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Unique DIY Creations

Stiletto Ring Holder

Steampunk embellished black stiletto ring holder with mixed media art makeover

When I spotted a pair of stiletto heels for just $10, I had to have them, only to discover that standing still was the only thing I could do in them. That sparked my Steampunk Stiletto Ring Holder: Upcycled High Heel Jewellery Stand project, a tutorial that shows you how to transform uncomfortable heels into a show-stopping, mixed-media masterpiece. Whether you choose to display yours as a unique ring holder or—if you can walk in high heels—strut out in truly one‑of‑a‑kind footwear, this technique lets you personalise every detail to make your shoes as distinctive as you are.

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April 27, 2020 By

How to make a Spellbook

Eerie mixed media Halloween spell book centrepiece

With Halloween creeping upon us, conjure up this DIY Eerie Mixed Media Spell Book for Spooky Halloween Décor to wow your guests with a haunted grimoire centrepiece that showcases your creativity. Thanks in part to Harry Potter, spell books have become a must‑have prop, and this tutorial walks you through every step—from preparing the pages to adding polymer‑clay eyes and resin skulls—using supplies you likely already have at home.

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August 23, 2020 By

Book repurposed into a Jewellery Box

Old hardcover book transformed into a black mixed‑media jewellery box with silver wax accents

With the shift towards e‑readers, tablets and audiobooks, printed volumes are becoming relics of the past—but that doesn’t mean they belong in a landfill. In this tutorial, From Page to Treasure: How to Repurpose an Old Book into a Stunning Jewellery Box, you’ll learn how to transform a neglected hardcover into a functional, mixed‑media keepsake that celebrates recycling, reusing and repurposing.

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May 18, 2020 By

DIY Horseshoe Towel Rack

Final rustic horseshoe towel rack mounted on wall with towels

Ever since I first spotted a horseshoe towel rack on Pinterest, I’ve been itching to make one of my own. Luckily, a mate from work who races horses had a stash of discarded shoes, so I collected plenty for this project. I’d planned to add a custom horse motif using traditional pyrography, but my arthritic hands quickly sidelined the burner. That’s when I discovered a scorch‑pen stencil method that delivers the same rustic, hand‑burned look—no special skill required. In this guide, I’ll show you how to create a DIY Rustic Horseshoe Towel Rack with Easy Scorch Pen Horse Design that’s as charming as it is functional.

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August 15, 2020 By

How to use Iron On Vinyl

DIY Holographic Iron‑On Mosaic Australian Map Cushion- completed

This month’s International Blogger Club (IBC) challenge is all about “Local Love,” so I set out to celebrate Australia in style. My project transforms a simple cushion using my Cricut into a tribute to our sunburnt country by layering a rich brown leather map of Australia with sparkling holographic iron‑on vinyl silhouettes of our native wildlife—kangaroos, koalas, platypuses and more—scattered across the continent like glittering gems.

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September 21, 2020 By

How to Upcycle a Sand Timer

Upcycled Sands of Time: Egyptian‑Themed Sand Timer Stand

Welcome to this month’s International Blogger Club (IBC) challenge! It’s time for the Sands of Time theme, and I’m thrilled to share my Upcycled Sands of Time: Egyptian‑Themed Sand Timer Stand. I rescued an old hourglass from my cupboard and transformed it into a striking Egyptian‑inspired décor piece using pallet wood, vinyl decals and metallic wax highlights.

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August 24, 2020 By

Steampunk Books

Completed steampunk prop books styled on tabletop

I’ve been on a mission to make my final steampunk project photos truly pop, so I designed these DIY Steampunk Prop Books to add Victorian flair to every shot. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to upcycle old hardcover books using waterslide decal paper, chalk paint and clear acrylic sealant to create eye‑catching steampunk book props. Follow along and master this easy technique—no fancy tools required!

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January 10, 2021 By

Halloween Bottles

Spooky Mixed Media Art Halloween Bottles: Upcycled Textured Centrepieces displayed

Halloween is a fun time of year for kids and adults, and Spooky Mixed Media Art Halloween Bottles: Upcycled Textured Centrepieces shows you how to turn empty wine and vinegar bottles into eerie mixed‑media art pieces. Combining layered textures, coloured wax pastes and upcycled embellishments, these Halloween bottles double as haunting centrepieces or mantel décor—without breaking the budget.

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July 15, 2019 By

Succulent tree

Succulent planter

Last summer in Australia, when temperatures soared between 40 °C and 48 °C most days, my beloved fern tree couldn’t survive the relentless heat. Rather than digging out the dead stump, I transformed it into a stunning DIY succulent tree—an eye‑catching, drought‑tolerant feature that thrives with minimal care in our hot climate. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to upcycle a deceased fern stump into a living, vertical succulent planter perfect for Aussie gardens.

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September 20, 2019 By

Mixed Media Steampunk Lamp

Completed mixed media steampunk Clock lamp on wooden base in steampunk display

Immerse your spare room in industrial charm with the DIY Mixed Media Steampunk Gauge Clock Lamp. This project blends galvanised pipe fittings, a handcrafted gauge clock and a layered mixed media makeover for a one‑of‑a‑kind lighting feature. Each glance reveals new textures—from thrifted jewellery embellishments to copper‑wax highlights—so you’ll never tire of spotting fresh details. Follow this step‑by‑step guide to build your steampunk lamp using upcycled materials and basic tools.

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June 28, 2020 By

How to Make a Zebra Bench Seat

Painted Zebra bench on the grass side view

When I set out to create my DIY Zebra Toddler Bench: A Simple Striped Seat for Creative Play, I wanted a project that would delight my great-niece and complement her new craft table. This playful zebra bench combines fun design with sturdy construction, making it perfect for little hands to sit and play on.

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February 12, 2018 By

How to make a wine barrel table with a built in wine bucket

How to Make a Wine Barrel Table With Built in Wine Bucket- epoxy finish

Transform your outdoor entertaining area with this DIY Wine Barrel Table with Built‑In Wine Bucket—a chic upcycle project that keeps your drinks on ice while you and your mates catch up. After scoring five reclaimed barrels from a local university’s winemaking course for just $50 each, I experimented with several designs before landing on this versatile table.

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August 7, 2016 By

How to make a bench from old Headboards

DIY headboard bench with painted finish and hidden storage

When I first started building with recycled materials, one project I dreamed of was a headboard bench. They were everywhere—Pinterest, Instagram, DIY blogs—you name it. But finding a matching headboard and footboard was harder than I expected. So instead, I got creative and built this DIY headboard bench with storage using two mismatched headboards and salvaged wood.

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January 18, 2018 By