Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Forbidden Root bottle cap countdown wreath calendar

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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.

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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.

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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: Better Homes and Gardens Flea Market Decorating

Let me just start by saying—this book is an absolute dream for anyone who gets a little thrill from dusty corners, vintage finds, and the stories old objects tell. Better Homes and Gardens Flea Market Decorating is like walking through the best parts of a weekend market, but with someone stylish and savvy whispering decorating secrets in your ear.

If you’re like me and can’t walk past a chipped enamel jug or a stack of mismatched teacups without imagining them repurposed into something fabulous, then you’re going to feel right at home with this book. It’s filled with page after page of design inspiration, styling tips, and clever ideas for giving new life to old treasures. Think: a weathered bench turned entryway showstopper, or a collection of vintage cameras displayed as functional art.

What I really loved is how the book doesn’t take itself too seriously. It celebrates personality, imperfection, and the charm of the unexpected. You don’t need a designer budget or a house full of pristine antiques—just a good eye, a bit of imagination, and maybe a love of digging through secondhand stalls.

There are also practical tips woven in, like how to spot a quality piece, clean up a flea market find, or figure out how to mix styles without ending up with a room that feels like grandma’s attic (unless, of course, that’s the vibe you’re going for—and no judgment here!).

As someone who regularly repurposes and upcycles, I appreciated how much the book encourages sustainability. It’s a gentle nudge toward mindful decorating—choosing pieces with history and heart, rather than filling your space with fast decor.

Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or just dipping your toes into the vintage pool, this one is definitely worth flipping through with a cup of tea and a notebook full of ideas. It left me itching to hit my local flea market and find my next project. If your idea of a perfect weekend involves rummaging for forgotten treasures, you’ll absolutely love it.