Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Handmade with a Past: Tuesday’s Top Recycled Etsy Find

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Let’s talk about a quiet little hero in the kitchen: the humble trivet. But not just any trivet — this set of 4 recycled plastic square trivets is a modern, minimalist dream made from 100% recycled household plastic. Yep, the same plastic that might’ve ended up in landfill is now protecting your benchtops in style. That’s a win.

I have to admit, I get a little thrill when practical things are also eco-friendly and just plain good-looking. These remind me of the ones I picked up at a zero-waste store in Melbourne — sleek, colorful, and almost too pretty to put a hot pot on. Almost.

Each one is handcrafted in small batches, with flecks of color that tell the story of what it used to be — lids, containers, maybe even your old shampoo bottle. It’s like modern terrazzo meets sustainable design. Perfect for gifting to a housewarming host or just treating your own kitchen to something that feels good and does good

Why we’re obsessed:

  • Made entirely from recycled household plastics

  • Each piece is uniquely speckled and full of character

  • A perfect match for eco-conscious kitchens, minimalist decor, and zero-waste living

Small item, big impact. And every time you set down your coffee pot or casserole dish, you’ll get that sweet little “I did something good today” feeling.

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How to Paint Melamine Furniture

Recently, we received an email from Jenny, one of our readers, asking for some advice on painting melamine furniture. Jenny was looking to refresh an old dresser but wasn’t sure about the right way to tackle the project. Well, we’ve got just the thing! After some digging, we came across a fantastic article on Spraypaint Blog titled How to Recycle and Paint Melamine Furniture, which walks you through the process step-by-step.

Why This Article is Perfect for Jenny (and You!)

This guide is incredibly comprehensive, covering everything you need to know about painting melamine—an often tricky material to work with. Melamine is known for its smooth, glossy surface, which can be tough to paint without the right preparation. But with the tips from this article, you’ll learn how to properly prep your melamine pieces, choose the right paint, and achieve a professional-looking finish.

The article also dives into the importance of sanding and priming the surface to ensure that the paint adheres well. With these steps, Jenny (and anyone else trying this project) can be sure that their painted melamine furniture will not only look great but last for years to come.

Jenny, we hope this article gives you all the info you need to tackle your melamine furniture project! It’s clear from the tutorial that a little prep work goes a long way, and with the right products, even melamine can be transformed into a beautiful, personalized piece.

For anyone else curious about painting melamine, check out the full article on Spraypaint Blog for all the tips and techniques: How to Recycle and Paint Melamine Furniture. Happy painting!

My Tips for Painting Melamine Furniture

Hey Jenny (and anyone else planning a melamine project), here are my top tips to help you get the best results when painting melamine furniture:

Prep is Key
Clean the surface well, then lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper to give the primer something to grip onto. Trust me, it makes a big difference!

Prime Like a Pro
Don’t skip the primer! Use a bonding primer that’s made for glossy surfaces or melamine. It’ll make sure your paint sticks and lasts.

Pick the Right Paint
Go for a good enamel or acrylic paint. I use a foam roller for a smooth finish—no brushstrokes! Apply a few thin coats, letting each one dry in between.

Topcoat for Durability
Once the paint’s dry, apply a protective topcoat (polyurethane or polycrylic) to help it stay scratch-free.

Give It Time
Let the paint cure for at least 48 hours before using the furniture—longer is even better! It’ll help the finish hold up over time.

Get Creative
Don’t be afraid to try fun colors or finishes! Melamine is perfect for getting a bit adventurous.