Turn everyday items into something useful or decorative with these secondhand DIY ideas. Repurpose what you own for a one-of-a-kind home and garden.
If you’re not sure where to start, check your kitchen drawers for all those odd items that never get used.
10 Crafty Repurposed Project Ideas
One of the most frustrating things about a creative maker of things today is how far we’ve drifted from the idea of making do with what we have. Yes, in the past it was mostly done out of necessity—and we’ve since romanticized those times—but I still crave creativity without big expenses. I’m always dreaming up ways to make beautiful or useful things without heading to a big box store first.
As a small act of rebellion, I like to challenge myself to use what I already have on hand. And if you’re like me, that’s not hard to do when you’ve quietly built a mini craft supply store at home under the perfectly reasonable excuse of “I might need that someday.”
Working within those limits (no buy or low budget) has the added bonus of demanding greater ingenuity. When you take away the permission to buy all the best or most convenient supplies, new and inventive ideas show up. I’m not saying it should be zero spending, but it’s too easy to get caught up in the feel-good shopping endorphins instead of really diving into the joy of making stuff.
The projects you see here may not even be feasible with what you have on hand, but I hope they inspire you to dig into your own stash and dream up new ways to express your creativity.
1Suitcase → Fairy Garden
How to Make a Fairy Garden in an Old Suitcase
Besides the fact that these are just fun to make, I love how portable it is—perfect for a patio or porch—safe from rain damage yet displayed nearby for maximum enjoyment.
2Softballs & Nails → Garden Art Alliums
How to Make Giant Garden Art Alliums
This idea actually started when I saw a bunch of old nails (the kind you load into a automated dispenser) for next to nothing at a thrift store and they apparently called my name.
Old softballs ended up being the perfect solution to hold the nails.
Old sports balls in general create a lot of waste. Not to say this will solve the world’s problems but it was also fun making these garden buggies from old golf balls.
Can you imagine how many unwanted (for example) golf balls there are on this planet?
3Drawer Pulls → Hose Guards
How to Make Hose Guards to Protect Your Plants
If you have problems with water hoses or electrical cords (from a lawnmower, for example) dragging across your plants, hose guards can save the day.
You can tell how long ago I made these ones (pictured above) because I used leftover copper pipe—something that’s a little pricier and more precious today.
But the idea is still a good one—whatever type of pipe you choose.
4Water Bottle → Birdfeeder
How to Make Water Bottle Bird Feeders
I wouldn’t be surprised if you told me there are more empty water bottles on earth than birds! I have no idea of the real stats but there’s no disputing that zillions of water bottles are discarded each day.
Here I challenged myself to make a birdfeeder the birds would enjoy. This one ended up being popular with goldfinches.
5Wooden Bowl → Gnome Toadstool
How To Make Garden Art Toadstools
I became the guardian of this goofy little garden gnome during a wind storm. I was walking my daughter home from school and he literally blew onto me. We weren’t near any homes or gardens so I took that as a sign that he should be mine.
The toadstools are made from salad bowls and branch cuttings and the gnome appreciates a place to stand out of the rain.
6Rubber Boots → Funny Dog
I saw an artist named David Kemp do this and I just had to try it. Rubber boot dogs! What a fun re-use for old leaky rubber boots.
7Stove Elements → Modern Daisy
DIY Upcycled Garden Art Flowers (Daisies)
If you like a modern touch, this one is for you. Inspired by boxes (and boxes) of old electric stove elements at the secondhand shop, I turned some into garden art daisies.
8Lamp Globe → Frog Prince
How To Make a Frog Prince (Garden Art DIY)
He’s charming, right? Ok, not to some of us but it’s a fun project and this one went to a happy garden art collector.
9Sweater → Pet Bed
How to Make a Pet Bed From an Old Sweater (Cats, Bunnies, & Small Dogs)
Honey, we shrank the sweater—so we turned it into a bed for our bunny. It’s a low cost way to create spare pet beds. If your cat or dog or bunny really likes one of your sweaters, once it gets worn out, donate it to a good cause!
While not specifically a garden project, it’s perfect for pets who like to rest nearby while we’re spending time outdoors.
10Picture Frame → Vertical Planter
©2016 Gardening on a Shoestring – Alex Mitchell
DIY Succulent Wall Planter (Living Picture Frame Art)
This project is from the book, Gardening on a Shoestring by Alex Mitchell. While succulents are pricey where I live, you could use the same tutorial to create a vertical planter with flowering annuals.
Or use shoebags like I did in this project: DIY Hanging Flower Planter Using Shoe Bags.
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛
