Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Giveaway- Make Garbage Great: The Terracycle Family Guide to a Zero-Waste Lifestyle

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Enter to win a copy of:

Make Garbage Great: The Terracycle Family Guide to a Zero-Waste Lifestyle

by

Tom Szaky and Albe Zakes

Leave a comment in today’s post by July 24th, 2015 and you are in the running for this awesome book on materials and products, their history and how to recycle it. There are tons of tips, facts and craft projects!

Open to U.S. Residents only please.

Make Garbage Great

Stan Amineko and I love the writing on the spine of this book!

More about the book from the publisher;

In this fun, pop culture exploration, two ecological entrepreneurs examine the materials we use in our daily lives, show how they impact the environment, and provide project ideas—from recycling to upcycling and more—to lessen our impact and protect our world.

Jam-packed with information, more than 200 photographs and illustrations, and approximately twenty DIY projects, this engaging, graphic volume shows us how we all can cut down, reuse, and repurpose the garbage we produce. With its easy hands-on design, Garbage Is Great contains information, little known facts, compelling graphics, and colorful illustrations and photos on a variety of common household waste-stream materials: Plastics, Glass and Ceramics, Paper, Wood, Textiles, Metal, Rubber, and Organics.

Tom Szaky, the founder of the award-winning nonprofit, environmental company TerraCycle, introduces each and explains what he’s learned about it in his personal life and with TerraCycle. He and Albe Zakes then provide a graphic historical timeline of each material’s use in commercial goods—from how it’s manufactured to what happens when it’s throw out—an analysis of its impact on the environment now and tomorrow; suggestions for DIY projects to save it from the trash bin, and lists of helpful resources. They also include sidebars and definitions, fun and quirky facts, lists of reuse ideas, quotes, and illuminating interviews that add depth and insight.

All of us have a responsibility to protect our environment. Informative and inspirational, Garbage Is Great shows us how to be creative custodians today—and for the rest of our lives.

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Comments

  1. WoW, another must-have book! This belongs in every crafting collection … we all have to do our part. Thanks so much for the chance to win!

  2. I am all about recycling, repurposing and making old things new again. I am always baffled by people who think nothing of throwing everything into the trash and not recycling. We must all do our part! I will and may as well be creative while doing it!

  6. I use a lot of recycling crafts in the work I do with adults who have disabilities, helping them to realize that they can have beautiful things for their apartment or room with little or no money spent!

  8. looks like a great book. I work with magazines to make beads and bowls. Love to recycle things into something new.

  10. I’m really, really interested in this book. Our summer cabin has no town garbage collection, so everything we don’t use up has to be packed up and driven out to the dump. When you actually see how much trash people create, instead of just having your bags magically whisked away before you even wake up, it’s jarring. I’d love ideas for reducing our garbage footprint.

  11. I always try to recycle everything. Send it to Terra Cycle when possible and then repurpose things into useable goods. Right now making kitty beds and condos out of old dresser parts we have found out for trash.

  12. So excited to read this book. I know there will be lots of ideas I can and will use to do my part. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

  13. It can become a natural thing, to see what others think of as trash, as items of beauty that have a secondary purpose.

  17. What a great, timely book this looks to be! I’m SO in my element when recycling, upcycling, repurposing & I learned from the best: my mom (though it was out of necessity as we were poor). I’d be blessed beyond belief to win this book, & thanks for the giveaway! God bless! 🙂

  19. wow anyone be so happy to get this book if iwas to win it i want look at it then i like to give to my sister to use she works in a old person day care the alway need new crafts tomake and the are need of other shareing with them i love to share so if i win it have great home ty

  20. I love recycling and re-purposing things. This book looks like it has great ideas and would be very inspirational. Good luck everyone!

  21. Wow. This book would be great. We recycle, but this would move us up a notch on the “green” scale

  22. Absolutely brilliant! Could you subtitle it “Saving the Planet One Creation at a Time”?

  26. Love it! I would love to get some ideas about how to better re-use and recycle things.

  27. I would love to win this book. I need to get some ideas to make new and interesting things out of stuff that would normally be thrown out! Thank you for the opportunity to win!

  32. My husband calls me a recycling “Nazi”and I guess I am. I am becoming more and more adamant about not adding to landfills whatever can avoid sending there. Looking forward go your book to see what else we can do.

  34. Our family loves to find multiple uses for items rather than putting them in the trash. This books looks like it would be great for additional idea and projects. I hope we win this book.

  35. I need to get this book so I can show it to the elementary kids. The pictures will drive home the point that recycling is good.

  37. Amazing book! In my opinion, one should stay motivated daily If they want to keep going to a zero waste lifestyle. And that’s what this book do – simply gives you motivation to strive for a healthier and waste free environment and society!

Have you read?

Thrift Your Way to Sustainable Crafting: 10 Flea Market Hacks for Upcycling Success

If you’re a crafty soul with a love for the environment (and a bit of a bargain hunter at heart), flea markets are your playground. There’s something magical about digging through a table of second-hand treasures, only to find an item that’s perfect for your next upcycling project. Plus, the bonus? You’re keeping items out of landfills and breathing new life into old things. Talk about sustainable crafting!

But if you’re new to the world of thrift shopping or upcycling, you might be wondering where to start. No worries! Here are 10 flea market hacks that will take your crafting game to the next level and help you master the art of upcycling.

Look for Pieces with Good Bones

When you’re hunting for upcycle-worthy items, keep an eye out for things that still have structural integrity. A vintage chair with a bit of wear? Perfect. A broken lamp with a cool base? Ideal for a DIY redo. Look beyond the wear and focus on the item’s shape and overall potential. You can always add a fresh coat of paint or reupholster a seat, so don’t be afraid of something that looks a little rough around the edges.

Don’t Underestimate Old Picture Frames

You can find picture frames for next to nothing at flea markets, and they’re a goldmine for upcycling projects. Whether you’re turning them into a chic wall organizer, a beautiful mirror, or even using the wood for a smaller craft project, old frames are full of potential. Bonus points if they have vintage glass or cool patterns that can be repurposed as part of the design!

Repurpose Old Books into Wall Art or Shelves

Books with tattered spines or missing pages are still great finds. Use them as a base for creative projects like a rustic shelf or repurpose the pages into artwork. You can frame individual pages or turn them into papier-mâché creations. They’re super versatile, and you’ll love how they bring a bit of old-school charm to your home.

Fabrics Galore

Old linens, tablecloths, and even scarves can be transformed into some pretty amazing things. Grab any fabric you can find—whether it’s a beautiful vintage tablecloth or a worn-out shirt—and think about how it could be sewn into something new. From patchwork quilts to upcycled tote bags, the possibilities are endless with fabric!

Repurpose Glassware into Candle Holders or Planters

Flea markets often have loads of glassware, from vases to goblets, that can easily be repurposed. Take a glass vase, remove the flowers, and fill it with candles for a boho-inspired centerpiece. Or use small glass bowls and plates as planters for your succulent collection. Not only does this create one-of-a-kind decor, but it also helps you keep those glass items out of the trash!

Pick Up Broken Jewelry for Parts

Don’t let broken jewelry fool you—those mismatched earrings, tangled necklaces, or tarnished bangles can be a crafter’s dream! The components like beads, chains, and clasps can be turned into new designs. Combine them with other found items and you’ve got yourself some fresh, upcycled pieces—whether it’s a bracelet, necklace, or keychain.

Old Wooden Crates Make Perfect Storage Solutions

Wooden crates are a dime a dozen at flea markets and can be turned into stylish storage or home decor. Stack them on their side for an industrial-style bookshelf or hang them on the wall for a unique kitchen storage solution. A little sanding and a coat of paint can easily turn these into functional, stylish pieces in any room.

Thrifted Rugs as Wall Hangings or Throws

Rugs that have seen better days don’t need to end up in the trash. If you find a beautiful but worn-out rug, consider using it as a wall hanging for a pop of texture and color in your living space. Alternatively, you can cut it up and repurpose it into smaller pieces for pillows, coasters, or even a funky patchwork throw blanket.

Vintage Silverware = Crafty Goodness

Vintage silverware is often found in sets at flea markets, and it’s just begging to be upcycled into something unique. Old spoons and forks can be bent into jewelry, garden markers, or even turned into wall hooks with a little DIY magic. Plus, silverware is sturdy and easy to work with, making it a perfect material for crafting.

Turn Old Furniture into Statement Pieces

The real gems at flea markets are the old furniture pieces that are still solid but maybe need a little TLC. An old dresser can become a trendy sideboard with a new coat of paint and some sleek hardware. An outdated coffee table? Flip it upside down and turn it into a statement lamp base. The secret is to visualize the item in its transformed state and have fun with it!

Thrift shopping at flea markets is like embarking on a treasure hunt, and the best part is that you get to turn your findings into sustainable, one-of-a-kind craft projects. Whether you’re an experienced crafter or just getting started, these upcycling hacks will help you create beautiful, functional items while also helping the environment. So, next time you’re out and about, don’t be afraid to dig deep. You never know what hidden gem you might find!