DIY your life: 17 brilliant recycling ideas that you can really use
Coffeemaker + Fish = Aquarium
Put the “kitsch” into repurposed kitchen appliances by turning an old coffeemaker into a funky new fishbowl for Goldie. Just be sure to keep it unplugged and far away from the real thing to prevent early a.m. mix-ups!
Play-Doh Lids + Peanut Butter = Birdfeeders
What to do with non-recyclable lids after your kid’s Play-Doh turns hard and brown? Schmear ‘em with peanut butter, sprinkle on seeds and -- voila! -- instant bird feeders.
Old Jeans + Glue = Coasters
At last, a new use for worn-out jeans that are too disheveled to donate. No matter how full of holes the knees may be, chances are the seams along the sides are still intact. Simply cut, coil and glue them into sturdy coasters and set beneath your favorite cocktail.
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Cardboard + Fabric = Pretty Picture Mats
Add flair to any framed picture by creating a custom mat out of fabric scraps and an old cereal box. The process is surprisingly simple: Measure the dimensions of your frame and photo, cut the mat to fit and affix the fabric with spray glue. You can even match the theme of your fabric to the sentiment of your photo, pairing pastel polka dots with a sweet baby portrait, for example.
Drink Cups + Lids = Mess-Free Paint Pots
Don’t toss that Frappuccino cup after your next frozen drink fix. The domed lids and large straw holes make perfect paint and brush holders! Fewer spills mean fewer tears (for the kids) and quick and easy cleanup (for mum).
Tablecloth + Sewing Machine = Reusable Lunch Bags
That old vinyl-coated tablecloth has life in it yet -- as leak-resistant, reusable lunch bags! All you need are a pair of scissors, basic sewing skills and a standard bag pattern.
Light Bulb + Wire = Hanging Vase
Who would’ve thought an ordinary light bulb could be transformed into something as lovely as this delicate bud vase? The tricky part is removing the sealed glass at the base of the bulb, so be sure to have gloves and safety goggles on hand.
Suitcase + Furniture Legs = Table
It’s been a long time since Grandma’s vintage valise took a spin on the baggage carousel. Give the old case new life as a quirky side table by adding a set of salvaged legs, a retro lamp and a stack of your favorite travel magazines.
Wine Cork + Skewer = Garden Marker
Put that drawer full of corks to good use with this idea that’s just in time for planting season. To create a garden marker, simply insert the pointed end of a bamboo skewer into the cork and trim the end.
Old Window + Photos = Picture Frame
Salvage those old windows stashed away in your basement and repurpose them as rustic-chic multi-photo picture frames. You’ll refresh your wall décor and free up some storage space at the same time!
Mason Jars + Wood Plank = Wall Planter
The first rule of upcycling is that mason jars make attractive containers for pretty much everything -- from spices to marbles to sewing supplies. The second rule is that virtually any vessel can be turned into a planter. Add some appealingly weathered wood backings for extra style points.
Water Bottle + Ribbon = Cookie Gift Box
What happens when two water bottles meet? They combine to make the cleverest recycled gift packaging we’ve seen. Snip off the tops, add cookies, and seal with printed or clear tape and some pretty ribbon.
Toilet Paper Rolls + Shoe Box = Cable Storage
For some of us, “storing” the cables to our various electronic devices means adding them to a massive tangle of unlabeled cords. If that’s how you “roll,” try this ingenious organising system instead. (To make longer compartments, cut a paper towel tube to the desired length.)
Coffee Cans + Yarn = Stilts
Our parents were repurposing coffee cans long before the term ‘upcycle’ was on anyone’s radar -- remember those Maxwell House pencil cups? More fun than desk organisers, these homemade stilts are easy to make, easy to use and good to the last…clop.
Egg Carton + Holiday Baubles = Ornament Storage
There are as many ways to reuse egg cartons as there are chicken-crossing-the-road jokes. From craft supplies to seedlings, those twelve little cups are ideal for storing the small stuff. They’re also perfect for protecting fragile Christmas ornaments in the off-season.
Milk Containers + Creativity = Igloo
Got milk? Sure, the 2 Litre jugs are recyclable, but they also make the perfect “bricks” for the coolest all-season igloo we’ve ever seen. Add this to your rainy day project list and start saving those jugs!
Wine Corks + Hot Glue = Bath Mat
Keep all of your wine corks laying around for that perfect DIY project? Skip the generic department store find and instead create a functional, pretty bath mat that will have you guests asking where they can pick up their own.
Next Up: 24 foolproof craft ideas your kids will love
We've picked the best kids craft ideas from Pinterest, so prepare the papier mache and start co
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