Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Carpet Sample Transformation

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carpetsamplepurse.jpgInterior designers and architects receive a fair share of carpet samples and then discard them the next year when they receive the latest-and-greatest shipment of samples from the same carpet manufacturers. This year the Ample Sample Design Contest challenged designers to make use of yesterday’s samples.

This high-design Care-E Purse, designed by Jonathan Knodell and Chute Gerdeman, won the People’s Choice Award. See amplesample.net to download instructions for the purse and to view the other contest finalists, including a full-body lounge chair, sturdy bench and wine bottle carrier — all made from carpet samples.

And, while you may not have immediate access to samples, there’s no shame in asking your local architectural firms, designer firms or carpet retailer for the leftovers.

[tags]carpet samples, recycling carpet, recycled purse, Ample Sample[/tags]

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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.