Recycled crafting

I still haven't figured out what to make for the Etsy upcycling contest. I'm waffling over making a rug out of t-shirt yarn, or knitting with plastic bags cut into a long spiral strip. But I'm hoping I come up with an even better idea soon. And I better hurry as the deadline in Jan. 15 I think. I have recyled denim I bleached laying around. I made a mandolin case out of it. But I have plenty left over for other projects. Maybe if I stayed off of mylot I'd get more done eh?

A couple books for recylcing clothing, particularly T-shirts, are "Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a Tshirt" and "99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Trim, and Tie Your T-shirt into Something Special." I also love the Trash to treasure series! In general, paper-mache is a great recycling craft. It takes a little patience, but I've made everything from small decor (magents and hanging ornaments) to furniture like bookshelves. Paper-mache is surprisingly strong. Cardboard and paper are both fairly easy to come by! I also reclaim yarn from thrift-store sweaters. It's not *quite* the same, but this week I'll be making some big floor cushions from squares out of upholstery sample books! I look forward to seeing more ideas. ~Sara

You can knit or crochet with plastic grocery bags and make some neat stuff. I think that's about the ultimate recycling craft. Here are some pictures and notes about it: http://frugalliving.about.com/cs/craftshobbies/a/blpcrochet.htm

When we cloth diapered I used old tshirts, towels, and denim to make my own. I used to get wool sweaters from goodwill and turned them into cloth diaper covers. I've also recycled worn jeans into cute skirts for myself and my daughters. Currently I use old jeans and tshirts for quilt material. I can post links for any of these if you're interested.

What a nifty idea! I wish some of these ideas had been around when my children were babies! I have a pattern that turns a onesie into a dress. Of course I can't find the link to save my soul. Basically what you do is cut a piece of contrasting material that is twice the width of the onesie. Gather the material and sew it to the waist of the onesie. Add rick rack and buttons for decoration.

I don't know that this would be considered recycling, but I take my left over yarns and make hats and scarves for the homeless people.

I've heard that there is a book out there filled with these types of crafts. Sorry but I can't remember its name. If I do, I'll let you know.

I'll be watching this discussion...I love recycled crafts!