Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

The Pillowcase Challenge Book

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The day after I wrote about Lark Books’ upcoming book on recycled plastics I received a message about another chance for recycled crafters to showcase their work (or a chance for collectors to flaunt their stuff). Read on:

The common pillowcase is experiencing a creative transformation thanks to savvy crafters just like you. That’s right, those old pillow toppers you just can’t resist at the flea market, online auction, the back of the linen closet, and even the shelves of your favorite retailer are being repurposed into everything from fashionable clothing and accessories to chic home decor items. To celebrate the forthcoming book from Lark Books, tentatively called The Pillowcase Challenge, we want to hear from YOU.

Share with us your favorite memory of a pillowcase past: perhaps it’s the one you couldn’t part with as a child, a cherished heirloom piece created by a loved one [CraftGossip note: or created by you!], a delightful patterned number that you simply had to have. If we select your written reminiscence for inclusion in the book, you’ll receive credit in the book, a free copy of the book and perhaps we’ll even feature your memory on our web site. Send your pillowcase passion to us in 200 words or less by June 7.

And for the real pillowcase collectors out there, here’s your chance to shine a spotlight on your fabulous stash and share it with the world. Send us a snapshot or two of your prettiest, most beloved pillowcases: floral, striped, polka-dotted, embroidered, whatever. We’ll then select the best of the pillowcase bunch to be shipped to us, photographed and then featured in the book. You’ll get our never-ending thanks, receive credit in the book, get your own free copy, and of course have your pillowcases returned to you. Send your stash shots to us by May 21. Yes, that soon.

To enter visit the Lark Books website, and click on the Submissions page.

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DIY Review: Handmade Wooden American Flag – Rustic, Patriotic, and Perfectly Imperfect

 

I don’t know about you, but there’s something extra special about décor that’s both meaningful and made by hand. That’s exactly what drew me to this gorgeous DIY wooden American flag from Reinvented Delaware. It’s rustic. It’s bold. It’s brimming with character. And the best part? It’s made using reclaimed wood, which gives it that perfect weathered look that screams vintage Americana.

This isn’t one of those quick, cookie-cutter craft projects. It’s the kind of DIY that feels like a labor of love—in the best possible way. Cindy walks you through the whole process with easy-to-follow steps, and I found myself nodding along, thinking, “Yes, I could totally make this.”

Using scrap wood from previous projects (we love a good upcycled decor idea, right?), she cuts, paints, and assembles each stripe with care. What really makes this piece shine is the attention to the little imperfections—the uneven brush strokes, the subtle distressing, the real wood grain showing through. It’s that handmade touch that gives it soul.

And let’s talk about those stars for a second. Instead of using a stencil or printed decals, she goes full-on old-school by hand painting them—flaws and all. It’s not about perfection here. It’s about capturing that raw, rugged beauty that makes patriotic farmhouse decor feel real and lived-in.

Once assembled, the flag makes a statement—whether it’s displayed on a porch, hung in a cozy entryway, or propped on a mantel. It’s bold, but not flashy. Americana, but not tacky. Just honest, beautiful handmade home decor with a patriotic twist.

Personally, I love that this project honors not just the flag, but the idea of reusing and recycling materials to create something new. It’s a subtle reminder that old things still have value and that a little creativity goes a long way.

So if you’ve got some extra lumber lying around (or you love haunting the scrap bin at your local hardware store like I do), this is the kind of weekend project that satisfies your creative itch and leaves you with something meaningful to display. Bonus points if you already have red, white, and blue paint in your stash.

Bottom line: this DIY is a winner. Whether you’re crafting for the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or just love a good rustic statement piece, this DIY reclaimed wood flag is a project with heart.