Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Well, Hello There!

by

Robyn here, taking over as an editor for Craft Gossip’s Recycled Crafts section. I’m here to bring you the greatest news, tutorials, interviews, and so much more in the realm of recycled crafts.

But before we get started with all the great posts I’ve already got planned, I’d love to hear from you all … what sorts of crafts do you make with recycled items? What sort of craft ideas are you most interested in hearing about? Give it to me people, and don’t hold back! I’ll take all your advice and suggestions, and tons of great new posts, links and more!

Related Posts:

Comments

  1. Hello There! I occasionally reuse old clothes and have just done a post entitled ‘two skirts equals one bag’. So I guess I would love to see textile crafts but I love your blog anyway. It certainly keeps the mind inspired. Thankyou and welcome. Cherrie

  2. I am especially interested in crafts using recycled paper–card making, collage, zines, etc. Looking forward to your posts… 🙂

  3. I love to use old floral wire and old wire hangers to make jewelry like my Egyptian Coil Bracelet-Thing! Please see my blog. I love recycled crafts so much! You have given me so many great new ideas for recycling and upcycling everything I see!

  4. I am so excited with this website. I try to recycle everything I see :). I will look forward to your emails to get new ideas. Congratulations on becoming editor.

  5. Robyn, congrats and we look forward to seeing all the fun stuff you’re going to share with us! I coordinate the Carnival of Green Crafts for Crafting A Green World. If you’d be interested in hosting sometime, please let me know.

  6. Robyn, looking forward to new ideas for recycled crafts. I’m new to this blog/newsletter although I’ve been snooping here for a while. I try to recycle everything or at least make something old into something new. My current fave is using yarn leftover from my friend’s projects or what I buy at garage sales and such an make colorful, cute yarn dolls with my Knifty Knitter (it’s not really cheating is it?) which will be collected and sent overseas and also to foster children in my area.

Have you read?

How to Paint Melamine Furniture

Recently, we received an email from Jenny, one of our readers, asking for some advice on painting melamine furniture. Jenny was looking to refresh an old dresser but wasn’t sure about the right way to tackle the project. Well, we’ve got just the thing! After some digging, we came across a fantastic article on Spraypaint Blog titled How to Recycle and Paint Melamine Furniture, which walks you through the process step-by-step.

Why This Article is Perfect for Jenny (and You!)

This guide is incredibly comprehensive, covering everything you need to know about painting melamine—an often tricky material to work with. Melamine is known for its smooth, glossy surface, which can be tough to paint without the right preparation. But with the tips from this article, you’ll learn how to properly prep your melamine pieces, choose the right paint, and achieve a professional-looking finish.

The article also dives into the importance of sanding and priming the surface to ensure that the paint adheres well. With these steps, Jenny (and anyone else trying this project) can be sure that their painted melamine furniture will not only look great but last for years to come.

Jenny, we hope this article gives you all the info you need to tackle your melamine furniture project! It’s clear from the tutorial that a little prep work goes a long way, and with the right products, even melamine can be transformed into a beautiful, personalized piece.

For anyone else curious about painting melamine, check out the full article on Spraypaint Blog for all the tips and techniques: How to Recycle and Paint Melamine Furniture. Happy painting!

My Tips for Painting Melamine Furniture

Hey Jenny (and anyone else planning a melamine project), here are my top tips to help you get the best results when painting melamine furniture:

Prep is Key
Clean the surface well, then lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper to give the primer something to grip onto. Trust me, it makes a big difference!

Prime Like a Pro
Don’t skip the primer! Use a bonding primer that’s made for glossy surfaces or melamine. It’ll make sure your paint sticks and lasts.

Pick the Right Paint
Go for a good enamel or acrylic paint. I use a foam roller for a smooth finish—no brushstrokes! Apply a few thin coats, letting each one dry in between.

Topcoat for Durability
Once the paint’s dry, apply a protective topcoat (polyurethane or polycrylic) to help it stay scratch-free.

Give It Time
Let the paint cure for at least 48 hours before using the furniture—longer is even better! It’ll help the finish hold up over time.

Get Creative
Don’t be afraid to try fun colors or finishes! Melamine is perfect for getting a bit adventurous.