Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Come On Baby, Start My Fire – DIY Firestarters

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I stumbled across this brilliant little project the other day from one of my favorite upcycling bloggers, Sadie Seasongoods, and I had to share it. 

The firestarters Sadie makes are crafted from dryer lint, wax, and the cardboard bottoms of egg cartons. She even pretties them up with some dried herbs and flower petals, which honestly takes them from “I made this in my garage” to “Pinterest Queen Energy.” What I love most is how simple and budget-friendly they are. I mean, who doesn’t have dryer lint, an old candle stub, and a toilet roll lying around?

She walks you through the whole process with her usual clear instructions the end result looks more like a rustic gift item than something you’d toss into a fire pit. It’s the perfect kind of project for anyone who likes camping, cozy backyard firepits, or even just prepping for winter in a crafty way.

Other DIY Firestarter Ideas I’ve Tried (and Loved)

Feeling inspired by Sadie’s creativity, I thought I’d toss in a few of my own favorite DIY firestarter methods—because once you make one, you kinda want to try them all!

Pine Cones Dipped in Wax

This one’s a holiday fave. Gather some pine cones, melt some candle wax (crayons work too!), and dip them until they have a nice coating. You can even add a few drops of essential oils for a nice scent as they burn.

Cork Firestarters

Soak used wine corks in rubbing alcohol for about a week. Keep them in a tightly sealed jar and pull one out when needed. They light up like magic (just be safe—these burn hot and fast!).

Orange Peel Twists

Let orange peels dry and twist them into spirals. They’re flammable and naturally full of oils that help them catch easily. Plus, they smell amazing when burned!

Paper Muffin Liners + Wax + Sawdust

Pour melted wax into muffin liners filled with sawdust (or wood shavings, or even coffee grounds). Let them cool, and you’ve got sturdy little fire cakes ready to go.

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Transform Old License Plates Into a Stunning Caddy – You Won’t Believe How Easy It Is

If you’re someone who loves upcycling, this DIY project is for you! In many states, we’re required to return old license plates to the Department of Transport when they expire. for those of you who do not need to, why not turn those old, forgotten plates into something fabulous? This creative idea allows you to repurpose old license plates into a unique and stylish caddy that’s perfect for organizing or adding a quirky touch to your home.

Not only is this project a fun way to recycle, but it also gives those outdated plates a second life. Whether you’re looking to create a handy storage caddy for your garden tools, a stylish drink holder for parties, or a rustic piece to organize bathroom essentials, this upcycled license plate caddy can serve many purposes. The weathered charm of the license plates combined with the sleek wooden accents makes it the perfect mix of rustic and modern. It is also a great way to create a keepsake, maybe they are Grandpas old plates?

This is a simple, yet satisfying project that anyone can tackle. You don’t need to be a seasoned crafter to make it, and it’s an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. All you need are a few basic materials—old license plates, wood, and a few basic tools like screws and a drill. Once completed, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind piece that adds both style and function to your space.

Whether it’s for your home, garage, or garden, this upcycled license plate caddy will give new life to those old plates and show just how much can be done with a little creativity and some DIY spirit.

So grab those expired plates, get your tools ready, and start crafting. This fun project is a perfect example of how recycling can be both eco-friendly and incredibly rewarding!  You can view the full tutorial here.