Every April, I get extra-inspired to upcycle and repurpose items I would normally recycle or throw out. That’s just the kind of effect that Earth Month has on me! But the truth is, most folks think of these kinds of craft projects as silly or meant for kids. Thankfully, there are lots of recycled crafts that are truly cases of trash to treasure, and the end results are pretty fantastic. Let me show you what I mean…
Trash to Treasure from the Junk Drawer
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
The junk drawer is often referred to as “Trash Purgatory” in our house, because it ends up with stuff we should toss, but don’t. Thankfully, you can create adorable fairy garden furniture like this thanks to junk like bottle caps and pizza box savers.
Coffee Canister Planter
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If you start your mornings with coffee from a red or blue plastic tub, then you know how quickly those can fill up your recycle bin. Turns out, however, that they can be easily disguised as modern planters for artificial plants with this clever upcycling technique. Would you ever have guessed that this started out as a bright red coffee canister?
Faux Succulents from Egg Cartons
Image credit: Postcards from the Ridge.
Cardboard egg cartons have long been a staple of cheap or free craft supplies, particularly crafts that little kids can work on. But for a more grown-up alternative, these faux succulents from egg cartons are as cute as they are clever and stylish. Plus, they’ll never, ever die on you which is a huge bonus in my book.
Wine Cork Trivet
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Look, I’m definitely not going to judge you if you have a stash of wine corks that just keeps growing and growing. Tossing them in the trash feels wasteful, but this upcycling idea uses a bunch of them and only takes about 5 minutes to make. Besides, this wine cork trivet has become one of the handiest tools in my kitchen, too!
Mint Tins
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If you always keep a tin of mints in your purse or desk drawer, then you know how easily they add up- and how hard it is to toss them! But if you save a few and decorate them like this, then you’ll have some darling vintage suitcase-inspired Christmas ornaments once December rolls around again.
Trash to Treasure with a Bubble Mailer
Image credit: Homeroad.
If you shop online, especially from a certain online retailer, then you are all too familiar with their plastic bubble mailer envelopes. But instead of tossing them in the trash or recycling bin, you can make a fun and unique door hanger with them instead. This one is for Spring or Summer, but you could really make them for any season or holiday.
Wine Cork Memo Board
Image credit: Girl, Just DIY.
We may live in a digital world, but a memo board for handwritten reminders (or receipts, or appointment cards…) is as handy as ever. This version made from wine corks is super handy and easy to make.
Trash to Treasure with Tin Cans
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
There are truly a ton of ways to upcycle and repurpose tin cans from your pantry. But if you are particularly fond of industrial-style decor, then check out how good they look with this paint job. Between the pipe-like shape and the smooth metallic makeover, they are perfect for industrial-inspired organizer projects like this.
Cardboard Cactus
Image credit: The Crafty Lumberjacks.
Cactus plants are super popular right now, but they can be a little dangerous around little fingers and curious paws. But this faux version uses cardboard from your recycling bin to get a similar effect without the pain.
DIY Message in a Bottle
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Ok, now that the song version is stuck in your head, maybe the DIY version will be stuck in your crafty to-do list! Turning wine bottles into a playful version of “message in a bottle” is as easy as adding beach sand, a rolled up book page, and wrapping the cork in twine. How pretty would these be as thrifty beach wedding decor, too?
Reusing Cardboard Tubes
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
These DIY fire starters are SO handy for your fireplace, chimenea, or backyard fire pit- plus they’re easy to make and use things you’d normally toss. There are quite a few craft ideas out there for toilet tissue tubes, but this one is one of the most useful ones. And yes, you could totally do this with paper towel tubes or gift wrap tubes, too- just cut them down to size first.
Wind Chimes from Tin Cans
Image credit: Hearth and Vine.
Here’s a tin can craft that is ideal if you’ve accumulated cans in various sizes. These DIY windchimes look gorgeous now, thanks to some pretty decoupage, and are a fantastic way to repurpose a trio of cans. You could even incorporate a few bells inside for additional sound.
Plastic Bottle Terrariums
Image credit: Pillar Box Blue.
Not only are the little green plants made from plastic bottles, but wine corks are used as their “soil” to anchor them down! Talk about the ultimate recycling craft project– plus it’s a super trendy project in this houseplant-obsessed world.
Trash to Treasure from Paper Mailers
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If you order from a certain online retailer and get plenty of those padded paper mailers delivered to your door, then this trash to treasure idea is for you. The envelope padding is made from recycled paper, and you can re-recycle that pulp into making wildflower seed bombs like these. They’re wonderful as housewarming gifts or wedding shower favors, as well.
Plastic Bag Halloween Wreath
Image credit: Virginia Sweetpea.
This upcycled Halloween wreath is SUCH a great idea for something that you always end up with. Believe it or not, but this wreath is made from those pesky plastic grocery bags that you either reuse or toss in the trash. How great is that?
Upcycled Christmas Crackers
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Christmas crackers are a fun little surprise to add to your dinner parties or for wrapping smaller gifts. And while these don’t have the traditional “pop”, they are doubly-repurposed: using old flannel shirts as the fabric and cardboard tubes leftover from paper towels or gift wrap.
The tutorial for this project can be found in my book, “Crafting with Flannel” by Sarah Ramberg.
Wine Bottle Tiki Torch
Image credit: My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia.
DIY wine bottle tiki torches are a fun way to reuse those empty wine bottles for your next outdoor get-together or soiree. They look elegant and fit the theme, plus they add a little ambiance to your backyard event. Bonus: you can add essential oils during the DIY process which will help them deter bugs, too!
A Trash to Treasure Pumpkin Centerpiece
Image credit: Salvage Sister and Mister.
A beautiful pumpkin centerpiece like this actually starts out in the…laundry room?! Yes, indeed- believe it or not, but this fall pumpkin display uses an upcycled Tide Pods container. Talk about trash to treasure, eh?
Recycling Ideas with Glass Jars
Image credit: Organized Clutter.
Those glass spaghetti jars and soda bottles are ideal for propagating plants like this, aren’t they? You can decorate them if you’d like, but what a wonderful way to grow plants from cuttings by using something you’d otherwise toss in the bin.
Trash to Treasure Craft Ideas
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I hope these trash to treasure crafts have inspired you to reassess what you recycle or toss in the trash. There really are some amazing craft ideas for all sorts of items- wine corks, tin cans, cardboard tubes, and so much more. And they aren’t silly or meant for kids; in fact, many of them are gorgeous enough to use around your home. Sometimes you just need to see the right craft idea to really get your creative juices flowing, right?
Craft on!
S
Want to be notified when I publish my next upcycling project tutorial?
Join me on Social Media:
PIN ME!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Have a question or like what you see? Please let me know!