The popular upcycling trend has been around for a few years now. Old items are reused and given a new life instead of ending up in the trash can. This way you live more sustainably and protect the environment. You can do almost anything through upcycling: from small home accessories to large furniture for the home. The upcycling ideas that we have collected in this article are easy to do and do not require any great craftsmanship. The materials used are primarily items that are commonly found in the household, as well as typical items of clothing such as T-shirts or sweaters. Get inspired and use your old household items to create new ones!
Upcycling ideas with corks – make coasters and place cards
For the first two projects we're sharing today, you'll need wine corks. In the first one we will explain to you how you can make a simple coaster. Coasters are usually square in shape, which you can recreate with just 4 corks cut in half. We recommend that you cut the wine corks in half vertically so that you end up with a stable coaster. This requires a sharp knife. You can use various materials as a base, but a cork board (2 mm thick) is the most visually attractive option. First place the halved corks on the table in the chosen composition. This is how you determine the exact dimensions of the plate and cut it to size. Finally, glue the corks together and then onto the cork board with hot glue. With this technique you can make as many coasters as you want and even give them away.
The second wine cork project is even easier. Here the corks serve as place card holders, which can be very practical at a celebration with many guests. In this case, the wine corks are also cut in half vertically to stand upright. You should also carve a slot on the top side where the place card is inserted. You can then label each cork with a black pen to note the respective table number.
Upcycling old containers
Do you buy food in plastic containers that end up in the trash after consumption? That shouldn't always be the case. BecausePlastic containers can be used to store various itemsbe used. In this example, the container is redesigned and then used to store pasta.
The first thing you need to do is rinse and dry the container thoroughly. If he has tags, try to remove them. Then choose any spray paint you like, place the container with the lid down and paint from all sides. When the paint is already dry, stick a label and note the new function of your plastic container.
Creative ideas for clothing
Upcycling clothing is a great way to reuse old clothes instead of throwing them away. From this you can, for examplecreate sustainable packagingor create original decorations for your home or garden. The ideas for clothing are very diverse. You can find a few suggestions below.
Now we would like to show you how an old T-shirt can be turned into a beautiful hanging basket. This is simply perfect for displaying houseplants and can be made in any color. Of course, the result depends on the T-shirt you choose. This is how it works:
Make a hanging basket out of an old T-shirt
First, choose a t-shirt that doesn't have opulent embellishments. The hanging basket looks best when the fabric used is one or two colors. Alternatively, you can use a kitchen towel for this project. The first step is to cut the fabric into 8 strips, approximately 3cm wide. Try stretching the strips out a little to make them easier to grip. Then gather all the strips together and tie a knot at one end. Now tie all two strips together with a knot. If you wish, you can decorate the knots with beads. Now repeat the step by making and tying four new pairs. Do the same again and finally tie the other end. Place a suitable pot in the hanging basket and hang it from a ceiling hook. Complete!
Bottle bags made from old sweaters
Old sweaters are also perfect for various upcycling ideas. In the next project, you'll find out how to use the sleeves of a sweater to create beautiful wine bottle bags. They are an original way to give wine as a gift and are perfect as a gift for the winter.
First, cut out the sleeve of the sweater below the shoulder area. Then insert a wine bottle into the sleeve to cut the bottom, then stuff that in and hot glue the edges.
Now let's get to the decoration. You can roll the other end of the sleeve outwards for an interesting look. If the bottle bag is intended as a gift for a specific person, you can decorate it with their initials. A bow made of colorful yarn or matching fabric rounds off the gift beautifully.
Upcycling ideas for old jeans
From oneold jeansyou can realize just as many wonderful upcycling ideas. Bags, pillowcases, skirts, smartphones and laptop cases are just a small part of the variants. If you need a simple idea, you can simply cut out the trouser legs, sew one end together and create a bag to store small items.
Home and garden decorations made from denim are another great idea for upcycling clothes. For this bunting, for example, all you need is a triangle template and a long string. Whether made of the same or different denim colors, such a decoration suits every occasion.
Making new things out of old things – practical upcycling
If you want to bring a little nostalgia into your own four walls, then you can try this original idea. The old telephone receivers have been converted into practical bookends, giving the bookshelf a vintage charm at the same time.
Old telephone receiver as a bookend
The telephone receiver is screwed upright to a thin piece of metal that is supposed to sit under the books. Both parts of the bookend can be designed in any color to match the furnishings and decoration.
Jewelry storage made from picture frames
Practical upcycling ideas can create storage space in the home and thus ensure more order at home. An old picture frame, for example, can be turned into a cool one with some jute and a few screw hooksJewelry storagetransform for the wall. The steps can be found in the instructions below.
Key rack made of Lego bricks
The children are already grown up and no longer play with the colorful Lego bricks? Then you can get creative and use these to organize the keys. A really great idea, don't you think?
