Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Don’t Toss That Old Fence! Here’s How to Give It a Second Life in the Garden

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When our old fence blew down during the recent cyclone (thanks, nature ), I did what any slightly obsessive DIYer would do—I went straight to Google to find a way to repurpose the whole lot instead of sending it to the tip.

That’s when I stumbled across this brilliant tutorial from Journey with Jill about turning old fence boards into DIY raised garden beds. Total game changer. Not only does it save you money on lumber (which, let’s be real, isn’t cheap right now), but it also gives that weathered wood a gorgeous, rustic look that fits so well in the garden.

Her step-by-step guide is super practical, especially if you’re like me and not quite ready to part with “good wood” even if it’s a little rough around the edges. I loved how she emphasized prepping the boards properly and keeping the build simple—no fancy tools or complex measurements, just a solid, doable weekend project.

Why I’m Loving This Raised Bed Idea:

  • It’s eco-friendly (hello, upcycling win!)

  • The aged wood has such a cozy, natural aesthetic

  • It’s perfect for veggie beds, herbs, or even a rustic flower patch

  • And hey, there’s something very satisfying about turning storm chaos into garden calm

So if you’ve got a sad pile of fence boards and a patch of dirt calling your name, check out Jill’s full tutorial right here. Your future tomatoes will thank you.

Now I just need to convince the family that pulling nails from old fence boards is “fun quality time”

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This DIY Board Game Table Made Me Want to Dust Off My Cricut

You know that feeling when you see a project and instantly start mentally rearranging your whole weekend to fit it in? That was me with The Carpenter’s Daughter’s DIY Board Game Table tutorial. I mean, it’s so good. Functional, stylish, and honestly—such a conversation starter.

It’s the kind of piece that looks high-end, but she breaks it down step-by-step in a way that makes it totally achievable, even if you’re not a woodworking wizard. And if you’ve got a Cricut machine (like I do, gathering dust in the corner), this is your cue to plug it in and actually use it. She used hers to create the game board top, and it adds such a clean, custom finish.

I never really thought about how handy a built-in game board could be—no more shuffling Monopoly pieces off the kitchen table when it’s time for dinner! It’s perfect for families, game nights with friends, or even just a cool coffee table alternative with a little hidden fun.

What I Love About This Project:

  • It doubles as a gorgeous piece of furniture.

  • You can totally customize the games—checkers, chess, tic-tac-toe, you name it.

  • It’s an awesome way to up your Cricut game (seriously, I’ve been inspired).

  • And let’s be honest—it’s a great excuse to get crafty and competitive.

If you’re looking for a project with style and function, check out the full tutorial here. Fair warning though—you’ll probably end up wanting to make more than one.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to charge my Cricut and pretend I know how to play chess again…