Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Book Review – Upcycling: 20 Creative Projects Made from Reclaimed Materials

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Ever thought about transforming that rusty old item in the garage into something awesome to impress your dinner guests, or fancied refurbishing the random old dining chair in the shed but don’t have the tools or know-how? Discover your inner design genius, find out where to find great scrap items and learn techniques on how to transform them into great designs with this stylish eco-friendly book by Dragon’s Den entrepreneur and TV presenter Max McMurdo. Upcycling By Max McMurdo

Step away from the chipboard and venture out of your comfort zone into a glorious world of doodles, sanding, waxing, stunning colours and the satisfaction of telling people, “I made that!” You don’t have to own expensive tools or have any previous experience.

Some of the projects involve only a few simple steps and can be completed within an hour, whereas others may take the best part of a weekend and combine several different materials, techniques and tools. Whichever project you choose the most important thing is to have fun and remember design is all about experimenting and learning – and not about always getting it right!

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Crafting the Fourth: Mason Jar Magic with My Cricut

Looking for an easy yet eye-catching way to add a little patriotic charm to your 4th of July decor? This Stars & Stripes Mason Jar Cricut Craft from CraftBits is a festive and fun project that’s perfect for crafters with a Cricut machine on hand.

This DIY features classic red, white, and blue vinyl elements—think stars, stripes, and all the Americana vibes—applied to a simple mason jar. The beauty of this craft is how versatile it is. Whether you’re using it as a lantern with a tea light, a utensil holder for your backyard BBQ, or even a candy jar for your holiday table, it’s a great way to add a personal, handmade touch to your celebration.

We also love how quick and beginner-friendly this project is, making it ideal for anyone looking to create something festive without committing to an all-day crafting session. The clean design means you can easily personalize it with names, dates, or different color combinations too.

This craft is also featured on our sister site, [insert blog name if you’d like], where we highlight holiday Cricut crafts and patriotic decor ideas. Be sure to check it out if you’re building your 4th of July craft list!