Upcycled DIY craft projects are some of my favorite weekend distractions. If you’re feeling the itch to create something, here are 8 ideas to turn household items into something more useful or decorative.

Upcycled DIY Craft Projects – Paint Something!

1. Most of the ideas in this post are easy upcycled projects, but this lampshade DIY might be the simplest. Grab a white lampshade and a sharpie or black paint. Draw/paint on your design. Voila!

Last weekend, I was inspired to paint the two white lampshades in our guest bedroom. Why? Maybe I was avoiding the bigger DIY projects that I really need to accomplish. Anyway, I debated a Sharpie mudcloth design or black dots for a paint splatter approach, and I decided on the dots. 68 cents and one curbside pick-up from Michaels later, I was ready to paint.

This entire project only took about 10 minutes. After I grabbed a couple of watercolor brushes from my son’s art supplies, I just went to town. I realize the shades look a bit Dalmation-y, but you win some, you lose some. I just wanted a small change, and this is an easy DIY to try on a whim. It’s not terrible, but I’m not in love with it, so maybe next weekend I’ll start over with new shades and try the Sharpie.

More DIY Painting Projects

2. How cute are these salsa jar candle holders? This tutorial shows how to use painter’s tape to mask off the stripes, and the fun gold paint gives this some sparkle. I’m planning to save our salsa jars and try this!

3. This stenciled pillow project shows you how to stencil and sew a new pillow cover. However, you could also just use an existing pillow cover and stencil on a new design to refresh your decor. Here are details on the original project, with sources and supplies.

4. Paint an old planter or a terracotta pot. Here is a cute idea from the Pottery Barn Blog.

5. And here is a neat DIY for paint-dipped pots from The Decor Fix.

Upcycled DIY Craft Projects with Fabric

6. This reusable bag idea is an easy sewing project using an old t-shirt. Check out the tutorial here. You could also make this a no-sew project by cutting the bottom edges into fringe and tying the ends into a series of knots. Here are no-sew directions. This is a simple project and kids could help. Instead of tossing your old ratty shirts, upcycle them into something useful.

7. How cute is this rag rug project? Even if you’re not a leftover fabric hoarder like me, you could upcycle old t-shirts. This tutorial has clear pictures to show each step, and this project could probably be done with kids. It’s going on my list for summer craft activities.

8. If you have some basic sewing skills, you could turn a pile of fabric into “unpaper towels.” Here are directions to sew them, with fabric recommendations. Terry cloth would be more absorbent than old t-shirts, but if you’re trying to reuse items around your house, give those a try. Personally, I would skip the snaps, because I can’t see myself ever snapping the towels together to make a cute roll. I still think this is a great project.

Want to Read More?

To read more about our recent DIY projects and other tips, check out these posts:

Tips to Help Fresh Flowers Last Longer
45 Beautiful Outdoor Rugs for Your Home
28 Doorbells and Door Knockers to Update Your Entry
Our DIY Kitchen Remodel Cost and Lessons Learned

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