Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Junk Mail Portraits

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schimmel_art.jpgS.A. Schimmel creates striking portraits not with paint but with junk in the form of flyers, mail, greeting cards and colorful ephemera. The artist, who graduated with a degree in psychology and painting, has a diverse art career, ranging from visual display designer to needlepoint canvas designer. Her current junk art mosaic work stemmed from a visit to Venice:

“I saw a beautiful stained glass portrait of a woman in Venice, Italy,” she writes. “Created by a true artisan – of tiny glass tiles in an amazing array of colors. The tiles applied to a sheet of glass, sealed with grout, framed in metal, suspended in front of a light box, glowing. It was too expensive to buy, too heavy to carry – my conclusion: ‘I have to make that!’ Well, I tried.”

“I could not find the colors or sizes in glass. I tried painting glass…no success. I tried ceramic. Too bulky, not enough color. I … started cutting up accumulated junk mail. Eureka! I got what I was looking for – a portrait in mosaic using an insanely diverse variety of materials.”

View a gallery of her work at schimmelart.com.

[tags]junk mail, mosaic, stained glass, portrait[/tags]

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Transform Old License Plates Into a Stunning Caddy – You Won’t Believe How Easy It Is

If you’re someone who loves upcycling, this DIY project is for you! In many states, we’re required to return old license plates to the Department of Transport when they expire. for those of you who do not need to, why not turn those old, forgotten plates into something fabulous? This creative idea allows you to repurpose old license plates into a unique and stylish caddy that’s perfect for organizing or adding a quirky touch to your home.

Not only is this project a fun way to recycle, but it also gives those outdated plates a second life. Whether you’re looking to create a handy storage caddy for your garden tools, a stylish drink holder for parties, or a rustic piece to organize bathroom essentials, this upcycled license plate caddy can serve many purposes. The weathered charm of the license plates combined with the sleek wooden accents makes it the perfect mix of rustic and modern. It is also a great way to create a keepsake, maybe they are Grandpas old plates?

This is a simple, yet satisfying project that anyone can tackle. You don’t need to be a seasoned crafter to make it, and it’s an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. All you need are a few basic materials—old license plates, wood, and a few basic tools like screws and a drill. Once completed, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind piece that adds both style and function to your space.

Whether it’s for your home, garage, or garden, this upcycled license plate caddy will give new life to those old plates and show just how much can be done with a little creativity and some DIY spirit.

So grab those expired plates, get your tools ready, and start crafting. This fun project is a perfect example of how recycling can be both eco-friendly and incredibly rewarding!  You can view the full tutorial here.