Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure
Pretty eclectic combo, eh? I picked them because I like the color combo. I have been having a lot of fun arranging my books by color or by forming an image with them as I did at Valentine’s day by making a heart of books. So I picked these 4 because I liked the yellow, white and red they all contained in their bold graphics.
Leave a comment in today’s post by April 23, 2015 and you are entered to win a copy of:
1000 Illustrations for Children
Open to U.S. residents only please.
Today, in honor of ANZAC Day, we’re shining a spotlight on a truly unique Australian artist — The Barefooted Welder, aka Michael Dudley. Based in North Queensland, Michael is known for his raw, imaginative sculptures made entirely from scrap metal. His work is bold, unapologetically rustic, and deeply rooted in both environmental and emotional storytelling.
What makes his work so compelling isn’t just the way he repurposes over seven tonnes of steel, copper, and aluminum — it’s the intention behind each piece. Michael doesn’t just weld metal; he breathes new life into forgotten fragments. From massive animals to symbolic figures, his sculptures are a mash-up of chaos and beauty, and they demand attention.
One piece that especially caught our eye (and hearts) this week is his striking metal poppy wreath, a tribute for ANZAC Day. The wreath, made from rusted salvaged metal and sculpted entirely by hand, is a stunning and deeply moving symbol of remembrance. It captures the essence of sacrifice and memory, but through a sustainable lens that makes you think twice about what we throw away.
Michael has a way of breaking the rules with his art — he even describes his process as “messy,” which we think is the perfect kind of energy when working with unpredictable materials. He creates without blueprints, often barefoot, guided more by instinct than plan — which somehow makes his pieces feel even more alive.
Whether it’s his life-size Bengal tiger sculpture created to raise awareness of endangered species or a delicate flower made of rusty washers, the Barefooted Welder is a reminder that art can be powerful, messy, meaningful, and sustainable all at once.
So, on this ANZAC Day, we celebrate artists like Michael who use their creativity to honor the past while also protecting the future — one sculpture at a time.
Wow these would be so awesome to help teach my daughter and granddaughter…and myself!!
I’d love to win-thank you for the chance 🙂
I’m just learn how to crochet and these books would be a great help!
What a fun combination of books! Thank you for the giveaway.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this giveaway!
This is a great combination of books. Thank you for the chance to win them.
I love mandalas and I’ve been working on teaching myself how to crochet. This is a great set of books! I like your color palette 🙂
I crochet to pass the time both sons are in the Army. One just returned from Afghanistan.
These books look amazing. I’m teaching myself to crochet and have always want to try quilting, so I’m especially excited about those titles. Thanks for this wonderful giveaway!!
Would love to win this so my daughter could have a fun craft time.
I’m desperate to learn to crochet and knit. The mandala book looks amazing – I didn’t know crocheted madalas existed!
Oh these would be wonderful to share with my granddaughter. Thanks for a chance to win!
Would love to add these to my library! Thanks for the chance to win! The 23rd is my birthday so winning would make an awesome present! 🙂
My Grandaughter is moving here from another state and is wanting to learn. These books would help me teach her. Thank you for the awesome giveaway.
Ooooh! All four of those books look fun.
Great Books! Wonderfull fun for kids. <3
I am on disability and have had one hand operated on for carpal tunnel so far the other will be done in the next month or two and then I can start doing crafts again and learning to crochet. These books would be such a wonder start one my journey into crafting since i cannot work any longer it will give me something to do I would love them 🙂
The book on quilting would be nice to have =D
These books are very cool
What a great beginner resource. Our local group has so many newbies that I know just what to do with these. : )
Would love to win these books! Thanks!
Lovely books – hope I am the lucky one!
I would love them for my granddaughter and I.
i just found this page and I love it! I’m still learning to crochet and would love to learn to quilt. These books would be great!
I’d love to win as I’m seriously stuck for ideas for new squares for baby blankets! Fingers crossed. Good luck everyone! x
Quilts…. my passion!!!! Colors, fabrics and ideas..
Yay! Crafty stuff!
These look like so much fun!!
I’d love to win! Thanks for the chance.
I would love to have these!
I’d love these books. I’m trying to expand my crochet knowledge. Thank you for the chance. The other books look really good too.
What a great set of useful and beautiful books!
I love your personality coming through in your choice of books…and would love to smile when I use them. Thanks for this opportunity.
I’d love to win. Thanks for the giveaways!
I want to get back into crochet and quilting, so much to get inspired by.
Take Care …. Sandy
A couple to keep and a couple to share, this is a fun giveaway!
Super group of books!
A winning combination of great source books!
from VT where Spring is peeking around the corner–she’s been so shy this year!
the Vermonster
That mandala book looks really fun! I’ve wanted to try mandalas! Actually all the books look really fun!!
Great selection of books! Thanks for the chance to win.
Ohh, books, crafts, …not enough time in the day! They all look like such fun. Thanks for the chance to win them! vickise at gmail dot com
Would love to win, I keep checking out the kid’s learn to crochet books at my library.
Love the combination of the handmade crafts
I have uses for each of these books that would bring wounderful joy to my life!
Such a wonderful combination of books, would enjoy them all and would love sharing them with my family!
Let’s see – I love crafting and I love books. Put the two together and you have the best ever giveaway – thanks!
Thanks for the ideas from all the web sites that have crafting. I’d love to own these books. Crafting is what makes me happy.
This is such a great combo of books. Something for everyone.
These books look cool! I’d be so happy with them!
Great giveaway!!! I would love to see what is inside the mandala book. Thanks for the chance to win.
I would make good use of all these books!