Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Recycled leather, plastic tray and soda can embellished box

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Today’s project features 3 different recycled materials embossed and die cut. If you haven’t tried embossing recycled leather, soda cans and plastic trays but like working with these materials already I have to say that I think embossing them really transforms them into a really classy material great for embellishing a plain box.

I had so much fun playing around with the new 3D embossing folder Country Garden and a recycled leather jacket. I liked them as a full panel.

I cut the soda can up to make a flat sheet and then embossed it with the Regency Swirls folder and then die cut one of each size butterfly in the mixed-media die set.

I cut the edge of off a plastic food tray to make a flat sheet and then ran it through the machine and embossed it with the Regency Swirls folder. Then I die cut a heart out of the embossed plastic.

After I painted the box lid black and the sides blue with black over it I glued the embossed leather full rectangle on one side of the lid and the black hear in the center of it.

The embossed recycled soda can butterflies I gave a slight fold in the center to so that they would be dimensional.

For a final touch I added little plastic light blue gems on the corners of the leather rectangle and the centers of the butterflies.

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This DIY Board Game Table Made Me Want to Dust Off My Cricut

You know that feeling when you see a project and instantly start mentally rearranging your whole weekend to fit it in? That was me with The Carpenter’s Daughter’s DIY Board Game Table tutorial. I mean, it’s so good. Functional, stylish, and honestly—such a conversation starter.

It’s the kind of piece that looks high-end, but she breaks it down step-by-step in a way that makes it totally achievable, even if you’re not a woodworking wizard. And if you’ve got a Cricut machine (like I do, gathering dust in the corner), this is your cue to plug it in and actually use it. She used hers to create the game board top, and it adds such a clean, custom finish.

I never really thought about how handy a built-in game board could be—no more shuffling Monopoly pieces off the kitchen table when it’s time for dinner! It’s perfect for families, game nights with friends, or even just a cool coffee table alternative with a little hidden fun.

What I Love About This Project:

  • It doubles as a gorgeous piece of furniture.

  • You can totally customize the games—checkers, chess, tic-tac-toe, you name it.

  • It’s an awesome way to up your Cricut game (seriously, I’ve been inspired).

  • And let’s be honest—it’s a great excuse to get crafty and competitive.

If you’re looking for a project with style and function, check out the full tutorial here. Fair warning though—you’ll probably end up wanting to make more than one.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to charge my Cricut and pretend I know how to play chess again…