Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Cupcake and heart decorations for Valentine’s Day

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Half pearls from Buttons Galore make awesome sprinkles perfect to decorate a cupcake. They also can form letters such as “X” and “O” perfectly!

So I start out spreading out all the fun 28 Lilac Lane buttons, sequins, beads, and pearls. Then I “test drive” different options of colors and shapes. Once I land on the combinations of embellishments I then decide what color I am going to paint the objects that will feature the sparkly elements.

I painted the cupcake base with Folk Art Purple Color shift and the top with Martha Stewart Pearl.

The little hearts I used a mixture of several pinks and silver for slight variations.

To make the embellishment on the top of the heart I wove pieces of ribbon through the hole of a button then through a charm and then back through the button. I gathered up two pieces of tulle up into a puff and wired it to the back of the wire coil. The button and charm embellishments can be stuck on with hot glue or foam dots.

Have you read?

Hubcap Creatures: Transforming Roadside Finds into Sculptural Wildlife

Hubcap Creatures is the creative project of British sculptor Ptolemy Elrington, who has transformed discarded hubcaps into captivating sculptures of wildlife. Operating from Brighton, Elrington has been crafting these unique pieces since the late 1990s, turning everyday automotive debris into stunning representations of animals from the natural world.

The artistic process behind Elrington’s sculptures is centered around recycling and upcycling. The hubcaps he uses are typically found on the side of the road and often show signs of wear, including scratches and dents. Elrington believes that these imperfections add character and depth to his creatures, making each piece truly one of a kind.

His work spans a wide range of animals, including foxes, fish, and birds, with each sculpture thoughtfully crafted to showcase the unique features of the materials. The brand logos, grooves, and markings found on the hubcaps often contribute to the creature’s expression and structure, giving them a distinct, textured look.

Elrington’s Hubcap Creatures have been showcased in various exhibitions, both in the UK and internationally. His innovative approach has gained recognition for its creativity and environmental awareness, demonstrating how discarded materials can be transformed into meaningful art.

For art enthusiasts or collectors, Elrington offers a mix of available sculptures and custom commissions, allowing individuals to bring home a piece of this upcycled art. Hubcap Creatures stands as a brilliant example of how creativity can breathe new life into the most unlikely of materials, all while promoting sustainability.