Have you ever stared at an empty cereal box and thought, “You could be something… greater”? No? Just me? Well, after today, you’ll never look at “junk” the same way again.
Upcycling is the art of taking discarded items and giving them new life, function, or flair. Think of it as DIY with a heart of gold (and a dash of eco-hero energy). Not only does it save money and reduce waste, but it gives your crafts a cool backstory. Imagine saying, “Oh, this organizer? It used to be a spaghetti box.”
Mic drop.
Why Upcycling Rocks
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Eco-friendly: Less trash, more style.
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Budget-friendly: Your supplies are literally free.
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Endlessly creative: Constraints breed innovation. (MacGyver would be proud.)
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Conversation starters: “Oh this vase? It used to be a shampoo bottle.”
Materials to Start Collecting
Time to raid your recycling bin! Here’s your new favorite supply list:
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Cardboard boxes (cereal, tissue, shipping)
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Glass jars and tin cans
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Old t-shirts or jeans
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Toilet paper rolls
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Plastic containers or bottles
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Magazines, newspapers
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Bottle caps, buttons, and random bits
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Yarn, string, or ribbon scraps
Pair these with your basic tools (scissors, glue gun, tape, paint) and you’ve got a recipe for upcycling magic.
Project 1: Cereal Box Drawer Organizer
Because your junk drawer deserves better.
What You’ll Need:
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Empty cereal boxes (at least 2–3)
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Scissors or craft knife
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Ruler and pencil
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Decorative paper or fabric (optional)
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Glue or tape
Instructions:
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Cut boxes to size. Decide how tall your organizers should be and trim them accordingly.
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Create compartments. Mix and match different heights and shapes to fit snugly in your drawer.
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Decorate (optional but encouraged). Wrap them in pretty paper, fabric, or even comic strips.
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Arrange in drawer. Place them inside and revel in your new, aesthetically-pleasing organization system.
Now your paper clips and rogue batteries have a fashionable new home.
Project 2: Tin Can Lanterns
Turn your old soup cans into glowing works of art. They’re perfect for patios, cozy corners, or even romantic evenings with your cat.
What You’ll Need:
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Empty, cleaned tin cans
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Hammer and nail or metal punch
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Tea light candle (or LED for safety)
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Paint (optional)
Steps:
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Fill can with water and freeze. This keeps it from bending while you punch holes.
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Mark a simple design. Hearts, stars, or polka dots are great starting points.
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Punch holes along the design. Use a nail and hammer (carefully!) to create your pattern.
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Let ice melt and dry can.
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Paint or decorate. Give it your personal flair.
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Place candle inside and enjoy the glow.
Warning: You may become irrationally proud of your glowing tin can. This is normal.
Side Note : Promote & earn with Letterhanna’s affiliate program.
Project 3: T-Shirt Tote Bag (No Sew!)
Yep, you read that right—no sewing required. Just scissors, knots, and a rebellious attitude.
Materials:
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Old t-shirt (preferably one you’ve emotionally outgrown)
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Scissors
Instructions:
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Cut off the sleeves and neckline. Boom—instant handles.
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Turn inside out. Tie a row of small knots along the bottom hem to close it up.
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Flip right-side out. Done!
Now you’ve got a reusable, washable tote for groceries, books, or more craft supplies (because the addiction is real).
Mindset Check: Channel Your Inner Trash Whisperer
Upcycling is about vision. It’s seeing what could be, not what is. That coffee can? It’s not just a can—it’s a planter. That milk jug? Bird feeder. That single sock without a partner? Hello, sock puppet stage debut.
And remember, there’s no such thing as “too weird” in the upcycle world. The quirkier, the better.
Unique Fact of the Day:
The term “upcycling” was coined in 1994, by Reiner Pilz, a German engineer who was fed up with the waste of recycling. He said instead of “downcycling,” which degrades materials, we should be “upcycling”—adding value to used items.
So when someone says your tin can lantern is just “trash,” you can confidently say, “It’s engineered art, actually.”
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