repurposing and upcycling junk roundup
It’s not unusual for me to get a bit carried away when scouring the net for these roundups and this one is no exception. There are some very creative people in the world re-visioning the most mundane of objects. How about a handbag from tyre inner tubes? Or a wine cork bath mat? And my absolute favourite: a parking metre repurposed to a donation collector for the homeless. The bag on the right is made from soft drink can pull rings crocheted together.
Many of the links below are not tutorials but examples of creative ways people have repurposed junk and turned it into a business. The idea is to stimulate the imagination so that you can find your own creative ways to repurpose what you would normally throw out.
 Reusing light bulbs @ Instructables |
 Repurpose receiving blankets @ Simple Organic |
 Wine cork bath mat @ Crafty Nest |
 Reuse plastic bottle tops @ Re-nest |
 Egg cup from a bent fork @ What I Made |
 Bag from inner tubes @ Wig Archer |
 Recycled wet suit into iPad case @Uncommon Goods |
 Repurpose golden books @ Imagination Soup |
 Furniture from hockey sticks @ Mom Central |
 Upcycled bra strap head band @ Spin Cushion |
 Garden markers @ Bunny Tales |
 Hard drive magnets in a knife block @ Instructables |
 Cupcake stand @ Skip to my Lou |
 Repurposed drawer @ Apartment Therapy |
 School art notebooks @ Alpha Mom |
 Handlebar bag @ Giver’s Log |
 Upcycled lunch bag @ Future Craft Collective |
 Upcycled water bottle carrier @ Miscellany of Me |
 Recycled chalkboard clock @ Uncommon Goods |
 Broken lens flower pot @ PetaPixel |
 Spoon bracelet @ Ornamento |
 Electrical wire ring @ Ecoterre |
 Repurposed shirt to dress @ How Joyful |
 Floppy disk storage @ Anke Art |
 Tin lanterns @ Songbirds in Nesting |
 Capri juice wrapper bag @ House of Hepworths |
 Furniture from old palettes @ Kojo Designs |
 Upcycled organisers @ Yesterday on Tuesday |
 Wool sweater pot holders @ Kleas |
 Braided t-shirt coasters @ Carolyn’s Homework |
 Montessori-style crayon holders @ Mom’s Crafty Space |
 Porch from vinyl records @ Makezine |
 Repurposed parking metre to donation collector @ What IS working |
Have you read these posts?
- creative recycling: repurposing junk
- ideas for upcycling toilet rolls
- up-cycled pallet roundup – transforming old pallets
- ways with recycled glass jars roundup
- handmade Christmas decoration roundup
SAVE MONEY AND TIME ON THE GROCERIES
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[...] which is turning your old products into something that is new and useful. There are countless blogs available that talk about and share upcycling ideas such as turning old clothes into a patchwork quilt, using [...]
Very timely this one. I am currently making a school art smock from some left over material and a small skirt for an elastic topped pocket. Will remember to add it to my blog when it is finished.
Some great ideas there!
Almost on topic – I am trying to work out how to restore my wire clothes racks – the plastic coating is coming off and they are getting rusty. Any thoughts?
Hi Astrid, I would love to see them when you’re finished.
Hi Linda, we picked the plastic coating off our airer and wrapped the wire up with packing tape. It’s lasted like that for about a year now. And no more rust stains on our clothes.
Making a memory box for grown up daughter (29), I just wrapped in tissue the library bag she use to take to school, made from one of Nanna’s old dresses, circa 1960. The dress was repurposed and now it is an archived memory:)
Hi Delphine, that’s such a lovely idea. I never thought of it from that angle: repurposing bringing a sentimental value to the new things. Thanks.
Wow, thanks for the feature!
Now you need a button so I can link back to you on MY blog! 
Button. I’ll put that on my ever increasing to do list
Hi, any ideas on recycling old ceiling fans?
Many thanks
Sunny
Good question! I was just thinking about that the other day as I want to replace some of ours in the near future! I have no idea, but maybe some readers might know.
http://alittlelearningfortwo.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/repurposed-cot.html just found this gem, so when you’re finished with your cot don’t forget to dig this up. (our cot was second hand and has been used for our two kids, it is no longer any good as a cot due to wear and tear.)
Oh wow! I love it. What a good idea. I’m telling DH. Thanks.
Melissa I found this on Pinterest and had to share it! http://www.nwedible.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P3241475.jpg I hope that works, if not you can find it here: http://www.nwedible.com/2012/03/diy-wall-mounted-clothes-drying-rack.html An awesome idea, please check it out
Thanks Rachel! I’ve seen that idea on FB – it’s an awesome idea!