Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Book Review: Steampunkery by Christi Friesen

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OK you may be asking yourself why is this book review of Steampunkery in the Recycled Crafts section? I’ll tell you. One of the cool aspects of the Steampunk  style is the reuse and recycling of old elements in new ways. It’s one of my favorite parts about the Steampunk style, other than the “industrial” style it incorporates. Such as the case with all the really cool tiny gears and bits used in making the projects in this book. Christi writes in such a fun way it is such a joy to read her excellent directions along with the great photos. A lot of the projects incorporate a real or fictitious character that expresses so much emotion and cuteness you will love making these designs.  Grab a copy of the book  Steampunkery for wonderful tutorials or if you are just in need of all those recycled little watch parts and things to use in your own creations pop on over to her site CFOriginals to load up! Looking for Steampunk supplies? Check out these steampunk papers, embellishment and stamps.

To see one of the projects from the book I had an opportunity to make in a class with Christi at CHA and the finished necklace tutorial pop on over here. It also includes a bit of a recycled soda can punched into a cute set of wings.

From the Publisher:

 

“A project book for all skill levels. Step-by-step pictures combined with detailed and humorous instructions keep the pace quick and the excitement level high. Steampunk look combines a Victorian-era sense of romance with a clockwork mechanical-ness. This book adapts those characteristics to polymer clay creations and offers projects that are sophisticated yet playful, challenging without being difficult. This eighth book by well-known author/artist Christi Friesen is her best yet!”

[tags]Steampunkery mixed-media book review[/tags]

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DIY Review: Handmade Wooden American Flag – Rustic, Patriotic, and Perfectly Imperfect

 

I don’t know about you, but there’s something extra special about décor that’s both meaningful and made by hand. That’s exactly what drew me to this gorgeous DIY wooden American flag from Reinvented Delaware. It’s rustic. It’s bold. It’s brimming with character. And the best part? It’s made using reclaimed wood, which gives it that perfect weathered look that screams vintage Americana.

This isn’t one of those quick, cookie-cutter craft projects. It’s the kind of DIY that feels like a labor of love—in the best possible way. Cindy walks you through the whole process with easy-to-follow steps, and I found myself nodding along, thinking, “Yes, I could totally make this.”

Using scrap wood from previous projects (we love a good upcycled decor idea, right?), she cuts, paints, and assembles each stripe with care. What really makes this piece shine is the attention to the little imperfections—the uneven brush strokes, the subtle distressing, the real wood grain showing through. It’s that handmade touch that gives it soul.

And let’s talk about those stars for a second. Instead of using a stencil or printed decals, she goes full-on old-school by hand painting them—flaws and all. It’s not about perfection here. It’s about capturing that raw, rugged beauty that makes patriotic farmhouse decor feel real and lived-in.

Once assembled, the flag makes a statement—whether it’s displayed on a porch, hung in a cozy entryway, or propped on a mantel. It’s bold, but not flashy. Americana, but not tacky. Just honest, beautiful handmade home decor with a patriotic twist.

Personally, I love that this project honors not just the flag, but the idea of reusing and recycling materials to create something new. It’s a subtle reminder that old things still have value and that a little creativity goes a long way.

So if you’ve got some extra lumber lying around (or you love haunting the scrap bin at your local hardware store like I do), this is the kind of weekend project that satisfies your creative itch and leaves you with something meaningful to display. Bonus points if you already have red, white, and blue paint in your stash.

Bottom line: this DIY is a winner. Whether you’re crafting for the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or just love a good rustic statement piece, this DIY reclaimed wood flag is a project with heart.