A creative way to upcycle your old jeans – maybe you can try making DIY denim potholders! This tutorial will ...
Upcycling ideas
Give new life to an old quilt with this quilted tote bag tutorial! This eco-friendly project guides you through transforming ...
Get inspired with this DIY egg carton flower tutorial from Origami Studio and transform a humble egg carton into beautiful ...
Transform toilet paper rolls into cute tulips with this fun and eco-friendly DIY tutorial from Day with DIY! This simple ...
Transform an ordinary cereal box into a beautiful album cover with this easy and eco-friendly DIY tutorial by Hellen Griffin! ...
Create a unique and personalized paper bag scrapbook with this fun tutorial from Runs for Cookies! This project is perfect ...
Transform your old kaftan pajamas into a stylish shirring top with this upcycling sewing tutorial from Cotton and Curls! This ...
Create lovely DIY popsicle stick wall art with this beginner-friendly tutorial! This quick and satisfying craft is perfect for adding ...
Make your own chic and lightweight denim leaf earrings with this easy DIY tutorial! Perfect for upcycling denim scraps, this ...
Transform your space with this hanging basket bunch light tutorial from I Spy DIY! This upcycling project is perfect for ...
Make your own cute fabric poppy seed heads with this easy DIY tutorial from Pillar Box Blue! Using just one ...
Upcycling is all about giving new life to things that might otherwise end up in the bin. It’s fun, eco-friendly, and often totally free – what’s not to love? Whether you’re working with fabric scraps, old T-shirts, tin cans, glass jars, or cardboard, these projects will help you turn “junk” into something beautiful, useful, or just plain fun.
Here’s what you’ll find as you scroll:
- No-sew T-shirt makeovers – Turn old tees into bags, headbands, or bracelets
- Fabric scrap projects – fabric flowers, DIY upholstery, bags, pillows, and more
- Cardboard creations – DIY storage, kids’ crafts, and home decor
- Upcycled denim – Think pouches, rag rugs, and accessories
- Glass bottle crafts – Vases, lanterns, or even wall decor
- Nature + reuse combos – Add pinecones, twigs, or flowers to upcycled materials
Most of the tutorials on this page are easy and beginner-friendly, with step-by-step instructions and simple supplies. Many don’t even require a sewing machine or power tools – just scissors, glue, maybe some paint, and your imagination.
Why upcycling rocks:
- It’s eco-friendly – Less waste = happier planet!
- It’s budget-friendly – Use what you already have
- It’s creatively satisfying – There’s nothing like turning trash into treasure
- It’s fun for all ages – Many of these projects are great for kids too!
- It’s totally unique – No two upcycled projects are ever exactly the same
You’ll also find lots of giftable upcycled crafts here – like personalized jars, cute toys, and practical items with a handmade twist. They’re thoughtful, charming, and often way more meaningful than something store-bought.
Whether you’re in a decluttering mood or just want a fun way to use up scraps and leftovers, upcycling is the perfect excuse to get crafty. It’s also a great way to teach kids about sustainability and creativity – let them turn cereal boxes into album covers, or old socks into plush kittens!
And if you’ve got a drawer (or several) full of fabric pieces too small for big projects, don’t toss them – turn them into something useful! You’ll find tons of scrap-friendly ideas here for sewing, gluing, knotting, and crafting your way through that pile.
So grab your “junk,” get creative, and scroll through the projects below. With a little time and imagination, you’ll turn those forgotten materials into something fresh and fabulous. Happy upcycling – let’s make less waste and more wonderful!