• Home
  • Suggest A Craft
  • DIY Newsletter

Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

  • About CraftGossip
  • Our Network
    • Bath & Body Crafts
    • Candle Making Ideas
    • Crochet Ideas
    • Cross Stitch
    • Edible Crafts
    • Felting Patterns
    • Glass Art
    • Home & Garden Ideas
    • Indie Crafts
    • Jewelry Making
    • Kids Crafts
    • Knitting Patterns
    • Lesson Plans
    • Needlework
    • Party Ideas
    • Polymer Clay
    • Quilting Ideas
    • Recycled Crafts
    • Scrapbooking
    • Sewing Patterns
    • Card Making
    • DIY Weddings
    • Not Craft Ideas
  • Giveaways
  • Roundups
  • Store
  • Search

Fun idea to make recycled toys and beads candlesticks or…

December 29, 2021 by Stefanie Girard

Awhile back I posted a project where they made totem poles out of all sorts of objects, well here is a similar style project only this one is a candle stick. I save and collect all sorts of knickknacks and I think this project just may be what I can use them for. Pop on over to the blog Purple Hues and Me to see more about these recycled toy and bead candlesticks.

Related Posts:

  • The nuts and bolts of printing with nuts and bolts
  • 25 Genius Ways to Repurpose Old Chairs Into…
«
»

Have you read?

Andrew Whitehead: Turning Rust into Regional Icons

If you’ve ever driven through rural New South Wales and spotted a giant spider looming in a park or a metal shearer mid-snip, chances are you’ve encountered the work of Andrew Whitehead — a brilliant Australian sculptor who breathes new life into scrap metal.

Based in Urana, Andrew has made a name for himself (and his small town) by crafting large-scale public artworks entirely from recycled and salvaged materials. His sculptures aren’t just impressive in scale — they’re also full of meaning, storytelling, and community pride.

One of his most iconic pieces, affectionately titled “Not So Itsy”, is a larger-than-life spider that perches atop a webbed structure in Urana. It’s playful, a little eerie, and completely unforgettable. But like all of Andrew’s work, it goes deeper than just visual impact — it’s a nod to the town’s quirky character and creativity.

Another standout is “Shearing the Ram”, a powerful tribute to Australia’s rich wool industry and its historical importance in rural communities. Crafted from discarded farm equipment and rusted iron, the sculpture captures the essence of a timeless trade, now immortalized in steel.

What makes Andrew’s work so special is how he combines technical skill with heart. Each piece is carefully researched and often inspired by local legends, historic events, or the everyday life of the bush. And he doesn’t just install art — he builds landmarks that tell a story.

His commitment to using recycled materials is also worth applauding. In an age where fast consumerism often overshadows sustainability, Andrew’s sculptures stand as giant reminders (literally) of how beautiful and meaningful upcycling can be.

Whether it’s a metal Murray cod, a sheepdog mid-run, or a vintage tractor sculpture, Andrew Whitehead is proving that art doesn’t need a gallery — sometimes, the best place for a sculpture is by the roadside, where it can make people smile, reflect, and feel proud of where they’re from.

He’s not just an artist — he’s a storyteller, environmentalist, and quiet legend of the Aussie outback. Keep an eye out — his work has a way of popping up in the most unexpected (and unforgettable) places. Check out his facebook profile here.

Explore

books Christmas CraftGossip Giveaways Craft Inspirations Easter glass halloween Home Decor kid crafts mason jar More Crafts Patterns & Tutorials recycled art Recycled Clothing Recycled Jewelry Recycled Sewing Recycled Tutorials Recycling Ideas Recycling Organizing tin can

RSS More Articles

  • A Cross Stitch I Spy at the Beach
  • This Artist’s Breathtaking Embroidery Paintings Will Make You Rethink Needlework Forever
  • How Much Is Too Much Fabric?
  • Andrew Whitehead: Turning Rust into Regional Icons
  • Finding the Perfect Yarn for Shed-Free Crochet Blankets
  • Product Review: COLOP Stamps and Ink Pads
  • Scrap Fabric Sunflower Decoration
  • Monday Musings: Why I Still Can’t Sew a Perfect Buttonhole (And Why That’s Okay)
  • Felted Bag Knitting Patterns
  • Book Review: Diary of a Bee

Pick Your Blog

  • Sewing
  • Knitting
  • Quilting
  • Crochet
  • Home & Garden
  • Recycled Crafts
  • Scrapbooking
  • Card Making
  • Polymer Clay
  • Cross-Stitch
  • Edible Crafts
  • Felting
  • Glass Art
  • Indie Crafts
  • Kids Crafts
  • Jewelry Making
  • Lesson Plans
  • Needlework
  • Bath & Body
  • Party Ideas
  • Candle Making
  • DIY Weddings
  • Not Craft
  • Free Craft Projects

Copyright © 2025 · CraftGossip | Start Here | Contact Us | Link to Us | Your Editors | Privacy and affiliate policy