Are you looking at all the mason jars, old stuffed animals, and wine corks lying around the house without any idea of what to do with them? Consider upcycling! This has become a popular and eco-friendly trend combining sustainability and creativity in a way that’s friendly on your wallet. It’s the perfect way to reduce waste and save money while adding bits of unique flair to your home.
The possibilities are endless with upcycling, from transforming old jeans into practical aprons to creating beautiful planters from everyday objects. You can turn almost anything into something useful with a bit of imagination and effort.
Whether you’re a creative homemaker or an eco-conscious individual, upcycling projects will inspire you to give new life to old items and embrace the charm of repurposed decor. Here are some upcycling projects to try out next time you have a few extra things lying around that need a second life.
Think Outside the Box
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The next time you need something, consider what you already have at home that you could upgrade.
Do the kids want a new game? What can you create with what you already have at home? Do you need a new pot for the garden? What pots, pans, shoes, etc. could you upcycle? It’s a fun challenge that keeps you from adding items to the local dump and reduces the temptation to constantly consume. Give it a try!
1. Door Stops Out of Stuffed Toys
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Have the kids grown up and left the stuffed toys without a real purpose? Well, now you don’t have to buy expensive doorstops. Instead, you can create charming ones from old stuffed toys. This project is simple and nostalgic, perfect for adding a whimsical touch to any room. All you need is an old stuffed toy, some sand or pebbles, and a bit of sewing skills.
Start by opening a small seam at the bottom of the toy and fill it with sand or pebbles to add weight. Once filled, sew the seam back up securely. Place your new door stop in front of any door and enjoy the playful aesthetics it brings.
2. Coffee Tables Out of Cable Reels
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Often discarded after use, cable reels (aka large spools) can be repurposed into stylish coffee tables with minimal effort. Their circular shape and sturdy construction make them ideal for this transformation. A bit of sanding, painting, and creativity are all you need to turn a plain cable reel into a centerpiece.
Begin by choosing a cable reel that fits the desired size of your coffee table. Sand it down to remove any rough edges and apply a coat of paint or stain to match your decor. You can add wheels for mobility or an additional shelf for storage.
3. Old Jeans into Aprons
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Few materials are as versatile as denim. Turn those worn-out jeans into durable and stylish aprons perfect for cooking or gardening. Denim is a tough fabric, making it ideal for creating long-lasting aprons.
Cut the legs off the jeans and open up one side to create a large, flat piece of fabric. Shape it into an apron by trimming excess material and adding ties from the remaining fabric. Personalize your apron with pockets from the original jeans or embellishments like patches or embroidery. Now you don’t have to buy a new apron.
4. Old Cake Molds into Tiered Organizers
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Repurpose old cake molds into charming tiered organizers for your home. This creative project turns unused baking items into functional storage solutions, perfect for organizing small items like jewelry, craft supplies, or kitchen utensils.
Gather a few cake molds in different sizes and stack them using a sturdy central rod or threaded rod from a hardware store. Secure each mold in place with nuts and washers, creating a stable tiered structure. You can leave the molds as they are for a vintage look or paint them to match your decor.
5. DIY Planters
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Upcycling everyday items into DIY planters is a fun and eco-friendly way to add greenery to your home. From old boots to tea tins, almost anything can be transformed into a planter with a bit of creativity. This project is perfect for bringing a touch of nature indoors while reducing waste.
Ensure the item you choose has drainage holes or add a layer of gravel at the bottom to prevent waterlogging. Fill each one with soil and your favorite plants. These unique planters enhance your decor and promote recycling and sustainability.
6. Upcycled T-Shirt Tote Bags
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Before you throw out the old T-shirt, consider turning it into a reusable tote bag. Tote bags are fashionable, functional, and require minimal sewing. This is a fantastic way to reduce plastic bag usage.
Cut off the sleeves and neckline of the t-shirt, then turn it inside out and sew the bottom hem closed. Turn it right side out again, and you have a simple tote bag ready for shopping, gym, or beach use. Personalize it by adding pockets or decorations.
7. Repurposed Mason Jars
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Mason jars are incredibly versatile and can be upcycled into various useful items. From storage containers to decorative lanterns, the possibilities are endless. This project is perfect for those looking to add a rustic charm to their home while being eco-friendly.
Clean your mason jars thoroughly and decide their new purpose. Paint them, add labels, or wrap them in twine for a personalized touch. Use them to store kitchen ingredients, as vases for fresh flowers, or as lanterns by adding tea candles. These reused jars look great and help you organize and decorate for free.
8. Perfume Bottles into Ornaments
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Who doesn’t love a good-looking perfume bottle? If it pains you to discard them when the perfume is depleted, turn them into elegant ornaments.
Clean the perfume bottles thoroughly and remove any labels. Inside the bottles, you can add decorative elements such as ribbons, glitter, or miniature fairy lights. Arrange them on a shelf or hang them as unique ornaments.
9. Coasters Out of Wine Corks
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Wine enthusiasts can reuse corks to create stylish and functional coasters. This project is practical and a great way to recall fond memories associated with the wines you’ve enjoyed. With a bit of hot glue and patience, you can craft unique coasters that protect your surfaces and spark conversations.
Collect wine corks and slice them into thin, even pieces. Arrange the pieces in a circular or square pattern and glue them on a backing material like a corkboard or felt. Allow the glue to dry completely before using your new coasters.
10. CD Cases as Photo Frames
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We all once had a whole collection of CDs that are now obsolete. Old CD cases can be repurposed into sleek photo frames. This adds a modern touch to your decor while recycling outdated media storage.
Simply remove the CD insert and replace it with a photo or artwork. You can arrange multiple cases on a wall for a unique display, or use them as individual frames on desks and shelves.
11. Wine Bottles into Lanterns
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Empty wine or beer bottles can be upcycled into beautiful lanterns that add a warm glow to any space. The best part is they come in all shapes and varied colors, and you’re bound to have a beautiful collection on hand without even realizing it.
After cleaning the bottles, insert fairy lights or a candle inside. You can also decorate the exterior with paint or etching designs. These lanterns are perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings, bringing a cozy ambiance to your home.
12. Denim Pocket Organizers
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Transform old jeans into functional pocket organizers that can hold everything from remote controls to office supplies. Jeans are sturdy and come with different-sized pockets, making them perfect for this project.
Cut off the legs of old jeans and remove any zippers or buttons. Cut out the pockets in various sizes and sew them onto a backing material like canvas or denim fabric. Hang it on your wall or behind a door for easy access to your essentials.
13. Suitcases into Shelving
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See those vintage suitcases that have now been overtaken by plastic and fabric cases? They can be turned into quirky, stylish shelves that add character to any room.
Attach the bottom half of the suitcase to the wall, ensuring it is secure. These unique shelves are ideal for displaying books, plants, or decorative items, and offer a nostalgic flair that modern shelves might lack.
14. Light Bulbs as Mini Vases
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Did you know that a bulb doesn’t have to lose its purpose once it stops producing light? Repurposing burnt-out light bulbs into mini vases can add a whimsical touch to your floral arrangements.
Carefully remove the bulb’s metal base and inner components, then clean it thoroughly. Fill the light bulb with water and add small flowers or delicate plants. Hang them with yarn or display them on a stand for charming and eco-friendly decoration.
15. Magazine Holders from Cereal Boxes
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Rarely do cereal boxes become anything else once the cereal runs out. However, you can turn empty cereal boxes into magazine holders with minimal effort. Cut the box at a diagonal angle to create an open-ended container.
Decorate the box with wrapping paper, paint, or fabric to match your aesthetic. These upcycled magazine holders are ideal for organizing magazines, mail, or even kitchen supplies, all while reducing waste and adding a personal touch to your space.
16. Tea Cups into Candle Holders
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Once tea cups start discoloring or getting little cracks, they’re no longer useful for much. Did you know you can repurpose old teacups into charming candle holders?
Simply melt down some old candles or purchase candle wax, pour it into the tea cups after placing a wick at the center, and allow the wax to set completely before lighting. These delicate candle holders make great table centerpieces or gifts, adding a touch of vintage elegance to any space.
17. Plastic Bottles into Bird Feeders
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Plastic is a menace in today’s society, and many plastic bottles end up in landfills, taking up space for hundreds of years to come. You can reduce the amount of discarded plastic by transforming used bottles into bird feeders, providing a sustainable way to attract wildlife to your garden.
Cut out a section of the bottle to create an opening, and attach a small perch beneath it. Fill the bottle with birdseed and hang it from a tree or balcony. This easy project upcycles and supports local birds.
18. Paint Cans into Storage Bins
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Did you recently paint your house? Are you now looking at the leftover paint cans and wondering what other purpose they can serve? Empty paint cans can be repurposed into useful storage bins for tools, toys, or craft supplies.
Clean the cans thoroughly and remove any labels. You can paint the exterior to match your decor or leave it as-is for a rugged, industrial look. These sturdy bins keep your space organized and functional.