Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure
Save on materials while you save your pennies. From time to time I like to head over to Novica for some out-of-the-box thinking from artisans from around the world, like this piggy bank made from a used aluminum bottle that’s created by the artist Luitpol. While Novica doesn’t have a recycled goods category per se, simply search for “recycle” in the Keyword Search box at the top of the page.
[tags]piggy bank, Novica, National Geographic, aluminum, bottle[/tags]
Okay, I have to tell you about one of the most bizarre-yet-brilliant DIYs I’ve come across in a while. While scrolling through google (as one does when deep into a late-night upcycling rabbit hole), I stumbled on a video tutorial for a table made out of mannequin legs. And honestly? I couldn’t look away.
This project is peak creative chaos—in the best way. The concept is exactly what it sounds like: four mannequin legs, flipped and fixed in place, supporting a standard tabletop. It’s got this quirky, surreal vibe that makes it feel part high fashion, part modern art installation. Think: Tim Burton meets IKEA.
What I loved most about this video is how surprisingly accessible it is. The creator breaks the process down clearly—so even though the end result looks totally wild, the steps are manageable. You’ll need a few tools and a decent amount of glue or screws (depending on how permanent you want this table to be), but nothing too technical.
Design-wise, this piece is an absolute conversation starter. It would look amazing in a creative studio, a funky coffee shop, or even as a statement piece in a minimalist home—anywhere you want to break the “normal furniture” mold. The contrast between the realistic mannequin legs and a basic tabletop is just the right kind of weird.
If you’re into recycled home decor, eco-conscious DIY projects, or just love adding some unexpected personality to your space, this one’s worth bookmarking. Whether or not you ever make it yourself, it’s guaranteed to make you see mannequins—and furniture—in a whole new way.
Catch the full tutorial and see the visual magic for yourself on Recyclart. Just be prepared to say, “Wait, is that a leg?” every time someone visits your house.
http://eco-friendly.novica.com/ collects all of novica’s sustainable and recycled treasures.
There are 16+ categories under “sustainable and natural” and then you’ll see the category for “Recycled Materials.” You’ll find everything from “pop-top” fashion to chess sets made from used auto parts.
I hope this is helpful.
Cool! Thanks for the update.