Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Review: The Sparkle Factory by Tarina Tarantino and Halloween Bling I made with Prima Beads

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If you like making fun and pretty jewelry and experimenting with all sorts of jewelry making techniques you will love The Sparkle Factory: The Design and Craft of  Tarina’s Fashion Jewelry and Accessories.

This book is packed with great stepped out tutorials for making all different types of jewelry, everything from stringing and wirework to casting and of course recycled elements. The styling is beyond cool and the designs are to-die-for! I was inspired buy so many of the projects in The Sparkle Factory I was instantly digging through my stash to find bits to make some new pieces of jewelry. With Halloween just around the corner I thought I’d start there.

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This page from The Sparkle Factory was my inspiration. It features lots of bracelets layered and mixed together (one of my favorite looks!)

I made 3 bracelets with Prima Jewelry Basics black glass beads and two skull beads from the stash.

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When wrapped together they make a super-wide cuff!

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I also have a little tip for you. To get the 2 skulls in the center of the memory wire I made a small make in the center of the wire before I started stringing the beads onto the wire. This way when I got close to the mark I new to put the skulls on. Memory wire stretches out a bit when the beads go on.

More about from the publisher Running Press

The Sparkle Factory: The Design and Craft of  Tarina’s Fashion Jewelry and Accessories

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Tarina Tarantino

“Tarina Tarantino’s love affair with fashion jewelry and accessories began when she was just a little girl. Tarina now owns and operates her famous global jewelry, accessories, and cosmetics brand, TARINA TARANTINO, out of her international headquarters in downtown Los Angeles, The Sparkle Factory. In her first book, Tarina invites you into her world to learn how to make and wear beautiful and inspirational fashion jewelry. Fashionistas, aspiring jewelry designers, and DIY lovers will learn how to make 20 of Tarina’s most essential pieces including statement earrings, cocktail rings, hair jewelry, stretch cuff bracelets, embellished spectacles, and more. Fans of Tarina will also learn about her brand history, getting inspired, creating themes and stories, sourcing materials, essential tools and techniques, how to wear and style your jewelry wardrobe, and more. The text is complemented by tips and hundreds of full-color photos throughout.”

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Book Review: Upcycle: 24 Sustainable DIY Projects – Eco-Friendly Design Meets Crafty Creativity

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If you’re someone who finds joy in transforming the old into something new, then Upcycle by Rebecca Proctor is a must-have for your creative bookshelf. This visually rich book is not your average recycled crafts guide—it’s a stylish celebration of eco-conscious design and modern sustainability through hands-on creativity.

The book highlights 24 innovative upcycling projects, all crafted by contemporary designers. Each project turns discarded or everyday materials into stunning, functional items. From furniture made with pallets to light fixtures created from repurposed plastics, the book challenges you to think differently about waste—and what it can become.

As someone who’s always looking for recycled home decor inspiration and ways to reduce landfill waste through crafting, I found this book incredibly refreshing. It’s not just about crafting for fun (although it is fun!)—it’s about mindful making. The focus on design-led upcycling means the projects are genuinely beautiful, not just cobbled together. These pieces could easily fit into a modern home or creative studio.

What I loved most was the way each designer shares the story behind their materials and their process, reminding us that there’s a narrative behind every reused object. The photography is bold and professional, making this book not just a tutorial guide, but also an inspiring coffee table book for fellow eco-conscious makers.

Upcycle is a creative manifesto for sustainable living, perfect for artists, designers, and DIY lovers who believe in the power of reuse. Whether you’re repurposing for the planet or simply love the beauty of unique handmade pieces, this book will leave you full of ideas.