Because some of the best crafts start in your junk drawer.
You don’t need a fancy craft store haul to get creative. In fact, some of the most beautiful handmade projects begin with the everyday stuff you already have lying around—think cardboard boxes, old T-shirts, mason jars, or even toilet paper rolls. (Yep, seriously.)
If you’re ready to transform clutter into creativity, here are some fun and easy ways to breathe new life into things you’d normally toss.
1. Glass Jars → Chic Storage or Vases
Empty salsa jar? Clean it, peel off the label, and paint it with chalk paint or add twine around the rim. Use it for makeup brushes, kitchen utensils, fresh flowers, or pantry goods.
2. Old T-Shirts → No-Sew Tote Bags or Braided Coasters
Don’t throw out that worn tee! Cut it into strips to make a reusable tote or braid the strips together to create soft coasters, trivets, or even a small rug.
3. Cardboard Boxes → DIY Drawer Organizers
Cut cardboard boxes or packaging into custom sizes, cover with pretty paper or fabric, and use them as drawer dividers or shelf bins. Pretty and practical!
4. Toilet Paper Rolls → Mini Wall Art or Desk Organizers
Flatten them into leaf shapes for floral wall art, or stand them up in a box to organize pens, cords, or craft supplies. Add paint or washi tape for a quick glow-up!
5. Tin Cans → Candle Holders or Planters
Wrap tin cans in twine, fabric, or scrapbook paper, and use them to hold candles, succulents, or even craft tools. Punch holes for a lantern effect!
6. Newspapers & Magazines → Paper Beads or Art Collage
Roll colorful pages into beads to make jewelry, or cut out words and images to create mood boards, journal pages, or framed art with a retro vibe.
7. Lightbulbs → Tiny Terrariums or Ornaments
Carefully hollow out old lightbulbs (tutorials help!) and turn them into hanging ornaments, faux terrariums, or mini snow globes.
8. Shoeboxes → Craft Kits or Shadow Boxes
Decorate shoebox lids to create quick display shadow boxes, or use the boxes themselves to store supplies, create photo boxes, or gift wrap kits.
9. Coffee Filters → Faux Flowers or Garlands
Dye them with food coloring or watercolor, scrunch and fluff them up, and you’ve got beautiful paper peonies, roses, or festive garlands.
10. Old Utensils → Garden Markers or Wall Hooks
Bend old spoons into hooks or paint knives and forks to label your herbs. Suddenly your silverware drawer becomes a goldmine.
✨ Final Thoughts: Creativity Is Everywhere
Crafting doesn’t have to be expensive—and it definitely doesn’t require a trip to the store. When you start looking at your everyday items as materials with potential, a whole new world of creativity opens up.
So before you toss that box or recycle that jar, ask yourself:
What could I turn this into?Want a checklist or inspiration board to pin or print? I’d be happy to create a freebie version of this post too—just say the word!
