Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Make your own printing press with a surprising home improvement tool

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Have you wanted to get into printing? I have started carving my own stamps and 3d printing images to print and now emboss with after I make this cool printing press with a surprising home improvement tool.

I also think I may make it with a recycled wine crate.

A little history of printing press

The printing press is one of the most important inventions in human history, as it revolutionized the way information was disseminated and made knowledge accessible to the masses.

The earliest form of printing was developed in China around 1040 AD, using carved wooden blocks to print on textiles. The technique was later adapted for printing on paper.

In the 15th century, a German goldsmith named Johannes Gutenberg revolutionized the printing process by inventing the first movable type printing press. This allowed for much faster and cheaper production of printed material, as individual letters and symbols could be rearranged and reused for different texts. Gutenberg’s invention was instrumental in the spread of the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Scientific Revolution.

Over the centuries, the printing press continued to evolve, with improvements in the technology and processes leading to even greater speed and efficiency. Today, printing remains an essential component of modern society, with digital printing technology allowing for even greater flexibility and accessibility.

Can I make one at home?

While it’s unlikely that you can build a full-scale printing press at home, there are definitely ways to make your own simple printing press for small-scale projects.

One popular method is to use a technique called linocut printing, which involves carving a design onto a linoleum block and then using it to print onto paper or fabric. You can make your own linocut block with some linoleum, a carving tool, and a design to work from.

Once you have your linocut block, you can ink it up with printing ink and then use a brayer or roller to transfer the ink onto your paper or fabric. You can do this by hand or use a small press or even a simple DIY press made from materials like cardboard, foam, and a wooden spoon.

This one we saw at Makify looks fun to make. I don’t know what all I would make with it but it sure looks like something to try.

Pop on over to Makify and watch the video on how to make a printing press.

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I Found a Table Made from Mannequin Legs—and I’m Still Not Over It

 

manequin table recycled

Okay, I have to tell you about one of the most bizarre-yet-brilliant DIYs I’ve come across in a while. While scrolling through google (as one does when deep into a late-night upcycling rabbit hole), I stumbled on a video tutorial for a table made out of mannequin legs. And honestly? I couldn’t look away.

This project is peak creative chaos—in the best way. The concept is exactly what it sounds like: four mannequin legs, flipped and fixed in place, supporting a standard tabletop. It’s got this quirky, surreal vibe that makes it feel part high fashion, part modern art installation. Think: Tim Burton meets IKEA.

What I loved most about this video is how surprisingly accessible it is. The creator breaks the process down clearly—so even though the end result looks totally wild, the steps are manageable. You’ll need a few tools and a decent amount of glue or screws (depending on how permanent you want this table to be), but nothing too technical.

Design-wise, this piece is an absolute conversation starter. It would look amazing in a creative studio, a funky coffee shop, or even as a statement piece in a minimalist home—anywhere you want to break the “normal furniture” mold. The contrast between the realistic mannequin legs and a basic tabletop is just the right kind of weird.

If you’re into recycled home decor, eco-conscious DIY projects, or just love adding some unexpected personality to your space, this one’s worth bookmarking. Whether or not you ever make it yourself, it’s guaranteed to make you see mannequins—and furniture—in a whole new way.

Catch the full tutorial and see the visual magic for yourself on Recyclart. Just be prepared to say, “Wait, is that a leg?” every time someone visits your house.