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Project Ideas

Want to try your own upcycle projects? On this page, you will find ideas for all sorts of creative DIY project ideas. Every week, our editors scour the Internet, as well as the ideas submitted by our readers, and we post the most unique and interesting projects here. Some articles are simple “idea starters” and others come complete with step-by-step instructions. We hope these upcycle ideas will inspire you to try them yourself, or spin them into new ideas of your own!

Project Ideas »

Saturday, April 5, 2014
Upcycle Wipes Container

The plastic bags that I save for recycling are a hot mess in my pantry. I love this idea for upcycling a wipes container for tidy storage of plastic bags. The tutorial even gives you instructions for  how to fold the bags that you are putting in the container. Go check it our here. Happy Upcycling, Jill

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Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Upcycled Slippers Tutorial

  It’s still really COLD outside in our neck of the woods. We love this free tutorial for cozy upcycled slippers. You could make your kids matching slippers or make your spouse a pair as a sweet Valentines’s Day gift. The free step-by-step tutorial is available here. Stay Warm and Happy Upcycling, Jill

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Thursday, December 5, 2013
How To: Make Upcycled Sweater Stockings

  Continuing our Christmas 2013 Upcycled Decorating with these cute stockings. We love the simplicity of this tutorial! A perfect way to use worn out sweaters without buying newly made stockings for your family. In an afternoon, you can make stockings for your entire family. You could also make smaller versions to use as gift tags for your upcycled wrapping. Just slip a little treat and a name tag inside the little stocking and you have a very cute alternative to a bow for your Christmas packages! The …

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Friday, November 22, 2013
Upcycled Junk Mail Christmas Tree Ornament

Today we are continuing our Christmas 2013 Upcycled Decorating series with a link to this great tutorial. We love how colorful and practical these ornament are. Made from the plethora of junk mail we seem to get this time of year, it is a great project. I would love to see an entire live or potted tree decorated with all upcycled and recycled ornaments. These would be perfect! Click here for the complete picture tutorial. Happy Upcycling! Jill

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Saturday, November 16, 2013
How To: Make Stars From Upcycled Drink Cans

We are so excited to start our Christmas 2013 upcycled decorating series. Enjoy our upcycled decorating ideas! These upcycled  can stars are lovely. You could use them as individual ornaments, string them as a garland or use them as a gift topper. The step-by-step photos and directions are concise and easy to follow.  Click here for the complete tutorial. Pin this today to start making your own hand-made ornaments.   Happy Upcycling, Jill    

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Thursday, September 12, 2013
How To: Turn An Aluminum Bottle Into A Cup

  I see this as a man upcycle project. I can envision an entire set of these cups lining the walls of a man cave or a college apartment. Make sure you look through the entire tutorial. You don’t want people getting cut on the lip of the cup. The directions offer clear instructions for turning the edge over for making it safe for drinking. Click here for the entire step-by-step tutorial.   Happy Upcycling! Jill  

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Tuesday, August 27, 2013
How To: Upcycle Tights Into Leggings

  In the last week, I have had three different moms tell me that their daughter didn’t like tights. Now that I think about it, I don’t really like tights either. They are hard to get on little ones and they make my feet feel claustrophobic. Now you can convert those darling tights into even cuter leggings. Follow this easy step-by-step tutorial from U Create and you will have some brand new leggings for fall.   Happy Upcycling, Jill

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Tuesday, July 2, 2013
How To: Make an Upcycled Rag Rug

Cleaning out your drawers and ready to part with a few old t-shirts? Here is a step-by-step tutorial for upcyling those old t-shirts into a soft and colorful rag rug. This would be so cute in a child’s room or maybe a laundry room. I think that it is a project  older kids could help with or even try on their own. Try a little upcycling on a rainy afternoon. Get the complete tutorial here. Happy Upcycling! Jill

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Thursday, June 27, 2013
Upcycled Bobby Pins

Here is a cute and easy tutorial for upcycling spare buttons, beads and baubles. You could use your Grandmother’s button collection or even some of those extra buttons you get when you buy new clothes.  I personally have every extra button I have ever received. I think some of the fabric covered floral buttons that I rocked in elementary school would look great on some bobby pins. Now you finally have a way to upcycle your tin of treasures. A Homemaker’s Journal has the complete tutorial. Happy Upcycling, …

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Wednesday, May 22, 2013
How To: Make an Upcycled Newspaper Basket

Hello craftiness! Let’s be honest, some upcycled projects are functional but seriously lacking in asthetics. This upcycled newspaper basket scores high in form and  function. The added trim and bow really bring it home for me. I am picturing several of these lined up on a shelf to house craft supplies. You could use either black and white newspaper or save the cartoon section for several weeks and make a colorful version. We love this upcycled project! Click here for pictures and step-by-step directions by Jeff Rudell of …