Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Amy Barickman’s Vintage Inspired Modern Style Design Challenge

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I have a big cool Design Challenge to tell you about today!


Amy Barickman has partnered with Singer and Coats & Clark, to bring you the

“Vintage-Inspired, Modern Style Design Challenge”

BurdaStyle.com will be hosting the challenge on their website (www.burdastyle.com/vintagemodern).

This challenge was created to celebrate the history of sewing by recognizing both SINGER® and Coats & Clark, who are both celebrating significant anniversaries this year (160th and 200th, respectively); as well as educate and inspire through the life and work of Mary Brooks Picken, the authority on fashion and dressmaking in the early and mid-1900s.

See Mary’s connection to both SINGER® and Coats & Clark in this video that explains the whole challenge and the fabulousness you can win!

Mary’s work is the basis for Amy’s book, Vintage Notions. Be sure to view the new Vintage Notions video on AmyBarickman.com. It shares Mary’s history & dives deeper into the projects, departments & materials you will find within its pages.

This challenge is an opportunity to encourage fashion enthusiasts to use their sewing skills and creativity to make a wearable fashion project.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, March 12th at 11:59 pm (EST). The winners will be announced Monday, March 26th.

Amy also asked me to share with you Craft Gossip readers the code VMCB for 20% off a one-time order at Indygo Junction. Just add items to your cart, enter the promo code VMCB and click update cart!!

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I Found a Table Made from Mannequin Legs—and I’m Still Not Over It

 

manequin table recycled

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.