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Upcycling Projects

Purple Star emoji 18 items
Various materials you can usually get for free, and what you can make out of them
Sections
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Project Materials

 
Sarah Hankinson profile picture
Giant, Home Depot, Lowes… most large stores that get pallets shipped in will have pallet straps they no longer want.  Talk to stores near you about collecting this resource for your projects.  I haven't gone to a store yet who wasn't happy to give away supplies destined for the trash.
Pallet Strapping
 
Sarah Hankinson profile picture
This is more specific to flower shops and the floral department in the grocery store. Many times the people working there are happy to shrink their trash bill, and will gladly save these for you.
Flower Net Rose Buds Protection Mesh
 
Sarah Hankinson profile picture
This one's easy.  Junk mail, paper packaging in the box that just shipped, old receipts, the church bulletin, newspapers.  Every house has unwanted paper.
Old Newspapers, Bulletins, Junk Mail
 
Sarah Hankinson profile picture
I get most of my foil scraps from Stauffer's, since they use it on their pots and shape it.  Otherwise, Hershey kiss wrappers, Reese's wrappers, Dove chocolate wrappers, yogurt lids, applesauce tops, and any other sources you can think of can provide you those materials, and save the landfill.
Aluminum Foil Scraps: candy wrappers, applesauce lids, decorative pot foil
 
Sarah Hankinson profile picture
Can be found broken or whole, at stores like Home Depot or Lowes.  They should let you pick them up for free, just make sure you have the proper vehicle to transfer them home.
Wooden Pallets
 
Sarah Hankinson profile picture
Nearly any store will have cardboard.  Some offer it for free, and some stores you can have a conversation with the manager to see if they'll part with it.
Cardboard
 
Sarah Hankinson profile picture
These you can get from your house or a friend's, or if you want them in bulk, talk to your nearest bar or restaurant.  I get empty syrup bottles from a coffee shop once they run out of flavoring.  Very pretty bottles, too.
Empty Wine Bottles

Creative Projects

 
Sarah Hankinson profile picture
A fantastic project to use the pallet straps you've been collecting.  The baskets they make are flexible and won't break, as well as waterproof.
Square Basket
 
Sarah Hankinson profile picture
I have always loved making sculptures from aluminum foil.  These guys like to cover theirs with a special concrete mix, but I prefer leaving mine shiny.
Tin Foil Sculptures That Are Fun And Simple - Pal Tiya
 
Sarah Hankinson profile picture
This is the main project I use my flower sleeves in.
How to Make a Tulle Wreath (Easy DIY) - IkornCrafts
 
Sarah Hankinson profile picture
A great use for the skid boards, since it doesn't matter as much what kind of wood you use to build these.  Just make sure to use screws and drill pilot holes to avoid splitting the boards.
Wood Trellises
 
Sarah Hankinson profile picture
Origami is a good way to creatively use leftover paper.  There are varying levels of difficulty, depending on which origami project you choose.  Cranes are a classic, and relatively easy for a beginner.
Paper crane earrings, ornaments
 
Sarah Hankinson profile picture
After you've folded 50 cranes and are wondering what to do with them all.  Make them into a garland, Christmas ornaments, or a curtain tie.  I love adding beads to make them into ornaments.
Paper (Crane) Garland
 
Sarah Hankinson profile picture
In the past I've made a sword and shield from duct tape and cardboard.  I've also used it for a makeshift baby gate, and I've seen tutorials for making shelving from it as well.  Cardboard is incredibly versatile.
Cardboard Projects
 
Sarah Hankinson profile picture
If you don't have the time or inclination to make anything from the paper you've saved, you can always compost it for yourself or a friend.
Compost for your garden or a friend's
 
Sarah Hankinson profile picture
Another great project to use the pallet straps for.  Just don't put them through the dishwasher.
Woven Placemats
 
Sarah Hankinson profile picture
Reuse the empty bottles for a lamp style of your choice.  Personally, I like papering them with colored tissue and putting fairy lights inside.
Bottle Lamp
 
Sarah Hankinson profile picture
Make designs out of the aluminum foil and capture it forever in resin.  Or perhaps break the glass bottles and use the pieces artfully in your new drink coaster.
Resin Coasters