It’s time again for this month’s International Blogger Challenge (IBC), and the theme is “Beads Galore.” Our task is to create a project using beads in any way we like. I decided to make a beaded wall hanging. What seemed like a simple challenge turned into a series of mishaps, with everything that could go wrong, going wrong. More about the IBC at the bottom of this post.
Assemblage art is all about taking ordinary or discarded objects and transforming them into layered, imaginative creations. When I found an old teapot at the back of my cupboard—bought at a car boot sale over 20 years ago—I knew it was the perfect base for a new project. Rather than throw it away, I decided to upcycle it into steampunk assemblage art.
Halloween is the perfect time to get creative with spooky DIY decorations, and this cement grim reaper Halloween decoration is a showstopper. Made from cement, chicken wire, and an old towel, this eerie figure looks like it stepped straight out of a haunted graveyard. I chose to make a Grim Reaper because Halloween is just around the corner, and people are always looking for unique DIY Halloween décor ideas. This project uses the cement-and-towel method, which is not only great for making a creepy Grim Reaper but can also be adapted to create cement planters and other fun projects.
Late last year, we welcomed two mischievous Jack Russell terrier puppies into our family, and they’ve kept us on our toes ever since. Their cheeky new trick is pushing my 14-year-old dog out of her bed so they can claim it for themselves. That sparked my idea for this project—a cosy hobbit-style dog house, designed especially for them.
I love finding ways to turn old and weathered timber into something beautiful, and this DIY wooden suncatcher with coloured epoxy resin is one of my favourite recycled garden décor projects. What started as a battered piece of wood under my sister’s carport turned into a glowing suncatcher that catches the light most magically. Instead of turning the wood into a sign, which is the usual go-to for reclaimed timber, I wanted something more unique. The idea of drilling holes and filling them with resin came to me, and the result was a one-of-a-kind garden sculpture.
I wanted a planter that didn’t require watering and my dogs couldn’t wreck, so I made this Upcycled Chocolate Tin Handbag Planter with Secret Storage. It hangs like a handbag, looks chic with embossed faux leather and steampunk details, and hides a secret compartment inside. I used recycled materials wherever possible, artificial succulents for zero maintenance, and quick-drying UV resin so the whole project stays fast and fun.
If you follow my blog, you’ll know I love creating projects from recycled materials, and this time I’m sharing a DIY Upcycled Aluminium Can Wall Hanging that transforms empty Pepsi Max cans into embossed metal panel art. By using an embossing folder, pop rivets and a simple wooden frame, you’ll end up with a striking, interchangeable wall display that you can rearrange whenever you fancy a fresh look.
While scrolling through my local buy/sell site, I spotted a charming old desk for just $20. I imagined restoring it and giving it a new lease of life. But when I arrived to collect it, I was disappointed. Someone had already taken to it with an extreme shabby chic makeover, deep distressing and layers of chalk paint. Restoring it would have taken hours of sanding.
So I pivoted. Instead of restoring it, I repurposed it into something practical and fun. My great-niece visits often and loves playing in the sand, but dislikes sitting in the sandpit because sand sneaks into her nappy. That’s when the idea struck: a stand-up sandpit table made from a vintage desk.
This chaise lounge, made entirely from recycled materials, was inspired by a friend’s request. When she asked if I could build one, I doubted I had the skills to pull it off. I can’t work from plans—I only make projects up as I go. That’s why I choose recycled materials: if the build fails, I haven’t lost any money. Amazingly, it turned out so well that it now takes pride of place in my front-room window.
I had seen a repurposed piano on Pinterest and immediately knew I had to try one myself. But instead of a desk or bookshelf, I decided mine would become a Piano bar/Drinks cabinet. After spotting an upright piano on Facebook Marketplace for $120, I jumped at the chance. In hindsight, that was steep—many people give them away if you’re willing to collect. Like all my projects, I wanted to make this one truly my own.
