In honor of Earth Week, we’ve teamed up with Green Is Universal to promote the sustainable practice of upcycling through the Art of ReUSE contest. Contestants entered hundreds of resourceful projects that bring new life to anything from used gift cards to soda cans.
Shown above is the Vintage Fork Place-Card Holders project by basilicusjones, a beautiful and classy way to reuse silverware. Want to make your own? Find the how-to here.
Made from a used wool jacket, this LEFTZ Stegasaurus by ArtTales would make a fun gift or a fuzzy companion on your desk! See instructions here.
You may recall our How-Tuesday post on how to crochet an eco-friendly tote bag. This entry by shearmoresheep also utilizes one of the most prolific pieces of trash: plastic bags. Learn how to make your own upcycled wallet here.
It’s hard to believe that this coaster and trivet are made from upcycled cereal boxes, looking as modern as they do! This project was submitted by Etsy seller alittlehut, and you can learn how to make your own here.
For the more ambitious upcycler, how about a fringe party dress made from used jersey fabric? Entrant WearTheCanvas created a detailed how-to that includes a video showing how the dress moves when you dance! See instructions and video here.
For more ideas and how-to’s, check out the contest finalists, and all of the creative contest entries here. Be sure to tune into NBC’s TODAY Show on Friday, April 22 to find out who wins!
140 comments
Sign in to add your ownFleaMarketGal says:
Love! Reuse and Repurpose is my motto
2 years ago
bittersweetdesign says:
This contest was so much fun. I enjoyed the challenge - and am thrilled that I was voted into the Top Ten. It was a blast to see my Tab Top Pet Collars on the TODAY SHOW on Tuesday. Good luck tomorrow to the Grand Prize Winner - who ever it will be!
2 years ago
designlab443 says:
Great items! I try to make most of my items with upcycled materials! It's good for us all!
2 years ago
frommylifetoyours says:
The card holders are awesome
2 years ago
SeaGlassJournal says:
The imagination and ingenuity within the Etsy community is inspiring! Thanks for sharing. Gary
2 years ago
hattieshouse says:
In this day of mass consumption it is so important to find alternative uses of everyday items. Thank you to all who make this their personal art mantra!
2 years ago
houndsome says:
Love the fork Place Card Holders! From linear to a reuse organic form, even better than the original product intention.
2 years ago
Iammie says:
The dinosaur is so cute. :)
2 years ago
OhFaro says:
Great article. I love to reuse and recycle!
2 years ago
halfmoonroad says:
LOVE the Impala necklace!!
2 years ago
JewelryByJLy says:
Love this post! Go Green!
2 years ago
VintageEye says:
Fabulotastic & green! Love these ideas! :)
2 years ago
NaturalAmber says:
Love the idea of reuse and recycle. I like to recycle clip on earrings (vintage ones) it's very rewarding to bring life back to something that was "tossed" and "forgotten"
2 years ago
ethniquetrendy says:
great!
2 years ago
Metamorphosi says:
I wish that it will soon be possible to allow not US resident to these contests. I a, sure you will make it possible. Great contest!Happy Earth Day tomorrow!!
2 years ago
TheBloomingThread says:
that plastic bag wallet is so cute! its almost looks like rafia? love!
2 years ago
LittleBirdWallArt says:
Great Article! I love the forks in the top photograph!
2 years ago
NaturalCharmPhotos says:
I really love the cereal-box trivets. I'm going to have to try that! :)
2 years ago
pamwares says:
happy earth day to all! Great article! the impala necklace is awesome!
2 years ago
simplyworn says:
not only is reusing the way to go... but sometimes the finish piece is so much better than its original design fun...to...be...clever!
2 years ago
BasilicusJones says:
Too bad I didn't make the Top 10, but it was great to be a part of the contest. I love my place card holders.
2 years ago
AshNjojo says:
This is an absolutely amazing article. I love the plastic bag wallets. I clicked on this blog post because I saw the placeholders made out of forks! One of my girlfriends has a ring made out of a fork with a stone in the middle...it's beautiful! Ya'll are so talented!
2 years ago
PoetryofObjects says:
Great creativity!
2 years ago
bhangtiez says:
awsome selection........luv reuse & these are amazing pieces......
2 years ago
bearpawrustics says:
This is great. I see I am not alone in my love to reuse found and throw-away items in my art.
2 years ago
overthemeadow says:
Love this post! It's great to see beautiful things made from discarded or unused items. Reuse, upcycle, repurpose... it's the greatest! :-)
2 years ago
MetroGypsy says:
Very cool!
2 years ago
JessieKatz says:
Great contest and a great post! And I love the coaster and trivet made from cereal boxes. Thanks for everyone who voted for my gift card earrings in the contest, can't wait to hear what happens tomorrow. Good luck to everyone else in the top ten!
2 years ago
MarleyLondon says:
Nice!
2 years ago
EighteenDecember says:
The plush Stegosaurus is sooo adorable!
2 years ago
FluffyFlowers says:
super proud of our Plush Team member ArtTales! :)
2 years ago
suegrayjewelry says:
there is so much talent here and so many great ideas!!!
2 years ago
cjbcollectibles says:
Great article. It so great to see people reusing items for great new products. All of my items on Etsy are vintage glass and home decor items for the modern home. Why decorate your home with factory-produced garbage when vintage items are so much more interesting and come with great stories. www.etsy.com/shop/cjbcollectibles
2 years ago
kathyjohnson3 says:
beautiful items! i think they all deserve a blue ribbon! very creative and inspiring!
2 years ago
MegansMenagerie says:
This is such an awesome post! I love when people can reuse their things and make something so incredible with them!
2 years ago
VintageMarketPlace says:
all about the upcycling and repurposing!!!
2 years ago
WoodlandCottage says:
We especially love the silverware card holders! Thanks for sharing such great ideas!
2 years ago
RedorGrayArt says:
beautiful .. great post .. my whole shop is based on that idea ~
2 years ago
HelloShoes says:
I love and admire the creativity of using recycled art . Its all so beautiful:)
2 years ago
ohbabydotcom says:
Love the upcycled items :)
2 years ago
fbstudiovt says:
I share everyone's love of the post and heart the other sellers who feature reuse and recycling in their shops (so do I)! And I especially love the how-tos included here. I would adore seeing more of those links in these posts!!!
2 years ago
KristyLynnJewelry says:
Love the concept! Adorable items, so clever! Thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
dmtgun3 says:
Great!I love Place Card Holders...
2 years ago
Kokolele says:
````♥ Lovely Items!
2 years ago
collectiblesatoz says:
Great ideas. I am always repurposing. Thanks for sharing.
2 years ago
accentonvintage says:
Love the way items can be recycled and reused!
2 years ago
RetroChalet says:
Kudos to you from Etsy Recyclers Guild Team!
2 years ago
JudiPaintedit says:
I love the forks!
2 years ago
RomanceCatsAndWhimsy says:
Love the plastic bag wallet - there is no way that you could tell - very cool article.
2 years ago
jdfootloose says:
How awesome! I also saw an upcycled bathtub turned Couch!
2 years ago
2TrickPony says:
this is a wonderful idea. and a lovely collection of recycled-upcycled crafts.
2 years ago
marjudesignsforyou says:
Lovely ideas. Im also a recycling person, think twice before throwing anything away.
2 years ago
RootsJewelry says:
This is so great!
2 years ago
Parachute425 says:
Good job everybody. Kudos.
2 years ago
LoveButtons says:
Wonderful entries - I love the plushie dinosaur! :)
2 years ago
ArtTales says:
I love seeing all the great creations! Great job everyone :))
2 years ago
abbydid says:
I am a proud owner of one of those ArtTales dinos and it is STUPENDOUS!
2 years ago
TheEverlastingPosy says:
What creative fun!
2 years ago
tigersanddragons says:
Those forks are fabulous! I have a shopping bag made out of crocheted plastic shopping bags, I always get comments whenever I use it.
2 years ago
tigersanddragons says:
All the stainless steel we use in our designs is salvaged/reused/upcycled from scrap that was on it's way to the smelter. We buy imperfect scraps from companies that made large stainless steel counters.
2 years ago
theroyal says:
so many useful lovely things made out of "junk".. maybe people should adjust their thinking and refer to waste instead as materials. maybe then we might have less of a garbage and sanitation issue on our hands.
2 years ago
DandelionJewels says:
It's easy being green on etsy!! Happy Earth Day!
2 years ago
ProjectElixir says:
Great article. Where I live close to Seattle, we are all about upcyling and reusing. Thanks for this insight!
2 years ago
dragonflymystdesigns says:
Great article!! Gives me a few ideas on reusing some of my things!!
2 years ago
TheScarfTree says:
What ingenious things you are doing! I love the fork placecard holders and the cereal box coasters! Very creative and show what can be done! Very creative!
2 years ago
trashbaggs says:
some of my favorite things! of course!! thanks for sharing!!
2 years ago
trashbaggs says:
some of my favorite things! of course!! thanks for sharing!!
2 years ago
trashbaggs says:
some of my favorite things! of course!! thanks for sharing!!
2 years ago
trashbaggs says:
sorry! it froze...didnt mean to multiple post. my bad!!
2 years ago
rebourne says:
Keep highlighting us upcyclers please! This is great!!
2 years ago
SkateBetty says:
I love seeing anything & everything about upcyling. Thanks for representing!
2 years ago
gilstrapdesigns says:
I love all of these and especially that cute little dress. Thank you
2 years ago
IMGirl says:
I am loving those fork place holders!!
2 years ago
PaleHorseStudios says:
delicious and timely, i love reclaimed materials!
2 years ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
Great reuse article!
2 years ago
girliepains says:
odd!
2 years ago
edithandlulu says:
Cool ideas. I've been making jewelry with buttons for the last few years. Love to see other ways people are upcycling and recycling.
2 years ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Some really beautiful ways to recycle here, very imaginative!
2 years ago
thevelvetheart says:
These are great ideas!
2 years ago
StainsInPanes says:
Cool, love making old new again!!
2 years ago
julessabjewelry says:
Love the recycling... I've recently become a convert to the recycling of metals. I'm even building my own forge out of old car parts... YAY!
2 years ago
Giedrecraftideas says:
Smart and bright ideas!!! I like it!!!
2 years ago
ShaeJus says:
love this
2 years ago
DUSKtillDAWNvintage says:
Great ideas! Very inspiring! Rather than throw everyday objects away, why not reuse them and make fun crafty items.
2 years ago
DUSKtillDAWNvintage says:
Great ideas! Very inspiring! Rather than throw everyday objects away, why not reuse them and make fun crafty items.
2 years ago
artdemix says:
Hip hip hurrah for the recycling Revolution! Brilliant............
2 years ago
thebeachhousegallery says:
That's basically my whole approach, reclaimed, up-cycled, FOUND. My jewelry designs completely reflect this...love the tea pot & saucer. Can't wait to find out the method! Thanks! Inez Dunn
2 years ago
ReCulture says:
Heck, Yeah! Why do it any other way?
2 years ago
VinylAffliction says:
Reduce Reuse Recyle, Repurpose, upcycle it's the only way to go.
2 years ago
shop1848 says:
Wonderful finds!
2 years ago
mimisrecycledesigns says:
Great post! Love the dress!
2 years ago
JenMcLamb says:
I love seeing these creative ideas! The forks are awesome - the three R's are the basis of my ECO JEWELS (TM) recycled jewelry line. Coupon code this weekend only: EARTH11 - check me out!
2 years ago
HouseOfMoss says:
Thanks for the great ideas! I especially love those coasters!
2 years ago
TimelessVintageTable says:
Love to up-cycle! Come see our Sac Team Etsy Mother's Day sale. Coupon code this weekend "WeLoveMom" for up to 25% off! > http://www.sac-etsy.blogspot.com/
2 years ago
oppning says:
As vintage lovers we love re-using. Actually we don't really re-use, we just "use again" old, vintage objects in their original purpose. But I admire people who have ingenious ideas in diverting an old object into a whole new purpose. This is excellent !
2 years ago
compostthis says:
love love love this! perfect.
2 years ago
lulikucreations says:
EVERY BODY SHOULD GO GREEN AND RECYCLE, IF EVERYBODY DID IT THE EARTH WOULD BE SO MUCH CLEANER, INSTEAD OF DESTROYING OUR PRECIOUS PLANET, GREAT IDEAS BY THE WAY ;)
2 years ago
treeandsap says:
Great article, I will try to reuse and repurpose more often
2 years ago
TheMillineryShop says:
That wallet id great! All fabulous stuff.
2 years ago
sofisticata says:
Great article!! Love the forks place cards!! I love to repurpose ;) These are great ideas!
2 years ago
chocolatevanity says:
So true... one man's waste is another man's treasure.. Go recycle!
2 years ago
TheWindowArtisan says:
Very inspiring. I can't wait to have a bit of time to fill my scrapyard. Loved,loved the cereal box trivets! Thanks , Sue.
2 years ago
hellerdesign says:
Re source, Re use, Re cycle - it's where it's at......all the best in the world of the used and discarded! Love the forks!
2 years ago
SoVeryCharming says:
Wonderful!!! I'm a true believer - almost everything in my shop has at least one re-used component. ;)
2 years ago
MysticalRaindrops says:
Reusable things makes it handy for those of us on a budget.
2 years ago
miahsdreamfuljewels says:
really love those fork place card holders...i absolutely love to repurpose things.
2 years ago
artsykat says:
Like the forks!
2 years ago
stepbackink says:
Very nice ideas to repurpose items.
2 years ago
Jaclynscollections says:
I like the thinking outside of the box! Very fun and cool.
2 years ago
kanekl says:
Wow those are some really great ideas. The place cards, and plastic grocery bag purse are my favorite.
2 years ago
ostaART says:
How can you not to recycle nowadays. My recent favorite is recycling and remelting cat food cans and making jewerly out of cast aluminum
2 years ago
IMadeYouLookSC says:
I so love those forks and the wallet!!! Reused items are beautiful
2 years ago
klosti says:
Great ideas and inspiration!
2 years ago
adrianaallenllc says:
Great ideas!
2 years ago
lulouandada says:
It makes me so happy to see people reusing in such creative and interesting ways!
2 years ago
PoetryofObjects says:
I love the great vintage fork place card holders...what a creative idea!
2 years ago
piecesofelises says:
Thanks for the how tos :-)
2 years ago
chachingck says:
Up cycle, reuse, recycle is all just a fancy name for not wasting anything. If you could see your own weekly footprint of personal waste, it would truly shock you.. Thank you easy for helping us be more aware of how beautiful reuse can be.
2 years ago
chachingck says:
Up cycle, reuse, recycle is all just a fancy name for not wasting anything. If you could see your own weekly footprint of personal waste, it would truly shock you.. Thank you easy for helping us be more aware of how beautiful reuse can be.
2 years ago
chachingck says:
Easy, oh cripes!
2 years ago
chachingck says:
Easy, oh cripes!
2 years ago
chachingck says:
Etsy
2 years ago
CityGirlinaYurt says:
Great ideas, and perfect timing- upcycle in the earth day spirit
2 years ago
urbandon says:
Wonderful stuff! Keep it up.
2 years ago
RenewStudios says:
Thanks for posting my key necklace! :)
2 years ago
RenewStudios says:
Thanks for posting my key necklace! :)
2 years ago
GiftCreation says:
Interesting and great look!
2 years ago
MammaEarthCreations says:
Supherb!
2 years ago
ScrappyTudeStudios says:
Beeeeautiful!
2 years ago
MishaGirl says:
I never would have guessed the wallet was made out of brown plastic bag. Terrific idea!
2 years ago
TiTiLI says:
Go Green!
2 years ago
Insolita says:
I love those name holders!! Upcycling FTW!
1 year ago
RescuedRemnants says:
Your singin' my song!! Green Living with Attitude!
1 year ago
misty714 says:
This is the story of my life! I am so used to using things for that which they were NOT intended, that when I catch myself using an item in the proper way, it shocks me!!! LOL
1 year ago
beadazzledjewels says:
This is awesome! It's always fun to see how other people reuse everyday objects. I read a story once about a family of two who only put out one whole garbage bag of garbage in a YEAR! They recycled and reused everything. It's very inspiring to see other people who care about the planet!
1 year ago
rosebutton says:
Fab! I love the forks and the dress!
1 year ago
AmbieandAshiesArt says:
love this!
1 year ago
aslighttwist says:
hey yeah
1 year ago
PearsPalette says:
That stegosaurus is so adorable! A great use of something old!
1 year ago
KKchildrendesigns says:
So awesome! Loved it!
1 year ago