Recycled Ceramic Look VaseI used plaster of Paris to make this ceramic looking vase from a soda bottle.
Recycled Chair Leg Candlestick HoldersI had four chair legs left from a previous craft project (posted on Thriftyfun a few months ago). Rather than discard them, I made them into candlestick holders.
Knitted 3D Wire HeartYou don't need expensive materials and special tools to make beautiful jewelry. To make this original heart, you only need wire from an old transformer and knitting needles. Knitted wire jewelries look really amazing. This heart will look great as a pendant. You can add a brooch pin and you will have a beautiful brooch.
Buckle from Drink CanIf you need a small buckle, you can quickly and easily make one from pull tag of a drink can. This buckle will fit a strap about 1 inch wide. You can also paint the buckle any color you like.
Beads from Plastic BottleThere are many ways to use plastic bottles in craft. I suggest you make beads out of plastic bottles. It is not difficult at all and will not take much time.
Shank Button from Old Aluminum CanI want to share with you my idea for making Shank Buttons. This project will help not only to make original buttons, but also to reuse old aluminum cans.
Origami Dove Brooch from Old JeansOrigami is the art of paper folding. I made this brooch by folding denim from old jeans instead of paper. I used the origami scheme for folding a dove.
DIY Wiggly EyesWiggly eyes are hard to find in my place nowadays. I have gone to so many craft stores and I just couldn't find them. And maybe due to this pandemic, the supply of this craft material in my area has become scarce as it is not part of the essentials. Then I found out a simple hack on this at home.
Converting a Drawer Unit Into a FootstoolI recently gave a very large desk to a gal just across the road from me. I had used it less and less over the last year, so it was time.
Upcycled TP Tube Gift BoxesOkay so I think it's safe to say we all have a lot of toilet paper rolls. Especially amid this pandemic, we all went through a little hoarding shopping spree of toilet paper! But it's okay;) instead of just endlessly throwing them out what do you say we have some fun and spread some love?
Gift Card Earbuds HolderGetting earbuds tangled up is not only annoying, but terrible for their lifespan. You can make this cute and convenient holder for your earbuds in less than 10 minutes. This is a great way to upcycle or make use of gift cards that have some sentimental value in them. I use these for storage purposes. I also for on-the-go times, popping them securely in my purse.
Upcycled Valentine's Candy Box Birthday GiftI always save packaging in case myself or the kids want to make something or use it for crafts. I finally thought of a great idea and gift for my mom for her birthday using this Valentine's heart candy box.
Notebook from Vinyl RecordsI made this notebook from 2 vinyl records. The holes were drilled with a fine drill. I also made the spiral to keep the sheets together. I used the sheets from another notebook, but you can also make them yourself.
Making Feather Bookmarks from CDsThis is a cute project that does not take a very long time to make. Younger children can make this project with a little help from their parents. Everyone is always looking for a way to mark the books they read. Here is a great way to recycle old CDs and have beautiful bookmarker.
Recycled Plastic Bag Rugs and Bleacher PadsI have been saving my grocery bags to make rugs or pads to sit on aluminum bleachers. They work great for insulating the bottom. I got my idea from a you tube video by Mom Eberhard. You I cut the tops and bottoms off the bags and loop them together. I did a 4 string braid. I made one for a friend and she uses to sit on aluminum bleachers and said it works great.
Upcycled T-shirt CraftsWhether you're redesigning a t-shirt or cutting it up to make something else out of it, it's fun and saves the world a little bit! I love cutting old t-shirts into strips about 2" wide +/- and braiding into 3, 4, or 5 strand braids. These can be colorful or monochrome. I've even tried macrame to make t-shirt necklaces, scarves, a garland, headbands, etc.
DIY Shirt Collar Stays from Magnetic Hotel KeysThis is a simple way to recycle magnetic keys from past hotel stays into shirt stays. One key makes 6 stays.
Simple Wine Cork TrivetThis is fun, quick, and with supervision, a great kids' craft.
Notepad Stocking StuffersI love recycling paper into usable things that I need. When I am thinking of gifts to give to others - my first thought is to ask myself whether this gift would make me happy. This little adorable memo pad certainly would make me happy ;)
Salvaging Hardware from JunkMost things eventually fall apart, but not all at the same time. Here, two pairs of my boots became so worn out, they were too dangerous for wear. They were not suitable for donation, however, the silver hardware and laces were still like new. I removed them to use in crafts and sewing projects.
Child's Backpack TagReuse any old gift cards you may have (especially if it's a cute print or pattern) as a child's backpack tag or a luggage tag.
Recycled Cardboard ShelfHave extra shoe boxes? Another simple and free project you can make is a recycled cardboard shelf. It is ideal for lightweight items; perfect to toss your wallet and keys, or mail on.
Up-cycled ClipboardThis clipboard is primarily made from a cardboard envelope/folder and shopping catalogs. It is a cute up-cycled clipboard with lined paper for everyday notes.
Making Confetti from Magazines and Shopping CatalogsI receive the latest shopping catalog trends, but I never purchase anything because of the high retail prices. The quality of the color/paper is nice, so it'd be a waste to toss! You could make confetti or paper filling/stuffing to be used for scrapbooking, gifts, arts and craft projects.
Saving Little Plastic Balls for CraftingHere are two ways to get 'nearly' free little plastic balls for crafting.
Clear Plastic Cap MagnetsI have upcycled these salt/pepper containers into vases. I have the caps left and now finally figured out what I could do with them. I turned these caps into magnets!
How to Make Snack Box New Year's NoisemakersSmall snack boxes such as dried cranberries are packaged in can be converted into these cute noisemakers to ring in the New Year.This is a page about how to make snack box New Year's noisemakers.
Cute Mini NotebooksI found this craft somewhere on the internet and I'm trying to make my own. The difference is that I'm using recycled paper. One side is printed and the other is left blank, so I was thinking this can still be used for this kind of brilliant idea.
Handcrafted Rag Made From Old ShirtsI hate throwing away my stuff especially when I know that I could make other things from it, just like these two large sized cotton shirts. When I was very young, we made rags at school. They are made from strips of old shirts.
Decorative Recycled Drinking Glass StandPaper fasteners sometimes run out of locks so, I have a bundle of these which I have collected for months. Even though they are still useful as paper fasteners even without the locks, nobody seemed to ever want to use this stuff without its partner.
Mosaic Caterpillar Using Bowling BallsBroken tile mosaic finish makes this recycled bowling ball project fun to do and gives you a cute piece of garden art. This is a page about mosaic bug bowling balls.
Making Watercolor Paints with Dried Up MarkersWhen your colored markers get dried up, there is still a great way to some more fun craft uses out of them. This is a page about making watercolor paints with dried up markers.
Making a Cardboard Tube WreathThis is a page about making a cardboard tube wreath. A lovely, inexpensive wreath can be fashioned from flattened, cut and glued cardboard tubes pieces.
Pet Dust BunniesThis is a page about pet dust bunnies. If you are looking for a clever gag gift that doesn't cost much; here it is. These cuties are made of recycled dryer lint.
Little Lady Key FobThis cute little lady is simple to make, but a little fiddly because she is so tiny. Have a little patience and take your time and you will be pleased with the result.
Kitchen Mitt From Old ShirtsThe usual pot holder doesn't have five fingers and I thought of making a unique one that looks like a glove. You can wear it with your five fingers where it will be easier to hold hot pots. I used old and unused shirts for this project.
Denim ScrubbersWhen you shorten jeans or have a pair you no longer want, you can cut them up and make little scrubbers for cleaning. They're perfect for cleaning bathtubs or sinks because they have just the right amount of abrasiveness but won't leave a scratch.
License Plate Letter HolderHere is how to take an old license plate and turn it into a mail holder. Simply place it on the floor with the silver side up. Place your foot in the middle and fold both sides to the center. Make sure it stands flat. Place your mail in it and enjoy ! :)
Making a Recycled Mesh Bag Pot ScrubberThis is a page about making a recycled mesh bag pot scrubber. Mesh produce bags can find a second calling as a pot scrubber.
Mobile Phone Charging StationHere's how to make a phone charging station wall mount out of a shampoo bottle. It keeps your phone propped up and away from hazards, tangle-free. I have an incredibly on-call life and find this to be very useful in bathrooms while I shower or get ready.
Recycled Perrier Drinking GlassesI have been saving these pretty green Perrier bottles every time I splurge on sparkling water. They were very easy to cut in half and just a little more work to smooth the sharp edges. They make attractive drinking glasses that would be great in a bathroom or for a cheerful breakfast table.
Making a Mesh Produce Bag Earring DisplayThis is a page about making a mesh produce bag earring display. Reuse a plastic mesh bag to create a convenient earring display for yourself or as an inexpensive gift.
Produce Bag Earring DisplayMy husband knows not to throw anything that does not decompose into the trash, because I will find a way to use it. I made this earring display out of a net bag, that once held apples, and a picture frame I got at the 99 cent store. I'm in love with the fishnet contrast. This is useful and it looks like art!
Plastic Bottle Starburst VaseDon't throw out your plastic bottles. A little cutting and folding will transform them into beautiful starburst vases!
Egg Carton ShipUse 2 eggs cartons to create a ship. You can put candy or any little things in it.
Vinyl Record Earrings DisplayThis project is for recycling vintage vinyl records. You can turn them into earrings display holders.
Sandal/Flip-Flop HolderI thought this would be an easy way of keeping track of your sandals. You can hang it in your closet. I'm going to put some flip-flops on it too. One hanger will hold about 3 or 4 pairs of flip-flops.
Recycled Bicycle Wheel Pot RackMy husband emailed me this photo of a pot rack made from a recycled bicycle wheel. A friend of his, from Portland, made it for his girlfriend.
Oven Rack Pull Out From Paint Stir SticksMake an oven rack pull out of wooden paint stir sticks using this pattern. I painted them white first, let dry and then painted family/friends names along with flowers and vines in their kitchen or favorite colors.
Homemade Gift BagThis gift bag is made from a crispbread box, painted using a 99p test pot. For the handles I used twine/string. I filled it with homemade items; home grown and dried mint, and a lavender sachet.
Circuit Board MagnetsDo you have an old, unused computer laying around? Why not take it apart and reuse the pieces to make cool stuff.
Silverware for Butter Dish HandleUpdate a simple glass butter dish by adding a bent piece of silverware. Glue to top using a good adhesive like E-6000.
Recycled Christmas Craft IdeasThis page is about recycled Christmas craft ideas. There are so many crafts that can be made reusing decorations, paper and things.
Oil Bottle CoverWhether I use the bottles that the oil comes in or I transfer it to fancy bottle, it always seems like the oil drips down the sides after each use. To solve this problem, I decided to make drip catchers out of my daughter's old tights.
Clean or Dirty Dishwasher IndicatorDishes would pile up in our house partially because nobody knew if the dishwasher was full of clean or dirty dishes. I was about to throw an old scratched CD away when this idea popped in my head, a recycled CD clean or dirty indicator!
Recycled Sweater Neck PillowAn easy way to recycle a sweater that is no longer usable into a nice child's pillow. Protect your child's head as you drive while they are in their booster seat.
Fun Bread Ties for KidsThis cute little craft is a great way to recycle and have fun at the same time. You can tie gifts with them or hook a bunch of pals on your shoelaces or pencils. Make some with your friends and trade!
Crafts Using Old WindowsOld windows can be reused for a variety of craft projects. This page is about crafts using old windows.
Making a Picture Frame Jewelry HolderThere are many creative ideas for making your own jewelry holder; using a picture frame provides a tangle free solution. This is a page about making a picture frame jewelry holder.
Recycled Candle Wax Air FreshenerUse candle wax scraps to make an air freshener.
Recycled Cuff Pin CushionMake an easy quick gift all from recycled materials. You will need the cuff from an old shirt, scrap of light weight cardboard, a scrap of cotton batting or flannel, and some floss for stitching a design.
Decorated Quilted HangersBy taking second hand quilted hangers, you can embellish them to give or keep.
Refinishing an Old End TableI got this table free at a garage sale. It was not in the best of shape as one drawer was stuck and the outside just needed help. I was pretty sure I could refinish the top, but the bottom of the end table had too much "curly ques" to spend the time on.
Memorial Day WreathsMany years ago my mother-in-law taught me to make this wreath and this year I am making it for her.
Floating Wine Cork KeyringA frugal, floating keyring made from wine corks and scrap is a great Christmas gift for any boat enthusiast or fisherman.
Sea Glass MagnetsSo easy, your kids can do this homemade gift craft! Frozen juice can lids pair with glass to create a stylish and lovely accent for next to nothing.
CD SpinnersKids will enjoy playing with these tops made from recycled CDs or DVDs. They also make great party favors.
Fabric Covered Tuna CanThis is a tuna can covered with a quilted fabric remnant and some left over cross-stitch mini squares, and a cardboard cloth covered lid.
Recycled Note HolderThis is a recycled craft that the kids can make for dad on his special day (with a little help from mom). It is made from a french fry container from McDonald's.
Recycled Domino PinUse your imagination and leftover scraps from other craft projects to create one-of-a-kind pins for yourself or for inexpensive gifts. This pin was created using a domino, canceled postage stamps, a tiny button, and gold embroidery thread.
Recycled Tin Can Pin CushionThis project lets you turn a clean tuna or cat food can, or the plastic thing that holds the icing for refrigerator cinnamon rolls, some easy crochet, fabric scraps, and glue to make an attractive pin cushion for your sewing basket or for gifts.
Recycled Jeans HotmittsMy son is a career soldier and lives with only the basic necessities of life because the army moves him from one duty station to another. I used his microwave and noticed he didn't have any hot mitts. So I made him a man's set of hot mitts from an old pair of blue jeans.
Wallpaper BookmarksWanting to have a small thank you gift lead me to make these free bookmarks from wallpaper.
Jar Lid PincushionHandy little pincushions made with quilt batting, fabric and a jar lid or small metal can. Measure the width of your lid/can. Cut a cardboard circle just a bit smaller than this measurement.
Bird Cage Night LightI bought an old bird cage hanger at an auction. Later found an old bird cage. I had to use them to make something. This is what I came up with. The light is on a timer to turn on and off in the living room each night. I can use as a night light until I go to bed.
CD Case FramesCreate fun photo or art work frames with CD cases. Kids love doing them and can be very creative by using recycled materials such as wool, ribbon, beans, googlie eyes, etc.
Magnetic Greeting Card BookmarksThis is one of the bookmarks I made to go with the less than a dollar new books I picked up on half.com to give as gifts this year.
Cup and Saucer Candle HolderHere's a unique way to use cups and saucers from tea sets that have broken or missing pieces. You could also purchase vintage cups and saucers and create these candle holders to give as gifts. The one pictured is from a mini tea set.
Recycled Wind ClackersPerfect decoration for your clothes line! Drill four holes around the edge of the lid of a peanut butter jar. Drill a hole in the center of four liquid laundry detergent caps.
Recycled Jewelry OrganizerUse a hunk of Styrofoam packing from one of your technology purchases and a fabric scrap to make this organizer to hang all your baubles.
Decorated Salvage Furniture Plant StandsThese two pieces were gleaned at our city's recycling garage at the city dump. The table is plastic and was a faux wood look. The chair was a little wobbly, as were several more that I picked up.
Clothespin Bag from Tea TowelI've been living frugally most of my life and loving it. Always trying to find ways of saving money. My clothes pin bag was worn out and I found a free sewing pattern on a website.
Pin Cushions from Recycled QuiltDon't throw away your old quilts; recycle them. Create pretty, heart-shaped pin cushions. You can add lace, buttons, etc. to decorate them. These would be great to sell at bazaars or craft shows.
Homemade Oil Diffuser/WarmerI made my own oil diffuser/warmer. I recycled all of the items I used. This is really cool.
Pin Cushion HolderPin cushion holder that resembles an ol' fashioned Easter hat. Cover 6 inch round circle with plain fabric and glue in middle-flatten. Take tuna can, add stuffing cover with printed fabric, make sure fabric is flattened underneath and glue to 6 inch circle.
Book AngelsFirst of all I would like to just say I love making these for any occasion. They are cheap and easy to make and best of all its a great way to recycle all those hard cover books you don't read anymore or the ones you can get at a yard sale for dirt cheap.
Fork Business Card or Place Card HolderTake old silver fork which you can pick up a yard sales, etc. Need four prong one, bend outside prongs at an angle and separate and bend up middle to prongs.
Tape Roll Finger DrumThis one stems from the fact that I now have to use masking tape across the top of my daughter's nappy for it to stay on! It's a home made percussion instrument. A finger drum.
Silverware WindchimesUse old silver silverware for the best "sounds", and usually they are more ornamental than what you find in a dollar store or such.
Painted Window Welcome SignI'm always looking for old windows to paint. As you see here they make great welcome signs, and much loved gifts!
Cards from the Kids - Old Window PaneHere is an old window pane I decorated.
Pet Dust BunniesHere's a fun, very easy craft idea - might be something you'd like to put in Easter baskets this year as a gag gift, lol. Simply take some dryer lint and shape it however you want (kinda small). Then do the same with a second piece of dryer lint.
Computer Keyboard Letter MagnetsI have a unique and fun craft idea that's very fast and easy to do. They are alphabet magnets made from computer keyboard keys. First, visit a local thrift store and pick up an old computer keyboard - they're very cheap.
Juice Pouch Gift BagThis gift bag is easy to make and durable. It makes good use of Kool-Jammer or Capri Sun pouches. It's very similar to the lunch bag I published in the past, but instead of a Velcro enclosure, it uses eyelets and ribbon to make a gift bag handle.
Mini-book on Financial WisdomEver wonder what to do with those sample credit cards sent your way to entice your business?
