Rather than get a new couch when you’re tired of your old couch’s pattern, you might consider reupholstering it! Apartment Therapy features this great mid-century modern couch that’s gotten a face lift with some new fabric and potentially some added … Read More...
Making Paper
If putting your used paper into the recycle bin sums up your paper recycling theories, head on over to Kids Gardening for instructions on making NEW paper out of that used stuff you’ve just been putting out by the curb! … Read More...
Knitting Needle Jewelry
Nancy of Sassafras Creations combines two of her loves — knitting and recycling — to make beautiful jewelry, like this striking pendant. First, she drills into and cuts up the needles by hand, tiny piece by tiny piece, using a … Read More...
Hardware Jewelry Book
If you’re looking for some alternative materials to add to your jewelry projects, I encourage you to take a look at Nicole Noelle Sherman’s new book, Making Designer Jewelry from Hardware, Gems, and Beads. It’s packed with funky designs … Read More...
From Tea Towel to Tote
Check out this cute pink-and-lime-green shoulder bag made from a vintage tea towel. It’s offered in She-Su’s Etsy shop, along with a sampling of other wonderful wearables reconstructed from neckties, pillowcases, vintage fabrics and other thrift store finds.
Bottlecap Little Bottlecap
Michelle Stitzlein’s new book, Bottlecap Little Bottlecap, is a how-to arts and crafts booklet for kids that focuses on using plastic bottlecaps from milk jugs, orange juice cartons, water bottles, soda bottles, shampoo bottles and margarine tubs. For both … Read More...
Steampunk Ring
Sylvia Anderson‘s steampunk ring is a hands-down portable conversation starter. Made with an antique watch movement — including interesting embedded jewels — this particular ring is adjustable to nearly any ring size. While the gears may not help tell … Read More...
Paint Chip Curtain
Paint chip samples are such pretty little things. To me, they’re the equivalent of craft candy! The chips can be upcycled into many things, including this funky decorative curtain found on Craftster by its_TRAGICx, who simply punched a thumbtack hole … Read More...
Typewriter Jewelry Sale
eco-artware is offering an online clearance of typewriter jewelry, which includes upscale cufflinks and these make-a-statement fashion rings. Limited quantities and letter choices are available, so you best act fast if you intend to take advantage of this clearance.
Looking … Read More...
Rustic Twig Frame
Capture the essence of your summer camping or hiking trips in not the photos you take but the frames in which you display your photos. This easy twig photo frame project can be made with materials you gather on your … Read More...
Upcycled Whistle
Bottlecaps are showing up everywhere in recycled crafts, as seen in Loran Scruggs‘ handcrafted whistles. Made from beautiful vintage bottlecaps and tin scraps, the working whistles are both stylish and functional.
Creativity 350 Contests
Creativity 350, a partnership between five craft- and DIY-themed websites, is looking to help creatively spread the word about the important new climate change awareness group called 350.org. And they need YOUR crafting and design talent to help! It’s offering … Read More...
Replayground on TV
Tiffany Threadgould, founder of Replayground, is featured in a segment of the one-hour special on Fine Living, It’s Easy Being Green. In just over three minutes you’ll see how Tiffany comes up with ideas for her recycled furnishings … Read More...
Upcycled Bracelets
Bracelets look great, but they don’t always feel great on your wrist. By wrapping used bangle bracelets in colorful yarn, not only have you created a soft accessory for your skin, but you’ve also created a whole new look. … Read More...
CD Earrings
These cute earrings are music to the recycled crafter’s ears. Shannah at UpCycleMart upcycles discarded CDs into pairs of cute and unusual earrings, like this geometric-themed pair made from the printed side of the CD. She also works with the … Read More...
Recycled Art Exhibits
While we may fiddle with crafts at home just for fun, recycled art is increasingly found in fine art galleries, as illustrated in these current and upcoming exhibits:
Red Bull Art of Can
Featuring works of art inspired by or … Read More...
Recycled Art Fridge
Do you have an old fridge sitting in the garage waiting to be recycled? Here’s your chance to transform it into a work of art. The ENERGY STAR Recycle My Old Fridge campaign is seeking entries for an upcoming art … Read More...
Egg Carton Sewing Kit
You’ve probably seen all kinds of kids’ egg carton crafts, but this take on the convenient cubbyhole containers is suitable for any age. Etsy store Swirlyarts is selling, among other items, mini sewing kits made from used cardboard egg cartons. … Read More...
Dadcando
In honor of Father’s Day, I must mention Dadcando, a site dedicated to fathers and kids making things together. A detailed tutorial for this pretty butterfly, created with old wrapping paper, is available for download. Also in the recycled … Read More...
Recycled Coffee Sleeve
The next time you crave a take-out coffee, come prepared with your own stylish coffee sleeve — recycled from a sweater, of course. Head on over to East Coast Kitsch for a sampling of colorful ideas from Jane Murphy, or … Read More...

