Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Giveaway: Steampunk Emporium: Creating Fantastical Jewelry, Devices and Oddments from Assorted Cogs, Gears and Curios

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Yes! The peeps at North Light Books have bequeathed upon me a copy of Steampunk Emporium: Creating Fantastical Jewelry, Devices and Oddments from Assorted Cogs, Gears and Curios by Jema “Emilly Ladybird” Hewitt to give to one lucky reader of Recycled Crafts at CraftGossip.com! Can I get a whoo-hoo?!?! The author Jema was kind enough to do a little Q & A with me which I posted over at Sweater Surgery along with a fun quick and easy gear and Swarovski crystal earring project.

The details: Leave a comment here by Midnight June 16th, 2011 and you are in the running for a copy of Steampunk Emporium. The fine print: Open to USA residents only.

Looking for Steampunk supplies? Check out these steampunk papers, embellishment and stamps.

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Comments

  4. Wahoo! Ultra sweet giveaway and a great way to use those odds and ends that I find I must have when I’m digging through “junk” boxes at antique stores!

  6. I’d love to try new and interesting ideas, this would help my creative juices flowing.

  8. Would love to win this book. I am just getting into Steampunk, so this would be a BIG HELP!!!
    Thanks

  9. My husband actually tried to get me to buy a steampunk-themed craft book last time we were at the book store, and amazingly enough I still managed to walk out empty-handed! Somehow I have a feeling this was meant to be…

  14. What a great book! I would love to win it. I took a look through it and there are so many neat projects.
    Deb

  17. whoo-hoo!!! My hubby would kill for anything steampunked. He has been an avid follower since they began showing up. I’d love to win this for him (and I might just look over his shoulder too.) LOL

  18. My friends and I have become obsessed with steampunk designs. I’ve started working on a costume and I think this book would be perfect for jewelry and trimmings ideas!

  20. Oh, that would be wonderful, to be able to read up on how they make all of those intricate pieces – not to mention learn how to do some of it myself!!

  22. i just inherited a sh%tload of old jewelry and whatnots from my late Mother. I’d Love to get some great ideas from this book!

  23. Thank you for such an awesome opportunity!!!

    I would love to learn how to make more Steampunk items as it is such a neat genre.

    Thanks for the opportunity!!

    Shoni
    shonijunk (at) yahoo (dot) com

  27. “Those gears and gyros clicking and whirring like the devil himself!”
    -Old Billy Bones

    my favorite quote from my favorite movie 🙂

  30. I would love to get this book to get some more ideas and techniques for my Steampunk art.

  32. Steampunk – all the rage at the library. What a great genre to get creative with!

  36. I’m actually in the process of creating a steampunk art piece — serendipity. Would love to have as a resource.

  37. So excited to read this book. I love Steampunk inspired things and would love more inspiration!

  39. This is so up my alley. I have invested in some watch parts just to dabble in the steampunk pool. I would love and cherish this book. Good Luck everyone. Or as we say in the Southwest, Buena Suerte!!

  41. My daughter is a college history major & a lover of Steampunk fashion (& the Victorian age that inspires it). She won first place at the San Francisco Legion Fantastique steampunk contest in 2010, based on her homemade costume (God bless her) & her studied knowledge of what was happening in industry & science in the Victorian age. As a single parent, I’m on a ridiculous budget, & as a college student, her budget is non-existent. I know she would put the book to good use, and she would also help out any of her friends who are also into historical costuming.

  45. Would LOVE to see it, let alone get it by winning. Thank you for the chance.

  46. I am making a steampunk outfit for the Jareth Ball and next Steampunk Ball. I would love a chance to get this book and make some cool jewelry to finish off my costume.

  49. I love the imaginative look of Steam punk. It allows you to think and create outside the box. The What if I do……

Have you read?

26 Clever Ways to Upcycle Your Old Sewing Machine Table or Parts

You know that old sewing machine table that’s been tucked in the garage or gathering dust in Grandma’s basement? Or maybe just the rusted machine head that no longer runs but still looks so cool? Before you haul it to the curb or let it sit for another decade, let’s talk about upcycling.

Vintage sewing machines and their charming tables are full of history, character, and surprisingly sturdy craftsmanship. And even if they’re no longer functional for stitching seams, they’ve got a whole second life waiting for them — as creative, practical, and totally stylish pieces for your home.

Over the years, crafters and DIYers have found the most brilliant ways to breathe new life into old sewing machines. We’re talking about transformations that are equal parts functional and fabulous — everything from home décor and garden pieces to furniture and quirky conversation starters.

Here’s what you’ll find in this roundup:

  • Tables turned into stunning bathroom vanities or hallway consoles.

  • Machine bases repurposed into plant stands, bar carts, or kitchen islands.

  • Sewing machine drawers used as rustic organizers, shelves, or even planters.

  • Beautiful vintage machines displayed as art pieces or turned into lamp bases.

  • And plenty of ideas that combine that charming antique style with modern functionality.

 

DIY Earring Holder – Jewelry Display – Birdz of a Feather 

Vintage Inspired DIY Craft Table Idea – Reinvented Delaware 

Vintage sewing machines in the garden / Recycle Art 

How to Turn an Old Sewing Machine Into Book Ends With a Twist

Upcycled Antique Sewing Machine Top – Prodigal Pieces

Singer Sewing Machine 

How to Repurpose a Sewing Machine Table – Girl in the Garage® 

How to upcycle a vintage sewing machine cabinet – Quilt Addicts Anonymous

Antique Sewing Machine Drawer Upcycle – The Navage Patch 

Repurposed Vintage Sewing Machine Drawer Organizer – Lora Bloomquist~Create & Ponder 

Upcycled Vintage Sewing Machine Drawers – The House on Silverado 

https://www.instructables.com/Bookends-With-an-Old-Sewing-Machine 

Old Sewing Table Idea: Turn it into a Bevarage Station | 

Antique Sewing Machine Table via KnickofTime.net

Repurposed Sewing Table upcycled into a desk – The DIY Dreamer 

10+ Ways to Use Vintage Sewing Machine Drawers in Home Decor

Upcycled Vintage Sewing Machine Drawers – Scavenger Chic

Repurposed Antique Sewing Machine

Redo It Yourself Inspirations : Treadle Sewing Machine Upcycle 

ForFunk: I upcycled our old Singer Sewing Machine 

Sewing Machine Table Upcycled – Prodigal Pieces

Vintage Inspired DIY Craft Table Idea – Reinvented Delaware 

 Vintage Sewing Machine to Bar Cart 

 Vintage Sewing Machine Table Makeover without Refinishing

How to Repurpose an Antique Sewing Machine into an Edison Lamp  

Reclaimed Barn Wood Entry Table – Metal & Woodworking How to

Some of these projects are quick weekend wins, while others might take a bit of sanding, painting, or power-tooling. But every single one will leave you with something way cooler than anything you’d buy new at a furniture store.

The best part? You’re not just saving money or decorating your space — you’re preserving a little slice of craftsmanship from a time when things were built to last. Those heavy iron bases and well-worn wooden tables hold stories, and it’s so satisfying to give them a fresh chapter.

Whether your vibe is farmhouse rustic, industrial vintage, or cozy cottagecore, these sewing machine upcycles are a beautiful blend of nostalgia and creativity.

So before you toss out that old treadle machine or leave those drawers in a donation box, scroll through this list. You might just find the perfect DIY that’ll make you fall in love with your sewing machine all over again — even if it never threads a needle again.

 

 

How to Clean and Prep a Wrought Iron Sewing Machine Base for Painting

So you’ve got a gorgeous old sewing machine base — full of vintage charm and scrollwork — but it’s covered in rust, grime, or layers of old paint. Before you can give it a fresh coat of your favorite color, it needs a little TLC. Here’s how to get it clean and prepped for painting without too much fuss.

Step 1: Remove Loose Rust and Paint

Start by brushing off all the loose rust, dirt, or peeling paint with a stiff wire brush. You can find these at any hardware store, or even use a drill with a wire brush attachment for quicker results.

Tip: Wear safety goggles and gloves — it gets messy!

Step 2: Degrease and Clean

Use a degreasing cleaner (like Simple Green or dish soap and warm water) and a sponge or rag to scrub the entire base. Old bases often have years of oil and dust buildup, especially in the corners and crevices.

Rinse it off well and let it dry completely before moving on. You don’t want to trap moisture under the paint.

Step 3: Tackle Stubborn Rust

If some rusty areas are being stubborn, apply a rust remover or rust dissolver (like Evapo-Rust or a naval jelly product). Follow the instructions on the product, and use a wire brush or steel wool to scrub again afterward.

Alternatively, a mix of white vinegar and baking soda can be used as a natural rust-fighting soak for small parts or for dabbing on problem areas.

Step 4: Sand for Smoothness

Once the rust is gone and the surface is dry, give the whole piece a quick sand with medium-grit sandpaper (80–120 grit) to rough it up slightly and help the paint adhere better. Focus especially on any bumpy or flaky spots.

Wipe everything down with a damp cloth to remove the dust afterward.

Step 5: Prime (Optional, But Recommended)

For best results and long-lasting paint, apply a metal primer — especially one labeled for rust prevention. Spray primers are quick and easy, but brush-on primers work well too if you’re covering detailed scrollwork.

Let the primer dry fully before painting.

Step 6: Paint It!

Now you’re ready to paint! Use a spray paint designed for metal for the smoothest finish, or brush on chalk paint or enamel for a more rustic or farmhouse look.

Let the paint dry between coats and finish with a clear sealant if it’s going to be used outdoors.

And that’s it — your beautiful wrought iron base is ready for its new life, whether it becomes a vanity, console table, planter stand, or something totally unexpected.