18 DIY upcycling projects that’ll make the most of your waste (and weekend)

We’re on a constant journey of trying to waste less. And while we’re believers that the best way to minimize waste is to consume less to begin with — sometimes all it takes is a little creativity to turn trash into newfound treasure. Plus, there’s nothing quite like a DIY upcycling project to turn a free Saturday afternoon into a forever memory! From lightbulb vases to mason jar terrariums, here are 18 DIY upcycling projects that’ll make the most of your waste + weekend. 

18 DIY upcycling projects that’ll make the most of your waste & weekend

1. Mason jar → Terrarium

View this post on Instagram

We're very excited to be hosting a kid-friendly Mason Jar Terrariums workshop at @narcissusflowerschool later this month! Join us on 29th September along with your little one (best suited to those age 7+) to make your own miniature garden. Dinosaurs optional! 🐲🌿✨ . . . #narcissusflowers #narcissusedinburgh #narcissusflowerschool #floristry #floristrytraining #flowerworkshop #learningwithflowers #floristryclasses #instablooms #edinburgh #igersedinburgh #forflowerlovers #floristryclass #flowerarranging #floristryschool #seasonalflowers #thisisedinburgh #edinburghlife #flowerschool #scottishflorist #terrariums #masonjar #masonjarterrarium #succulents #cacti #terrariumlove #kidfriendly #kidfriendlyedinburgh #terrariumdesign #terrariumworkshop

A post shared by Narcissus Flowers & Plants (@narcissus_flowers) on Sep 18, 2019 at 4:35am PDT

2. Wine corks → Vases

View this post on Instagram

LOVE my Mother's Day gift! #diygiftsarethebest #winecorkvase #mytwofavoritethings 💐🍷

A post shared by Tonianne (@tonianne89) on May 13, 2017 at 6:47pm PDT

3. Tissue box → Desk organizer

4. Glass salsa jars → Candle holders

View this post on Instagram

To make these pretty candle jars, you just need empty salsa (or any) jars and paint. No reason you can't have crafty fun while you're staying home. Plus, I don't know about you, but painting always feels therapeutic to me, which makes this the perfect little craft. ⁣ 🕯 ⁣ #RCRO #RealCrafts ⁣ #RealCoake #Crafts #crafty #crafting #crafter #upcycle #upcycling #recycle #upcycled #artsandcrafts #repurpose #RealMoms #honestmotherhood #Stayhome #wereallinthistogether #motherhoodrising #craftblogger #uniteinmotherhood #CraftTime #ohheymama #motherhoodunplugged

A post shared by KC Coake (@realcreativerealorganized) on Apr 3, 2020 at 4:45pm PDT

5. Water bottle → Bird feeder

View this post on Instagram

Follow our simple guide to making a bird feeder for your garden from a reused plastic bottle. Will you spot a sparrow on yours this #WorldSparrowDay? #Birds #SparrowDay #BlueTit #Sparrow #BirdFeeder #HowTo #DIY #DIYBirdFeeder #GardenBirds #Garden #GardenActivities #HowToMake #SeedFeeder #NaturalWorld #NaturalHistoryMuseum #NaturalHistoryMuseumLondon #UrbanGarden

A post shared by Natural History Museum (@natural_history_museum) on Mar 20, 2019 at 5:19am PDT

6. Egg (or vegan egg) cartons → Seedling garden

View this post on Instagram

Love this idea of repurposing egg cartons for planting seedlings by @naturlandkind ⠀ ⠀ I’m only dreaming of doing this and growing a little garden. 🌿⠀ ⠀ Do you have a garden? And have you started planting some of your seedlings yet? 🌱⠀ ⠀ Ps. If you don’t eat eggs you can ask somebody who does, to keep the cartons for you. ⠀ ⠀ 📸 @naturlandkind

A post shared by Vivi (@wandering_wild_home) on Feb 25, 2020 at 11:49am PST

7. Pallet → Vertical garden

View this post on Instagram

Finished up my DIY plant pallet. Now I have all the herbs I need right outside. Thanks for the inspiration Valerie @the_gray_doorfarmhouse such an easy DIY. Check out my stories for all the details. Anyone have a good recipe that calls for Rosemary? . . . . #outdoordesign #palletideas #bhgflowers #authenticfarmhouse #howwefarmhouse #freshdecorfeels #shareafarmhouse #palletdesign #simplyseasonaldecor #diypallet #farmhousestyledecor #cottagestyle #neutraldecor #thriftfinds #fixerupperstyle #countrylivingmag #farmhousedecorating #decorideas #cottagegarden #outdoorlivingspaces

A post shared by Karlene (@whiterosefarmhouse) on Jun 17, 2019 at 5:39pm PDT

8. Old jeans→ Heart bookmarks

View this post on Instagram

Upcycled denim bookmark for Valentine's Day. Tutorial on my blog (search the archives) #valentinescrafts #crafts #valentinesday

A post shared by The Cheese Thief (@thecheesethief) on Feb 3, 2015 at 8:39pm PST

9. Tin cans → Lanterns

10. Toilet paper roll → Bird feeder

View this post on Instagram

We used our recycled ♻ toilet paper rolls to make bird🐦 feeders. These are really easy to make👍 and the kids👫 love 💛 to watch 👀the birds 🐦 snacking on their feeders. This is a great springtime 🌱 and Earth Day 🌎 activity for kids. ➡Link in profile. #kidcraftchallenge

A post shared by Kim 💕 The Resourceful Mama (@theresourcefulmama) on Mar 15, 2016 at 8:03am PDT

11. Old crate → Breakfast tray

View this post on Instagram

Trying to R E L A X before going back to work next week. Where are all my teachers at? Are you ready? Have you already started? . . . . . #flashesofdelight #stylingmynest #mybhghome #decorandfriends #homefabulous #americanfarmhousefinds #bedroomdecor #bedroominspo #vintagefarmhouse #vintagecrates #sodacrate #magnoliawreath #farmhousestyle #farmhousehome #vintagewindows #homegoodsfinds #teachersofinstagram #teacherstyle

A post shared by Amanda (@theflourishingfarmhouse) on Aug 21, 2019 at 5:18pm PDT

12. Alcohol bottle → Soap dispenser

13. Paint cans →  Plant Pots

View this post on Instagram

#coppermania on #diy pots, doesn’t it look awesome? • • • • • #copper #metallics #metallic #gold #plantpot #paint #elengant #diycans #smirniopoulos

A post shared by Χρωματα Σμυρνιοπουλος Α.Ε. (@smirniopoulos.gr) on May 30, 2018 at 11:07am PDT

14. Yogurt cups → Bangles 

15. Wine bottles → Wind chimes 

View this post on Instagram

#winebottlewindchime #hangingplanter #succulent #agate #wine #farmersmarket

A post shared by Cork & Chime (@corkandchime) on Jul 21, 2019 at 3:37am PDT

16. Coffee grounds → Coffee candle

17. Light bulbs → Tiny vases 

View this post on Instagram

A perfect spot for this tiny bouquet lightbulb vase 🌿🌿💛💛. Happy Friday! . . . . . . . . #lightbulbvase #flowersofinstagram #tinybouquet #bouquetofflowers #photooftheday #itstheweekend #thelittlethings

A post shared by @ carolinapickinanddecor on Mar 16, 2018 at 11:41am PDT

18. Old basket → Circle shelf

Find out more ways to channel creativity in your everyday:

• 30 DIY self-care ideas that’ll make your home feel like a spa
• 44 Cozy activities you can do from home (besides scrolling and watching TV)
• Zero waste: how to reuse 5 everyday items like a boss