Five Creative Upcycle Projects

When clutter starts to mount up at home, a good clear out is the only way to tackle those surplus possessions you no longer need. But, decluttering can be a task that pulls at your heart strings; how do you get rid of things that you still have some attachment to, but you don’t really use anymore? Upcycling or repurposing an item into something new is one unique option for those items you just can’t bear to part with. Here are five inspiring upcycling ideas worth considering next time you have a clear out.

Patchwork clothes

What do you do with those clothes that you know you probably won’t wear again, but they hold some sentimental value? Or, you love them to bits, but they sadly no longer fit? If you’re a bit handy with a sewing machine or a needle and cotton, then why not repurpose any old shirts, tops, etc to make a new patchwork item of clothing? You only need to take a section of each clothing item you no longer use, cut a square piece from each and sew them together to form a pattern. If making clothes sounds too complicated, then go for an easier option, such as making a patchwork blanket, quilt or pillowcase covers.

Drawers

Old drawers needn’t be banished to the scrap heap if they still hold sentimental value, but are taking up too much space at home. Drawers serve a multitude of new purposes, in particular upcycling into a cabinet or bookshelf. You simply need to turn the drawer on its side, and insert slats of wood inside to make shelves. You may wish to paint it and remove the handle or knob. You might even want to paint the interior in blackboard paint and hang on the kitchen wall, to make an interesting reminder board.

Cork mat

What can you do with all of those wine bottle corks that you have collected over time with the intention of doing something with them, but never sure what? Well, a really ingenious solution would be to create a mat out of them. You’ll need to neatly attach the corks together with strong adhesive, until they form a square shape to make your mat. Use it in the bathroom or in the kitchen as table mats, coasters or a mat to stand hot pans on.

Clock face magnets

Fridge magnets are really handy, because they can store important bits of paper, but they can also look good, too. If there are any small items that you don’t use anymore but are struggling to get rid of, then why not transform them into fridge magnets? For instance, if you have any old watches or clocks that you don’t use, then take the faces and glue a magnet to the back of them, so they’ll make interesting fridge magnets with timeless appeal!

Teacup candle

Many people become attached to a favourite cup or mug, but after a period of time, it might start looking a little shabby. If you can’t bear to get rid of it, then upcycle it into a teacup candle holder, so that it serves a new purpose and can still be enjoyed. Insert candle wax and a wick into the cup and then place on the dining table so that next time you have a dinner party, your teacup candle with the be the centrepiece of the table.

About the Author

This post was put together by the team at Bingham Self Storage, Nottingham’s premier self-storage company. Follow Bingham Self Storage on Twitter.