Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Photo Glass Beads

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glass_beads.JPGLooking for handmade and meaningful stocking stuffers? This new project from Craftbits.com may be your answer. Just glue flat clear glass marbles to photo index cards and cardboard, chipboard or heavy paper for a pocket-sized keepsake. The finished beads can … Read More ...

Auto Parts Nativity Scene

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nativity.jpgIf you’re in search of some beautiful recycled art inspiration, look no further than the NOVICA site, which features fairly-traded arts, crafts, jewelry, furnishings and home decors from artists around the world. (The site even includes the work of a … Read More ...

Arizona Tea Jewelry

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arizonatea.jpgDon’t you love it when half the work is already done for you? I’ve seen a smattering of jewelry made from beautiful Arizona tea can artwork, and Etsy member Little Libelle (so far) has filled her entire shop will Arizona … Read More ...

A Wreath for Every Occasion

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2candlesandwinefortwo.jpgEmpty wine bottles, chipped or cracked china and teacups, and tarnished spoons become the focal point in Clara’s Teacup wreaths. As in all crafts that are lovingly made, no two wreaths are exactly alike. In addition to wine bottle and … Read More ...

Warm Fuzzies

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wreathy2.jpgBetz White takes old sweaters and felt scraps and transforms them into things of beauty, such as her as-seen-on-Martha cupcake pincushions. She also recently finished this striking wreath made entirely of sweater and felt scraps. Although this would look … Read More ...

Zipper Cushion

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pillow.jpgI found this colorful and clever pillow made from pieced-together repurposed zippers by annaramma on Flickr. What a great way to add interest to a throw pillow. I don’t recommend planting your face onto it the next time you take … Read More ...

Etsy Trashion Sale

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trashion.jpgThe Etsy Trashion street team is hosting Save the World Sunday, a major sale event and celebration of all things recycled and handmade. The first Sunday was yesterday, Nov. 25, but you still have next Sunday, Dec. 2, to enjoy … Read More ...

Autumn Votives

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votives.jpgWouldn’t these homemade votive holders look lovely on your Thanksgiving table? And you likely have all the supplies you need sitting at home: leaves, glue, used glass jars or candle holders and tissue paper (check your shopping bags or shoe … Read More ...

License Plate Charms

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charm.jpgMove over, Scrabble letter jewelry. Make way for license plate alphabet art. While license plate art might not be new, allisonstrine’s use of them in these funky charms is new to me. She takes letter snippets of vintage license plates … Read More ...

Upcycled Wallpaper Journal

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wallpaperjournal.jpgEver wonder what wallpaper outlets do with their giant books of wallpaper samples? Unless the store owners are packrats, they toss them out when the wallpaper manufacturers send them new books. I love heatherlea’s simple wallpaper journal, which has a … Read More ...

Junk Mail Dress

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junkmailsm.jpgIt’s hard to believe this beautiful ensemble is made primarily from junk mail. And that the artist who created it, Nancy Judd, has created outfits equally as stunning from rusty nails, newspapers, tin cans and Target shopping bags. Judd, who … Read More ...

Circuit Board Creations

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suncatcher.jpgWhether you embrace the inner geek in you or not, you’re sure to appreciate (new Etsy member) Debby Arem‘s jewelry, magnets, office supplies and accessories made from used circuit boards. I’m especially fond of her sun catchers, which she … Read More ...