Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure
I love cross stitch and embroidery. I am thrilled clever crafters are coming up with new and unique surfaces to stitch on like this awesome idea to embroider on a strainer. Pop on over to Jans Schwester’s blog to see more photos of this pretty embroidered strainer and so many cute ideas I can’t wait to try out in my house.
Love working with recycled items? Check out this amazing recycled Crafts book.
If you love filling your home with color, personality, and handmade charm, then The Big Book of Happy Crafts by Lucia Mallea is going to be your new favorite creative companion. This book is an absolute celebration of cheerful DIY, packed with 24 vibrant and joyful projects designed to spark your imagination and make your space a little brighter.
Lucia Mallea brings her signature style—bold, colorful, and totally fun—to every project, from paper flower arrangements and party décor to custom accessories and playful home accents. The instructions are easy to follow, even for beginner crafters, and the materials are accessible—think paper, craft tools, and glitter (because yes, everything’s better with glitter).
What makes this book especially fun for those of us who love thrifting and upcycling is how effortlessly it encourages you to reimagine simple supplies into something magical. Whether you’re decorating for a celebration or just want your daily surroundings to feel a little more fun, this book offers creative ways to craft with joy.
It’s also a great reminder that crafting doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful—it just has to make you smile. And The Big Book of Happy Crafts does exactly that.
Shellie
What a great idea! I recently found stretched burlap canvas at my local craft store and started cross stitching on that. It’s amazing how many materials become a possibility when you look at them in a different light 🙂
How many strands would you suggest to make the colors pop?