Don’t throw it away! Upcycle and create something beautiful that you can still use! These 7 easy upcycled project ideas will get you started.
What is the difference between upcycling and recycling?
Upcycling is when you reuse an item and create an item that can still be used, instead of throwing it in the trash.
Recycling is when you convert trash like glass, paper, and plastic into reusable material by breaking it down and creating new products.
What is an Upcycled Project?
Just about anything can be used to make something else. It just takes a bit of creative thinking!
Let think about that soup can you have on your counter from lunch. You could throw it in the trash, or the recycle bin, BUT, how about you clean it, paint the outside, and put pens in it for your desk?
You now have an upcycled project!
Crafting has always been about combining products to make a single item. Upcycling is using a product that no longer has value or use, and giving it a new purpose!
Examples of Upcycling Projects
Below are 7 easy upcycle crafts that can get you started with upcycling.
Each project includes a material that could have been thrown away but instead, the user found a new way to use it and or decorate it to give it new life.
Simply click on the project title to be taken to the step by step tutorial.
5. Twine Wrapped Wine Bottle Tutorial
What upcycled projects have you made? Or what have you been inspired to make after seeing these ideas? Share and leave a comment below!
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Original Post Date 5/8/2015
Priyam says
Thank you Katie for picking my honeycomb ball. It was fun making those..:)
Hope you are having a good day.
-Priyam
Laurie says
I love upcycle projects! Thank you for sharing some of your favorites with us at Brag About It!
~Laurie
DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Great upcycle ideas. Really loving the honeycomb ball. Visiting from The Creative Exchange link party.
Heather @ Viral upcycle says
Love all of these upcycled projects! I see a honeycomb ball in my future.
Katie says
Aren’t they so much fun?! Thanks for stopping by.
Crystal says
I think my favorite is the wine upcycle project. Probably cause I know I will always have a wine bottle to use 🙂 Hope to see you back at #HomeMattersParty
Leslie Ibanez says
That bracelet is gorgeous! Definitely checking out the tutorial. Thanks for sharing!
Life Loving says
Some lovely ideas here. I love the decorative storage tins, they look beautiful as vases/flower pots. Thanks for putting this collection together.
Sally @ Life Loving
#LifeLovingLinkie
Katie says
Thank you, Life Loving! Isn’t it amazing what you can with old things?