Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Forbidden Root bottle cap countdown wreath calendar

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bottle-cap-countdown-clothes-pin-wreath

As promised I am sharing this year’s countdown calendar. It’s made with these really cool Forbidden Root bottle caps that have beautiful art in the inside and tiny clothes pins all mounted on an embroidery hoop.

bottle-cap-countdown-wreath

As my eyesight has been in decline I have been in need of awesome lighting and that is just what my new OttLite provides! It is an LED light so it doesn’t get hot and I LOVE that too. I can’t tell you how much easier crafting is when you can see clearly.

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This bottle cap wreath is really easy to make and I plan on keeping it up year round as it will be easy to change up the envelopes with other themes.

Simply hot glue a tiny clothes pin onto the embroidery hoop and then glue on a bottle cap.

clothes-pin-bottle-cap-washi-tape-wreath

To embellish my envelopes I used my stash of Christmas themed washi tape. These envelopes happen to be the ones used by florists for their cards. I think I scored them at the thrift store. I was thinking that this could be a cool way to display a stash of gift cards before giving them out. The envelopes can hold holiday quotes, greetings, things to be thankful for, art prompts, intentions for the new year, really whatever you like!

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Book Review: Upcycle – Transform Everyday Objects into Stylish Sustainable Home Decor

upcycled furniture

If you’re passionate about upcycled home decor, eco-friendly crafts, or simply love giving old items a new life, Upcycle: 24 Sustainable DIY Projects to Turn Everyday Objects into Home Decor   is a book that’s sure to spark your creativity.

This beautifully designed book is a treasure trove of clever ideas for turning the mundane into the magical. From old T-shirts and tin cans to wooden crates and glass bottles, Upcycle offers 24 hands-on projects that are equal parts stylish and sustainable. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just starting your upcycling journey, the instructions are clear, accessible, and often surprisingly simple.

What I love most is that each project doesn’t feel like a “craft”—it feels like decor you’d proudly display in any modern home. Think chic recycled storage solutions, creative lighting with a handmade twist, and even repurposed wall art that doesn’t scream DIY. The photography is gorgeous, making this book just as inspiring as it is instructional.

It’s a great resource for zero-waste living, creative reuse, and recycled crafts for the home—perfect for crafters who want to make a positive environmental impact without sacrificing style. Plus, most of the materials can be found right at home or sourced for free, making it a budget-friendly way to refresh your space.

If you’ve ever looked at an empty jar or an old ladder and thought, “What could I make with this?”—this book will give you the answers.

Upcycle is perfect for anyone looking to reduce waste while creating beautiful, functional items. It’s ideal for eco-conscious decorators, DIY enthusiasts, and creative souls who love a good before-and-after. If you’re on the hunt for inspiring sustainable crafting projects, this book is definitely worth a spot on your shelf (or coffee table!).