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
1 year 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!
1 year ago
designlab443 says:
Great items! I try to make most of my items with upcycled materials! It's good for us all!
1 year ago
frommylifetoyours says:
The card holders are awesome
1 year ago
SeaGlassJournal says:
The imagination and ingenuity within the Etsy community is inspiring! Thanks for sharing. Gary
1 year 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!
1 year ago
houndsome says:
Love the fork Place Card Holders! From linear to a reuse organic form, even better than the original product intention.
1 year ago
Iammie says:
The dinosaur is so cute. :)
1 year ago
OhFaro says:
Great article. I love to reuse and recycle!
1 year ago
halfmoonroad says:
LOVE the Impala necklace!!
1 year ago
JewelryByJLy says:
Love this post! Go Green!
1 year ago
VintageEye says:
Fabulotastic & green! Love these ideas! :)
1 year 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"
1 year ago
ethniquetrendy says:
great!
1 year 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!!
1 year ago
TheBloomingThread says:
that plastic bag wallet is so cute! its almost looks like rafia? love!
1 year ago
LittleBirdWallArt says:
Great Article! I love the forks in the top photograph!
1 year ago
NaturalCharmPhotos says:
I really love the cereal-box trivets. I'm going to have to try that! :)
1 year ago
pamwares says:
happy earth day to all! Great article! the impala necklace is awesome!
1 year 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!
1 year 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.
1 year 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!
1 year ago
PoetryofObjects says:
Great creativity!
1 year ago
bhangtiez says:
awsome selection........luv reuse & these are amazing pieces......
1 year 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.
1 year 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! :-)
1 year ago
MetroGypsy says:
Very cool!
1 year 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!
1 year ago
MarleyLondon says:
Nice!
1 year ago
EighteenDecember says:
The plush Stegosaurus is sooo adorable!
1 year ago
FluffyFlowers says:
super proud of our Plush Team member ArtTales! :)
1 year ago
suegrayjewelry says:
there is so much talent here and so many great ideas!!!
1 year 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
1 year ago
kathyjohnson3 says:
beautiful items! i think they all deserve a blue ribbon! very creative and inspiring!
1 year ago
MegansMenagerie says:
This is such an awesome post! I love when people can reuse their things and make something so incredible with them!
1 year ago
VintageMarketPlace says:
all about the upcycling and repurposing!!!
1 year ago
WoodlandCottage says:
We especially love the silverware card holders! Thanks for sharing such great ideas!
1 year ago
RedorGrayArt says:
beautiful .. great post .. my whole shop is based on that idea ~
1 year ago
HelloShoes says:
I love and admire the creativity of using recycled art . Its all so beautiful:)
1 year ago
ohbabydotcom says:
Love the upcycled items :)
1 year 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!!!
1 year ago
KristyLynnJewelry says:
Love the concept! Adorable items, so clever! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
dmtgun3 says:
Great!I love Place Card Holders...
1 year ago
Kokolele says:
````♥ Lovely Items!
1 year ago
collectiblesatoz says:
Great ideas. I am always repurposing. Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Love the way items can be recycled and reused!
1 year ago
RetroChalet says:
Kudos to you from Etsy Recyclers Guild Team!
1 year ago
JudiPaintedit says:
I love the forks!
1 year ago
RomanceCatsAndWhimsy says:
Love the plastic bag wallet - there is no way that you could tell - very cool article.
1 year ago
jdfootloose says:
How awesome! I also saw an upcycled bathtub turned Couch!
1 year ago
2TrickPony says:
this is a wonderful idea. and a lovely collection of recycled-upcycled crafts.
1 year ago
marjudesignsforyou says:
Lovely ideas. Im also a recycling person, think twice before throwing anything away.
1 year ago
RootsJewelry says:
This is so great!
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
Good job everybody. Kudos.
1 year ago
LoveButtons says:
Wonderful entries - I love the plushie dinosaur! :)
1 year ago
ArtTales says:
I love seeing all the great creations! Great job everyone :))
1 year ago
abbydid says:
I am a proud owner of one of those ArtTales dinos and it is STUPENDOUS!
1 year ago
TheEverlastingPosy says:
What creative fun!
1 year 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.
1 year 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.
1 year 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.
1 year ago
DandelionJewels says:
It's easy being green on etsy!! Happy Earth Day!
1 year ago
ProjectElixir says:
Great article. Where I live close to Seattle, we are all about upcyling and reusing. Thanks for this insight!
1 year ago
dragonflymystdesigns says:
Great article!! Gives me a few ideas on reusing some of my things!!
1 year 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!
1 year ago
trashbaggs says:
some of my favorite things! of course!! thanks for sharing!!
1 year ago
trashbaggs says:
some of my favorite things! of course!! thanks for sharing!!
1 year ago
trashbaggs says:
some of my favorite things! of course!! thanks for sharing!!
1 year ago
trashbaggs says:
sorry! it froze...didnt mean to multiple post. my bad!!
1 year ago
rebourne says:
Keep highlighting us upcyclers please! This is great!!
1 year ago
SkateBetty says:
I love seeing anything & everything about upcyling. Thanks for representing!
1 year ago
gilstrapdesigns says:
I love all of these and especially that cute little dress. Thank you
1 year ago
IMGirl says:
I am loving those fork place holders!!
1 year ago
PaleHorseStudios says:
delicious and timely, i love reclaimed materials!
1 year ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
Great reuse article!
1 year ago
girliepains says:
odd!
1 year 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.
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Some really beautiful ways to recycle here, very imaginative!
1 year ago
thevelvetheart says:
These are great ideas!
1 year ago
StainsInPanes says:
Cool, love making old new again!!
1 year 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!
1 year ago
Giedrecraftideas says:
Smart and bright ideas!!! I like it!!!
1 year ago
ShaeJus says:
love this
1 year ago
DUSKtillDAWNvintage says:
Great ideas! Very inspiring! Rather than throw everyday objects away, why not reuse them and make fun crafty items.
1 year ago
DUSKtillDAWNvintage says:
Great ideas! Very inspiring! Rather than throw everyday objects away, why not reuse them and make fun crafty items.
1 year ago
artdemix says:
Hip hip hurrah for the recycling Revolution! Brilliant............
1 year 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
1 year ago
ReCulture says:
Heck, Yeah! Why do it any other way?
1 year ago
VinylAffliction says:
Reduce Reuse Recyle, Repurpose, upcycle it's the only way to go.
1 year ago
shop1848 says:
Wonderful finds!
1 year ago
mimisrecycledesigns says:
Great post! Love the dress!
1 year 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!
1 year ago
HouseOfMoss says:
Thanks for the great ideas! I especially love those coasters!
1 year 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/
1 year 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 !
1 year ago
compostthis says:
love love love this! perfect.
1 year 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 ;)
1 year ago
treeandsap says:
Great article, I will try to reuse and repurpose more often
1 year ago
TheMillineryShop says:
That wallet id great! All fabulous stuff.
1 year ago
sofisticata says:
Great article!! Love the forks place cards!! I love to repurpose ;) These are great ideas!
1 year ago
chocolatevanity says:
So true... one man's waste is another man's treasure.. Go recycle!
1 year 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.
1 year 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!
1 year ago
SoVeryCharming says:
Wonderful!!! I'm a true believer - almost everything in my shop has at least one re-used component. ;)
1 year ago
MysticalRaindrops says:
Reusable things makes it handy for those of us on a budget.
1 year ago
miahsdreamfuljewels says:
really love those fork place card holders...i absolutely love to repurpose things.
1 year ago
artsykat says:
Like the forks!
1 year ago
stepbackink says:
Very nice ideas to repurpose items.
1 year ago
Jaclynscollections says:
I like the thinking outside of the box! Very fun and cool.
1 year ago
kanekl says:
Wow those are some really great ideas. The place cards, and plastic grocery bag purse are my favorite.
1 year 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
1 year ago
IMadeYouLookSC says:
I so love those forks and the wallet!!! Reused items are beautiful
1 year ago
klosti says:
Great ideas and inspiration!
1 year ago
adrianaallenllc says:
Great ideas!
1 year ago
lulouandada says:
It makes me so happy to see people reusing in such creative and interesting ways!
1 year ago
PoetryofObjects says:
I love the great vintage fork place card holders...what a creative idea!
1 year ago
piecesofelises says:
Thanks for the how tos :-)
1 year 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.
1 year 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.
1 year ago
chachingck says:
Easy, oh cripes!
1 year ago
chachingck says:
Easy, oh cripes!
1 year ago
chachingck says:
Etsy
1 year ago
CityGirlinaYurt says:
Great ideas, and perfect timing- upcycle in the earth day spirit
1 year ago
urbandon says:
Wonderful stuff! Keep it up.
1 year ago
RenewStudios says:
Thanks for posting my key necklace! :)
1 year ago
RenewStudios says:
Thanks for posting my key necklace! :)
1 year ago
GiftCreation says:
Interesting and great look!
1 year ago
MammaEarthCreations says:
Supherb!
1 year ago
ScrappyTudeStudios says:
Beeeeautiful!
1 year ago
MishaGirl says:
I never would have guessed the wallet was made out of brown plastic bag. Terrific idea!
1 year ago
TiTiLI says:
Go Green!
1 year ago
Insolita says:
I love those name holders!! Upcycling FTW!
1 year ago
RescuedRemnants says:
Your singin' my song!! Green Living with Attitude!
362 days 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
355 days 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!
349 days ago
rosebutton says:
Fab! I love the forks and the dress!
339 days ago
AmbieandAshiesArt says:
love this!
335 days ago
aslighttwist says:
hey yeah
334 days ago
PearsPalette says:
That stegosaurus is so adorable! A great use of something old!
282 days ago
KKchildrendesigns says:
So awesome! Loved it!
165 days ago