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I love figuring out new ways to give old stuff a second life—especially when it turns out cute or actually useful. Upcycling saves a bit of cash, cuts down on waste, and lets you add a little personality to your space.
It doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating, even if you’re not a seasoned crafter. Here are 15 girly upcycled crafts that turn everyday junk into something you’ll actually want to show off or give away.
With a bit of imagination, you can make decorations or gifts that feel genuinely special. I’m honestly just excited to share these ideas—anyone can give them a shot.
1. Floral Fabric Scrap Garland
I like grabbing old fabric scraps and turning them into a floral garland. It’s really just cutting shapes and stitching or gluing them together. The result? Sweet little flowers to hang anywhere.
2. Upcycled Denim Pocket Organizer
Old denim pockets make surprisingly sturdy organizers, perfect for stashing pens or random tools.
I sew the pockets together, then add hooks or attach them to a board so I can hang the whole thing up.
3. Lace-Trimmed Mason Jar Vases
Old mason jars get a girly upgrade with lace. I just glue lace around the outside. Suddenly, it’s a vase that looks like it came from a boutique.
4. Painted Wooden Ruler Star Ornaments
I chop up old wooden rulers, paint them in fun colors, then glue the pieces into star shapes.
These little stars are quirky and make great holiday decorations. Honestly, they’re just fun to make.
5. Patchwork Quilted Throw Pillow
I use leftover fabric scraps to sew patchwork pillow covers. It’s a good way to use up those tiny pieces you can’t bear to toss. Plus, the process isn’t as tricky as it looks.
6. T-Shirt Yarn Bracelets
Old t-shirts become yarn when I cut them into strips and stretch them out. Then I braid or knot them into colorful bracelets.
It’s easy, and I get to pick my favorite colors.
7. Decorative Sweater Sleeve Planters
I slip old sweater sleeves over plant pots or jars. The texture adds a cozy, soft look to my plants.
Plus, it’s a clever way to use sweaters that are too worn out to wear.
8. Circuit Board Picture Frames
I glue bits of old circuit boards onto plain picture frames. Suddenly, the frame looks techy and unique.
It’s a simple upgrade—no tech skills required.
9. Rope-Wrapped Candles
Leftover candle jars get a second life when I wrap them with rope and glue it down. It gives a rustic vibe and takes barely any time.
10. Button-Embellished Hair Clips
I grab old buttons and glue them onto basic hair clips. It’s an easy way to make each one look different.
Mixing colors and shapes keeps things interesting.
11. Decoupage Jewelry Boxes
I use decoupage—just gluing pretty paper or fabric onto old jewelry boxes—to give them new life. It works on wood, cardboard, or even plastic.
12. Crochet Doily Wall Hangings
Old crochet doilies can become wall art. I stretch them in embroidery hoops or glue them onto a canvas.
It adds a vintage, delicate feel to any wall—super low effort.
13. Repurposed Horseshoe Love Sign
I bend old horseshoes into a heart and spell out “love” with wire or paint. The rustic metal and girly details just work together.
It’s a simple project, but it’s got heart—literally.
14. Glass Jar Fairy Lights
I pop battery fairy lights into old glass jars. That’s it.
You get soft, magical lighting for your room or patio, and it costs almost nothing.
15. Upcycled Tea Cup Candle Holders
I love turning old tea cups into candle holders. They add this simple, vintage touch to a room—honestly, they just feel special.
Making them’s pretty straightforward: melt some wax, drop in a wick, and pour it all into the cup.
They’re cozy, a little quirky, and honestly make great gifts or just something nice to look at at home.
