Fresh Upcycling Ideas for Your Home

It's been a while since I've featured some upcycled decor ideas. Behold this fresh crop of inspiration!

 In honor of the Kentucky Derby this weekend: Recycled Map Prize Ribbon by Etsy seller saratops, $15

Here is a tutorial on how to make your own prize ribbons!

 

An uncycled headboard, made of books. This takes reading in bed to a whole new level! (source)

An antique crab pot turned into a message board. Genius. (source)

Delightful Recycled Drinking Glasses (made of soda bottles!) by Etsy seller YAVAglass, $8 each

My $7 Entryway Makeover

So, yesterday I ventured out to run an errand and found myself lured by the fluorescent garage and estate sale signs on many a street corner in Marietta. What a delight to have scored a bundle of beautiful vintage upholstry fabric for $1, a pale blue bulletin board for $1 and the best..... A 1940's (possibly older) Royal Typewriter for $5. I know! How wonderful is that?! The gentleman hosting the garage sale didn't want to haul it in his move, so it was a win-win situation.

"A British Woven Union Linen Screen Print" is written across the bottom of the fabric panels.

I rushed home and gathered a few items I already owned, plus my new finds and made over our entry way. To affix the linen to the bulletin board, I used brass upholstry nails (they run you about $2 at a hardware store).

Voila! And only for $7... I am a happy woman:)

Putting a New Spin on Old Items-- Upcycled Decor!

I have gotten into the habit of looking at everyday items, flipping them upsidedown, squinting my eyes, forgetting what they are really made for, and transforming them into art/decor pieces for my home. It's great fun! Here's an example of a few of my recent creations (some of the best sellers in my Etsy shop):

The Collander Lamp-

Vintage Tray Magnifique Memo Board (with Vintage Button Magnets)-

A couple of inspiring upcycled items that get me in the mood to scavenge around my kitchen and basement:

Tupperware Lamps! How genius! These beauties, created by Frank Ciscione, look fairly simple to make and would look lovely in a colorful grouping over your kitchen island. They can be purchased for $75 at Artifactori in Sommerville, MA, or you could probably just make your own from thrift shop Tupperware finds. Don't be surprised if I start making these cuties and selling them in my Etsy shop....

Upcycled Cheese Grater Pencil Holder by Etsy seller RaeRaeSisters. Although this item is sold out on Etsy, I'm sure you could contact the seller and find out if they plan on making something similar in the future. It's just so clever and functional! Check out their shop for more reclaimed goodness!

Wonderful! This charming Feed Sack Cushion by Etsy seller nextdoortoheaven can be customized with your favorite destination or street address and it's only $35. It's sure to stand out against plaids, solids, and florals on your bed or sofa.

Recently Real Simple did an article on putting your potted plants into old coffee cans and vintage food tins. I have the sweetest, red Folger's can that holds one of my window plants. I'm hoping to someday use only reclaimed items to hold my house plants... better keep collecting!

photo courtesy of Poppytalk

So, I hope this posting has inspired you to start creating new things out of old and everyday items. Feel free to comment with your ideas and/or similar things you have seen done. I love reading your comments!