Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Giveaway-Edgy Embroidery: Transform Conventional Stitches into 25 Unconventional Designs

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Giveaway-Edgy Embroidery: Transform Conventional Stitches into 25 Unconventional Designs

Leave a comment in today’s post by March 22, 2018 and you are in the running for this pretty and fun embroidery design book.

Open to U.S. residents only please.

Bold Designs That Don’t Follow the Rules

Embroidery isn’t just florals anymore, it’s a moth with pinned wings, an old haunted house on a hill or a cow skull with a flower crown. You won’t find “home sweet home” here, but you will find “Can U Not” or “Don’t Be A Prick.” Renee Rominger, founder of Moonrise Whims, designs projects for a new generation. And whether you just started and need a solid foundation, or you’re an expert looking to enhance your art, Edgy Embroidery will teach you something new, fun and easy.

Renee not only shows you how to conquer basic techniques, but also how to create more complex stitches like her unique Moonrise Roses. With pattern templates, detailed stitch tutorials and instructions on how to complete each design, every one of these 25 projects will be wall-worthy.

This is definitely not your grandmother’s embroidery.

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Comments

  11. It’s awesome to see new and modern ideas for very old crafts. doubt these I’ll be hung in The National Cathedral like embroiery from the medival times though.

  12. I love this book! I borrowed it from the library, and it went quickly onto my must buy list.

  13. I’ve been doing a little cross stitching. And have been adventure into emboroiderying. Tired of all the silly flower stuff.

  18. Exactly what I was looking for, edgy designs plus an expert stitcher guiding my not so perfect stitches! Thanks for the opportunity!

  24. I use to embroider when is was in middle school. Now at 58 im picking it up again. Would love to have some new designs.

  27. LOL Absolutely love the cow skull on the cover. There’s an etsy artist who sells finished edgy embroidery pieces, and I just love her to pieces. Great giveaway!

  28. This book sounds great. I want to learn embroidery, & I have a snarky, sarcastic sense of humor.

  39. Looks like just the book I need to get my granddaughter started on embroidery

  43. Looks like it would be a lot of fun to do – thanks for the opportunity to win a copy

Have you read?

DIY Kids Craft Project – Upcycled Cardboard Box Sandcastle

kids-upcycled-cardboard-sandcastle

Looking for a creative way to keep the kids entertained this summer without spending a fortune? Turn your trash into treasure with this fun Recycled Sandcastle Craft Project! Using cardboard boxes, plastic lids, glue, and a bit of imagination, kids can build their very own sandcastle kingdom – no beach required!

 

What You’ll Need:

  • Cardboard boxes (cereal, tissue, shipping boxes – any size)

  • Toilet paper rolls or paper towel tubes

  • Plastic lids (yogurt containers, jar tops, etc.)

  • Paper or plastic straws, twigs, or sticks

  • Scrap plastic, paper, or fabric for flags

  • Craft glue or a hot glue gun (with adult supervision)

  • Scissors

  • Sand or beige paint (optional for decoration)

  • Markers, stickers, or leftover craft supplies to decorate

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Recyclables

Head to your recycling bin and pull out clean items that could work as castle parts—boxes for walls, tubes for towers, and lids for turrets. Cut down the boxes into smaller sections if needed, and make sure everything is dry and ready to work with.

Step 2: Plan Your Castle Layout

Before gluing anything down, lay out your castle design on a flat surface. Decide where the towers, walls, and “gate” will go. You can make it symmetrical, or go wild with a quirky kingdom layout!

Step 3: Glue the Main Structure Together

Use craft glue (or hot glue if you’re working with older kids or want faster drying). Start attaching the boxes and tubes together to form the base of your sandcastle. Stack tubes on top of boxes to create turrets. Use plastic lids as domes or roof tops.

Step 4: Add Decorative Elements

This is where the fun begins! Use:

  • Bottle caps as windows or shields

  • Buttons as faux stones

  • Cutout shapes from scrap cardboard for castle doors or battlements (those square-topped castle walls!) Get creative with what you’ve got – there’s no wrong way to build your dream castle.

Step 5: Make and Add Flags

Cut small triangles or flags from scrap plastic, fabric, or colored paper. Tape or glue these to the tops of straws, sticks, or twigs. Then, glue them onto the tops of towers or castle corners. You can even personalize each flag with a coat of arms or your child’s initials!

Step 6: Add the “Sand” Effect (Optional)

For an authentic look, brush glue over the castle and sprinkle it with craft sand. No sand on hand? Use beige paint, or mix some flour with a pinch of cinnamon for a sandy texture.

Step 7: Let it Dry and Display!

Let everything dry completely—especially if you’ve used a lot of glue. Then proudly display your recycled sandcastle on a shelf, or use it as part of imaginative play time.

Bonus Ideas:

  • Build a whole sandcastle village and connect them with paper bridges.

  • Make tiny “people” out of clothespins or paper scraps.

  • Add fairy lights inside for a magical castle glow at night.

This project is a fantastic way to keep little hands busy and teach kids the value of reusing materials. Plus, it’s just plain fun! Whether you’re doing this at home, in a classroom, or at a summer camp, your recycled sandcastles are sure to be a hit.