Cool Upcycling Projects
221 Upcycling Ideas That Will Blow Your Mind
If you're the type of person who hates to throw anything away, then turn your unwanted items into gorgeous DIY projects. After all, one person's trash is another's treasure, right? Get inspired by these DIY ideas for ordinary household objects.
Photos: Sarah Lipoff
Create a bunting (here's how) with different shades of denim for a cool-looking banner.
Source: Etsy User GoodDenim
Dress up a regular white clock by placing paint chips around the edges.
Source: Kojo Designs
Add slits to old pillowcases to turn them into garment bags.
Source: Better Homes and Gardens
This certainly isn't an easy project, but think of how accomplished you'll feel after putting together this awesome looking chandelier. What you'll need: empty wine bottles, sturdy chains, a rack, and some patience.
Source: Etsy User ByGordonLiving
Make denim bracelets by wrapping scraps of your old jeans around slim bangles.
Source: Etsy User amberhlynn
Wine bottles are the perfect shape for a vase if you ask us. Create your own flower holder by covering the bottle in twine, yarn, magazine pages, or other fabric for a standout look.
Source: Etsy User gr3een
Take bamboo skewers and put them in a bottle filled with essential oil, rubbing alcohol, and more, for a neat scent diffuser.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Use several old t-shirts and patch them up into a cool skirt.
Source: Etsy user ohzie
Cut an old globe and turn it into a quirky display bowl to hold potpurri or other items.
Source: Better Homes and Gardens
With a few cuts, you can upcycle a t-shirt into a casual tote. It's the perfect accessory for grocery shopping or going to the gym.
Source: Martha Stewart
Make garlands out of book pages to use in parties or weddings. Here's a tutorial for how to make a paper garland.
Source: Etsy user lillesyster
Instead of a cup, drink from a mason jar. They're really cool to serve your homemade mixed drinks in when guests come over.
Source: Etsy user PoppyandPearlCo
Making your own candle topper is simpler than you might think: all it takes is cutting off the bottom of a used wine bottle and securing it over a tea light candle and base.
Source: Etsy User NuancesOfAmor
Create a charging dock for your iPhone, tablet, or other gadgets with an old book. Here are instructions on how you can make your own book charging station.
Source: Etsy user angiesbookattic
Stick glass beads on a glass jar and insert a battery votive to create a cute night light. Here's how.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Turn a glass bottle into this modern-looking lamp with these steps.
Source: Flickr user Lana Red
Turn an old towel into a travel kit for your toiletries that you can also use to wash your face with!
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
In addition to turning the drawer into a bulletin board, you can even turn it into a medicine cabinet by adding a plank of wood to serve as a divider and papering the back with pretty wallpaper.
Source: Better Homes and Gardens
Create a book page necklace with a cutout of your favorite text or illustration. You can paint the piece with lacquer, or glue a glass gem on top of the cutout to turn it into a durable pendant.
Source: Etsy user PrettyLittleCharmsUK
Turn used corks into one-of-a-kind jewelry. Chop them up into thinner slices and add beads to dress them up. You can even hollow them out and insert a bead for a different look.
Source: Etsy user SimplyMarch
Punch out star shapes from paint chips to create this awesome mobile.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Hollow out corks to make cute planters.
Source: Etsy user AiyaHMPH
Stick a map on a photo frame with a flat surface. You can even opt to just cover the photo mat on the inside of a simple frame.
Source: Martha Stewart Weddings
Weave strips of paper bags together to make these cute baskets.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Create birdhouses from the pages and covers of your old books.
Source: Etsy user storybookfairy
Tear out old book pages to make greeting cards. The background is suitable for all types of occasions — birthdays, graduations, and more.
Source: Etsy user SourAppleHandmade
Upcycle an old dresser by taking one of the drawers and hanging it up for use as a bulletin board.
Source: Better Homes and Gardens
Get the look of these six Harry Potter coasters ($24) by using ceramic tiles, Harry Potter book pages, and a few layers of decoupage glue and varnish.
Create baskets out of old denim for both decorative and practical purposes — store items in the baskets for a more organized home. They look so much better than plastic baskets and will look like part of your home's decor.
Source: Etsy User corEcoisa
When you're making cake or cupcake toppers, use book pages to give them a unique look.
Source: Etsy user Theturningofapage
Mason jars make great candle holders because they are able to withstand a lot of heat. Plus simple jars add a rustic touch to the decor.
You can use them as simple candle holders or turn them into garden lights to decorate your walkway.
Source: Etsy user TheCountryBarrel
Along with being a fun way to upcycle your favorite daily read, this DIY only costs a few dollars to make.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Cut out circles on a piece of cork and stick map cutouts on top with glue sealant. Paint the top and the sides with glue sealant, and after it dries, paint it again with lacquer.
Source: Etsy User crabappledesign
Use old coffee grands and the ends of old candles to create this awesome coffee candle.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Cut up the map into strips and fold them into origami stars. You can fill up a glass jar and give it as a gift to a friend or use them as confetti.
Source: Etsy User coppleshop
Corks make the perfect material for stamps. You can carve them, and they will be able to absorb ink well enough for stamping.
Source: Etsy user TheLionsDenStudio
Create rosettes out of maps (instructions here) for decor at a travel-themed party or wedding.
Source: Etsy User GrannyPantyDesigns
If you're looking for a planter, opt for a mason jar instead of opaque pots. It's cool to actually see the soil, and it'll give your home an earthy vibe.
Source: Etsy user AmberLAnderson
Of course, there is always the good ol' change jar. To switch things up a little, replace loose change with $5 bills. You'll be able to accumulate money more quickly that way.
Source: Shutterstock
Make glasses out of beer bottles with these instructions.
Source: 366 Days of Pinterest
Use an old t-shirt with a cool graphic, and turn it into a stylish pillow. These pillows will be soft addition to your sofa or bed.
Source: Better Homes and Gardens
Create a lovely vintage runner made of old pages by taping the pages together and then using a decorative edge-puncher to create a cute border. You might want to lacquer the runner so it's not too fragile.
Photo courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens
Don't toss your bottle caps! Turn them into mini candles.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Cut out cool shapes from maps and string them up to make a garland. Hang it up at a wedding or as party decor or even in your home.
For those looking to make fancier garlands, you can check out these instructions on how to make origami balloon garlands.
Source: Etsy User ThePulparazzi
Don't toss that big cardboard container of salt or sugar if you're almost finished with it. Repurpose the top into a cute mason-jar seasoning shaker. This DIY project costs less than a few dollars to make and is a great way to spruce up your kitchen without investing in expensive containers.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Punch paint chips into little hearts to create these adorable art pieces.
Source: I Heart Organizing
For pieces unique to you, dress your Christmas tree up in homemade cork ornaments.
Source: Etsy users CraftyLauries and LollipopDay
Make mini envelopes out of maps to store things like favors or after-dinner mints at a wedding. You can also use it to wrap a trinket as a gift to a friend or to place under a pillow when you're playing tooth fairy.
Source: Etsy User CreateLovely
Paint your nails with white nail polish, and cut the map into pieces that fit your nails. Then, paint the map pieces with rubbing alcohol and press them on your nails with a Q-tip. Leave it on for a minute or so, then gently peel them off. Paint with a clear top coat to protect the design, but make sure to use quick strokes so the map prints won't smear.
Here's another method for you to try: soak your nails in rubbing alcohol, then place the map pieces on your nails and remove them after a few seconds.
Source: Instagram User annienellerr
Cut up an old sweater and turn it into a pillow — perfect for those ugly Christmas sweaters that you never wear!
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Take snippets of plastic bags, lacquer them, and turn them into dangly earrings.
Source: Etsy user TrashyCreations
Carefully cut out and stick maps on gift boxes for a more global theme. You can even use it as wrapping paper to wrap up a present.
Source: Etsy User ArtisanPost
Frame a map to decorate your walls. You can even put marks on the places you've been to.
Source: Etsy User BelleMaisonArt
This may be hard to replicate, but you can also use stick old buttons on a bowl to create a unique look.
Source: Design Boom Design by Iñigo Cañedo from Avec Studio
Old tees are the perfect material for pet toys. The t-shirt material is soft, so it'll be something they can sleep with.
Source: Etsy user fbstudiovt
Paint the inside of a toilet roll, and then cover it with glitter. Then use a knife and cut along the natural spiral seam.
Source: Kidspot
Here's another great upcycling idea for plastic bottles — hanging planters!
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Use one, two, or three corks to make unique place-card holders for special events like a dinner party or a wedding. Cut a slit in the cork if you're only using one. Tie it up with a ribbon, or stick a trinket on it to jazz it up.
Source: Etsy user KarasVineyardWedding
Turn plastic bags into yarn or plarn, and then knit it into a bag that you can use for all purposes.
Source: Etsy user DawnesWeavings
Cut your beach towel up and sew it to make a beach towel tote bag.
Source: Martha Stewart
Punch little shapes out of paint chips to make lovely confetti for a party or wedding.
Source: Our Labor of Love via Amy Osaba Event.Floral.Design
Liven up your garden or patio with a wind chime made from the tops of recycled wine bottles. For the doable DIY, all you have to do is string them together.
Source: Etsy User LindasYardArt
You'll never misplace a page with this eye-catching paint chip bookmark.
Source: How About Orange
Buy a puncher that punches pretty shapes out of paper. Use them on maps to make cool confetti.
Source: Etsy User peonyandthistle
Spray-paint a mason jar, and it'll be a colorful addition to your desk as a pen holder.
Source: Etsy user BeachBlues
Let a steaming pot cool down on a cool legless trivet made from corks fused together.
Source: Etsy user amyyoung570
Turn a soup can into a cute container by sticking buttons on it and adding a coat of spray paint.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Instead of a ring pillow, hollow out a favorite book to keep your rings in.
Source: Etsy user pommesfrites
Make your own beautiful side table by piling up vintage suitcases, and top it off with a rustic mirror.
Source: Cupcakes and Cashmere
Update your tired Rolodex with colorful paint chip tabs.
Source: In My Own Style
String little bits of paint chips together to create a unique ribbon that will add style to any package.
Source: Studio D Sharp
Take zippers, paint them in different colors, and use a glue gun to wrap them around a container.
Source: Etsy user Amalla Versaci
Paint chips are perfect for creating pixelated art, given how they come in so many shades.
Source: Apartment Therapy
Let a steaming pot cool down on a cool legless trivet made from corks fused together.
Source: Etsy user amyyoung570
Cut your old tees up into strips and braid them into cool bracelets.
Source: Etsy user lilpie
Use old book pages to make vintage-style wedding paper cones to hold your confetti.
Source: Etsy user roseflower48
Start saving your bottle caps for making these sweet planters, which also double as wedding favors! Here's how to make them.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Given the nature of the material, denim is a good insulator, which makes it perfect as a wine bottle carrier.
Source: Etsy User DenimDoOver
You can bake cakes in mason jars and give them away as party favors or gifts. These cake jars are also great for portion control. Here's a good tutorial on how to bake rainbow-colored cakes.
You can even bake pizzas or pies in jars.
Source: Etsy User tookies
Shape gift tags and bookmarks out of old maps and laminate them for a longer shelf life. Consider punching a hole on top and tying a string — perhaps a piece of rope — to dress it up.
Source: Etsy User Artesenias
Such an easy DIY project, and yet, so pretty! Spruce up a wine bottle with a doily to turn it into an interesting centerpiece.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
House your laptop comfortably in your old pair of upcycled jeans.
Source: Etsy User MioMode
Wreaths are an interesting use of book pages and would be perfect for any vintage wedding or fun party.
Source:Etsy user nursejeanneg
Cover a notebook with a map or create your own using paper for the pages, cardboard or cork for the covers, and a string to tie the covers together for the stem.
Source: Etsy User peonyandthistle
Instead of donating those old sweaters, upcycle them into adorable hand-sewn scented heart satchels. Along with being seriously cute, these little hearts can be filled with fragrant potpourri.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Wrap up a present in pretty shades of paint chips.
Source: Pretty Handy Girl
There's nothing sadder than when one of your favorite teacups or coffee mugs ends up with a crack or chip. But instead of tossing out your beloved drinking cup, transform it into a sweet candle.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Create beautiful garlands from paint chips, like this egg garland that's perfect for Easter.
Source: Modern Parents Messy Kids
With a bit of work, but you can make chandeliers out of mason jars. For an easier DIY route, use candles instead of electrical lighting.
Source: Etsy user BootsNGus
Turn old jeans into throw rugs and watch guests exclaim over how unique your floor mat looks.
Source: Etsy User godsgirlrachel
Punch out pretty shapes in your paint chips and string them together to make a very pretty ombré chandelier.
Source: Hey Gorgeous
A denim wallet will keep your money and important cards safe.
Source: Etsy User belrossa
Braid plastic bags or wrap one around twine to make these cool bangles.
Source: Etsy user Factoryonthemoon
Use paint chips and a photo frame to create this awesome calendar that will help you stay organized.
Source: Cheltenham Road
Piece corks together for a coaster that's perfect for any wine lover. Slice the corks in half vertically before mounting them on the base of the coaster.
Source: Etsy user Danielle Johnson
Take an old t-shirt, snip it up, and turn it into a fashionable scarf. There are so many different styles to choose from — fringing, braiding, and more. Here is a list of instructions on how to make 10 different types of t-shirt scarves.
Source: Etsy user EcoShag
Create a produce bag out of an old t-shirt by sewing a bag out of the t-shirt material and then snipping holes in it.
Source: Delia Creates
Keep your hands safe when handling hot pots and pans with these denim pot holders.
Source: Etsy User ShotgunShellSanta
Use a mason jar instead of a regular lunch box, and it'll keep your lunch fresh! It's perfect for soup, salad, pasta, and more.
Source: Etsy user atinyforest
Dye and scent rice to turn them into pretty candle holders.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
A fancy table ornament for the holidays — paint chip Christmas trees.
Source: Making Home Base
Have a little fun with your kids with this paint chip matching game. They'll be challenged by the ombré shades.
Source: Craftiness Is Not Optional
Protect tabletops with these smart-looking coasters that insulate surfaces from the heat of your mugs.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Bend a fork with a pair of pliers and drill a hole near the end of the fork handle. Finally, screw the handle onto the window frame.
Source: Country Living
Another creative way to make paint chip bookmarks. The possibilities are endless!
Source: Scissors and Spoons
Paint chips make adorable covers for mini notebooks.
Source: Etsy user MadebyMegToo
A ribbon holder is a must for every craft fanatic. Make one out of an oatmeal box by following this tutorial.
Source: Curbly DIY Design Community
Cut paint chips into triangles, and piece them together for a beautiful art piece.
Source: The Lovely Cupboard
Party guests will gush about these unique and eco-friendly paint chip napkin holders.
Source: My Hands Made It
Take a six-pack holder, plaster cute patterned paper on it, and then use it to hold lightweight utensils in your kitchen.
Source: Home Confetti
Buy a really cheap lamp and glue a map around the shade. Or you can even cut the map into strips and glue it onto the shade for a shaggy effect.
The thinner the map, the better the light shines through, so you might want to use the nonglossy kind for this project.
Source: Etsy User umbu
Paint chips can create really cool-looking mosaics, just like this pretty mosaic greeting card.
Source: Confetti Workshop
Frame some burlap for a unique jewelry organizer.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Paint a cheese grater and hang your earrings on it for a fun and unusual earring stand.
Source: Etsy user Irit Cohen
Spice up greeting cards with pretty paint chip cutouts.
Source: Everyday Cookies
Cut, shape, and paint pieces of plastic bags. Mount them artistically on a canvas, and you'll have a beautiful piece of upcycled art.
Source: Etsy user MiccoHome
Wrap candle holders with book pages on the outside and cut little shapes to let the candle light or LED tea lights shine through.
Source: Etsy user AdorkableMe
Make aprons out of old t-shirts you don't want to wear out anymore. Get them dirty guilt-free!
Source: Bee in My Bonnet
Cut up your old jeans into cozies and give them as gifts for friends.
Source: Etsy User sophiecls
Dye some rope with food coloring and wrap it around a container with a hot glue gun.
Source: Delightfully Noted
Roll up your calendar or magazine pages to create fun paper beads that you can string up to make necklaces and bracelets. Instructions here.
Source: Etsy user SigStudiosc
Turn paint chips into lovely ombré earrings.
Source: Minted Strawberry
Slice an orange in half and dig out everything except the stem-like piece in the middle, which will act as the wick. Fill it up with olive oil, and light the wick. The flame is supposed to last for a few hours.
Source: Intimate Weddings
You'll need some hardware (and oil and the proper flame) to pull this one off, but a tiki torch made from wine bottles is a fun way to light up your outdoor space. If all else fails, placing the right-size candle in the bottle neck will get the job done, too.
Source: Etsy User GreatBottlesofFire
Upcycle a mason jar into this cool butterfly moss lamp.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Use small bits of book pages as decorative items and insert them into things like vial necklaces or even terrariums.
Source: Etsy user missquitecontrary
Add bits of denim to your earrings for a touch of edge.
Source: Etsy User AprilGetsCrafty
Cutting off the top of your jeans and making it into a bag turns it into a very unique-looking purse. Add a belt to play up the fact that it used to be an old pair of jeans.
Source: Etsy User JeanneBeans
Make little pom-poms out of t-shirts . You can attach them to necklaces or scarves to dress them up or glue them to floral wire to mimic flowers.
Source: Etsy user talkingsquid
Turn paint chips into totally cute shabby-chic escort cards.
Photo: Emily Steffen Photography via Wedding Chicks
Take artificial flowers and turn them into the most adorable push pins.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Turn your old jeans into denim heart ornaments or stuff them with potpourri to scent up your home. See tutorial here.
Source: Etsy User LivingSoLovely
An eco-friendly alternative to a Christmas tree, this paint chip version can be reused year after year.
Source: The Red Thread Blog
Turn your old pill bottle into a quarter holder which you can store in your car for convenience.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Use the cover of an old book to create a cover for your ereader. It's perfect for the nostalgic bookworm who made the transition from paper to digital.
Source:Etsy user retrograndma
Have a cool-looking vintage spoon? Bend and flatten it until it turns into the perfect cuff bracelet.
Source: Etsy user thebeadedlizard
Create a map pendant with a cutout of your favorite spot on the map. You can paint the piece with lacquer or glue a glass gem on top to make it more durable.
Source: Etsy user PAPERandPLACE
Tear your old t-shirt into strips and braid it into a cool headband that will look like it's store-bought. Get more instructions here.
Source: Etsy user CustomDesignsByAbbie
Braid plastic bags together to make a basket. Get more instructions here.
Source: Etsy user Sally Stokes
Punch a few circles in paint chips, pepper them on a piece of paper, and frame it for an awesome piece of art.
Source: Etsy user ITSBRANNA
Rest your feet on a chic denim ottoman.
Source: Etsy User lovintagefinds
Turn everyday bottles into jewelry holders in under a few minutes. How? Just stack bracelets around the neck for an effortless display.
Source: Instagram User songofstyle
You'd be surprised at how sophisticated a safety pin bracelet can look. Not only is it beautiful, but it also makes a very eco-friendly fashion statement.
The beauty of the safety pin bracelet is that anyone can make it. All it takes is some common craft materials and a lot of time. Here are the instructions.
Photo: Emily Co
Have a big collection of plastic bags hiding under your kitchen sink? Upcycle them into a seriously beautiful and unique holiday wreath that only costs just a few dollars to make. Along with creating something to celebrate the season, you're repurposing something that you'd normally trash — and you can't beat that!
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Make statement necklaces with denim for a chic and casual piece of jewelry.
Source: Etsy User NestPrettyThingsShop
Take the plastic produce mesh bags and turn them into efficient pot scrubbers.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Stick pictures of plants on spoons, and use them as garden markers.
Source: Flickr user LillianClaire
A CasaSugar community member shared this neat DIY project in the Su Casa group — a mason jar sewing kit.
Basically, you create a pin cushion, stick it to the top of the lid, and keep all your sewing tools inside the jar.
Source: OnSugar user funkytime
Poke holes on the lid of a milk jug to turn it into a handy watering can. Just fill it up with water and pour away!
Source: A Journey to a Dream
Take fabric and pin it onto the bare bones of a lampshade to make a cute fabric lamp.
Source: The Pleated Poppy
Take an old medicine bottle, stick pretty paper on it, and use it to keep your cotton buds in at home or when you're traveling.
Source: 4EighteenSisters
Instead of throwing glass jars into the recycling bin, upcycle those pasta and condiment containers into chic organizers. Here's how.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
If you've got a stack of magazines and newspapers cluttering a corner of your home, a paper garland is the perfect project for transforming them into something really sweet.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Need a cool stool for your home? Stack up a pile of magazines to make this unique chair. Add a pillow to the top, and you're good to go!
Source: Selekkt
Brighten up a tired old table with paint chips.
Source: Minimoz Blog
Going on a trip, but can't lug your big bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and more? Create these single-use travel packets from straws as a smart solution!
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Turn old book pages into gift tags that you can attach to presents to better personalize them.
Source: Etsy user RambleCraft
Turn your old pair of jeans into a wreath to decorate your home with.
Source: Etsy User erinbearin
Fill a part of your wall in your house with paint chips to add some cheer to your home.
Source: Papery and Cakery
Tack on paint chips to a lamp shade for a one-of-a-kind fixture.
Source: Pretty Handy Girl
Create furniture pieces like lamps, side tables, or coffee tables by piling up old books. Be sure to glue the books together so you won't have to stack them up again if the pieces ever topple over.
Source: Etsy user tytie
Nowhere to put your beautiful blooms? Use mason jars! You can choose to spray-paint them or cover the jar with lace or some other material, but personally, I think it's the most beautiful as a vase when it's in its original, translucent form.
Source: Etsy user TooShai
Grab three corks and thread them into a napkin holder. Add beads for a little color.
Source: Etsy user recycledrockandcork
Nail an old soda crate on top of table legs, and then pad the seat with foam and cushion.
Source: cottage4c
Make a soap dispenser out of your mason jar by drilling a hole on the lid and inserting and glueing the top of an old soap bottle to the hole.
Source: Etsy user bittersweetlemonade
Create a jewelry stand out of the bottoms of Mountain Dew bottles, and then thread them together with a metal rod. Get more instructions here.
Source: EPBOT
Hanging vases would make a great gift or addition to any room in the house. To get the look, save a few wine bottles and search for mounting brackets that fit around the bottleneck.
Source: Etsy User WoodsmithOfNaples
Create awesome produce bags with an old t-shirt or towel.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Turn your t-shirts into yarn to use for other cool DIY projects. There's a special way of cutting up your t-shirt so it becomes a continuous roll of yarn, so be sure to learn how to do it here.
Source: Etsy user TiedUpInKnots
Turn paint chips into cute gift boxes.
Source: How About Orange
Fill a box with a ton of corks to use as a bath mat.
Source: Daily Danny
Turn paint chips into wearable art, such as this neat chevron necklace.
Source: Paper Hat
Make holiday ornaments from old Christmas cards. It's such a perfect and meaningful way to upcycle your old greeting cards.
Source: Martha Stewart
Crochet plastic bags into little shapes. You can use these to scrub dishes, pots, and other cookware.
Source: Etsy user ReWorkedDesigns
Cut your t-shirt up into yarn, and then braid strips together. Once you have a long braid, coil it up, and sew it together so that it stays in that position. See more detailed instructions here.
Source: Etsy user ekra
Flatten and bend spoons, and then nail them onto wooden planks to make a really cool-looking spoon rack.
Source: Etsy user Jeremy N Jen Evensen
It's not the night-light from your childhood, that's for sure, but these additions would make the perfect accents for an outdoor party. Hand paint a wine bottle and fill it with stringed bulbs so that the light reflects the color of the design; you'll also have to drill a hole in the back to connect the light to an outlet.
Source: Etsy User PaintingByElaine
Cut then shape plastic bags into links and link them together to form a chain. Use these chains to drape as curtains or to decorate your walls.
Source: Etsy user MiccoHome
Get a frame and squeeze some corks into it for a creative and shabby-chic jewelry holder. If the frame is bigger, then you can even turn it into a bulletin board.
Source: Etsy user MiAmoreVino
Welcome one and all to your home with this lovely paint chip invite.
Source: My Hands Made It
Upcycle your jeans into bibs, which are durable and machine-washable.
Source: Etsy User GoodDenim
Knit or braid the plarn into a floor mat — the perfect surface for wiping the dirt off your shoes.
Source: Etsy user KJLSDesigns
Sew together some paint chips to make creative utensil holders at your next party.
Source: Sew Many Ways
Wow your guests with these awesome paint chip coasters.
Source: Crafty CPA
Create cute envelopes from calendar or magazine pages to stuff in greeting cards, documents, or money.
Source: Etsy user Sanguinaria
Dress up the walls by the stairs with colorful paint chips.
Source: Cozy Little Cave
Use the ends of soda bottles to create this nifty wallet.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Break up plastic spoons and stick them on a cardboard wreath form you can get from a crafts store. Paint them with a color you like, and stick a mirror in the center. Find more detailed instructions here.
Source: Addicted2Decorating
Hollow out one of your old books to hide your cash and other valuables. No one will ever guess your secret hiding place!
Source:Etsy user pommesfrites
Whether you're dressing up a notebook, diary, or scrapbook, book pages will make the covers come alive. Take your favorite pages from old books and experiment by sticking them on the covers.
Source: Etsy user RescuedPaper
Make these awesome candle holders by taking a strip of cloth and sticking it to the inner walls of the jar. Use battery-powered tea lights to light up the jar instead of candles to be on the safe side.
Source: Fellow Fellow
Reuse the disinfectant wipes container to store your plastic bags so you can pull them out with ease for every use.
Source: Infarrantly Creative
Fill a box with a ton of corks to use as a welcome or bath mat.
Source: Daily Danny
Lighten up a room or patio with this unique look. To get it yourself, you'll need something like a steel cable to hang it from and a spiral (or other adornment) to peek out from the bottom of the cut glass. Secure a votive inside and voilà — it's a lamp made from a wine bottle.
Source: Green Wine Bottles
Roll book pages tightly and cut them into beads, which you can use to create lovely earrings.
Source: Etsy user TheUnwrittenWord
Denim is such a comfortable material that it makes for a great pillow cover.
Source: Etsy User AVALANCEL
Use pictures and greeting cards to make magnets for your fridge. Here's a tutorial on how to make picture magnets.
You can even use the numbers and create magnets with them to make your own magnetic calendar.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
You can also make book page rings to match your necklaces.
Source: Etsy user dspdavey
Terrariums are cheap to make, and they're a nice way to add some green to the home or even the office. Using a mason jar to store the plant arrangement is a nice twist on the traditional terrarium holders.
Here's a guide on how to make a terrarium.
Source: Etsy user TheFreeFolk
Make paper roses decorations to add an interesting twist to items including gifts and Christmas tree ornaments. To find out how to make your own paper rose, read this tutorial.
Source:Etsy user photomamaregina
They might look like lemon candy, but they're actually supercute lemon soaps! Instead of throwing away lemon rinds, make these homemade soaps for brighter, softer hands.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
If you had a particularly rough week, you'll want nothing more than a steaming, relaxing bath. But why use expensive store-bought bath products, when you can make your own? Try this bath salt DIY using withered flowers from Mother's Day or any special occasion.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
It's almost summertime, which means lots of traveling! Keep your camera secure and fabulous by making this chic camera strap using a scarf.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Would you guess that these wedding-favor boxes used to be toilet paper tubes? Add this to your list of budget-friendly wedding ideas.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
All you need are coffee filters and food coloring to create this beautiful flower decor. The pastel pink color is perfect for any wedding, bridal shower, or even your bedroom.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Now that it's getting warmer, it's the perfect time to sit back on your patio and enjoy the breeze. Worried about bugs? We've got you covered. Make these floating candle jars to keep the bugs away, and enjoy the beautiful scent while you're at it.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Look at this adorable family of honey bears — doesn't it remind you of "The Story of the Three Bears"? Upcycle your empty honey bear bottles, and turn them into your new favorite multifunctional decor piece.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Plastic spoons left over from a party? DIY this candleholder to make good use of them.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Keep your phone and wires in place with this charging station made from a plastic bottle.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Smell the roses with these DIY coffee-filter roses.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Travel with this compact candle to fill up your hotel room with beautiful scents.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
This cinnamon-stick candle is not just for the holidays — seems like it'll be perfect all year round.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Use office supplies for a unique gift wrap that will wow recipients.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Used coffee filters have never looked this good. Set them aside to make this awesome catchall bowl.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Stick cute notes on your fridge with these glitter clothespin magnets.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Turn ordinary wineglasses into extraordinary dioramas.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Turn an old tie into an exciting new phone case.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
These cookie cutters will perfectly shape your candles.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Your guests won't know that these party pom-poms are made from plastic bags!
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
Chase bugs away with this cute orange candle.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff
We seriously heart these bookmarks made from old denim.
Photo: Sarah Lipoff