Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Super Ugly to Super Awesome

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This month’s Craftster Challenge once again caters to the mind and talents of the recycled crafter: The Super Ugly to Super Awesome Challenge asks that you spend $20 or less at a second-hand store on a super-tacky, super-ugly, super-revolting object and revamp it into something fabulous. (It’s also fine if you already own an ugly item and have paid $20 or less on it.) Upload your finished piece Dec. 1-5; if your submission earns the most votes, you’ll get to add three cool craft books to your library.

[tags]craft challenge, Craftster, recycle, revamp, upcycle[/tags]

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Comments

  1. I bought a really ugly woolen jumper at the op-shop for $3. i washed it on hot and tumble dried it so that it shrank. I then turned it into a really cute little button down vest and i also made a pair of fingerless gloves! So cute!!!!

Have you read?

Come On Baby, Start My Fire – DIY Firestarters

I stumbled across this brilliant little project the other day from one of my favorite upcycling bloggers, Sadie Seasongoods, and I had to share it. 

The firestarters Sadie makes are crafted from dryer lint, wax, and the cardboard bottoms of egg cartons. She even pretties them up with some dried herbs and flower petals, which honestly takes them from “I made this in my garage” to “Pinterest Queen Energy.” What I love most is how simple and budget-friendly they are. I mean, who doesn’t have dryer lint, an old candle stub, and a toilet roll lying around?

She walks you through the whole process with her usual clear instructions the end result looks more like a rustic gift item than something you’d toss into a fire pit. It’s the perfect kind of project for anyone who likes camping, cozy backyard firepits, or even just prepping for winter in a crafty way.

Other DIY Firestarter Ideas I’ve Tried (and Loved)

Feeling inspired by Sadie’s creativity, I thought I’d toss in a few of my own favorite DIY firestarter methods—because once you make one, you kinda want to try them all!

Pine Cones Dipped in Wax

This one’s a holiday fave. Gather some pine cones, melt some candle wax (crayons work too!), and dip them until they have a nice coating. You can even add a few drops of essential oils for a nice scent as they burn.

Cork Firestarters

Soak used wine corks in rubbing alcohol for about a week. Keep them in a tightly sealed jar and pull one out when needed. They light up like magic (just be safe—these burn hot and fast!).

Orange Peel Twists

Let orange peels dry and twist them into spirals. They’re flammable and naturally full of oils that help them catch easily. Plus, they smell amazing when burned!

Paper Muffin Liners + Wax + Sawdust

Pour melted wax into muffin liners filled with sawdust (or wood shavings, or even coffee grounds). Let them cool, and you’ve got sturdy little fire cakes ready to go.