plants in picture frame upcycling ideas

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30+ Brilliant Trash-to-Treasure Crafts to Put Your Creativity to the Test

Dedicate an afternoon to one of these genius projects.

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Sifting through your local thrift shop or yard sale to find that one gem to add character to your space is never easy, but making the effort can pay off in a major way. As long as you're willing to be open-minded and exercise your creativity, just about any item can be completely transformed into a conversation starter. And the best part is that it doesn't have to blow your budget.

Regardless of whether you're looking for a smart organizing solution, a statement decorative accent or a useful DIY furniture piece, this roundup of upcycling ideas is sure to inspire you. Plus, adopting a more environmentally friendly lifestyle is always worth prioritizing.

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Before: Dresser

If you no longer have any use for a basic dresser, it's time to give it a new look.

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After: Stylish Serving Cart

Leather hardware, brass wheels and a few metal handles can turn your dresser into a chic cart. Whether you use it to prep meals or make your favorite cocktails, the options are endless.

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Before: Secretary Desk

Sure, a wooden desk is lovely to begin with — but there are creative ways to really make it shine.

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After: Statement Desk

Add a layer of paint, some peel-and-stick patterned paper, and a tassel for a desk that can hold its own as the centerpiece of your space.

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Before: Sideboard

There are so many ways to transform this simple piece from the neighborhood garage sale...

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After: Statement Sideboard

Use painter's tape to create a geometric pattern on the front of the cabinet. Now, you've got a show-stopping piece.

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After: Scandi Pendant

Remove the fabric and lining from the shades and attach the wire frames bottom to bottom with electrical tape. Thread a pendent light cord through the middle and screw in an LED bulb. Hot glue the end of a length of jute cord to the top frame and wrap around until covered. Repeat with the bottom half.

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Before: Wine Corks

Leftover wine corks are the perfect things to upcycle into something new.

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After: Bottle Stoppers

Transform them into the perfect hostess gift with a little hot glue and a few gems.

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Before: Can

Before you send those cans off to the recycling bin, see if you can upcycle them first.

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After: Pretty Pots

Rinse clean, file sharp edges, then measure the can height, cutting wrapping paper or wallpaper to fit before securing with double-stick tape.

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Before: Brick

Use bricks from a leftover home project or buy them at your hardware store for around 60 cents each.

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After: Planter

Scoop dirt or potting soil into a hole and pop in a few small succulents for the ultimate low-maintenance garden.

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Before: Thrifted Basket

Get creative with a flea market find (we picked up this seagrass beauty for $10).

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After: Statement Basket

This dream weave was easy to achieve: simply paint a design, following the pattern of the basket.

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Before: Window Frame

Transform this dumpster-bound find into an entryway organizer that will add a pop of color and pizazz to an otherwise empty wall.

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After: Entryway Organizer

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Before: Cinder Block

Your next round of yard work might leave you with a few concrete blocks leftover — and if it does, don't worry about how you're going to schlep them to the dump.

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Before: Chandelier

If you're replacing your old dining-room light fixture, give it a second life and turn it into something totally new.

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After: Crystal Necklaces

A show-stopping necklace will make you feel elegant whenever you put it on (or simply see it in your jewelry box). These ones require just a bit of suede cord and lobster clasps.

Get the tutorial at Two Purple Couches »

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Before: Vintage Teacup

At a yard sale? Scoop up that set of old teacups — there are so many creative re-uses for them.

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Before: Paint Bucket

Your home refresh doesn't have to end with a fresh coat of paint. You can also turn those empty paint buckets into something fabulous.

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Before: Boring Rug

Vacuum your old rug to clean off excess dirt — then, get ready to take it up a notch.

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After: Bright Overdyed Rug

This hot trend is surprisingly easy to do at home. Mix store-bought dye per instructions — we used RIT all-purpose dye in Coral. (Note: Match your dye selection to your fiber type — e.g. natural vs. synthetic.) Wearing gloves, fill a glass spray bottle with mixture. Coat surface of rug. Repeat until it is the desired color.

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Before: Vintage Mirror

Past-prime mirrors are a dime a dozen at thrift stores and yard sales alike. Pick one up and transform it into a centerpiece for your coffee table.

Juliana LaBianca SEO Editor Goodhousekeeping.com Juliana LaBianca is the SEO editor at Goodhousekeeping.com, where she covers everything from holiday and home to travel and food; previously, she was an editor at Best Life and Reader's Digest.

Monique Valeris Senior Home Editor, Good Housekeeping Monique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers decorating ideas, home tours, gift guides and more.

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