40+ Upcycled Crafts DIY (Easy Craft Ideas Projects)

April is my favorite month for upcycled crafting!

Earth Day is mid April (22nd) and Keep America Beautiful is celebrated all month long.

Upcycled projects are taking things that would end up in the landfill or have seen better days, and transforming it into something wonderful in clever ways.

 
So snag that old door, old shutters, old suitcases, coffee tables, old drawer, that empty wine bottle, old tires or take a trip to the thrift store and find something to give second life with a fresh coat of paint or building it into something new.

Rummage in the recycle bin, get those old jeans, toilet paper rolls, old bottles, tin cans, old clothes and other old items and put them to good use with a bit of creativity and some craft supplies. 

It's the best way to help reduce the amount of consumption. Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without!

I've gather a bunch of "never blogged about crafts" and paired them up with some that have been featured on my blog.

I make a lot of crafts, hundreds a month, so they don't always make it to a full tutorials blog posts...I've shared a bunch on instagram, typically in a reel so it shows a complete (albeit sped up) tutorial.

So click all the pictures to take you to the direct links and let me know you came from my blog to instagram by leaving a comment there!

Upcycled Frame into Cottage Core Art Decor

How to Upcycle Frame into Cottagecore Art Home Decor Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

Turn a frame with the glass and all, or even an old window, into a work of art by painting the whole thing and adding some bright colors!

This upcycle is one of my favorite projects!

How to Make a Rainbow Disco Ball with Alcohol Inks

Paint a Disco Ball with Alcohol Ink to make a Rainbow Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

Take an old disco ball and add some bright colors to it with alcohol ink.

This is one of the easy crafts and only takes a few minutes to breathe new life into an old object.

How to Make a Mini Plant using Stickers DIY

How to Make a Mini Plant with Stickers Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

Plus How to Paint a Small Candle Holder with Murano Glass Paints Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

Use stickers and some paint, a little wire and a thrifted bud vase to make a little potted plant.

The best part is that this plant needs no watering!

How to Make a Himmeli Geometric Plant Holder

Turn Gold Tubes into a Geometric Plant Holder Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

Easy projects with a impressive final result are my favorite way to give new use to something.

I found these gold tubes and knew they'd work great for this living room decor...just needed a little engineer planning.

Upcycle a Tea Light Holder with Cottage Core Art

Paint a Couple of Mushrooms on a Tea Light Holder Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

Creative ideas don't have to be hard, find something that you are tired of in your home and add some paint to make it new!

How to Make a Trinket Tray Riser Upcycle

Trinket Tray with Bead Riser Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

If you have a wooden wall sign, there's easy ways to upcycle it into adorable storage space.

Use it as a tray and give it risers using hot glue and wooden beads.

How to Make a Paint Pour Flower Pot

Paint Poured Flower Pot Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

Throwing things away all the time has an environmental impact, so finding new ways to use things is the right choice.

A paint pour is on of the easy upcycling ideas for all ages and skill levels.

How to Make a Strawberry Jar with Murano Glass Paint

Strawberry Jar Painted with Murano Glass Paints Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

Mason jar crafts are a favorite!

Paint the glass with Plaid's Murano glass paint to give any old bottles and jars new life!

How to Upcycle Leather Shoes with Plaid Kick's Paint

Upcycled Leather Sandals using Kick's Paint Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

These shoes are my favorite style but were not quite my favorite color.

I used some paint to make them pop and I love the final result!

Geometric Cake Stand DIY with Tealight Holder

Upcycle a few items to make a geometric cakestand, perfect for parties and home decor. 

This fun DIY just needs a glass cloche and a tea light holder. 

Perfect for holiday entertaining and it just takes a few minutes to assemble.

How to Make Dum-Dum Candy Wrapper Buttons

Turn Dum-Dum Wrappers into Pin Back Buttons Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

Save those little sucker wrappers and make them into little buttons that can be pinned on a backpack or jacket!

There's lots of upcycle ideas for candy wrappers!

Upcycled Craft: 2-Liter Bottle Terrarium Cloche DIY

Upcycled crafts are the best!  

Can you believe that this adorable cookie cloche or terrarium cloche is made from a recycled 2-liter soda bottle?  

It's perfect for keeping cookies fresh or plants warm!  

Plus it's an eco-friendly and economical craft and keeps plastic bottles from becoming water pollution!

How to Make a Geometric Succulent Terrarium DIY!

Learn how to make your own geometric succulent terrarium with recycled materials!

This fun DIY is inexpensive and you might have some of the materials laying around already.

Can you tell how I made this!?

I bet you can't guess.

How to Upcycle a Tray with Fabric!

Mod Podge a Tray with Fabric and Glitter Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

Add beautiful fabric to a tray that's on it's way to the bin. 

The good news is you can use fabric that you have too...or even old t-shirts.

How to Mod Podge Napkins on a Rope Basket DIY

Mod Podge Napkins on a Rope Basket Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

Add a cute rope basket to the craft room, the perfect place for catching little pieces of fun.

Rope baskets are easy projects and just need some Mod Podge and a cute napkin!

How to Paint Wood Chairs DIY (No Sanding Needed)

I love refinishing furniture--especially furniture I found on the street, destined for the trash.

These lovely wooden chairs were spotted on my morning workout, and my friend and I carried them back to my house for updating.

The best part is to paint wood chairs with no sanding or intense preparation needed.

How to Paint a Globe (DIY Galaxy Star Map Tutorial)

Transform an old globe into a galaxy star map perfect for Halloween or just every day home decor.

Find a vintage globe at thrift stores, flea markets, yard sales or out of the dusty attic and make it a statement piece for the coffee table.

With a few simple steps and a coat of paint, you'll have an awesome DIY globe just in time for spooky season.

How to Embroider Denim Jacket DIY with Easy Floral

Learn how to easily embroider a denim jacket with cute floral designs.

This quick upcycle project is a great way to add interest to any denim fabric or sturdy fabric, no embroidery hoop needed.

Add a little hand embroidery to the front pocket of a jacket or the back pocket of a pair of jeans.

How to Upcycle a Chair with Chalk Paint and Rub-on's

Chalk Paint a Roadside Rescue Chair Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

Add Rub-on's Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

Paint a chair a different colour with chalk paint and add some rub-ons for a little vintage treasures vibe!

How to Make Earrings from Puzzle Pieces!

Make Puzzle Earrings with Paint and Glitter, Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

There's always a puzzle or 2 with missing pieces laying around.

Instead of tossing it, use the pieces to make darling dangle earrings.

How to Upgrade a Box with Plaid Paint

Upcycle any Cardboard Box with Colorful Paint, Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

Cardboard boxes are good resources for crafting and make easy upcycles.

I've painted treat boxes to give to friends and tissue boxes to make my house more cheerful!

How to Use Plaid Folkart Murano Glass Paint DIY

Learn how to use Plaid Folkart Murano Glass Paint on a few glass projects.

It's a fun way to add the look of hand-blown glass to glass objects that need some excitment.

Upcycle various glass pieces with different glass effects from Plaid's line of Murano Glass Paint.

Red, White and Blue Tray Upcycle Craft

Decorate a Plain Serving Tray for any Occasion Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

Find an old tray and upcycle it into a sign for a fun holiday decor.

How to Make Monoprints into Chic Decor

Turn Monoprints into Leaves for Chic Home Decor, Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

Use that tree branch in the yard and add some leaves for some chic home decor.

How to Add Sparkle to Pinecones for Delightful Decor!

Paint Pinecones with Glitter Mod Podge for the perfect decoration, Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

Take a nature walk and find some pinecones to add glitter Mod Podge to.

Perfect diy projects for the kids!

How to Paint PlaidFX on Leather Jacket

Make your leather (or faux leather) jacket stand out with Plaid FX paint! 

Plaid FX paint is the most amazing paint for all your cosplay needs. 

It comes in tons of colors and dries flexible--so it's perfect for leather, fabric, shoes, cosplay, foam, etc!

Paint flowers, crystals or anything your creativity can imagine onto a faux leather jacket using Plaid FX paint. 

Upcycle the perfect diy upcycled denim jacket painting for any time of year with a little imagination!

How to Transform Paint Drips into Beautiful Jewelry!

Make Jewelry with Leftover Paint Drippings Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

Save the drips of paint from other projects and make beautiful jewelry!

How to Make a Gingerbread Man Ornament DIY

Gingerbread Man on Cookie Tray Ornament Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

Make a cute ornament by repurposing things, like a little paint palette.

How to Paint on a Plain Gift Bag to be Extra!

Painted Kraft Gift Bag Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

Say goodbye to plastic bags and start using kraft bags.

Decorate them with paint to match a theme, holiday or vibe!

DIY Upcycle Nightstands into Desk with Chalk Paint!

Learn how quick and easy it is to upcycle, update or refinish old furniture!

See how amazing this DIY project turned out by transforming nightstands or small dresser drawers into a desk!

With chalk paint and a few supplies, this chic set up can be recreated in less than 4 hours!

How to Upcycle Nesquik into a Marker Station with Plaid Plastic Paints!

Upcycle Plastic Trash into Treasure with Plastic Paint Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

This Nesquik container was on its way to the trash...a long way from a cute craft project.

But Plaid's plastic paint makes it so easy to paint on plastic and give them new life.

This is perfect for markers, but would work great to hold kitchen utensils too!

How to Upcycle an old Vase with Paint and Baking Soda!

Vase Upgrade with Paint Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

This upcycle works so well because the paint is mixed with baking soda to make a thick chalk paint that coats anything and gives it a cool texture.

Paint it on old books, vases, wood pieces and more!

How to Make Disco Mirror Ball Shoes DIY Tutorial

Disco Mirror Ball! Ever been to a club, dance hall or school dance and just thought "I totally need a disco ball!"? No, just me?

Turns out that mirror tiles belong on everything from the dance floor to shoes!

It's easy to create some dance club worthy footwear using mirror tiles and the familiar swirl pattern of a disco mirror ball.

Make disco ball shoes easily with just a couple supplies and a lot of time--the perfect mirror mirror foot wear.

Reclaimed Wood Lamp with Geometric Himmeli Shade!

Upcycled and reclaimed projects are my favorite! 

This awesome lamp was made with an old piece of a pallet, a lighting kit and straws. 

Yes, this lamp with geometric himmeli shade cost nearly nothing to make and it makes such a statement!

This awesome lamp tutorial has been updated from it's original 2014 post. 

This lamp got me so much attention! I won the Grand Prize in an Instructables Contest, was flown to Atlanta Georgia for a special event and won a huge selection of tools from Home Depot. 

I've had numerous people send me pictures of their lamps, inspired by mine. 

This is why I do what I do!

How to Make Mini Notebooks from a Donut Box!

Turn a Box of Donuts into Mini Notebooks Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

Take an old donut box, especially a Mochi Nuts box and make mini notebooks!

They are cute and perfect for small spaces.

How to Paint Flowers on a Terrarium with Gallery Glass Paint!

Paint Watercolor Flowers on a Terrarium Video Tutorial on Instagram Reels

Pick up some Gallery Glass paint at the craft store and add watercolor-like flowers to glass for a whole new look!

Upcycled Jean Jacket with Patches: Earth Day Craft!

Upcycled Jean Jacket with Patches: Earth Day Craft!  

I love upcycled crafts. They are my favorite medium for sure. 

I love taking an old garment and giving them new life. 

Make a fabulous statement piece by upcycling an old jean jacket with patches.   

This NO-SEW jean jacket upcycle is a perfect craft for all ages and genders! 

Upcycle a backpack, jeans, tote, pillowcase or anything else too.

Vintage Frame Ring Holders!

Turn an old frame into a stunning ring display holder!

Upcycled crafts are my favorite. I love taking something old and making it something new.

Make ring display holders for gifts, displays for boutique sales, or just to display your favorite rings on your nightstand.

Cereal Box Refillable Journals Upcycled Craft DIY!

Make a cereal box refillable journal for the perfect Earth Day crafting! 

These cute notebooks are perfect and can be refilled with any kind of paper you like. 

Turn cereal boxes into a refillable notebook for sketching, drawing and note taking. 

Upcycled Rolled Paper Frame!

   

This frame is visually stunning with lots of texture and pops of color!  However...it's menace runs deeper.  

This was the most tedious and time consuming project I've ever wrangled my kids into doing.  It turned out stunning, with vivid colors and looks amazing...but it was the most tedious project I've ever tackled!  

Be warned and proceed with caution!

How to Paint Cake & Ice Cream Shoes!

These painted cake and ice cream shoes look good enough to eat!

Make a pair of cake and ice cream kicks to wear in delicious and show-stopping style!

These cool shoes are the perfect upcycled accessory!

That's it!

I love making things and giving new life to things that would normally get tossed.

There's so many wonderful ways to reduce, reuse and then recycle our rubbish.

Which of these fun Upcycled Crafts did you like the most?

Like, Pin and Save!