What is Upcycling?

Upcycling is turning old or unwanted items into something new and useful. It reduces waste and sparks creativity.

Ideas for Upcycling:

• Old Furniture: Sand down and repaint to refresh. Add new knobs or stencils to customise.
  
  

• Clothing: Turn old jeans into shorts or a bag. Use t-shirts for DIY rugs or tote bags.
  
  

• Glass Jars and Bottles: Use as storage, vases, or candle holders. Wine bottles can be converted into lamps.
  
  

• Pallet Wood: Create shelves, planters, or even furniture like bed frames.
  
  

• Broken Plates: Make a mosaic on a table or garden path from broken ceramic pieces.
  
  

How to Upcycle:

1. Clean the item thoroughly.
   
   

2. Disassemble if needed (like unscrewing furniture parts).
   
   

3. Paint, sew, or glue to give it a new purpose.
   
   

4. Be creative with colours and patterns for a unique finish.

10 Creative Ways to Upcycle Children's Clothes

Children grow fast, and they often outgrow clothes long before they wear them out. Upcycling children's clothes is a great way to repurpose their outgrown or old garments. Here are 10 creative and practical ways to upcycle children's clothes for new uses:

1. Turn Baby Clothes into Memory Quilts

What You’ll Need: Old baby clothes, scissors, needle, thread, and backing fabric.

Cut squares from your child’s old baby clothes and stitch them together to create a memory quilt. This quilt can be a beautiful keepsake, preserving special memories.

2. Create Doll Clothes from Old Children’s Clothes

What You’ll Need: Fabric from outgrown clothes, scissors, needle, and thread.

Upcycle old t-shirts, skirts, or jeans into miniature clothes for your child’s dolls or stuffed animals. It's a fun and eco-friendly way to extend the life of their clothes and spark creativity during playtime.

3. Make Baby Bibs from Old T-Shirts

What You’ll Need: Old t-shirts, scissors, and a sewing machine.

Cut soft, absorbent t-shirts into bib shapes and sew the edges for a neat finish. You can add snaps or Velcro for closure. This is a great way to repurpose t-shirts that are no longer in use but still have life left in them.

4. Turn Jeans into Shorts or Capris

What You’ll Need: Scissors, needle, and thread.

If your child's jeans have become too short or have holes in the knees, turn them into shorts or capris. Simply cut to the desired length and hem the edges or leave them frayed for a casual look.

5. Create Headbands or Hair Bows from Old Dresses

What You’ll Need: Fabric from old dresses, scissors, and elastic bands.

Use fabric from outgrown dresses to create stylish headbands or hair bows. These accessories are easy to make and can match your child’s favorite outfits.

6. Make a T-Shirt Dress

What You’ll Need: An old adult-sized t-shirt, needle, and thread.

Transform a large t-shirt into a dress for your little one. Cut the t-shirt to the desired length, add a belt or ribbon around the waist, and you've got an easy, comfy dress.

7. Sew Stuffed Animals from Old Clothes

What You’ll Need: Fabric from children's clothes, stuffing, scissors, and thread.

Turn outgrown clothes into cute stuffed animals. Use a simple pattern, cut the fabric, and sew the pieces together, stuffing them as you go. These handmade toys can be cherished for years to come.

8. Repurpose Pyjamas into Play Clothes

What You’ll Need: Old pyjamas, scissors, and thread.

Turn worn-out or too-small pyjamas into comfortable play clothes for around the house. Simply cut off any worn parts, add patches or adjustments, and let your kids enjoy more wear out of their comfy clothes.

9. Use Baby Clothes for Craft Projects

What You’ll Need: Baby clothes, picture frames, and a shadow box.

For a sentimental keepsake, frame pieces of your baby’s first outfit, hat, or shoes in a shadow box or frame. It’s a beautiful way to preserve these memories as part of your home decor.

10. Turn Old Clothes into Soft Toys

What You’ll Need: Fabric from outgrown clothes, scissors, thread, and stuffing.

Upcycle soft fabrics from baby or toddler clothes into small soft toys. These make excellent cuddly companions and can hold sentimental value if they’re made from special clothing items.

Final Thoughts

Upcycling children's clothes is a sustainable, sentimental, and fun way to repurpose garments your kids have outgrown. Whether you're turning baby clothes into a memory quilt, creating soft toys, or making headbands and accessories, these projects can extend the life of your child's clothes while reducing waste.

Try one of these creative ideas today and give those tiny garments new life!

What is Kintsugi? 

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. Rather than hiding the cracks, Kintsugi celebrates them, turning flaws into beauty.

How to Try Kintsugi:

Materials Needed: Epoxy glue, metallic powder (gold or silver), a small brush, and the broken pottery.

• Clean and Dry the pottery pieces.

• Mix the Adhesive with metallic powder.

• Apply the adhesive to broken edges and fit them together.

• Let it Dry fully before handling.

View: https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Kintsugi-Repair 

10 Examples of Kintsugi

Here are 10 stunning and creative examples of how Kintsugi can transform broken items into works of art:

1. Broken Teapot Repaired with Gold

A traditional teapot with a large crack in the handle and body is repaired using gold lacquer. The golden lines emphasize the break, giving the teapot a more elegant and distinguished look while retaining its functionality.

2. Shattered Plate with Golden Cracks

A once-shattered ceramic dinner plate is carefully pieced together using gold lacquer. The intricate web of golden cracks running across the surface turns it from an ordinary dish into a statement art piece that can be displayed or used.

3. Mended Porcelain Vase

An old porcelain vase that had broken into several pieces is restored with silver lacquer. The metallic lines give the vase a modern, striking appearance that contrasts beautifully with its delicate, traditional design.

4. Repaired Ceramic Bowl with Platinum Lacquer

A ceramic bowl, originally plain and unassuming, is repaired with platinum lacquer. The shimmering silver lines running through the cracks enhance the bowl’s minimalist design, turning it into a more precious object.

5. Cup with a Golden Handle

A cup with a broken handle is repaired using the Kintsugi technique. The gold-filled crack along the handle creates a beautiful contrast between the natural ceramic and the metallic sheen, making the cup a cherished item.

6. Kintsugi Lamp Base

A broken lamp base made from pottery is beautifully mended with gold lacquer. The gold veins running through the structure add an artistic touch to an everyday object, making it both functional and decorative.

7. Kintsugi Jewellery

Broken ceramic jewellery pieces, such as a pendant or bracelet, are pieced together with gold or silver lacquer. This creates unique, wearable art that celebrates imperfection and adds an extra layer of beauty to personal accessories.

8. Repaired Tea Set

A delicate tea set with several cracks and chips is transformed through Kintsugi. The gold lacquer used to mend the cracks adds a luxurious touch to the set, making it ideal for display or use during special occasions.

9. Restored Family Heirloom

An old, cherished bowl passed down through generations has been broken but repaired using the Kintsugi method. The gold-filled cracks not only restore the bowl but also add a deeper meaning to its sentimental value, symbolising resilience and history.

10. Decorative Art Piece

A once-broken decorative ceramic sculpture is turned into a striking piece of modern art through Kintsugi. The gold lines highlight its broken history, adding a layer of depth and meaning, and making it an eye-catching centrepiece.

Final Thoughts

Kintsugi is more than just a repair technique, it’s an art form that embraces imperfections and highlights them as part of an object’s story. These examples show how broken items can be transformed into unique, beautiful works of art through the use of gold, silver, or platinum lacquer, turning flaws into features to be celebrated.

What is Boro? 

Boro is a traditional Japanese technique of layering patches of fabric on worn-out areas, usually combined with Sashiko stitching for durability and beauty.

How to Try Boro:

Materials Needed: Fabric scraps, a needle, thread (Sashiko thread works well), scissors, and pins.

• Layer the Patches over the worn-out area, securing them with pins.
  
  

• Stitch the patches in place using running or Sashiko stitches.
  
  

10 Ideas for Boro Projects

1. Boro Jeans Repair

Old jeans with rips or worn-out areas are patched using contrasting fabrics and hand-stitched with visible Sashiko stitching. This not only extends the life of the jeans but also adds a unique, artistic touch to them.

2. Boro Denim Jacket

An old denim jacket can be given a second life by patching frayed or torn sections with different shades of blue fabric and using decorative Sashiko stitches. This creates a stylish, personalized piece of outerwear.

3. Boro Tote Bags

Repurpose old fabric scraps and patch them together to create a unique Boro-style tote bag. The visible stitching and patchwork design make each bag one-of-a-kind and a sustainable alternative to mass-produced bags.

4. Boro Cushion Covers

Old cushion covers that have faded or torn can be transformed using Boro. Patch the worn areas with contrasting fabrics, adding visible stitching to create an interesting textured design that complements a cozy, modern living space.

5. Mended Boro Quilt

A Boro quilt can be made from old clothing, bedding, or fabric scraps stitched together with Sashiko patterns. This quilt can be a functional piece of art that brings warmth and a story into the home, showcasing layers of fabric from different times.

6. Boro Wall Art

Create a piece of textile wall art using the Boro technique. Arrange fabric scraps, old garments, or leftover materials on a canvas or fabric backing, stitching them together with Sashiko patterns to create a unique, meaningful display piece for your home.

7. Boro Repair for Sneakers

Worn out sneakers can be revived by patching fabric over torn or frayed areas and reinforcing the stitching with bold thread. This gives the sneakers a trendy, street-style look while also making them last longer.

8. Boro Scarf

Old scarves or pieces of fabric can be combined to create a new Boro style scarf. Use different materials and colors, stitching them together with contrasting thread, and turn your leftover textiles into a cozy, artistic accessory.

9. Boro Phone Case

Create a fabric phone case using the Boro technique. Use scrap fabrics to patch together a protective sleeve for your phone, stitching it with visible Sashiko style thread to add texture and durability.

10. Boro Notebook Cover

A plain notebook can be given a personalised touch with a Boro style fabric cover. Patch and stitch old pieces of fabric to create a cover that protects the notebook while giving it a handmade, artistic look.

Final Thoughts

These modern examples show how you can incorporate Boro into your everyday life by giving new purpose to old fabrics and creating unique, meaningful pieces that reflect both function and style.

• Fix Tears and Holes: Use simple hand stitching to sew up small holes or patch larger ones with fabric scraps.
  
  

• Replace Buttons and Zippers: Reattach lost buttons or fix zippers to extend the life of clothes.
  
  

• Hemming: Learn to hem pants, skirts, or curtains to adjust their length rather than replacing them.

Places to Buy Cheap Items for General Repair Tips for Clothes and Textiles

Repairing clothes and textiles doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are 10 affordable places where you can find materials, tools, and supplies for your clothing and textile repair projects:

1. Charity Shops / Thrift Stores

Charity shops are great places to find affordable fabric, old clothes for patching, buttons, and sewing kits. You can upcycle or repurpose materials for mending.

2. Pound Shops / Dollar Stores

Pound shops often carry basic sewing kits, needles, thread, and scissors at very low prices. These are perfect for small repair projects and stocking up on essentials.

3. Etsy (Vintage and Supplies Section)

Etsy is an online marketplace where you can find inexpensive sewing supplies, fabric scraps, buttons, and zippers from sellers worldwide. Look for small quantities or bundles to save money.

4. eBay

eBay offers a wide range of repair materials, including sewing kits, patches, and fabric scraps at bargain prices. You can also find bulk packs of thread and needles for long-term use.

5. Fabric Outlet Stores

Fabric outlet stores sell discounted fabrics, patches, and sewing tools. You can often find remnants or offcuts that are perfect for repairs and upcycling projects.

6. Local Craft Stores

Many local craft stores have sales sections where you can pick up fabric, needles, thread, and buttons at reduced prices. Check the clearance or sale bins for affordable supplies.

7. Amazon (Craft & Sewing Section)

Amazon offers budget-friendly options for sewing kits, fabric patches, and tools. You can easily find bundles of needles, zippers, and fabric glue at a low cost.

8. Supermarkets

Many supermarkets now carry basic sewing kits, fabric glue, and patches for quick repairs at very affordable prices. These are handy for emergency fixes and small mending tasks.

9. Car Boot Sales / Flea Markets

Car boot sales and flea markets are excellent for finding cheap fabrics, old clothes for patching, and vintage sewing supplies. You can often haggle for a better deal and find unique materials.

10. Haberdashery Shops

Local haberdasheries sometimes have discount sections or sell end-of-line items like thread, needles, and fabric at a reduced cost. You can pick up a variety of repair supplies on a budget.

Final Thoughts

These 10 places offer affordable options for anyone looking to repair or upcycle clothes and textiles. Whether you’re sourcing fabric scraps, sewing tools, or DIY kits, these shops can help you save money while extending the life of your garments and materials. Happy repairing!

Save Money by Repairing and Repurposing Furniture

Repairing and repurposing furniture is a practical and creative way to save money while reducing waste. Instead of buying new items, you can breathe new life into old or broken pieces by fixing or transforming them for a new purpose. This not only helps you stretch your budget but also adds a unique, personal touch to your home. Whether it’s turning an old door into a dining table or converting a broken chair into a stylish plant stand, upcycling furniture can result in functional and beautiful items while keeping costs low.

View: https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Furniture-Makeover-and-Repurposing-Projects

1. Turning a Broken Chair into a Plant Stand

What You’ll Need: Old chair, paint, and a potted plant.

Remove the seat of an old, broken chair and use the frame as a decorative plant stand. A coat of paint can give it a fresh look, making it a charming addition to any room or garden.

2. Repurposing a Dresser into a TV Stand

What You’ll Need: Dresser, paint, and new hardware.

Convert an old dresser into a TV stand by removing some of the drawers to create open shelving for electronics. Sand, paint, or stain the dresser for a modern or vintage look.

3. Turning an Old Door into a Dining Table

What You’ll Need: Old door, table legs, and a glass top.

Repurpose an old door by adding legs and a glass top to create a unique and rustic dining table. This project not only saves the door from landfill but gives it a new function in your home.

4. Upcycling a Ladder into a Bookshelf

What You’ll Need: Ladder, wood planks, and paint.

Use an old ladder to create a vertical bookshelf. Place wood planks between the rungs to form shelves, then paint or stain the ladder to match your decor.

5. Converting a Bed Frame into a Bench

What You’ll Need: Old bed frame, saw, paint, and cushions.

Cut down an old bed frame and convert it into a cozy bench. Add cushions for comfort and paint the frame for a stylish, upcycled seating area in your home or garden.

6. Turning a Coffee Table into an Ottoman

What You’ll Need: Old coffee table, foam, fabric, and a staple gun.

Repurpose an old coffee table by adding foam and fabric to create a soft ottoman. It’s a practical and decorative piece that adds comfort and style to any living room.

7. Restoring an Old Desk as a Vanity Table

What You’ll Need: Old desk, mirror, paint, and hardware.

Restore an old desk by adding a mirror and fresh paint to transform it into a vanity table. This project is perfect for reusing old desks that no longer fit in a home office but can be useful in a bedroom.

8. Using a Chest of Drawers as a Kitchen Island

What You’ll Need: Old chest of drawers, cutting board, and paint.

Convert an old chest of drawers into a functional kitchen island. Add a wooden or butcher block top, paint the drawers, and use the storage for kitchen essentials.

9. Turning a Dining Table into a Coffee Table

What You’ll Need: Old dining table, saw, and paint.

Cut down the legs of an old dining table to repurpose it as a coffee table. Sand and paint it for a stylish new addition to your living room, ideal for smaller spaces.

10. Repurposing Wooden Crates into Shelving Units

What You’ll Need: Wooden crates, paint, and screws.

Stack and mount wooden crates from old furniture or packaging to create a rustic, industrial-style shelving unit. It’s a budget-friendly way to add storage to your home using repurposed materials.

Final Thoughts

Repairing and repurposing old furniture can not only save you money but also give your home a unique and personal touch. From turning old doors into dining tables to converting bed frames into benches, these projects highlight the potential in items you already have. Give your furniture a second life with these creative upcycling ideas!

Save Money with Sustainable Crafting

Sustainable crafting is a fantastic way to embrace eco-friendly living while saving money. DIY beeswax wraps and candles are two simple, practical projects that reduce your reliance on disposable items and promote sustainability at home. Beeswax wraps replace plastic wrap for food storage, while beeswax candles are natural alternatives to store-bought candles, providing a warm glow without harmful chemicals. By crafting your own, you not only reduce waste but also create reusable items that last longer and help save money in the long run.

1. DIY Beeswax Wraps

What You’ll Need: Cotton fabric, beeswax pellets, and parchment paper.

Beeswax wraps are a reusable alternative to plastic wrap for food storage. Simply coat a piece of cotton fabric with melted beeswax to create your own wraps.

2. Beeswax Candles

What You’ll Need: Beeswax, wicks, and containers (like mason jars).

Create your own non-toxic candles by melting beeswax and pouring it into containers with wicks. Beeswax candles burn cleaner and longer than paraffin candles.

3. Upcycled Tin Can Candle Holders

What You’ll Need: Empty tin cans, a hammer, and nails.

Repurpose old tin cans by creating holes in decorative patterns, turning them into candle holders. Use beeswax candles for a sustainable glow.

4. Homemade Reusable Cotton Rounds

What You’ll Need: Old cotton fabric, scissors, and a sewing machine.

Cut up old cotton fabric or towels into reusable rounds for makeup removal or cleaning. Beeswax wraps can store them neatly in your bathroom.

5. Fabric Tote Bags

What You’ll Need: Old fabric or clothes, needle, and thread.

Upcycle old fabrics to make reusable tote bags, reducing your need for plastic shopping bags and helping the environment.

6. DIY Fabric Bowl Covers

What You’ll Need: Fabric scraps, elastic, and beeswax.

Instead of cling film, make elasticated fabric bowl covers and coat them with beeswax to create a reusable, sustainable option for covering food.

7. Repurposed Glass Jar Storage

What You’ll Need: Empty glass jars, beeswax wraps, and labels.

Reuse glass jars to store food, cosmetics, or craft supplies. Add beeswax wraps as covers to keep the contents fresh.

8. Reusable Snack Bags

What You’ll Need: Cotton fabric, beeswax, and a sewing machine.

Create beeswax-coated cotton snack bags to replace single-use plastic bags, perfect for packing snacks or sandwiches for school or work.

9. DIY Lip Balm

What You’ll Need: Beeswax, coconut oil, and small containers.

Use beeswax to create homemade lip balm. It's easy to make, chemical-free, and can be a great gift or personal care item.

10. Beeswax Soap

What You’ll Need: Beeswax, soap base, and essential oils.

Add melted beeswax to a soap base for homemade bars of soap. These natural, moisturising bars last longer than store-bought options.

Final Thoughts

Sustainable crafting with beeswax not only helps reduce waste but also saves money by creating long-lasting, reusable items. From food storage solutions to eco-friendly candles, these projects are simple, fun, and help promote a greener lifestyle.

Save Money by Fixing and Refurbishing Electronics

Fixing and refurbishing electronics is an effective way to save money and reduce electronic waste. Instead of discarding devices when they break or become outdated, simple repairs or refurbishing can extend their lifespan, keeping them functional and useful. By learning basic repair skills or seeking affordable repair options, you can avoid the high cost of replacing electronics and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.

1. Replacing a Smartphone Battery

What You’ll Need: Replacement battery, screwdriver.

Swapping out a worn-out smartphone battery for a new one can extend the life of your phone, avoiding the need for a costly upgrade.

View: https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Smartphones 

2. Fixing a Cracked Laptop Screen

What You’ll Need: Replacement screen, basic tools.

Instead of replacing your laptop, purchase a replacement screen and follow a simple guide to repair it, saving hundreds of pounds.

View: https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Laptop-Screen 

3. Refurbishing an Old Desktop Computer

What You’ll Need: New hard drive, RAM, or operating system upgrade.

Upgrade an older desktop computer by adding more RAM, replacing the hard drive, or updating the operating system to improve performance.

View: https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Computer-Hardware

4. Repairing Headphone Cables

What You’ll Need: Soldering iron, heat shrink tubing.

A loose or broken wire in headphones can be repaired with simple tools, restoring sound quality without buying a new pair.

View: https://www.wikihow.com/Repair-Dodgy-or-Broken-Headphones 

5. Replacing the Power Supply in a Gaming Console

What You’ll Need: Replacement power supply, screwdriver.

A common issue with gaming consoles is a failing power supply. Replacing it can bring the device back to life for a fraction of the cost of a new console.

View: https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Video-Game-Console-Maintenance-and-Repair 

6. Fixing a Broken Camera Lens

What You’ll Need: Replacement lens or lens repair kit.

If your camera lens is scratched or broken, replacing the lens or using a repair kit can restore its functionality and avoid expensive repairs or replacement.

View: https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Cameras 

7. Upgrading a Slow Smartphone

What You’ll Need: MicroSD card, new battery.

If your smartphone is running slow, upgrading the memory with a MicroSD card or replacing the battery can improve performance without needing a new device.

View: https://www.wikihow.com/wikiHowTo?search=smartphones&Search= 

8. Fixing a Broken Washing Machine

What You’ll Need: Basic tools, replacement parts like belts or pumps.

Instead of replacing a washing machine with a minor fault, like a broken belt or pump, repairing it with affordable parts can save a significant amount of money. Check your washing machine manual for troubleshooting guidance.

View: https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Washing-Machine-Repairs

9. Restoring a Vintage Record Player

What You’ll Need: New needle, motor, or drive belt.

A vintage record player can be brought back to life by replacing the needle, motor, or belt. This is a great way to enjoy music while preserving a classic device.

View: https://www.wikihow.com/Category:Record-Players 

10. Repairing a TV Remote

What You’ll Need: Contact cleaner or replacement buttons.

If your TV remote is unresponsive, cleaning the contact points or replacing worn-out buttons can restore its functionality without needing to purchase a new remote.

View: https://www.wikihow.com/Repair-a-Remote-Control

Final Thoughts

Fixing and refurbishing electronics can significantly reduce costs while extending the life of your devices. With some basic tools and know-how, many common electronic problems can be resolved at home, saving both money and the environment by reducing electronic waste.