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Art Without Waste 500 Upcycled and Earth-Friendly Designs

October 8, 2014 by Stefanie Girard

Art Without Waste 500 Upcycled and Earth-Friendly Designs

If you read this blog than you will LOVE this new book Art Without Waste 500 Upcycled & Earth-Friendly Designs by Patty Wongpakdee!

This is one of those books that you pick up over and over again to get inspired and invigorate your creativity.

Every once in a while, I stumble across a book that completely recharges my creative energy—and Art Without Waste is exactly that. This isn’t your typical craft book with how-tos and templates. Nope, this one’s more like flipping through an art gallery curated entirely from stuff that would’ve ended up in a landfill.

From the first page, I was captivated. The book features 500 pieces of upcycled and eco-conscious art, and honestly, it’s like a love letter to sustainable creativity. I found myself going, “Wait, THAT was made from what?!” more times than I can count. We’re talking everything from intricate sculptures made from scrap metal to fashion pieces created with plastic bags and bottle caps. And the best part? Every single creation is proof that waste doesn’t have to be wasted.

It’s not a project-based book in the traditional sense—there aren’t step-by-step instructions—but it’s packed with inspiration. As someone who lives and breathes upcycling, I appreciated how it highlights global artists who are turning discarded materials into thoughtful, beautiful design. It gave me ideas I never would have thought of on my own, and honestly? It gave me that little extra push to dig deeper into the materials I already have sitting around.

What I also love is that it’s not preachy. It doesn’t scold you about sustainability—it simply shows what’s possible when you think differently about materials. It’s motivating in the best way.

If you’re a maker, crafter, or even just someone who appreciates clever design and wants to feel good about your impact, this book is a treasure. I’ve flipped through it a dozen times now, and I still find something new and inspiring every single time.

This one’s definitely earned a permanent spot on my recycled crafting bookshelf. Trust me—you’ll walk away with your head spinning full of upcycled possibilities.

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Comments

  1. Kathy says

    October 16, 2014 at 1:11 am

    I love re-purposing and upcycling old items and I would love to have this book! 🙂

  2. Kimberly-Ann Palazzo says

    October 16, 2014 at 1:55 pm

    Would love a chance to win this book! (One of my purposes in life is to re-purpose old things!) Thanks for the opportunity!

  3. Christine B. says

    October 16, 2014 at 2:04 pm

    As an artist/teacher and art recycler, this book would be a tremendous inspiration! I’ll keep my fingers crossed! <3

  4. Amy says

    October 18, 2014 at 3:50 am

    This looks amazing!!

  5. Lise Duval says

    February 10, 2015 at 10:21 pm

    Would love love to win this book its exactly what I would need right now t keep my mind busy …thanks

  6. Rhonda McSwain says

    February 12, 2015 at 10:22 am

    Would love to have- this would help me keep my grandson busy. he loves crafting time

« Older Comments

Have you read?

Build Big Memories on a Budget: DIY Cubby House Using Recycled Pallets

There’s something special about a cubby house. For kids, it’s more than just a backyard structure—it becomes a pirate ship, a secret hideaway, a miniature home, or a quiet spot to read and imagine. And for parents or grandparents, it’s a chance to create something meaningful that encourages outdoor play and creativity.

I recently came across a fantastic step-by-step guide from the team over at Bunnings Workshop that shows exactly how to build a DIY cubby house using recycled pallet timber. It’s a simple yet incredibly rewarding project that turns discarded timber into a charming play space your kids will absolutely love.

What I really appreciate about this project is how accessible it is. It doesn’t require a big budget or expensive materials. By using pallet timber, you not only save money but also help reduce waste—making it a great example of sustainable DIY. The cubby design is solid and safe, with a layout that leaves room for personal touches like paint, planters, or even a chalkboard wall.

This is the kind of project that can grow with your children. You might start with a basic structure and then add onto it as their play evolves—maybe a little deck area, a set of stairs, or some creative decor like a mini letterbox or curtains. It’s also a great opportunity for families to work together. Even young children can help with painting or handing over tools, making it a fun and collaborative experience.

The Bunnings Workshop tutorial provides a clear guide with a materials list, tool requirements, and helpful photos throughout. Whether you’re an experienced builder or a DIY beginner, the instructions are easy to follow and adaptable to different backyard sizes.

If you’ve been looking for a weekend project that adds charm to your outdoor space and creates long-lasting memories, this might be just the thing. Building a cubby house is a wonderful way to connect with your kids, encourage imagination, and spend time outdoors—without needing to buy another plastic playhouse.

You can explore the full project and instructions here:
DIY Cubby House Using Recycled Pallet Timber – Bunnings Workshop

If you do give it a go, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Share your cubby house photos and ideas—I know many readers would be inspired to see how each one takes on its own unique personality.

Book Review – DIY Wood Pallet Projects: 35 Rustic Modern Upcycling Ideas to Personalize Your Space

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