Upcycled & Repurposed Cans

Probably one of the easiest things that you can upcycle is a can.
They're everywhere!

Check out these great examples of upcycled & repurposed cans...

Vintage Handkerchiefs & Scarves Upcycled and Repurposed

I'm still deciding what I want to do with my stash of vintage hankies that I've collected over the years. While perusing the web for some new ideas I came across some pretty photos that I wanted to share...

Boho hankie style skirt made with repurposed materials by Charlotte at Ressurection Rags

Be sure to visit her website here and check out all of her creations!

Camisoles made from vintage hankies

Vintage hankie wreath

Curtain made of handkerchiefs 

DIY kitchen window treatment hankie valance from BHG

Quilt by Mary McCulty's design shop via Etsy

Headboard of framed hankies from Better Homes & Gardens

Handkerchief shower curtain via HGTV

Colorful bunting

Hankie quilt

Vintage handkerchief quilt by sprinklebabyvintage on etsy

Handkerchief apron DIY instructions from craftbits

Vintage hanky apron (above and below)

 Vintage hankie curtains (above and below)

Children's dresses made from silk scarves by Nixie (above and below)

Vintage hankie blouse by The Fabled Needle

Pillow cover DIY tutorial from elisemarley

Handkerchief nursery pillow DIY instructions via Martha Stewart

Sweet doll dress made from a vintage hankie. Photo via 52 Flea

DIY pincushion tutorial

Vintage hanky quilt by The Polka dot Chair. Wouldn't this be great as a tablecloth for a summer picnic? 

Table runner by littlebirdiesecrets

Hankie curtain by Two Girls Stuff

Framed

What would you do with them? 

Which do you like best?

Have a great week!
Laura

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Article copyright ©Laura Beth Love 2019 and may not be republished in print or other media without express written permission from the author. For any link corrections please leave correct info in comment area.

What exactly is Upcycling?

Recycling, Repurposing, Upcycling – what’s the difference? …and what exactly is Upcycling?

We all know what recycling is. A plastic bag is used to carry home groceries then is later reused by the owner who uses the bag a second or third time, perhaps to again carry groceries or store items. The bag has been recycled by its owner. The bag is being reused but the value of the bag remains the same.

In upcycling, the item is often no longer being used for its intended purpose but is repurposed – given a new purpose – and along with this new purpose it is also given an increase in value (usually both aesthetically and monetarily) It is worth more in its new form.

Recycled – used again and value remains unchanged

Repurposed – used again but with a new purpose

Upcycled – used again, with a new purpose, and with greater value than its original state

Why are upcycled items so desirable?
They are created with innovation and creativity!

Necklace pendant made from broken Shelley Blue Rock teacup

Wisegeek said it best:

“Upcycling is designed to work in opposition to consumer culture, encouraging people to think of new and innovative ways to use things, instead of simply buying new consumer goods. It also benefits the environment, by promoting reuse over discarding whenever possible.”

There you have it!

Laura

Belt buckle made from a broken plate