Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Necktie Skirt

by

necktie_skirt.jpg

The Etsy shop Hooked on Purses features a sprinkling of upcycled materials, including an adorable toddler necktie skirt made from “pre-loved” multicolored silk neckties. As the description says, it’s “perfect for summer twirling,” and it’s also perfect for the little bohemian in your life.

The artist Misha writes, “I love to sit in my sewing room looking at and touching my fabric, neckties and trim. I let the fabric speak to me and generally I start a project with no idea how it will be in the end.”

Her statement is so true of recycled crafts: the objects we find — our ticket stubs, leftover fabric, discarded bottlecaps — almost always lead us in the creative process. To me, recycled crafts are often the most creative crafts!

 

Related Posts:

Comments

  1. I am a partner in a resale shop in Hilliard, Ohio. We have been making skirts from vintage neckties for a while. We even created a wrap style. Last spring we made a mermaid style prom dress entirely from neckties. It was pretty awesome! We have a shop on etsy.com…shesu2008.

Have you read?

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.