Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Wanted: Recycled Projects for Book

by

Here’s your chance to be published. Author-to-be Lynn of GreenHalloween.org is seeking recycled craft project ideas for a forthcoming book. See below for details, including the submission deadline of Jan. 15:

Lynn writes,

“My daughter and I are writing a book tentatively titled, “Green Celebrations.” I plan on contributing most of the craft ideas, but I thought it would be fun to spread it around a bit. So if anyone has an original idea for a “green” craft they’d like to contribute, let me know.

I already have enough for Christmas, Halloween and birthdays. I’m especially interested in ideas for July 4th, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and New Year’s, but will consider others as well. (Anniversaries, baby showers, Thanksgiving etc.)

What do I mean by “green?” All parts of the item(s) must be made using Earth-friendly or people friendly or recycled items. So for instance, if you were to suggest a candle decorated with pine cones, the candle would need to be a soy candle. Recycled articles are excellent as long as they can be commonly found. Ideas using plastic grocery bags, glass, cardboard boxes, metal etc. are great. The fewer components necessary to create the item, the better.

ITEMS MUST BE SPECIFIC TO A PARTICULAR HOLIDAY OR CELEBRATION. Please do not send me a suggestion and say, “This could be used for any holiday.”

I’m hoping to get ideas in two categories, 1. decorations and 2. crafting activities that families/people could do together as part of the celebration.

In exchange, if we use YOUR idea, we will mention your name, location and a link to a website on our contributors page and/or with the item. Also, we will probably offer a live link on our website, but can’t promise that yet since we’re not at that point.

If you know others who are not on this list and might want to participate, please feel free to pass on this message.

*NOTE: If I get flooded with ideas, I might not be able to respond to those that are not going to work for us. Also, in the case of several people contributing the same idea, I’ll have to go with the first submission. Please note that you may have the same idea as I have had or someone else. I am not going to steal anyone’s idea and use it without attribution. But it’s entirely possible that you could submit something and see it in the book because either I or someone else had the concept as well. By emailing me your idea, you accept that it may or may not be used.You also warrant that to your knowledge, the idea is original to you.

Please email submissions to [email protected].

Deadline: JANUARY 15, 2008.”

Related Posts:

Comments

  1. Hi! Another idea. Some of the potato chips bags have a silver lining. You use wash these really good and turn them inside out for a gift bag. I usually only tie with ribbon. Mary Hall

  3. Thanks for the suggestion, Mary. To ensure that Lynn, the author, receives your idea, please e-mail it to the address listed at the end of the post. Thanks!

Have you read?

26 Clever Ways to Upcycle Your Old Sewing Machine Table or Parts

You know that old sewing machine table that’s been tucked in the garage or gathering dust in Grandma’s basement? Or maybe just the rusted machine head that no longer runs but still looks so cool? Before you haul it to the curb or let it sit for another decade, let’s talk about upcycling.

Vintage sewing machines and their charming tables are full of history, character, and surprisingly sturdy craftsmanship. And even if they’re no longer functional for stitching seams, they’ve got a whole second life waiting for them — as creative, practical, and totally stylish pieces for your home.

Over the years, crafters and DIYers have found the most brilliant ways to breathe new life into old sewing machines. We’re talking about transformations that are equal parts functional and fabulous — everything from home décor and garden pieces to furniture and quirky conversation starters.

Here’s what you’ll find in this roundup:

  • Tables turned into stunning bathroom vanities or hallway consoles.

  • Machine bases repurposed into plant stands, bar carts, or kitchen islands.

  • Sewing machine drawers used as rustic organizers, shelves, or even planters.

  • Beautiful vintage machines displayed as art pieces or turned into lamp bases.

  • And plenty of ideas that combine that charming antique style with modern functionality.

 

DIY Earring Holder – Jewelry Display – Birdz of a Feather 

Vintage Inspired DIY Craft Table Idea – Reinvented Delaware 

Vintage sewing machines in the garden / Recycle Art 

How to Turn an Old Sewing Machine Into Book Ends With a Twist

Upcycled Antique Sewing Machine Top – Prodigal Pieces

Singer Sewing Machine 

How to Repurpose a Sewing Machine Table – Girl in the Garage® 

How to upcycle a vintage sewing machine cabinet – Quilt Addicts Anonymous

Antique Sewing Machine Drawer Upcycle – The Navage Patch 

Repurposed Vintage Sewing Machine Drawer Organizer – Lora Bloomquist~Create & Ponder 

Upcycled Vintage Sewing Machine Drawers – The House on Silverado 

https://www.instructables.com/Bookends-With-an-Old-Sewing-Machine 

Old Sewing Table Idea: Turn it into a Bevarage Station | 

Antique Sewing Machine Table via KnickofTime.net

Repurposed Sewing Table upcycled into a desk – The DIY Dreamer 

10+ Ways to Use Vintage Sewing Machine Drawers in Home Decor

Upcycled Vintage Sewing Machine Drawers – Scavenger Chic

Repurposed Antique Sewing Machine

Redo It Yourself Inspirations : Treadle Sewing Machine Upcycle 

ForFunk: I upcycled our old Singer Sewing Machine 

Sewing Machine Table Upcycled – Prodigal Pieces

Vintage Inspired DIY Craft Table Idea – Reinvented Delaware 

 Vintage Sewing Machine to Bar Cart 

 Vintage Sewing Machine Table Makeover without Refinishing

How to Repurpose an Antique Sewing Machine into an Edison Lamp  

Reclaimed Barn Wood Entry Table – Metal & Woodworking How to

Some of these projects are quick weekend wins, while others might take a bit of sanding, painting, or power-tooling. But every single one will leave you with something way cooler than anything you’d buy new at a furniture store.

The best part? You’re not just saving money or decorating your space — you’re preserving a little slice of craftsmanship from a time when things were built to last. Those heavy iron bases and well-worn wooden tables hold stories, and it’s so satisfying to give them a fresh chapter.

Whether your vibe is farmhouse rustic, industrial vintage, or cozy cottagecore, these sewing machine upcycles are a beautiful blend of nostalgia and creativity.

So before you toss out that old treadle machine or leave those drawers in a donation box, scroll through this list. You might just find the perfect DIY that’ll make you fall in love with your sewing machine all over again — even if it never threads a needle again.

 

 

How to Clean and Prep a Wrought Iron Sewing Machine Base for Painting

So you’ve got a gorgeous old sewing machine base — full of vintage charm and scrollwork — but it’s covered in rust, grime, or layers of old paint. Before you can give it a fresh coat of your favorite color, it needs a little TLC. Here’s how to get it clean and prepped for painting without too much fuss.

Step 1: Remove Loose Rust and Paint

Start by brushing off all the loose rust, dirt, or peeling paint with a stiff wire brush. You can find these at any hardware store, or even use a drill with a wire brush attachment for quicker results.

Tip: Wear safety goggles and gloves — it gets messy!

Step 2: Degrease and Clean

Use a degreasing cleaner (like Simple Green or dish soap and warm water) and a sponge or rag to scrub the entire base. Old bases often have years of oil and dust buildup, especially in the corners and crevices.

Rinse it off well and let it dry completely before moving on. You don’t want to trap moisture under the paint.

Step 3: Tackle Stubborn Rust

If some rusty areas are being stubborn, apply a rust remover or rust dissolver (like Evapo-Rust or a naval jelly product). Follow the instructions on the product, and use a wire brush or steel wool to scrub again afterward.

Alternatively, a mix of white vinegar and baking soda can be used as a natural rust-fighting soak for small parts or for dabbing on problem areas.

Step 4: Sand for Smoothness

Once the rust is gone and the surface is dry, give the whole piece a quick sand with medium-grit sandpaper (80–120 grit) to rough it up slightly and help the paint adhere better. Focus especially on any bumpy or flaky spots.

Wipe everything down with a damp cloth to remove the dust afterward.

Step 5: Prime (Optional, But Recommended)

For best results and long-lasting paint, apply a metal primer — especially one labeled for rust prevention. Spray primers are quick and easy, but brush-on primers work well too if you’re covering detailed scrollwork.

Let the primer dry fully before painting.

Step 6: Paint It!

Now you’re ready to paint! Use a spray paint designed for metal for the smoothest finish, or brush on chalk paint or enamel for a more rustic or farmhouse look.

Let the paint dry between coats and finish with a clear sealant if it’s going to be used outdoors.

And that’s it — your beautiful wrought iron base is ready for its new life, whether it becomes a vanity, console table, planter stand, or something totally unexpected.