Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Art prints from collages using ElephantStock

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I was so excited when ElephantStock offered me a complimentary printing of my work for review. This has been on my “to-do” list for awhile. They have so many options of sizes and shapes to choose from to make prints of your own work along with tons of images in their stock collection it was fun to scroll through and check them all out!

I decided to print 9 squares of my 12×12 collages. The process of uploading prints and fitting them to the canvas was super easy.

I took my photos with the HD setting on my iPhone hooked into a selfie stick on a light stand.

The stretched canvas prints arrived individually wrapped with care and looked awesome! I decided to also try hanging them in a row in my studio to see if they worked in another configuration. I like them both ways.

But wait! There’s still more! I decided that now that I had a set of lovely prints of my work I would try altering them with all sorts of  techniques.

I cut up recycled elements including vintage sewing patterns, postage stamps, paint samples with fun name colors, and die cut hearts made from penmanship paper. Along with the additional recycled paper ephemera elements I painted with all types of glitter and paint. Some favorites were Plaid’s Glitterific in pink and silver. The chunks of silver are huge and all different shapes. The ElephantStock canvas prints make a great surface to add touches of paint to.

Along with decoupage and glitter paint I stamped and embossed on the ElephantStock prints which worked great as the canvases make a great surface for this altering technique.

A bit more about ElephantStock Products:

Your photos are memories of beautiful moments. Print them on canvas to make those special moments last longer!

  • Our 100% premium canvas is made of the best materials, ensuring longer lifespan and durability.
  • Excellent canvas printing technology makes our products eye-catching and sturdy.
  • Protected with UV scratch-resistant and waterproof laminates.
  • Ready-to-hang canvas, supplied with hanging hardware – no additional hardware needed!

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Have you read?

Build Big Memories on a Budget: DIY Cubby House Using Recycled Pallets

There’s something special about a cubby house. For kids, it’s more than just a backyard structure—it becomes a pirate ship, a secret hideaway, a miniature home, or a quiet spot to read and imagine. And for parents or grandparents, it’s a chance to create something meaningful that encourages outdoor play and creativity.

I recently came across a fantastic step-by-step guide from the team over at Bunnings Workshop that shows exactly how to build a DIY cubby house using recycled pallet timber. It’s a simple yet incredibly rewarding project that turns discarded timber into a charming play space your kids will absolutely love.

What I really appreciate about this project is how accessible it is. It doesn’t require a big budget or expensive materials. By using pallet timber, you not only save money but also help reduce waste—making it a great example of sustainable DIY. The cubby design is solid and safe, with a layout that leaves room for personal touches like paint, planters, or even a chalkboard wall.

This is the kind of project that can grow with your children. You might start with a basic structure and then add onto it as their play evolves—maybe a little deck area, a set of stairs, or some creative decor like a mini letterbox or curtains. It’s also a great opportunity for families to work together. Even young children can help with painting or handing over tools, making it a fun and collaborative experience.

The Bunnings Workshop tutorial provides a clear guide with a materials list, tool requirements, and helpful photos throughout. Whether you’re an experienced builder or a DIY beginner, the instructions are easy to follow and adaptable to different backyard sizes.

If you’ve been looking for a weekend project that adds charm to your outdoor space and creates long-lasting memories, this might be just the thing. Building a cubby house is a wonderful way to connect with your kids, encourage imagination, and spend time outdoors—without needing to buy another plastic playhouse.

You can explore the full project and instructions here:
DIY Cubby House Using Recycled Pallet Timber – Bunnings Workshop

If you do give it a go, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Share your cubby house photos and ideas—I know many readers would be inspired to see how each one takes on its own unique personality.

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