Creative upcycle and downcycle ideas
This month’s ReadyMade magazine’s MacGyver challenge winning entry shows us that we needn’t throw out that pesky broken umbrella. Instead, transform it into something equally functional (and waterproof): a magazine rack.
[tags]umbrella, magazine rack, readymade, macgyver, challenge, contest[/tags]… Read More ...
Words aren’t the only thing you can create from Scrabble tiles as jessfun23 over at Craftster shows us. She made this set of coasters a few years ago as a gift for her boyfriend. She says coming up with a … Read More ...
Patricia from The Little Hut once again proves that elegant, modern design can come from garbage. I love this Valentine’s Day ensemble made from egg cartons and vibrant red paint. To top it off, she often frames her recycled art, … Read More ...
Room dividers can provide privacy as well as transform any space into a cozy space. Stars of the DIY network show “Creative Juice” Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza created a divine divider by hanging old LPs from chain. Alternatively, the … Read More ...
Your cassette tapes from the 80s are probably doing nothing more than collecting dust, so why not turn them into something functional again? Wendy Russell, host of “She’s Crafty,” offers this easy tutorial on transforming clear cassette tapes into attractive … Read More ...
It’s eye candy — literally — for your fridge. I love the idea of using the colorful packaging from candy and other bite-size food items as refrigerator magnets. Instructions for this and many other innovative ideas can be found at … Read More ...
If your family opened gifts these past few weeks, surely you have all the materials lying around to make this simple cardboard frame at kaboose.com. The project calls for corrugated cardboard, white cardboard (found in packaged shirts), a few everyday … Read More ...
Looking for handmade and meaningful stocking stuffers? This new project from Craftbits.com may be your answer. Just glue flat clear glass marbles to photo index cards and cardboard, chipboard or heavy paper for a pocket-sized keepsake. The finished beads can … Read More ...
I love this idea from Instructables, which constructs cubes from ordinary jewel cases without the use of any tools or adhesives. This would be a unique way to display photos and artwork — or nothing at all because they’re … Read More ...
Craftster features a number of vinyl record mini totes, including this rendition. Unlike so many other record recycling projects, this purse doesn’t require you to heat the vinyl, but it does require a power tool or two. Although it’s … Read More ...
Wouldn’t these homemade votive holders look lovely on your Thanksgiving table? And you likely have all the supplies you need sitting at home: leaves, glue, used glass jars or candle holders and tissue paper (check your shopping bags or shoe … Read More ...
Forget the raking! Transform changing autumn leaves into sweet rosebuds by following this excellent pictorial step-by-step. Just be sure to snag the leaves while they’re still malleable instead of using them in their crunchy state.
[tags]leaves, autumn, fall, roses, rosebuds[/tags]… Read More ...
Dadcando.com is a site dedicated to fathers, especially single fathers and non-resident fathers who have contact with their children. The site includes lots of hands-on practical projects that dads can cook, make and do with their kids (although it’s not … Read More ...
If you find yourself “fixing” your leaky garden hose with duct tape, then maybe it’s time to consider making it into something pretty. I learned about this industrial chic multi-pronged bud vase by Dan Pearlman (of Objects of Desire) from … Read More ...
Burned out on bottle cap crafts? Then maybe you haven’t seen this: Kawaii Crafter of zakka life presents a unique take on bottle cap functional art in her understated but artsy bottle cap bowl, made from the colorless plastic … Read More ...
