Upcycling is just a new way to say, “Waste not, want not” or “Use what you have”. In older days it was common practice to use everything and to use it over and over. When items were used, another use was soon found for them. Things were saved, because as my husband would say, “You never know when you might need that”.
Our grandmothers and grandfathers saved everything: old jars, small wood pieces, fabric and ribbon scraps, and more. I remember many times searching through my grandmother’s button jar or ribbon scraps. She let us learn to hand-sew with scraps, and we thought it was the best thing ever! There’s nothing better than a doll dress made from scraps!
Think about the hours of entertainment that can be found in a bag of empty toilet paper rolls. Egg cartons are famous for childhood crafting projects. And, what toddler won’t love playing and creating make-believe worlds with a few cardboard boxes.
Upcycling can be as primitive or sophisticated as the imagination of the creator. Because many of us don’t have an upbringing with a resourceful grandmother, it’s helpful to learn from those who have had practical experience. And, for the artistic endeavor, there are tons of ideas to be found on blogs all over. I’m sharing some of my favorites in this post.
So, if you haven’t already, start saving all those jars, scraps, and little objects. Then, get creative! You can create things with your husband’s help, your grandchildren’s eager hands, or a group of friends. Let’s learn to recycle things in a new, fun, and practically frugal way!
@2020, copyright Lisa Ehrman
Author Profile
- Lisa has been blogging since 2013, and loves sharing resources and ideas for living a simple life. To get free printables, bonus words, and more - sign up for the newsletter.
People have become to quick to throw thing out today. That old say “Waste Not Want Not” comes to mind. Thanks for the article.
Yes, it’s easy to throw things away. Thanks for sharing, Debbie 🙂
We were raised with this and have saved more than our fair share of things we may need some day. The biggest problem is eventually using it all so that you don’t accumulate too much and cause a lot of clutter.
I agree. If you’re organized and have enough room to store some things, it’s doable. Not everyone has that ability. 🙂
Some wonderful Ideas, I like the dog bed. 🙂
Thanks, Deb! That is so sweet 🙂
Ahh, the lists are endless. Thanks for the great info. just beware of becoming a ‘hoarder’. lol
Hahaha…..I’m a tosser, naturally. My husband tends towards hoarding. Thanks for the laughs 🙂
So many great ideas! Thank you for sharing.
So glad to be helpful 🙂
I try to upcycle all I can.. Recycling Reusing is everything to me.
Awesome 🙂
I tend to be a hoarder because I was also raised to “reuse, repair. recycle” and it really does come in handy when I I don’t have to run out and spend money on something new.
Well, saving money is such a great reward for this.
Such a cost saver to upcycle where one can
Yes, it’s such a help 🙂
This is wonderful!! I am pinning this for easy find, because I always have something I know I can reuse it int something beautiful! Thank you
Great! Please share a pic of one of your creations 🙂
Great ideas, thank you!
You’re very welcome 🙂
I have found it is super easy to reuse aluminum foil
Great savings! Just wash and use again 🙂
Always good to see things being re-used, cheers to a more sustainable future.
Thanks, Calvin!
I save a lot of stuff, but also give a bunch away when I don’t need it any more. Then I have to find stuff that I’ve saved. (where did I put that???)
I’m the same way. Without some way to organize things, I’ll end up having to purchase another to replace what I can’t find!
those are some awesome tips and ideals,cant wait to do come crafts with the grandkids
Thanks! I’m saving up for when my grandchild is a little older, too.
I love the drawer idea! That’s very unique and that dog is adorable!
He’s so cute. When I found this picture, I knew it would be the perfect one 🙂
So many great ideas, I love the little drawer pet bed. My chihuahua would love that.
Thank you for these helpful tips!
I’m glad to be helpful 🙂
So many great ideals. I don’t do it as much as I used to but I still stop and look at stuff before I trash it.
These are awesome ideas, thank you so much for sharing! My kids are masters of upcycling, and will make things out of just about anything.
such fun ideas
I’m always looking for new upcycle ideas, thanks for sharing!