Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

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

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Discover your inner genius and learn how to transform unwanted junk into unique and creative garden designs with designer, upcycler and entrepreneur Max McMurdo. Upcycling outdoors

Following the success of his first book Upcycling, Max has turned his thoughts to the outdoors with this truly inspirational collection of inventive projects, each built from recycled materials and unwanted ‘spare parts’. Whether you want to create a firepit from bicycle wheels, an outdoor plant display from a painted dressing table, or fashion a potting shed from three vintage doors, Max provides invaluable know-how on the tools, techniques and materials required to take you on an outdoor creative journey.  Some of the projects involve only a few simple steps and can be completed within an hour, while others require a weekend of outdoor activity.

Above all, every one of the 20 projects is designed to get you upcycling and recycling as you create designs that bring hours of pleasure to your garden.

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Handmade with a Past: Tuesday’s Top Recycled Etsy Find

If you love a good wine and a stylish cheese platter, then this recycled flat wine bottle cheese board will be your new best friend. Not only does it combine two of life’s greatest pleasures, but it also gives a second life to old wine bottles, turning them into something functional and chic.

I stumbled across a similar piece at a friend’s gathering last year, and I couldn’t stop admiring it. The wine bottle was almost unrecognizable—transformed into a sleek, modern board for snacks and small bites. It’s the perfect conversation starter, and honestly, it brings a certain wow factor to any dinner party or casual gathering.

This cheese board isn’t just pretty; it’s practical too. The smooth surface is ideal for serving everything from crackers to fruit to your favorite cheeses. Plus, it’s an awesome example of recycling and upcycling, keeping those old bottles out of landfills while elevating your entertaining game.

Why we love it:

  • Made from recycled flat wine bottles, adding sustainability to your kitchen

  • A unique upcycled home decor item that’s also super functional

  • Ideal for wine lovers, eco-conscious hosts, or anyone who loves a good cheese board

Not only does this board make for a stylish and sustainable addition to your kitchen, but it also makes for an awesome gift for those who love eco-friendly entertaining.