4 Easy Upcycling Hacks for the Home
We all have old, half broken things laying around the house that we feel like we should probably get rid of. Perhaps there is a sentimental value to that tatty old teddy bear that has definitely seen better days. But what if, instead of throwing that old teddy away, you made him into something else? Something better! A door stop perhaps? Or maybe you elevate his look, patch him up and sew his bow-tie back on, allowing him to sit proudly on your shelf for another day!
There are many benefits to getting creative and giving your old things a new lease of life, (besides keeping your favourite teddy with you for longer).
Upcycling unwanted or old items is a fantastic way to live a greener life as it benefits the planet in multiple ways. Firstly, repurposing things instead of throwing them away will create less waste that would otherwise be sent to landfill. Keeping goods in circulation longer is one of the easiest ways we can all help to solve the waste crisis! [1]
Secondly, re-using things means you will naturally consume less. This helps to preserve the natural resources that would have to go into creating the textiles for a brand new teddy bear for example. [2] Unfortunately, the strain on natural resources with our current rate of consumption is huge, and the textiles industry uses around 3 billion cubic metres of fresh water per year. This is around 4% of Earth’s fresh drinking water resources. [3] So reducing the amount of things that we buy new where we can, is great for the planet.
As well as this, upcycling products will give your home a personal, unique touch that would be impossible to find in the shops. There will only be one upcycled door-stop teddy bear just like yours!
Here are 4 easy upcycling hacks for the home, that we think would inject fun into any space.
All ideas are credited to their owners- click image captions for full articles!
1) Teddy bear door stop
This one has been teased enough in the introduction, so it is only right to kick things off with the door stop teddy!
What you will need:
-Old stuffed toy
-Scissors
-Rice/gravel/sand/ baking beans
Instructions:
- Simply take that old teddy bear, and make a small cut into the fabric.
- Remove some of the bear’s stuffing.
- Fill it with rice or perhaps something heavier such as gravel or sand.
- Sew the bear back up.
- You have yourself a personalised, sentimental doorstop!
For full details and a photo guide, head to http://friendlynettle.com/transform-stuffed-toy-door-stop/.
2) Tin can plant pot
This is a lovely way to get creative with your décor and to upcycle the everyday tin can!
What you will need:
-Used tin
-Small power drill
-White acrylic paint
-Paint to decorate
Instructions:
- Firstly rinse out your tin can (to get rid of any hint of baked beans still present!)
- Using a small power drill, create a few holes at the bottom of the cans to allow water to drain.
- Paint with a layer of white acrylic paint
- Decorate as you wish- the more colourful the better!
For full details and a photo guide, head to https://nebg.org/2020/05/29/upcycled-tin-can-planters/.
3) Jam jar bird feeder
This one is for the bird watchers! Instead of throwing out your used jam jar, why not upcycle it and use it to feed the birds?
What you will need:
-Empty jam/ mason Jar
-Craft string
-Chicken feeder
Instructions:
- Firstly take your jam jar and wrap your craft/ thick string around the jar.
- Fill the jar with bird seed.
- Screw the chicken feeder on to the bottom.
- Hang up in your garden!
For full details and photo guide, head to https://www.littlehouseliving.com/mason-jar-bird-feeder.html.
4) Stack of old books into a table
This is a bit of a unique upcycle that might appeal to those with more eccentric interior décor tastes. If you have a stack of old books that you want to get rid of, consider making a table out of them... its easier than you may think!
What you will need:
-Stack of old hardback books
-Decorator’s tape
-Glue
Instructions:
- Use the decorator’s tape to stick the pages of book together.
- Glue front and back covers to closest pages.
- Once dried, glue books together!
For full details and photo guide, head to https://www.georginaburnett.com/upcycled-table/ .
There are many fun, creative ways we can patch up and elevate our old things. Upcycling is one wonderful way we can make our day-to-day lives more environmentally conscious, whilst bringing a little bit of aesthetic joy into our homes.
Discover more upcycling hacks on our Pinterest board! We’re constantly adding fresh ideas, so follow us for more inspiration. Check it out in the link below.
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/teamrepair/upcycling-hacks/
Happy upcycling!
