30+ Unique DIY Upcycle Projects

I always have fun with a “think outside the box” up-cycle project.  

I decided to gather up some unique DIY up-cycle projects ideas from other bloggers as well so we can uniquely inspire each other to re-purpose and some items you can find around your home or that you can cheaply find at thrift stores!

It’s incredible to think that you can up-cycle almost anything around your home and turn these things into treasures!

Here are some incredible up-cycle projects you can do from home.

Upcycled Soup Can Succulant Plant Holders

These limited edition Andy Warhol Campbell’s soup cans are the perfect example of this. These were printed and found in Target stores in 2012, which was the 50th anniversary of Andy Warhol’s iconic soup can artwork.

When I saw them, I grabbed up a dozen of them. I didn’t buy them to batch a ginormous batch of tomato soup. I wanted them for the shear cool art factor of them, with the pure intention of upcycling them.

Paint Chip Map Upcycled Project

We recently were tackling a home improvement project, which ultimately required many trips to the hardware store. On one of these many trips, I couldn’t resist perusing the paint section and all of the pretty paint colors to choose.

We weren’t picking out any new paint, but I couldn’t help myself from grabbing a few paint chip samples. I knew I could use them in a craft project of some sort.

Upcycled Flower Tray Jewelry Organizer

I have been looking for a way for months to figure out how to keep my fun chunky necklaces from getting tangled together, and from misplacing one earring out of a set in my jewelry organization. I tried to keep each separated in little boxes, but they always ended up getting jumbled and mixed up anyway.

Then one day after planting some new flowers in the garden, I saw these flower trays and a light bulb went off – a gold one!

Yep, started with these plastic flower trays, and then used some fancy 18 kt. Gold Plated spray paint from Krylon.

Upcycled Cereal Box Notebook

I want to show you how to upcycle a cereal box into a cute little notebook!
I’m always looking for creative ways to upcycle items I have around the house – especially something that might just end up in the garbage or recycling bin – and this fun project does just that!

This is a fun and easy project you can get the kids involved with. Then they can also turn these into the trendy bullet journals I see so many making and using to help keep life organized.

Upcycled Concrete Block Candle Centerpiece

I created this easy outdoor candle centerpiece that both looks pretty, but helps keep the small pests away. I started with a basic concrete brick and two concrete looking citronella candles that I found at my local Home Depot store.

The concrete brick is the perfect canvas for this outdoor craft idea, and best of all it was less than $1! Seriously, you can’t beat that price. I also used some colorful patio paints and stencil that I found at my local Michael’s store.

We have these pretty lanterns in our backyard, so I wanted to use it as my color inspiration for my homemade centerpiece.

Rustic Home Decor: How To Use a Flower Loom

I have found a new crafting addiction and I’m writing this post to share it with you – it is making yarn or twine flowers using a flower loom!

I was actually at Michael’s when I was inspired to learn to make these. I saw a picture on their wall of some cute yarn flowers and was totally wondering how you make them.

So, I came home and found that you needed a flower loom to make these cute flowers.

Ways to Use Empty Milk Jugs: DIY Upcycled Milk Jug Bird Feeder

My mom almost always had an milk jug full of iced tea in the fridge when I was growing up. She knew she could repurpose empty milk jugs, but it wasn’t really her “thing” to find too many ways to use empty milk jugs.

For her, they were simply a way to store a drink. For me, they are another way to save money and a way to keep something from getting tossed.

Even though we drink raw milk, the farmer we buy it from uses milk jugs which means I still have them on hand usually. One of my favorite uses for them is this milk jug bird feeder.

Colorful Homemade Notecards Using Shaving Cream & Food Coloring!

Today I’m going to show you a fun nature walk activity for kids that I recently put together for my 6 and 10-year-old daughters.

This nature walk scavenger hunt is similar to one I assigned my 9th graders to complete when I was still teaching high school biology. They would need to bring in each item to class and present them on a foam board.

Kids Kitchen From An Old Night Stand

After spending time looking at ideas on Pinterest, and spending more time trying to decide what exactly I wanted to do, I have finally finished this project!!!

I turned an old nightstand (this was actually an old record album stand) into a kitchen for the kids.

Upcycled Picture Frame Into Chalkboard

I attempted to make a Verse of the Week Chalkboard a while back, and while I liked it, it was just too small. So when my sister decided to redo her kitchen cabinets and asked if I wanted any of the cupboard doors, I jumped on the chance.

I spray painted the recessed portion of the door with chalkboard paint. Once that was dry, I taped it off and painted it teal. Then after that dried, I scuffed the teal portion up a bit.

I love how it turned out, and it’s much easier to write and read, since it’s much larger! I love that the Verse of the Week Chalkboard helps us to memorize scripture together, and that we see the verse over and over throughout the week!

Upcycled Skirt Throw Pillow

If we’re friends, you know I have an interest (some might say obsession) in repurposing useful items.

I love finding new uses for items that no longer work for us. I find these items in my own home, in thrift stores and sometimes friends give me their items to repurpose.

A friend gave me me a gorgeous hand-me-down skirt (thank you, Holly!). I adore the skirt, but it didn’t fit anyone in my family. I just had to find another way to enjoy this beautiful skirt, so I simply turned this recycled skirt into an upcycled skirt throw pillow.

Coffee Filter Crafts | Coffee Filter Wreath

If you are looking for something creative to do with coffee filters, you should try making one of these coffee filter wreaths! It was very easy!! A bit time consuming, but very easy.

Faux Sea Glass Jars

I’ve made a lot of painted jar projects here on homework: cranberry glass, amber glass, faux hobnail glass, beach glass and radiant orchid glass but for some reason I had yet to make my favorite color of sea glass, sea blue.

Wax Paper Box to Washi Dispenser

The New Year organizing continues! Doesn’t it feel good to make progress in the clutter battle? Last week I shared a round up of recycled storage ideas and absolutely fell in love with a recycled cookie box idea by Aunt Peaches. So as soon as I had an empty wax paper box I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it.

Cookie Tin to Coffee Bin

I’ve been saving this cookie tin for the longest time. Originally it was filled with Swedish Gingersnaps and the design on the tin is so pretty.

Branch Photo Holder

You may have seen my previous posts on how I’ve made use of our yard clippings. I made a yule log and tree for the holidays and thumbtacks. I finally came up with an idea for one of the thicker branches.

T-Shirt Yarn Braided Basket

I had so much fun making t-shirt yarn coasters that I couldn’t stop. I cut up more t-shirts and kept braiding.

Toilet Paper Roll Crafts – Toilet Paper Roll Wreath

I know we all can easily collect toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls – especially when I order large amounts of TP and paper towels on Amazon!

DIY Garden Seed Markers From Recycled Plastic Salad Containers

These free DIY printable garden seed markers are made from recycled plastic salad containers.

The packrat in me always kinda feel bad about throwing these plastic salad containers away so thought I’d try to make something useful from them. And I thought that the salad container plastic could make a great waterproof outer case for garden seed markers.

Custom Fabric-Covered Huggies Baby Wipes Popup Tub Container {Free Pattern}

This DIY baby wipes container craft will put the finishing touch on your nursery decor. My baby wipes box has become a fixture on Elise’s shelf so I thought why not make it extra pretty? So I decided customize it by covering it with fabric. Here’s what the baby wipes pop-up container tub looked like before:

Chalkboard Menu From An Upcycled Cutting Board

It’s inevitable, cutting boards wear out. Or, as in my case, they split down the middle. This wooden cutting board has fallen on the floor countless times and is no longer usable as originally intended. Instead of throwing it out, I’ve given it a new use: a chalkboard menu for my kitchen!

Recycled Fabric Napkin Rings From Saran Wrap Tubes

I made this fabric napkin rings recycled craft from an empty Saran Wrap tube.

A few months ago I was getting ready to throw away an empty Saran Wrap box and happened to notice how the cardboard tube inside was oh so strong and sturdy.

What useful thing could I make with such a pretty?? It’s round. Not easily crushed. Ah! I could cut it, cover it in fabric, and make napkin rings!

DIY Drift Wood Mirrors

I got the kiddos involved last year to collect me some pieces because I knew I wanted to craft something with it. I came up with these simple DIY Drift Wood Mirrors that cost me next to nothing to make (compared to something similar over on Amazon.)

Recycled Pendant Charm Bracelet

I am in Spring Cleaning mode and nothing is safe. I cleaned and organized the garage, reorganized my closet, and tidied the drawers in my nightstand.

During my decluttering binge, I rediscovered some pendent necklaces I haven’t been wearing and my old charm bracelet.

Upcycled Crystal Cake Stands

This project shows you how to up-cycle grannies old crystal and turn it into a functional cupcake stand, cake stand or multi tiered food server.

15 Minute No Sew Tote Bag – Made From a Tank Top!

Learn here how to make a no sew tote bag from a tank top!
It takes 15 minutes – really!!

This is an easy and frugal craft project this is practical and fun! You could even have the kids work with you on this one! In fact, my almost 7 year old wants to pick out her own tank top next time we are at Walmart so she can make one of these herself.

I saw some other tutorials online on how to make a tote bag out of a t-shirt.

I got thinking to myself – why bother with the cutting the sleeves step? Just get a tank top and make this project even more simple!!

Rug Weekender Tote

Rugs are not just for feet! Take advantage of the thick textures on a rug and turn it into a fun, roomy tote. This is one bag where you won’t need interfacing in. We got our rugs and belts from the dollar store, but you can use thrifted materials too.

Chopstick Storage Box

If you’re lacking in storage but have lots of shoe boxes lying around, this one is a very easy and cheap project to do.

DIY Coat Rack

Tired of hanging those purses and keys all over the place. So is my husband. No, he doesn’t carry a purse. He’s tired of me tossing those things all over the place! I guess it motivated him enough to finally make me a coat rack by the door where I can hang all those things instead of tossing them all over the house.

Upcycling A Leather Coat Into A DIY Leather Bag 

Upcycling an old thrift store men’s leather coat into a new DIY bag? NOW this was a fun project! Not only because I got to make a new handbag to hold all my fun spring things (i.e. my daughter’s papers, toys, snacks and dance class supplies), but it also gave me an opportunity to dust off my old Juki (also known as industrial sewing machine), which has been neglected and collecting dust for some time.

Upcycled Globe Light Cover Project

Upcycle your old glass globes inexpensively and easily to create beautiful outdoor table lighting, festive holiday decor, beautiful mantle accents and more. There is no limit to where a can of paint, an old globe light and a battery operated tea light can take you!

Easy DIY Upcycled Tray Project

Simply, quickly and inexpensively transform an old (or new) tray into a fabulous, multi-use, accent decor piece with these simple step by step instructions.

DIY Flower Vase at Home

Has flowers started blooming where you are ? In new york, finally temperature has started to increase and we are waiting for the blossom to occur.

While we are waiting for it, I thought I would show you how to up cycle a found item at home to turn into a beautiful vase to put your colorful flowers for showcase.

Also, don’t throw away those old nail polish during spring cleaning ,you can use them to beautify your vase. Let us see how.

Plarn Tote Decorated with Toothpaste Tubes

I’m fully addicted to crocheting – and not with just yarn, but also with plarn!  I have used the plarn to make plarn totes – the ultimate in using upcycled materials for crafting!  Not only am I putting my grocery store plastic bags to good use, I’m also finding a way to use old toothpaste tubes!

Not familiar with plarn, plarn totes, or crocheting plastic grocery bags?  I wasn’t either until I read this post here and got inspired.  It explains how to make plarn.

DIY Pencil Case using Cereal box

I was going through my Pinterest feed and saw a pencil case picture from Mochi things. That caught my eye and I fell in love with those square pencil case.

I had no idea to buy those pencil case as $25 for pencil case does not sound great to me ;). Are you with me ??

But I thought I can DIY a similar version to satisfy my love for the pencil case. Oh yes !! I can use them to hold my sharpies or other pens even though I am not going back to school :).

Make new candles out of old ones

This is such a simple thing to do that I can’t really call it a tutorial. It’s a great little money saver, and a great way to recycle something which otherwise would have ended up in the trash. It’s easy to make new candles out of old ones, and it can also be fun and creative, if you put some artistic effort into it.

10 creative container garden ideas

I did another local tv segment last week on “creative container ideas” for spring! Let me just say that I am NOT a horticulturist. In fact, I’m almost CERTAIN that I have a black thumb, but I do LOVE creative ways to pot flowers.

As I said on the program, if your flowers are in cute pots, people notice it LESS when they are dying. Well maybe they don’t, but it makes me feel better to think it.

Turn Those Ugly Cookie Tins Into an Adorable Re-Usable Gift Box!

Who has an old cookie tin laying around their house? Especially an older one with cheesy and outdated prints on them?

Maybe you aren’t raising your hand. If that is the case, then you can enter any thrift store and find a boat load of these seemingly lifeless containers for dirt cheap.

I decided to give these cookie tins that I found at a thrift store a make-over – and give them new life!