Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Variety of great DIY projects perfect for gift giving

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I have some mirror paint just waiting for a project like these mirrored  embellished shells. This project of silvered shells and a whole bunch of fun and creative projects made from all sorts of new and recycled materials are featured at the blog Pretty Designs. I feel like hand crafted gifts are going to mean a lot more this year than most.

Love using natural materials found in nature? Check out these books on Crafting with nature. 

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Comments

  1. Could you provide a link to Pretty Designs blog please? I can’t seem to find it and would like to see more.

Have you read?

Don’t Toss That Old Fence! Here’s How to Give It a Second Life in the Garden

When our old fence blew down during the recent cyclone (thanks, nature ), I did what any slightly obsessive DIYer would do—I went straight to Google to find a way to repurpose the whole lot instead of sending it to the tip.

That’s when I stumbled across this brilliant tutorial from Journey with Jill about turning old fence boards into DIY raised garden beds. Total game changer. Not only does it save you money on lumber (which, let’s be real, isn’t cheap right now), but it also gives that weathered wood a gorgeous, rustic look that fits so well in the garden.

Her step-by-step guide is super practical, especially if you’re like me and not quite ready to part with “good wood” even if it’s a little rough around the edges. I loved how she emphasized prepping the boards properly and keeping the build simple—no fancy tools or complex measurements, just a solid, doable weekend project.

Why I’m Loving This Raised Bed Idea:

  • It’s eco-friendly (hello, upcycling win!)

  • The aged wood has such a cozy, natural aesthetic

  • It’s perfect for veggie beds, herbs, or even a rustic flower patch

  • And hey, there’s something very satisfying about turning storm chaos into garden calm

So if you’ve got a sad pile of fence boards and a patch of dirt calling your name, check out Jill’s full tutorial right here. Your future tomatoes will thank you.

Now I just need to convince the family that pulling nails from old fence boards is “fun quality time”