Upcycled craft ideas

1)Jar Soap Dispenser:

Repurpose the classic jar as a soap or lotion dispenser in your bathroom.

Step 1: First, measure and mark the center of the jar's lid.

Step 2: Using a 1/2" high-speed steel drill bit (about $10; local hardware store), drill a hole to fit the width of a soap dispenser pump. We used pumps from old lotion bottles.

Step 3: Fill the jar with liquid soap, screw the lid back on, and insert the pump. You may need to trim the bottom of the pump to fit your jar


2)Rake Stemware Holder:

Take advantage of your vertical wall space by hanging a rake head and suspending stemware from its tines. We found one of these rakes at the Country Living Fair in Columbus, Ohio, for $3, but you'll likely find them at a yard sale, or even on Etsy.

Step 1: Remove the handle. Carefully cut it off (or ask your local hardware store to do it) and sand the cut end.

Step 2: Use a 3/16" metal drill bit to drill two holes per rake head directly into the center of the handle's back side, spacing them about an inch apart. Using either 3" toggle bolts or 3" anchor screws (available at any hardware store), screw the rake heads into the wall — making sure they're hanging upside down and are level. You can use the same trick in your bedroom for a practical tie-and-belt rack or to hang your most tangle-prone necklaces.

Crate Shelving

3)Triple Trays:

This tiered stand comes together for just a few bucks. Three baking pans and two candlesticks easily turn into a great place for fruit, crafting supplies, or jewelry.

4)Framed Flash Cards:

Elevate one of these educational tools to the level of art, with a stylish display. We selected a set of frames , then created our own matting by cutting pieces of 11" x 17" white card stock to fit.

Step 1: Simply lay a piece of 11" x 17" card stock atop the frame, and mark the frames edges with a pencil on the card stock. Cut the card stock at the marks, trimming as necessary to fit the card stock inside the frame.

Step 2: Next, lay the card stock on a flat surface, then center a flash card, right side up, atop the card stock. Flip the flash card over, then apply a glue dot ($5.97; amazon.com) to each of the card's corners. Flip the card back over and press it into the card stock until it's secure. Slide the card stock into the frame before hanging.

5)Reflective Florals:

Make this chrysanthemum-inspired piece by surrounding a round mirror with plastic spoons. An ombre paint job adds a fun, trendy touch.

6)Petite Vases:

Transform empty baby food jars with pastel paints and a stencil, and hang them wherever you crave a bit of freshness.

7)Clock Magnets:

Remove and salvage the faces from old watches or pocket watches to create timeless refrigerator magnets.

Step 1: Place the watch faces pattern-side down.

Step 2: Using hot glue, adhere a magnet to the center backside of the watch face. Let dry for five minutes. 

8)A Helpful Holder:

This simple craft outfits summer barbecues with much-needed drink holders. Colorful fabric and a rod make an everyday soup can into a beverage stand you can stake anywhere in your yard.