
Recycled Spice Shakers for CampingRecycled spice shakers.
Knitted 3D Wire HeartYou don't need expensive materials and special tools to make beautiful jewelry. To make this original heart, you only need wire from an old transformer and knitting needles. Knitted wire jewelries look really amazing. This heart will look great as a pendant. You can add a brooch pin and you will have a beautiful brooch.
Easy Sock Top Mug SleeveI used a child's sock and cut it off where the ribbing ended and made a mug sleeve. I did add a little embroidery but it's just fine as is, if you just want a basic sleeve for your mug. Super easy and a cute little protector for your hands.
Flower from Plastic BottleYou can make a beautiful flower from a simple plastic bottle. I used an iron to make this flower, not a candle flame. The hottest iron is not hot enough to melt plastic, so you won't ruin your iron or get charred edges on the petals, but it will be enough to make the flower petals curved. I also like this method because, unlike a candle flame, you cannot stain the petals with soot.
Candle Holder from Drink CanFrom a soda can you can quickly and easily make a candle holder. And if you use wire from an old transformer, then this candle holder will cost you absolutely nothing.
Transform Stud Earrings Using Plastic BottleYou can transform simple ball stud earrings into original and beautiful stud earrings with a plastic bottle. It is not difficult at all and will cost you nothing at all.
Brooch Tree from Plastic BottleAn effective way to do our part in reducing environmental pollution is to reuse or recycle the disposable plastic items we have. I figured out how to make this wonderful brooch from a plastic bottle. It is not at all difficult to make this brooch and it will cost you almost nothing.
Buckle from Drink CanIf you need a small buckle, you can quickly and easily make one from pull tag of a drink can. This buckle will fit a strap about 1 inch wide. You can also paint the buckle any color you like.
Beads from Plastic BottleThere are many ways to use plastic bottles in craft. I suggest you make beads out of plastic bottles. It is not difficult at all and will not take much time.
Egg Carton Rose BroochDon't throw away your empty egg cartons. You can make beautiful roses out of them, then glue them onto an old pin. When painted, the cartons make a beautiful almost canvas-like material. This is one gorgeous upcycled brooch that I think you should try!
Travel BagToday, I'm sharing my new craft made from scraps. Materials are easy to find at home just like old newspapers and card boards. The best thing is - it's wearable and useful.
Beads from Old JeansIf you have small pieces of old jeans left, you can make beads out of them. Denim beads go well with wood beads and leather cord. Using jeans of different colors, you will get multi-colored denim beads.
Shank Button from Old Aluminum CanI want to share with you my idea for making Shank Buttons. This project will help not only to make original buttons, but also to reuse old aluminum cans.
DIY Wiggly EyesWiggly eyes are hard to find in my place nowadays. I have gone to so many craft stores and I just couldn't find them. And maybe due to this pandemic, the supply of this craft material in my area has become scarce as it is not part of the essentials. Then I found out a simple hack on this at home.
Origami Dove Brooch from Old JeansOrigami is the art of paper folding. I made this brooch by folding denim from old jeans instead of paper. I used the origami scheme for folding a dove.
Aluminum Can Craft IdeasI am looking for ideas for making crafts out of aluminum cans?
Make Magnets from ClippingsThis is a fast, easy way to use up old National Geographic magazines, newspapers, or stamps -- with some acrylic medium and a magnet sheet, you can create customized magnets!
Cardboard Do-Dad DrawersNo place to store all that costume jewelry used in dress ups? Need a space to put that sticker collection? How about a someplace to store crayons and other art supplies? This cute set of drawers will fit the bill no matter what you want to store!
Patio Paver ScarecrowCute scarecrow made from a patio paver, paint, felt, foam, and raffia.
Unique Milk Jug BackpackIf you always seem to be "on the go" then you surely understand that kids don't go anywhere without their "stuff." That is why this craft idea is so handy. With this easy-to-make backpack, your child can take their treasures with them wherever they go!
Bucket from an Empty Juice BottleAs the mother of a toddler, I have 8 million empty apple juice bottles lying around. So instead of tossing them, I decided to recycle them. This particular bucket was made by cutting the top off the apple juice bottle with an X-Acto knife.
Credit Card "Piggy Bank"The other way we can use those sample credit cards is to make a "piggy bank" to teach your kid that an alternative to credit cards is to save up before spending.
Folded Beaded Brooch from Old JeansDon't throw away your old jeans. Fold a few denim circles, add beads and you will have this original brooch. I like very much the contrast between the raw edge of the denim and the pearlescent color of the beads.
Case From a Shampoo BottleRecycling and reusing plastic bottles is a great way to minimize environmental impact and save money. Make this case from a shampoo bottle to house pens and craft supplies. Impress and interest people around you with your sustainable efforts.
Crafts Using Aluminum FoilAluminum foil is not just for food preparation and storage, it can also be used to make beautiful shiny crafts. These can range from simple sculptures made by kids up to beautiful jewelry that would be treasured by anyone.
Zipper Pouch with Applique Out of Plastic BottlesIt is a great idea to reuse plastic bottles. I figured out how to make an unusually decorated and very original pouch out of plastic bottles. The applique is made of plastic bottles of different colors and fixed on the inside of the pouch. The outside of the pouch has a smooth beaded surface. This project will not cost you much, but the result will please you.
How to Turn a Funnel into a Bud VaseWhy spend money on buying a bud vase when you can make it yourself? From a glass funnel and copper transformer wire, you will get a very original bud vase.
Stained Glass Baby Food JarDon't throw out those glass jars! Turn them into 'stained glass' with permanent markers.
Plastic Utensil DragonflyHere is a way to make a dragonfly using plastic utensils.
Bottle PourI had some odds and ends of leftover paint and I love decorating bottles, so I made this project. This is made from a Snapple drink bottle.
Saving a Broken Plastic BasketAbout 5 years ago, I posted this basket with you folks. I am happy to say you deemed it worthy of a winning post.
Converting a Drawer Unit Into a FootstoolI recently gave a very large desk to a gal just across the road from me. I had used it less and less over the last year, so it was time.
Aluminum Leaf EarringsThese 2 sets of aluminum leaf earrings are made from scrap aluminum from disposable pie pans and also an aluminum seal from a coffee can.
Creative Storage ContainersEasy ways to create attractive storage from "cast-offs" from your house or those you pick up at garage sales. This was an old wicker lunchbox and is now my sewing basket. Spray painted pink, then craft painted on the flowers by just dabbing the brush on the basket to make circle-flowers and leaves
Bug SculptureI made this with broken a patio chair and misc metal pieces. This is what happens when your husband stands on a patio chair, falls off, and it breaks! You make a bug sculpture! We used all of the chair except the seat which was actually the only part of the chair that broke and was unuseable.
Unicorn Craft IdeasUnicorns are among the most popular imaginary animals as a craft theme. These magical horse shaped creatures have a single horn and are often white or rainbow colored.
Thrifted Pots For StorageI found some great metal pots while out thrifting. I wanted some additional storage for my potting bench that is solid, air tight, and will keep the elements out. To dress it up, I spray painted them and added a few colors using a sponge to make them look rustic. Added a stencil and sealed with sealer. Now they hide my work gloves, extra tools, and garden supplies. This keeps my things together and also gives a decorative flare!
DIY Sea Glass BottlesThis is an easy and simple technique for making colorful glass bottles using old bottles or bottles which once held soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Frank's hot sauce, etc.
DIY Crochet Plarn Sleeping MatsThis project shows you how I made a crocheted sleeping mat from plastic grocery store bags.
Painted CD WreathYou can achieve this wreath with just 6 CDs, acrylic paint, paper, and ribbon. Or, make your own twist and use the CD as a base as this craft is versatile!
Upcycled Plastic Bottle Jewelry StandThis a super cute and thrifty jewelry stand you can make out of some plastic bottles and a few pieces of hardware. I used it to fill up with the jewelry I wear most often, and separated them by colour using the different tiers: silver on top, then gold, then colour pieces. I love this stand!
Recycled Coffee Lid AnimalsThis is a fun way to recycle coffee lids by making cute animals with paint and/or construction/paper. This is a great activity to do with your child (supervision needed for younger children as cutting/hot glue is used.) You can actually tie a ribbon/string knot from the top (of the hole) as an ornament, or make this as a banner for a party, glue to a craft stick or play as is!
Jewelry Made from Nespresso Coffee CupsI made this jewelry from empty Nespresso cups. Empty the cups. Rinse them out and let dry. Then process them into jewelry. You will find enough tutorials on the internet so do not throw that cup away anymore, but recycle them into nice jewelry.
Upcycled Valentine's Candy Box Birthday GiftHeart shaped candy boxes make the perfect beginning for a repurposed birthday gift. Some paint, stickers, and other decorations alter the original message and the plastic candy compartments can be used for little message papers. Learn how to create your own below.
Decorative Junk Wood Window FrameSometimes appliances and other large items come packaged with a wooden base. Rather than discarding the wood packing material, re-engineer it into a fun decorative window frame wall hanging. Here it is converted into a faux flower box. The list of supplies and a finished photo follow.
Gift Card Earbuds HolderWith some strategic cutting you can transform a pretty gift card into a holder for your earbuds. The instructions needed to make this convenient tangle free storage solution follow.
Recycled Dresser Drawer Decorative SignSome crafters enjoy rescuing discarded items and making them over into useful and decorative bits of decor. See how to make pretty signs from old drawer fronts.
Making a Recycled Paper Tube Bug ToyA yarn wrapped paper towel roll becomes a cute bug toy for the kids to play with. Learn how below.
Gift Card Earbuds HolderGetting earbuds tangled up is not only annoying, but terrible for their lifespan. You can make this cute and convenient holder for your earbuds in less than 10 minutes. This is a great way to upcycle or make use of gift cards that have some sentimental value in them. I use these for storage purposes. I also for on-the-go times, popping them securely in my purse.
Making a Cookie Tin Shadow BoxTransform a cookie tin into a pretty shadow box. One possible version is featured below.
Making a Travel Fund Airplane Piggy BankPiggy banks actually come in a variety of shapes and sizes, not all are the traditional pig. Try this project that reuses an empty vitamin bottle to make an airplane bank to save money for your travel plans.
How to Make a Medicine Bottle Bamboo VaseMedicine bottles can be used to create this decorative bamboo vase. The bottles are drilled through the bottom and glued together to resemble a bamboo stalk. Artificial bamboo is used here, but if the assembly is water tight it can be filled with water and live bamboo added.
"Let's Smile" Box Sign Desk DecorBrighten your day with this recycled box sign. Find it a home on your desk or somewhere in your home to remind you to smile and carry on. This project is described below.
DIY Mail Box from a Kleenex Hand Towel BoxA recycled Kleenex brand hand towel box is the prefect size for reusing as a mail box, for organizing your mail. Decorate it with some craft paint and it is ready to use.
Recycled Mixed Materials Music ThemeRecreate this guitar themed recycled mixed media art piece. You can use old magazine pages, sheet music, etc. Additional embellishments help perfect the final outcome. This is an excellent project to stir up your creativity. Experiment, change the theme, and make several.
Bag Made from Vinyl RecordsOld vinyl records can be converted into unique bags/purses. This page contains a couple of examples of this recycled craft.
Making an Egg Carton PandaDo you love panda decor? This fun recycled egg crate panda would make a cute addition to your collection. Plus you can easily make it yourself by following the instructions found below.
Making a Tissue Box Tea PotMake this exceptional recycle craft, from a tissue box. It is the perfect bit of decor for a tea party, shower, or other special event. Let us show you how.
Flowers Made from Nespresso CupsReusing the aluminum pods designed for the Nespresso coffee machine to make recycled craft projects is fun and easy. They can be crushed, folded, and cut to make these lovely orchids. The variety of colors available adds to their crafting value.
Making a Notebook from Vinyl RecordsThis unique notebook was made from two vinyl records, cut, drilled, and then bound with a handmade wire spiral. Give this practical recycled craft a try.
Crafts Using Paint CansPaint cans have a certain charm, whether using an old vintage one or a clean new one. Many craft ideas use a paint can as a base or a decorated container.
DIY Tissue Box Marble MazeRecycled crafts are lots of fun to make and less expensive since you are reusing supplies. The kids will have fun with this tissue box marble maze.
Making Egg Carton Magic MushroomsMushrooms are a favorite art and crafts theme. These cuties are made from a paper egg carton. Find out how below.
Upcycling a PurseLearn how to recreate a thriftstore purse into a unique bag using velvet, other fabrics, beads, etc. It may become habit forming.
Making a Mixed Media Journal CoverSave your odds and ends to make this mixed media journal cover. This is a great project or gift for a tween or teen.
Making an Egg Carton AlligatorSave your cardboard egg cartons to make one of these adorable alligators. This is a great recycled craft to do with the kids.
Styrofoam Egg Carton RosesIf your eggs come in Styrofoam cartons, why not recycle the empty containers into pretty roses. Let us show you how.
Making a Recycled Snow and Heart VaseMake an inexpensive vase to express your love for Valentine's day. Using a recycled jar, acrylic paint, and left over Christmas art supplies you can create a special gift.
DIY Floating Necktie OrganizerTies rolled and tucked into cut down empty water bottles give the appearance that they are floating. This recycled craft is an excellent way to organize your ties. It would also be a fun gift for Father's Day or a birthday. Let us show you how!
How to Make a Recycled Ice Cream Box into a GiftboxDecoupage colorful clippings from a magazine or catalog onto a recycled ice cream box. Voilà you have created a unique gift box.
Making Feather Bookmarks from CDsTake old computer or music CDs and make these pretty bookmarks in a feather shape. These could also be hung as suncatchers or as part of a wind chime.
Making Recycled CD Mirrored HeartsUse recycled CDs to make these shiny hearts. They are great for Valentine's Day or to show your love anytime.
Making Golden Butterfly SuncatchersUse old CDs or DVDs to make these pretty suncatchers. Decorate them to look like all sorts of iridescent butterflies. A great project to do with kids.
