Upcycling is a great way to reuse your old “junk” and help the environment, all while saving money. It’s also a fun way to unleash your creative side and get crafty. Instead of saying out with the old, embrace the old and make it new! Check out these tips and transform your trash to treasure.
For The Interior Designer
If you’re the type of person who loves to redecorate, you already know this can be a pricey task. There’s plenty of ways to revamp your current staples so you can get your renovation-fix for free!
Get Creative With Your Materials
There’s countless materials lying around your house, take advantage of them! From coasters to artwork, recycled cork can be used in pretty much every room. Empty cans can be turned into intricate sculptures. So start saving those wine corks and soda cans and get to crafting!
Express Yourself
Don’t be afraid to take risks. DIY projects allow you to show off your personal style and create something one of a kind. One of the best parts about upcycling is that if you mess up, you’re not really losing anything! So get crazy and mix all of the colors, patterns, and materials that you like.
A Little Paint Goes A Long Way
It’s so easy to spice things up with a touch of paint. You can turn boring cans into beautiful vases and ordinary bricks into ornate planters. Using chalk paint can be an especially fun project. You can create a chalkboard from an old picture frame, or use it as a unique finish.
For The Fashionista
Keeping up with the latest trends can be exhausting and costly. Next time you feel the need to splurge on a new top or dress, turn to your closet instead. You might be surprised what you can do with your otherwise unused clothes!
Break Out The Scissors
Your baggy shirts and out-of-style jeans can be reborn with a few snips. Transform any boring top with an aline or off the shoulder cut. Instead of trashing your denim, create a hip fringe. If you have an old favorite that doesn’t fit right or is beyond saving, trim it and throw it in a picture frame!
It’s All In The Details
You can create a totally new look with a few small changes. Take the dress shirt you never wear and give it some flare with new buttons. Embroider your favorite quote onto any article of clothing or get creative with patching up holes. Your closet will be more unique than ever!
No Scrap Left Behind
Clothes don’t just have to be made into more clothes. When hemming your pants, save your leftovers for a trendy rug. If you’re turning an old sweater into a scarf, make some matching gloves with the extra fabric. Or, take it a step further and use the buttons for fun jewelry.
For The Craftsman
Novice artisans and skilled carpenters alike are well versed with the idiom “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. But you’d be surprised to see the treasures you can create from your own trash!
Think Like A Pro
If you’re taking on a big project, make sure you do it right. Especially with furniture, take the time to sand and prime it before you move on to the fun part. After you’ve stained or painted, don’t forget to use a sealant.
Take Shortcuts
After you’ve carefully prepped your piece, you can feel free to cut a few corners. Don’t get intimidated if you’re not a skilled artist. Instead, use stencils and stickers and look online for inspiration. If your item is damaged, get creative with dark stains and paints to cover any blemishes.
It Doesn’t Have To Be Complicated
Don’t feel like you need to take on a crazy difficult project. There’s plenty of ways to renovate without completely redoing. For example, your old chairs can go from drab to chic with a fresh reupholstering or coat of paint.
