Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Recycled Book Review: Refashioned Bags

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Refashioned Bags: Upcycle Anything into High-Style Handbags

By
Faith Blakeney and Justina Blakeney

We all carry bags so why shouldn’t they be as unique and creative as we are. The way to make them that way is to make them ourselves. Refashioned Bags probably has the widest variety of styles and shapes of bags I have ever seen in one book. The materials for these bags as just as diverse. The recycled materials used range from cake mix boxes to records and shower curtains. It includes nice step by step instructions with sharp illustrations to make your creative process go smoothly. No matter what your style, classy or crazy there are projects and inspiration in this book for you!

To see an inside peek and what I made inspired by this book pop on over to this post. And if you are in Anaheim, CA for either the CHA trade show or the retail Craft Super Show Jan 21-27,  I have posted my schedule as well!
From the Publisher, Potter Craft:

“Reduce, Reuse, Refashion! Handbags are the ultimate accessory. Fortunately, you don’t need a cookie-cutter designer bag to make a fashion statement. In today’s greener, more fiscally responsible world, it makes a lot more sense–and is a lot more fun—to make your own. Whether your closet is already an amalgam of hand-made clothing and remastered mash-ups or you’re diving into DIY for the very first time, bags are one of the easiest accessories to make over and require little more than a needle, thread, and everyday items you can find in the closet, garage, attic, or flea market. That’s why the authors of 99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Trim & Tie Your T-Shirt into Something Special show you how to make boutique-ready bags on the cheap. The Blakeney sisters twist and weave, turn inside-out, and reappropriate just about anything and everything to fashion radical accessories with mad style and a message.

In Refashioned Bags, you’ll learn how to create carryalls, clutches, laptop bags, totes, and more. And all of them will get a unique look, whether from the use of an old wool sweater, an ex-boyfriend’s neckties, extra shower curtains, dad’s hand-me-down suit jacket, a quilt, an umbrella, or even a bath mat. Some of the inventive and one-of-a-kind bags you’ll learn to make include:

• Boho Hobo Bag
• Sweater Computer Cozy
• Dapper Diaper Bag
 • Dolce Doily Purse
 • Le Zip Sac
• Tux Redux Bag And more!

Helpful diagrams accompany the step-by-step instructions, along with bonus crafting ideas, fun facts, and tips and tricks from top bag designers in the DIY field who work with, at times, unusual materials. By following just a few easy steps that require little more than cutting, folding, gluing, and basic stitching, you’ll be able to add refashioned bag designer to your repertoire. ”

[tags]Refashioned Bags[/tags]

Looking for more re-fashion patterns? Check these out on Etsy.

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DIY Kids Craft Project – Upcycled Cardboard Box Sandcastle

kids-upcycled-cardboard-sandcastle

Looking for a creative way to keep the kids entertained this summer without spending a fortune? Turn your trash into treasure with this fun Recycled Sandcastle Craft Project! Using cardboard boxes, plastic lids, glue, and a bit of imagination, kids can build their very own sandcastle kingdom – no beach required!

 

What You’ll Need:

  • Cardboard boxes (cereal, tissue, shipping boxes – any size)

  • Toilet paper rolls or paper towel tubes

  • Plastic lids (yogurt containers, jar tops, etc.)

  • Paper or plastic straws, twigs, or sticks

  • Scrap plastic, paper, or fabric for flags

  • Craft glue or a hot glue gun (with adult supervision)

  • Scissors

  • Sand or beige paint (optional for decoration)

  • Markers, stickers, or leftover craft supplies to decorate

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Recyclables

Head to your recycling bin and pull out clean items that could work as castle parts—boxes for walls, tubes for towers, and lids for turrets. Cut down the boxes into smaller sections if needed, and make sure everything is dry and ready to work with.

Step 2: Plan Your Castle Layout

Before gluing anything down, lay out your castle design on a flat surface. Decide where the towers, walls, and “gate” will go. You can make it symmetrical, or go wild with a quirky kingdom layout!

Step 3: Glue the Main Structure Together

Use craft glue (or hot glue if you’re working with older kids or want faster drying). Start attaching the boxes and tubes together to form the base of your sandcastle. Stack tubes on top of boxes to create turrets. Use plastic lids as domes or roof tops.

Step 4: Add Decorative Elements

This is where the fun begins! Use:

  • Bottle caps as windows or shields

  • Buttons as faux stones

  • Cutout shapes from scrap cardboard for castle doors or battlements (those square-topped castle walls!) Get creative with what you’ve got – there’s no wrong way to build your dream castle.

Step 5: Make and Add Flags

Cut small triangles or flags from scrap plastic, fabric, or colored paper. Tape or glue these to the tops of straws, sticks, or twigs. Then, glue them onto the tops of towers or castle corners. You can even personalize each flag with a coat of arms or your child’s initials!

Step 6: Add the “Sand” Effect (Optional)

For an authentic look, brush glue over the castle and sprinkle it with craft sand. No sand on hand? Use beige paint, or mix some flour with a pinch of cinnamon for a sandy texture.

Step 7: Let it Dry and Display!

Let everything dry completely—especially if you’ve used a lot of glue. Then proudly display your recycled sandcastle on a shelf, or use it as part of imaginative play time.

Bonus Ideas:

  • Build a whole sandcastle village and connect them with paper bridges.

  • Make tiny “people” out of clothespins or paper scraps.

  • Add fairy lights inside for a magical castle glow at night.

This project is a fantastic way to keep little hands busy and teach kids the value of reusing materials. Plus, it’s just plain fun! Whether you’re doing this at home, in a classroom, or at a summer camp, your recycled sandcastles are sure to be a hit.