Upcycle old treasures for a unique gift with a story to tell.
I grew up with a vegetarian, earth activist, nature loving, yogi mama in the prairies of Canada. It was an upbringing which instilled in me the knowledge that everything comes from somewhere and thus, has its own story. This truth stayed with me throughout my life, but of course, didn’t always guide me in the right direction. My teenage rebellion consisted of wearing copious amounts of fast fashion, becoming a cheerleader, and eating McDonald’s. ‘Twas perhaps not the most poignant rebellion, but the best I could muster at the time.
When I was in my early twenties my consciousness began to return and I decided to write a fashion column for my University’s newspaper. Each post was based on locally made apparel and the circular stories my mom had taught me as a child began to return.
I had been interested in eco-fashion since my late teens but at that time hadn’t found many brands which aligned with my still budding style. For reasons of ethics and budgets I found the solution to both problems was spending hours in the second-hand stores my city offered which were brimming with vintage gold.
I found so much good stuff that I put my DIY skills to work to edit and fix anything that I felt could be improved, then photographed a collection and launched Leotie Lovely, originally as an online vintage re-sale store. In my product hunting I often found beautiful fabrics which were no longer in use or had small stains on them; things like carpets, table runners, place mats, tablecloths, blankets and curtains which had beautiful patterns and awesome craftsmanship but didn’t necessarily have a place in the modern world.
One of my friends who at the time was making toques (winter hats) out of upcycled second-hand t-shirts came up with an idea. She suggested I rework the fantastic fabrics I was finding into clutches or bags and with that, Leotie Lovely was forever changed.
The construction of each clutch became a story in itself – a journey of time and research to upcycle and repurpose, filling in what couldn’t be found with ecologically and ethically produced components, while ensuring everyone and everything contributing to this collection’s creation was paid fairly and treated respectfully.
It felt like an art project as each piece came in different sizes, with endless possibilities in terms of design, and only enough fabric to make a few of each. I was constantly coming up with new creations, yet to this day I consider myself a curator, not a designer – as each fabric remnant seemed to find me in my daily life and travels, not the other way around. Now, each clutch holds a memory of the time and place where its material was found, while also reflecting a certain aesthetic inspired by the cultures which surrounded me over many years of nomadic city living, from London, Madrid and Paris, to Winnipeg, Texas and a 3-month stint in a VW van.
The piece I’ve collaborated with Numi Tea to offer as part of this giveaway is the Antique Aesthetics clutch. It is made from an antique runner I found at Penshurst Village Hall, in a small unspoilt village in the countryside of England near to where my father lives. The hall sits across from the grounds of Penshurst Place, the Royal ancestral home of Henry VIII. It was handcrafted over 100 years ago and features stunning traditional goldworking, silk velvet needlework, and an antique silk interior. It is a representation of a combination ancient and dying British artisan skills, made slowly over time in the spirit of quality craftsmanship. There are only two of these clutches in the world, one I gave to my step mother as a gift and one which one lucky winner will receive along with some tasty organic teas from Numi themselves.
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!
DECEMBER 12 UPDATE: The giveaway has ended! Thank you to everyone who shared your upcycle inspiration, and congratulations to the winner, Shayla!
I hope to receive an up cycled item one day!
I’m not sure I’ve given or received an upcycled gift, but I love this clutch and Numi tea.
I received a purse made out of old jeans and lined with an old patterned t-shirt. It’s super cute and doubles as a diaper bag.
My father upcycled a flea market picture frame in order to frame a Jack R. Schroeder print I received for volunteer service to the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art. The print is of a black dog with two yellow ducks and hangs in my office.
I have my wedding dress from 1981. My daughter will ‘upcycle’ it for her wedding dress. I will re-style it to her design. I even kept the ‘silk red roses’ of my wedding bouquet that will be ‘re-purposed’ in some way for the wedding. I’m happy to play it foward to the next generation. Special meanings turn into family traditions.
I received an upcycled comforter for my bed and it was really beautiful. I still have it to this day because it’s one of my prize possession. Fingers crossed. I’d love to win. Thanks for the opportunity and chance.
I have to admit, I’m not that crafty…….wish I was though! I dream of being crafty. lol I love this clutch, it is beautiful.
I’ve converted a few thrift store sweaters in to super-soft fluffy sweaters for my daughter. She loves how they feel, the wool is water resistant and warm, and they make a unique statement unlike any other girls clothes I’ve found in stores.
I loved making a diaper bag out of my son’s old military uniforms.
So much at our little eatery is reused material. One of the items is a small stand for the Numi teas we carry. I consider this a gift because it was built by my beloved as a practical functional way to indulge in my love for tea and share that with our patrons.
I upcycled a beautiful painted ceramic Angel into a holder for jewelry
I made a quilt from dresses my Momma made me as a little girl 😊💕
A baby bunting was upcycled to a sweater for the same child when child grew out of the bay bunting
I made tshirt yarn from some old shirts of my husband’s and son’s and made a rug out of it and gave it to a friend! 🙂
My SIL made me candles using old cans-actually really cool!
For our wedding we made everything! I got plants along the fields and roads….made our table runners from found fabric….wine bottles as center pieces…..wood flowers…and made cloth flowers out of shirts! That’s only a little!!!! Thanks for the chance!!
Not sure if this counts as upcycling but my mom spent years making and sowing my clothes. When a pair of jeans ripped or got a hole mom and I would turn them into a pair of shorts. I was always loath to get ride of a piece I loved and tried to keep using it as long as possible, even if it needed lots or reworking!
I wish there was a way I could upload a picture of the cutest little reindeer Christmas ornament craft my preschool class made out of mailing tubes. Those 2 year olds were so proud of themselves and their ornaments ere precious enough to hang on the tree! They loved being able to give it to their parents and say ‘I made this”! Best recycle/repurpose/upcycle to date because my heart was so touched by the joy it gave everyone!
My next project is to turn some unrepairably ripped jeans into a tug toy for our dog!
My mom made a wonderful blanket from my t-shirts and special fabrics we had from projects done together. It was memorable!
My brother passed away in June and I decided that since I won’t have any nieces or nephews I want to spoil my best friends little girl she had. As a baby shower gift I took an old wooden box and upcycled it into a jewelry box that has her baby’s name written on top! I lined it with some leftover paisley patterned fabric and put in a music box that plays Stairway to Heaven. I took the mirror out of an old compact and fixed it to the top of the inside and made a little nook to hold jewelry that she will have one day. I loved the feeling of giving her a repurposed gift that will last a lifetime❤️
My favourite upcycled gift I have given was I made a sock puppet out of a one sided sock for my younger brother when he was little!
My great grandma lived in Europe her whole life until World War 2 & had to leave her home & many of her friends to start a new life with her family. She knitted her whole life & passed a beautiful treasure to my grandma & my mom & now to me. It was a gorgeous blanket that she knitted herself. They are the colors of her home town & it kept her warm when she was coming to America. When my sister had a baby I gave it to her so that we can pass it on and on for generations. Holly Rose handmade clutch reminds me of my great grandmother blanket & that would be a lovely present to give to my mother this year. I really hope I win I love Numi tea & anything that is handmade & has an awesome story behind it.
Mason Jar candle holders!
I actually just received a sweater upcycled from pairs of old jeans and patchwork quilts. I wear the sweater to work and have gotten many compliments on it. I cherish it and hope to receive more gifts like that for the holidays.
Though I haven’t done it yet, I recently saw a post on Facebook about repurposing an old scarf into homemade wreath! I think it sounds like a great idea.
That clutch is beautiful!! Great idea!! I’ve up cycled broken vintage jewelry pieces into updated necklaces and bracelets for gifts. My friends and family love them.
I have given an upcycled book turned photoframe, and I have recieved an antique sewing table that I upcycled into an entry table. 🙂
When I got married, my BFF did all my flowers & favors. She got antique plates from thrift stores and wrote our names & wedding date in gold paint marker 🙂 20 years later, I get misty at the thought.
I received an upcycled pair of earrings. They were made from old copper pennies!
My husband worked for the past 3 months…evenings and weekends…to make a new dining room table for me out of re- claimed wood.
Friends of ours dismantled an old barn and the table is made from those planks.
I love that he took the time to do this for me ( us) and the finished piece has tons of character…and LOVE!
A shawl made from up-cycled wool
I love the Mason jars I inherited when my husbands grandfather passed away. The are gorgeous and unique as the company no longer manufactures them. Knowing something special holds our food, flowers, coop cleaner, makes it the most useful gift I’ve received.
I received an upcycled purse made of different fabrics patches, it was not very pretty, but it is the thought that counts.
I make jewelry by upcycling old pieces or pieces of old pieces! I love to make something “over again”.
Plastic bags newspaper comes in- I use them when walking the dog
my grandma made me an amazing jean purse out of old blue jeans!
I made purses with old jeans with my Girl Scouts. Fun project!
I think anything vintage is fantastic & I up cycle when I can. Trips to a thrift store thrill me! I love finding treasures & wondering what their past lives were like. I have actually up cycled a small curtain into an apron. The fabric was perfect for it. Looking forward to seeing more of your projects. This one is gorgeous!
Debra
Rug woven with my grandma’s old clothing after she passed away.
When my husband and I got married my sister took some barn wood and had a friend of hers make us a picture frame. Her son is autistic so she had it designed with little puzzle pieces.
My favorite gift received is a rug made from old blue jeans by my best friend who passed away eleven years ago.
I received a priceless upcycled antique metal tea canister from an estate sale once. I always think about its history and how “priceless” it was to someone special for so many years! Keep crafting–it’s such an important trade!
When I was a kid I used to make candles from the stubs of crayons that I had.
One of my dear clients takes old jeans and makes great animal toys shaped into bones. I love knowing they get lots of new wear and tear. She puts squeaky balls inside. It’s hilarious and useful up cycling. She does tote bags as well. Max adores these, as they have the familiar material he used to sit on.
This year I am gifting a keepsake of my mom’s in her memory for the holiday Yankee swap. It is a planter she put poinsettias in for the holidays every year.
I received a lovely antique hard cover book turned into a jewelry box. So unique and gorgeous!
That’s awesome…sounds lovely.
The best up cycle I gave was i refinished my dad’s childhood dresser and gave to him for christmas! He loved it!
I received in highschool a bag made from a pair of overalls. It was so cute. I kept my piano and flute music books in it.
My purse made from a coffee bean sack is my favorite item I own. It was a birthday present to myself.
A jar of cookie ingredients with instructions.
My favorite is a Christmas wreath made from my own wine corks that my sister made me last year
My mom gave me an upcycled rug that she made out of fabric scraps. She’s also made these rugs out of old socks, and also out of denim strips! They are very well made, and last forever!
My mom gave me an upcycled rug that she made out of fabric scraps. She’s also made these rugs out of old socks, and also out of denim strips! They are very well made, and last forever!
I got a beautiful upcycled scarf (made from a couple of sweaters) from my cousin. We used to do creative pay-it-forwards where the first 5 people to comment on your post would receive a handmade item…and then they would have to offer the same to 5 people who posted on their post! It was so much fun to see what treasures you’d receive!
My father had several old doors, that he created into benches. He gifted them to my husband and me, as a housewarming present.
I received a flower crown from a friend of mine made from bits of extra fabric and silk flowers. It’s a sweet reminder that we’re both full of magic and creativity.
I buy cashmere sweaters at thrift stores and turn the ones that don’t fit into a quilted pillows to give as gifts.
I upcycle old cross stitch pieces and add new touches to them or make them into things, like coasters or quilts.
An old tree-box, which originally was used for storing glass bottles by an Icelandic soda company. It ended up on a farm, and had been outside for many decades. A few years ago, I took it with me and cleaned it. Now I use it for storin my selection of Numi teas 🙂
I searched thrift shops for vintage men’s ties. Opened up the seams then sewed all the old ties together into a skirt. I put a recycled grosgrain ribbon around the middle as a waistband and reinforced the waistband with a felt band of fabric I sewed onto the grograin ribbon waitband.
i received a purse tissue holder crafted from my great-aunt’s handkerchief. it’s practical, beautiful and sentimental.
The best up cycle I have made was taking beautiful bed sheets and turning them into a wrap around skirt. Thank you!
I receive Keychain made out of 6 old CPU’s
my gram used to make my homemade finger rings for my bdays…….
My favorite upcycled gift is my lovely wool mittens made from old sweaters. Warm, cozy, and every time I wear them , I feel the love put into making them.
I really want a quilt made of old t-shirts. A friend has one and it’s awesome
I made a clutch similar to this one out of magazines and newspapers as a gift for my mom. It turned out so unique and fabulous, and she still uses it today. I love her!
I received an upcycled blanket made from old tshirts! It’s so unique & I love it!
My favorite recycled gift is a ring I received on my 21st birthday from my grandmother. It belong to her mother my great grandmother as well. My grandmother gave this ring to me because she said out of all her 13 great grandchildren I’m the only one who still writes her letters and calls her. So she wanted to give me the ring before she passed away. I’m proud to say I’m 34 years old and my grandmother is 82 years young. I still have the ring and I still am the only grandchild to still write and call her weekly.
I learned how to quilt about 5 years ago but was dismayed by how expensive fabric is. I have always loved shopping for clothes at second-hand stores and began to find fabric remnants at thrift stores and vintage and craft shops. Soon my friends and family were giving me leftover fabric to add to my stash.
My favorite quilt that I gifted so far was a graduation quilt that I made for my niece using her fave colors (and maple leaves – she is Canadian) for the front using fabric given to me by a coworker. And since her favorite color was red, I used her great grandmother’s beautiful old red tablecloth for the back of the quilt. It actually still kind of smelled like grandma which brought my mom to tears. My niece adored her quilt.
Right now, I just finished cutting pieces for one of my bestie’s 40th birthday quilt. When I spotted the vintage butterfly pattern fabric in a craft shop I knew that it was her. I found other matching fabric from remnants, curtains, tablecloths, and bedsheets. I hope she will love it.
My mom made a Christmas stocking for my newborn son this year out of a pair of old blue jeans – so practical with the back pocket and super cute to boot!
I always up cycle my candle jars n make new candles for gifts n myself 😊
One of my friends makes new jewelry from old jewelry. She has made some beautiful things. Some of the colors of the stones are so pretty!
Just vases from family I have used over and over
My fav upcycle gift is something very simple. A metal frame. My ex boyfriend was taking a welding class and made it for me with scraps in his spare time
My mother made a quilt out of several pairs of my old jeans. I still have it.
I took a old pair of jeans and made a cool purse with the denim and my imagination!
we make bath rugs or any rugs from the old clothes
I made a quilt out of old jeans and a tablecloth. I am saving up jeans for my next one.
I have a clutch made in Guatemala from recycled clothing by women working to feed their families and pull out of poverty. My clutch was purchased through Trades of Hope, a fair trade company.
Last year for Christmas, My sister in law, made wool dryer balls from old sweaters…they are super nice! Hope she makes more!!
My sister-in-law Sarah took a vintage metal container and turned into a home for a potted plant. Unique and fun! I think of her every time I water the plant.
I was once given a wooden treasure box, upcycled with a new finish and chalkboard paint on the inside lid. It’s so simple and elegant, I love it!
I made my parents a blanket out of things from trips we had taken together. They love it, it is on their bed!
I use old beaded jewelry and wire to create new gifts for loved ones. The process is enjoyable and I love passing on handmade gifts to others.
I have never received any thing like this. Some day, I hope to.
I use yarn gleaned from thrift stores to make new items. Takes time yet so good to reuse yarn. See face of person receiving gift . So best was lap blanket.
My favorite upcycled gift was part of a wine barrel turned into a hanging guitar stand!!
I have a couple but my favorite of all time is a quilt that was handed down through the generations. My great great grandmother pieced it together bc she had too. They were dirt poor and came from Ireland. Had nothing to their name but each other and for awhile that quilt. It’s torn and ragged now but to me it’s beautiful. Reminds me if how important it is to cherish one another and how important family is. I image the whole family snuggling up together and that quilt providing warmth. Tales of tragedies to tales of finding peace love and a new home.
My favorite upsycled present I’ve given was to my 6 year old niece. I made a headband from a couple of old sheets turned into rosettes. She loved it. I haven’t received an unlocked present, but I would love to!
Earrings made from German coins and painted on one side. Got them 30 years ago. Still have them and love them!
My sweet friend, during our junior high years, collected textiles that she knew I loved, and sewed them into a beautiful, small backpack. I STILL have it! I’m 60!!!! It’s precious to me. ❤️🙏🏻❤️🌹
My favorite recycle gift I made was a 4-section crate from old fence wood. I placed Mason jars in each spot, filled with flowers a gave as a wedding gift to my outdoor loving friends.
My favorite up cycled gift I received was a recycled carpet tote from interface carpets who makes their carpets out of recycled material to begin with. It was not only beautiful but super durable! I re-gifted to my mom because she needed a bag and she loved it! I would love to win this! Thank you for the opportunity!
I received a large pillow case made of scraps of ripped jeans to use for an antique bench from the front of a carriage.
I would love this clutch. My mother and I always use whatever we have left to make whatever we can for ourselves or others. There are so many people who have nothing, we need to be thankful for everything we have and try not to be wasteful!
Okay, I’m off my soapbox now! I would love the clutch and I’m a huge fan of the tea too!
My sister makes recycled earrings from soda cans and gave me a gorgeous pair that I love! If I win this it would be my gift to her. 🙂
My favorite up cycled gift I received was the baby quilt made for me by my Great-Grandmother out of fabrics used to make my great Aunts clothing. I never met her, as she passed away before I was born, but she told my Mother I would be a girl that would bring much joy. I have heard many wonderful stories of her great, unselfish love for everyone and feel blessed that one of the final things she made so beautifully was my blanket. I still keep it as one of my cherished possessions, along with all of her old Native remedies.
Every year I upcycle cds and fabric and make ornaments and small gifts. It’s my tradition
I have a vintage Santa made from a newell post (??) from an old fence and he’s wearing an outfit made from an old quilt. His hair and beard are crafted from cotton gleaned from a cotton field after harvest. I ADORE that Santa.
My husband up cycled an old workbench into an entertainment center. We have had it 32 years but it is still my favorite.
I received boot cuffs made from the arms of a sweater.
A quilt♡
my friend upcycles jeans to make amazing warm up suits! I love mine and have it for years!!
I scour thrift stores and estate sales for vintage needlepoint pieces that I transform into pillows. Each one finds a new home with a friend or through a charity auction, as I gift these for good causes. My favorite pillow I determined to keep for myself, but the Spirit kept prodding me to give it to a new friend. I steadily refused, until I visited her home and saw her vintage dishes featuring birds. Then I knew my “bird” pillow was meant for her… When I gave it to her she cried and told me I had not seen HER collection of vintage needlepoint–the only beautiful thing her mother left her, she said. I love saving these hand-made works or art and delivering them, renewed, where they belong!
I’m making purses made from old jeans to give as Christmas presents.
I took an older large t-shirt and embellished it to make a beach coverup for a friend that matched her bathing suit perfectly. She loved this gift!
Never given or received an upcycled gift.
I trade items with my mom that we no longer wear. We each get something that is new to us.
My favorite up-cycle item I make and give away at holidays are my seed boxes. I use old shoe boxes and cereal boxes to make boxes with dividers in them, come fall harvest I collect my garden seeds, I keep my part for next years garden then separate and label all the seeds and fill the boxes. I decorate the boxes using old wrapping paper or even one I did in cloth. I then gift them to those I know and even some I don’t. I make sure the variety of seeds are edibles this way I know what I’m govincan feed them in the future.
There’s a crafter who buys old, ruined quilts. She cuts out the usable bits and turns them into stuffed animals. I have a crow.
My mother-in-law gifted us a collection of glass mason jars from the 1930’s that were made in a peanut butter factory her father worked in. They’re ornate and so lovely. We filled them with tea lights on our wedding day and now use them for flowers or lighting around our home.
I love ❤️ these clutches!! I love to shop in second hand stores such as Goodwill or garage sales. I buy used , unique picture frames then add a special picture and gift to a loved one. I also love to shop for unique cups, bowls, and the like and plant a succulent in it for a gift!
I’ve received very nice clothing, up cycled from friends. I have a fairly nice wardrobe with a lot of clothes up cycled to me from my friends.
When I was a kid, my mom made a blanket out of old denim pant legs, and we would use that for some of our outdoor adventures. My daughter received 3 skirts where the pants were upcycled with fabric to make skirts.
I would say the best upcycled gift I ever received would by my shelf with Mason jar lights built in underneath the shelf. It was made with reclaimed wood from an old house. My best friend and her fiance made it for me in The Nightmare before Christmas theme. Each one of the jars are frosted with the characters from the movie. The lights are even hooked to a dimmer switch so I can adjust the brightness. I wish I could post a photo of it! Words don’t even do it justice. It’s a work of art.
My teenage best friend gifted me with a blue jeans slouch bag teeth decorative trim. I always remember it because she left this world a few years ago. She put a lot of love in that bag.
Should read with decorative trim.
I love making upcycled and recycled products to gift for the holidays. I finished a few rattan baskets (found) that I added fabric, moss, baubbles and birds. It turned out great. I love this clutch! Thanks for the opportunity!
A vintage skirt made into a tote bag
My favorite upcycled gift has to be a comforter that is made out of my family’s old shirts 💚💚 I love it..
I just love taking cast off jewelry and turning it into new and exciting jewelry. So, each year I make bracelets for my lady friends (and family). They really enjoy seeing what I come up with each year!
A quilt my mother made me is slowly getting patched into a crazy quilt, using fabric from old beloved clothes and printed fabrics.
This is regarding the competition post how can I enter I’ve tried & been sent to different places. This should be easy & straight forward. Why so hard?
My FAVORITE upcycled gift that I’ve received was all the decorations for my baby’s first birthday. We did a vintage shabby chic Cinderella theme. My friend gave me mason jars that were painted light blue and had lace and burlap and they were the table centerpieces. They tied in so well with the rest of the things: a hay stack photoshoot area, blue candy bar, cinderella shoe piñata, and tulle hand made banners. It was INCREDIBLE and the centerpieces really MADE the party!
The bag is beautiful…loving the earthy colors! At one time I was very creative & made earrings using leather pocketbooks…a lot of beads as well. Now I mostly garden & share seeds..& when i find old pieces of furniture on the street I’ll paint them with a particular person in mind. I wish more people would upcycle so we could free up some waste & stop filling them with perfectly good items.
I received a jewelry hanger made from copper pipe from my dad!
I took vintage ornaments and bulbs that belonged to my grandmother and my kids’ grandmother and made them each a wreath with the bulbs. They turned out beautifully and now they each have a keepsake with these treasured ornaments.
My son and daughter-in-law gave me a big bowl with little glass orbs for Christmas a couple of years ago and I got them out this year and added gold tones of balls that have jewels on them. I added ivy and berries, too. It is on my dining room table with some potpourri thrown in. I never thought that I would be reusing the pieces like this! Beautiful, more beautiful than when I first received it.
I’ve personally never received an upcycled gift but I’ve made plenty for others. The one I enjoyed the most was old flour sacks that I printed on and turned into tea towels.
My favorite upcycled gift I have given was grape wall decor made from the insides of an old couch and scrap metal. My favorite I have recieved was a bag made of magazine strips and tape.
I received a gift f ty om my grandmother passed down to me.
I upcycled some canning jars that were cracked just a little at top edges but wouldn’t seal right into candles. I gave them as presents last Christmas.
Oh and I used leftover bits of scrap fabric and ribbon to decorate tops for the candles 🙂
For my highschool graduation one of my best friends, Aleks, made me a frame out of the book Fahrenheit 451. It has a cut out in the novel where he put a picture of us and there are branches glued together to hold it up. It is total DIY and crazy thoughtful.
Last year, when I visited South Korea, I received a hand made pink Kirby made by a local artist.
Upcycled baby bassinet was beautiful and mom to be loved it!
I purchase used cashmere sweaters ( sometimes with moth holes,) inexpensively from the Thrift store. I also purchase inexpensive slippers from various retailers. I then recover,( I sew them by hand,) the inexpensive slippers in the luxurious cashmere…creating soft beautiful cashmere slippers from what was discarded sweaters !
I’ve never received an Upcycled gift but would absolutely love to win this beautiful cluch.
My favorite upcycled gift is a pen made from old wine barrels!
I upcycle candles. Not sure if that counts, but it’s pretty cool. Not wasteful.
This clutch is Beautiful ♡♡♡♡♡
It could carry lots of spare Numi Mate’ Lemon tea bags…and they would match!!
XO 🕊 Happiest of Holidays🕊
I love to crochet in the cooler months, but living in Florida not too many folks were getting much use out of my crochet winter hats, so I took the hats& just decided to turn them all into crocheted stuffed animals!
I’ve given and received homemade jarred mixes.
Taken old sheets and made them into pillow cases . Put fun patterns or monograms on them. Filled them with goodies for kids in foster care.
I received a Bible Cover that was made out of Jeans with a beautiful embrodiatry on it with a handle from a dear friend
I received a beautiful quilt made out of upcycled materials! I love it!
When my mother was small her grandmother made quilts from her outgrown dresses, I loved having the quilts on my bed when I was growing up because it made me feel even more connected to the strong women in my family’s past.
My most recent upcycled creation was taking an old tattered abandoned afghan, tearing in apart, joining all the small bits of yarn into balls and using it to crochet beanie caps for the homeless, creating hope and love from an old broken dream.
My husband bought me a small wall cabinet that was built using 2 old timey dashboards made into doors for the cabinet.
For my 50th Birthday I received a bathmat made out of recycled trash bags. At first I thought it was a crazy gift, but I must tell you honestly this is one of the best gifts I ever received! I love it!
My husband does leatherwork and made me a beautiful patchwork bag with upcycled materials, leather, and exotic skins. <3
I made a scarf for my best friend for Christmas a couple of years ago. I had a bunch of scrap yarn and I braided it all together and crocheted it into an infinity scarf. It was really colorful which was just her style and she loved it!
I don’t believe I have ever given our received a recycled gift, but this is beautiful
I’ve never received anything that pretty for as a purse, but had my eye on one like it at a thrift store but when I returned it was gone.
i don’t think I have ever receieved one
I’ve upcycled favorite shirts from that my children couldn’t part with. I turned them into pillows to give them new life!
A hand painted t shirt
I upcycled a music box that was mine when i was little, I used to hide my most valuable rocks and gltter in there lol and now I gave it to my daughter for her birthday to store her own treasures.
My mother gave me a large pocket door out of my grandparents farm house. We spent the summer refinishing it. And now it’s my headboard. And one of my most prized possessions. And now have the need to up cycle all sorts of things.
I gave a friend something I got from someone.
I received a blanket, made from old t-shirts and things, from my Gma, a few years before she passed away. I was stunned at the things she had saved from my childhood. A dress I broke my leg in at church, a Pink Floyd tshirt, an old apron…..it’s a family heirloom now.
When my five children were young I tried to re purpose as much as possible. One year for Christmas the kids and I gathered paper grocery bags and made homemade wrapping paper. The children loved decorating with sponges, stencils, paints and glitter. The joy on their faces when they were able to give a piece of their artwork along with a gift was priceless.
I’ve not received any upcycled gifts yet 💚 But would love to
I’ve made lots of crafts myself. My favorite things to make are photo frames. I use anything and everything to make them.
My favorite upcycled gift would be well before the term upcycled was coined. My grandmother, who was an amazing seamstress, took an old coat of hers and made me one that was reflective of the fashion of the day…because i wanted one so badly and we werent able to afford it. I think about these things over steaming cup of tea. I love numi teas and would greatly appreciate the beautiful clutch. Thank you
I upcycled old crayons and melted them in to beautiful candles one Christmas
Candles! and jewelry. 🙂
never upcycled anything but last year I made scarves for everyone!
My favorite up cycled gift is one I just had made for my sister: I took part of my wedding dress lace and put it in a glass locket for her to wear on her wedding day. She has no idea and I cannot wait to give it to her! We had a rough childhood that brought us really close and so I want to give her something that will signify our bond as well as encourage her to take this next step forward. <3
I made a rug out of old t-shirts for our camper. When I look at it I remember the times that my kids wore that certain shirt and it brings back great memories.
I’ve got a reusable shopping bag made from plastic rice bags from Thailand. It belonged to a dear friend who passed away a couple of years ago.
I am a little in tune with my crafty side so I play with whatever I can get my hands on! Recently I found some beautiful fabric at a thrift store that has the Eiffel tower, a lady with a 50’s style dress and little shops on it and have been up cycling the material by making my 3 year old daughter a dress aswell as making her pillows and no clue what else yet! She loves the fabric and so do I!!
I upcycled my old prom dress into a tree skirt for my Christmas tree!!
A ring my great grandfather made out of a quarte by hitting the center till it made a hole and turned itself into a ring.
I have a quilt that my Grandmother& I made when I was a child. We would work on it together as much as we could when I would go visit & stay overnight with her. She was my true inspiration. It is made of old cotton squares & it has beautiful colors. I still have it, & I cherish it more than anything I own.😊
I received an old refurbished jewelry box… it’s beautiful.. I would mad never known it was refurbished it the person didn’t tell me..
A vanity that I had refurbished.
With 4 kids (3 of them girls) I up cycle clothes all the time 😉😉
I received an old refurbished jewelry box… it’s beautiful.. I would had never known it was refurbished it the person didn’t tell me..
I once received a bracelet made of newspaper I thought was ver unique and beautiful!
My favorite upcycled gift was a pallet coat rack my husband made for me.
I gave my mother a quilt that I made using clothes that my sons wore as little boys
My favorite was a restored antique make up table with bench
well my parents were killed 10/2016 and I am working on pillows with one side moms shirt and other side dads for all 8 grandkids…looks like will be next years Christmas gift because I havent got done yet
My favorite upcycled gift was a purse made from my dad’s old ties from when he was a young gentleman and wore them to school.
My grandma gave me a handmade quilt that my great-grandma made. It’s beautiful
My favorite upcycled gift was a Seahawks tire art my husband got for me. I loved that it was a recycled tire and since I am such a huge Seahawks fan, I absolutely loved it.
Almost every piece of furniture in my home is a hand me down. I re-do them and they are all works of art to me!
Oh my gosh I love this bag so much. My upcycle gifts I never had one. This would be my first and I would love it.
My favorite piece is an upcycled piece, it started as an old singer sewing machine table I remade it into a great table with removable trays and painted it for my porch we use it bbq’s to hold ice and drinks and to put the condiment bottles in to keep them cool in the heat!
I made a throw pillow for my bed with my mom and dads favorite shirts, after they passed. I also made one for my brothers and sisters with some of my parents clothing so they could have something to hug when they was missing them.
I have an old quilt that was made by my great grandmother that my mother re-backed for me . I have had that quilt on my bed since I wasn’t a little girl and will always have it. Every time It gets a hole or worn out, we add new fabric to it and it lives on.
I have never received any upcycled gifts but I would love to.
I have personally never received an upcycled gift or given one, but I have seen a gorgeous quits made entirely out of old broken down quilts. I wish I could have afforded to purchase it. It was just beautiful. I love Numi Tea and am excited for the chance to win this prize!
My favorite upcycled gift is a jewelry holder that my husband made from old wood. It is gorgeous and big. I have all my jewelry hanging from it and I can just look and grab what I want to wear each morning.
My favorite upcycled gift is my husband made me a heart ring out of metal when we started dating
My favorite upcycled gift is my wedding ring my wedding ring that was my husbands grandma and was passed to me. He has to have a jeweler add a little more to it because it was too small for me but love that is has a story and it is vintage.
strawberry planter my husband made from pallets 🙂
a broken shovel my dad turned into a peacock for me that sits on my front porch. He is a welder with alot of talent and its beautiful.
My MIL made my son’s crib set. It’s by far my favorite…she used clothing that was handed down by her mother
It is a wonderful copper wind chime made from vintage copper pan and measuring cups!
Tube sock snowmen
Took an old basket some old decorations and a few throw away stuffed toys with a christmas theme. I created a very lovely scene with lights, a sleigh, snowmen, and a few touches and some sprinkle snow!! Walla a very nice center piece for my Bestie.
……AN OLD DRESSER THROWN OUT BY A FRIEND… I STRIPPED THE OLD VARNISH AND STAINED IT DARK MAHOGANY…. ITS ABSOLUTELY STUNNING NOW!!
I want to purchase one.
A blanket I made my hubby last yeare
I received a hobo bag my sister made out of old jeans.
Upcycled my mom’s wedding ring. She made sure I had it when I got married and I in-turn gave it to my daughter. It was very hard to part with the one thing I cherished most that was my mothers.
I recieved an upcycled pillow made from some crochet my grandmother had made
My best up cycle gift was a Mother’s Day gift to my daughters. I took an old piece of wood and added an old vinyl record and some lovely words and it turned out beautifully!!!!
My fav was my dresser!
THOSE CLUTCH PURSES ARE STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL…. I’D BE PROUD TO HAVE ONE! AWESOME PATTERNS
My favorite upcycled gift was when my daughter wanted a unique gift for a friend of hers that was bullied. Her friend wanted something that everyone would like and be “jealous” and envy her. So we took a old pair of jeans that my son had ripped the knees on and made this little 5 year old girl a brand new stylish purse to take to school with her. The priceless smile she had on her face when telling us about how girls who were mean to her before had talked to her that day and weren’t mean to her anymore and she was one of the “cool” kids. The simplest things can make all the difference to someone else with a little love, thought and time!
My favorite upcycle gift I’ve given was turning an old entertainment center into a play kitchen for children with a friend of mine! Her kids absolutely loved it!!!
My father passed away a little over 5 years ago and has been sorely missed every Christmas, especially among his grandchildren. I’m taking his familiar shirts and using them to make “Papa” pillows for them. I thought it would give them something to remember him by.
My favorite upcycled item that I have ever given, was this awesome set of old drawers out of a china hutch that was falling apart on the outside, but these beautiful drawers were still perfect. So I pulled them out and put a little love into them and they became the perfect hanging bookshelves/ trinket shelves that I put up in my daughters room for her homeschool books!
An old vase, spray painted lime green. I keep pens in it. Cheerful and funky!
I made ornaments for an ornament swap this year with up cycled materials
What a beautiful gift!
A purse made using some aluminum can tabs from Mexico given to me by my mother in law!
We made a quilt using old t-shirts and flannel shirts from our dad!!
I have been making cork ornaments as Christmas gifts. I can not afford to buy presents this year as I was in a bad car accident. I hAve enjoyed collecting the corks and ribbons to make these projects. I can’t wait to give them to my family and friends!
Best gift was a handmade scarf
Upcycling is the best way to challenge thinking differently about the life of our possessions. I enjoy making corkboards out of wine corks, sharing goods I no longet need w friends, and decorate using found materials…
I’m making so much stuff from everything and anything. My favorite things to make are photo frames
I recycle plastic from nursing homes and send it to a manufacture of plastic goods to repurpose!👍❤️
A blanket made from old high school tshirts!
I love taking old jars & containers…hand painting them specifically for the person I’m gifting to.
I once received a lovely handmade knitting bag from my secret Santa. This delightful bag reminds me of the handiwork.
I GAVE MY HUSBAND A LIVERPOOL SHIRT AND PANTS SET
I have given, received and purchased pottery, which can last a lifetime. I especially love to throw and assemble teapots, which requires 4 pieces to seamlessly blend to pour smoothly and feel good in the hands. Teapot plus Numi tea = pure joy.
I love all the patterns and the designs i’ve never had something that nice for my tea it would be great to win
I make shirt quilts as graduation gifts….always well received.
I have never gotten a gift like this. I love the concept!
blanket made out of rags of clothes
One of my favorite upcycled gifts was giving one of my collectible dolls to a little girl who loved dolls and looked just like the doll I gave her. A Rapunzel doll with long braid!
My favorite upcycled gift was an upcycled wine bottle to put above kitchen sink to grow herbs indoors during cold Buffalo Winter!
My grandmother upcycled old knitted sweaters from my family to a wonderful coat. All with beautiful old knitting patterns from the Faroe Islands 🙂
My best friend once took all of our favorite clothes that we had out grown and sewn them into a purse! best gift ever! 8 years later I sill use it!
The only upcycled item I have .. so far .. is a bag I use for groceries.
I once received a beautifully quilt that was made from the shorts from local fairs and such! Love upcycling.
I’ve made many recycled items, but I don’t remember if I’ve received any. I would love to receive something beautifully recycled!
I got a gift of magnets made of fish tank type rocks with photos and old broken magnets. They are really neat looking
Would love one have not tried your products before
I also have a very old Raggedy Ann doll that was my Grandmothers. I have stitched it back together over, & over to keep it in tack. She has old button eyes, & she is still cute as can be. She reminds me of my wonderful Grandmother who practically raised me all my growing up years. ❤ Also I always drink the Numi Organic teas, my favorite is the green “Toasted Rice” I even make ice tea out of it. 😊
When my boys, now in their twenties, were in elementary school… My oldest was in the special education classes for the gifted. We came upon a T-shirt that became a favorite, because it depicted a student entering “A School for the Gifted” The youngster, instead of pullling the door was pushing.
My son related so much with this shirt, he almost wore it out. To keep it around much longer I made it into a throw pillow. Years later it adorns his love seat…
I made mittens from an old wool sweater last year and they turned out wonderfully. I gave them to a dear friend who loved them and the fact they we upcycled!
I love this! I love different types of things, this is amazing. I have gave many things that are up cycled, one thing i made just the other day was from a older book that was torn, So i cut the print pages into random shapes and made a plaque that said read. it turned out very cute. I then gave it to a author.
thank you for the great giveaway
Unfortunately, I have never given or received an up cycled item. This would be an amazing first!! 🙂
My granddad made me a vanity set out of an old school desk that someone was throwing away. It came with a beautiful mirror and a chair as well. They were all someone else trash and he took and sanded and painted it and attached the mirror to make a magnificent treasure, it was beautiful! Better than any store bought vanity I’ve ever seen. Not to mention it meant so much more knowing the time, love, and effort he put into making it for me!
Christmas tea towels.
I make hospice memory ornaments from 75% recycled materials ( wine corks & broken jewelry..Love making my patient’s families smile..this is my 3rd year.
Corks4acause
When my grandmother passed she had a whole bunch of unused yarn from when she used to crochet. I have a friend that uses all colors to crochet Afghans and he donates them to a church to give out. Instead of throwing the yarn away it is getting a new life and making people happy.
LOVE Numi teas!! Where I live I recycle more items than I have trash!!! SO HAPPY!!
I have neither given or received an Up Cycled item, but am now considering doing a project so I could give someone something Up Cycled.. Thanks for the idea 😉
I received and adorable stuffed cat made from old socks from a friend. Her young daughter made it. I love this clutch!
My grandfather is the king of upcycling! And what a great example he’s been to my young kiddos when I fail to show hem that life as often as I’d like! I am an avid NUMI tea drinker, even made a tea drawer when I learned all about this brand! Totally inspiring, thank you!
My mother in law took planks of old barn wood and made them into a beautiful frame. Our family photo is proudly displayed in her handmade, up cycled frame!
I made a t-shirt quilt from favorite shirts I couldn’t bear to throw away. Have it to my grandbaby!
Recycled slightly used perfumes and colognes
My fav upcycled gift was a baby quilt made by my aunt for my kiddo..I love repurposed, recycled & upcycled products for their eco friendliness!
The old tire turned into an ottoman I got my friend for her birthday! Love that, need it myself!
My favorite upcycled gift is a hand made quilt.
The greatest up cycled gift I’ve received was baptism gown my kids wore was made from the train of my wedding dress. It was beautiful and brought together our past and present.
A quilt my mom made for me made of my kids clothes.
I received a bracelet once with coins from all over the world.
I have a pair of beautful quilt that my Mom made me out of all the old clothes i used to wear back in the days…
A friends mom made me quilt for my bed out of old tee shirts from clubs her daughter and I had been in during high school. I love it! It’s still on my bed to this day.
I LOVE upcycled things, almost everything I own is upcycled but my most favorite is the 4 post bed that I gave to my daughter, it was given to me by my mother!
The best recycled gift that I have ever received was an old discarded book that was battered and stained and difficult to read .Ann artist friend cut and sculpted beautiful landscapes and images out of the center papers.
The outside of a good winter coat turned out to be poor quality. The lining, however, was a good quality material. When the coat was worn out, after only one winter, I decided to salvage the lining.
I made a portfolio style purse with the main lining and added a satin lining from the coat sleeves. The coat buttons served for closures. With my sewing machine broken, I made it all with hand stitching.
I gifted my daughter a upcycled dress on her birthday one year…she adored it!
The best upcucked gift I have gotten so far are a few for my garden. My husband and I are always going to our local dump to see what great things we can find, reuse that people toss away. I found a great metal lampshade that I turned upside down and have plants growing in it. Wooden pallets for our compost bin. And a above ground pool used for our chicken coop. It’s a way of life for us.
🙂 BTW we both luv ur teas. Especially cold.
I have received clothes when others lost weight or outgrew them and I have given clothes to others
I upcycled a quilt into a pillow and gave it to my sister for christmas when I was in college.
My favorite upcycled gift was a beautiful necklace my friend made me out of a 1920’s vintage valentine card.
I received a little pocket book made from a pair of old jeans! I loved it, and do till this day!!! This is an awesome giveaway!!!! Would love to win!!!!
I upcycled an old two toddler t-shirt into a dog t-shirt for LilMan.
I received a keychain made of recycled gum wrappers from my niece
I made a blue jean purse for myself and made a few for the family members and they turned out beautiful I like to do this it makes stuff unique and the clutch is beautiful hope I win it ty and Merry Christmas
My daughters gave 2 wonderful gifts which are my favorite upcycle (and over-all) gifts I have ever received. It is a hobo bag made out of my mother’s favorite jeans; the other is a quilt they made using my mother’s clothing. They gave them to me after my mother passed away. Cherished gifts.
I love the thought of Upcycling
A windchime made out of silverware!
My husband upcycled our 1st Christmas tree into a fireplace cover. Every time I look at it I remember our 1st Christmas together.
I love to upcycle jewelry. The best experience so far was taking a choker that belonged to my friend’s great-grandmother and make it into something wearable for her. I did this by using all the original components and making custom beads and re-rhinestoning the pieces. She loved it completely! I love this clutch! I love that you were able to repurpose this fabric.
About 25 years ago my niece loved LITTLE MERMAID and saw a jacket that she cried and begged her mom to get her. Way back then that jacket was $50 so just not in the budget.
I made a trip to the thrift store and found a jean jacket that would fit her and added it to my cart. Then I started to look for jewelry that had all colors of stones that I could glue to the jacket. Anything that I could find that would look good in a treasure chest. Trip to the store for a Little Mermaid coloring book, all ready had lots of paints.
I traced many different things from that coloring book, then painted, glued stones. Full picture on the back of the jacket and some on the front.
That little girl is a 32 yr old mother today with a little 2 month old daughter. She saved that jacket and her daughter will get it one day.
i really dont have a gift that i recycled but thank you for chance
A laptop case
I love homemade candles
I made a baby blanket/quilt with my nephews newborn clothes. It came out so cute and each square has a little memory attached to it. I really love the idea and am going to make a big one with my baby boy’s clothes for his first baby.
I gave my daughter a blanket my great great grandmother made by hand
#Gonegreen2016. A purse made from bubble gum wrappers
Very pretty. I love tea.