Upcycling household items is a fantastic way to reduce waste and create unique, personalised items for your home. Here are some creative recycling projects to get you started.
1) Glass jar herb garden
Turn your old glass jars into a mini herb garden. Start by cleaning the jars; you could also decorate the outside if you like. Then fill the bottom part with some stones, pebbles or sand for drainage, and finally plant your favourite herbs. Styling tip: hang on a wall or arrange on a kitchen shelf.
2) Wine cork noticeboard
Save your wine corks and glue them together to create a stylish noticeboard. A functional item that will look stunning and it makes a great conversation piece.
3) Sweater cushion covers
Repurpose your old jumpers into cosy cushion covers. Cut the jumper to the size you need and sew it into a cushion shape.
4) Tin can planters
Clean and decorate tin cans and use them as planters for flowers or herbs. You can hang or place them on a windowsill. Another styling tip is to arrange them in a row for a unique edge to your garden borders.
5) Tin can lanterns
Another great use for tin cans is to turn them into lanterns. The first step is to paint and decorate them. Then carefully poke holes in the sides to create patterns and insert a candle. They make perfect patio decorations or a unique indoor feature.
6) Metal bottle top coasters
Collect bottle caps and use them to create coasters. Arrange them in a pattern, then seal with clear resin.
7) CD mosaic mirror
Break up your old, unwanted CDs and glue the pieces onto a mirror frame to create a shiny, mosaic effect.
8) Book page art
Use old books or sheet music to create framed art. Cut out interesting pages and arrange them in a visually appealing way, then frame them.
9) Denim jeans tote bag
Turn your old jeans into a fashionable tote bag. Cut off the legs, sew along the bottom and add straps. You can even use the cut-offs to make the straps.
10) Silverware wind chimes
String together old silverware and attach it to a wooden frame or other suitable object to create a charming wind chime for your garden.
11) T-shirt quilt
Turn old, sentimental T-shirts into a cosy quilt. Cut the shirts into squares and sew them together. This would make a great gift for a milestone birthday.
12) Teacup candles
Fill vintage teacups or cups you no longer use with melted wax to create charming candles for your home or to give as a gift to friends and family.
These creative recycling projects not only reduce waste but also allow you to make your home more unique and personalised while giving new life to old, discarded items.
And if you’d like to be creative with your kids, take a look at these eight fun recycling activities. Perfect for rainy days.