Top four reclaimed hobbies to turn trash into treasure

Looking for a new hobby? Try one of these hobbies to turn someone else’s trash into something new, all while reducing waste! Whether you’re crafty, handy, or just looking for a fun project, these hobbies are perfect for making treasure out of discarded items.

This side table was sourced from a local Buy Nothing group on Facebook. The Hennepin County staffer who found it refurbished it with new paint and a new knob on the drawer to match her aesthetic.

Furniture upcycling and restoration

Give old furniture a second life by repainting, reupholstering, or repurposing it. A fresh coat of paint, new fabric, or creative modifications can transform a thrift store find into a stylish, one-of-a-kind piece.

Step-by step:

1. Source new-to-you furniture. Finding furniture to upcycle or restore is one of the most exciting aspects of this hobby. There are several ways to source inexpensive or free furniture including at thrift stores, garage or estate sales, online marketplaces, NextDoor, Buy Nothing groups on Facebook, or even curbside. Search the Choose to Reuse directory in the antiques and home décor, furniture, and home improvement and repair categories to find local retailers near you.
   a. Pro tip: Keep an eye out for solid wood pieces as these are generally easier to restore than particleboard.
   
   
2. Acquire or borrow supplies. The tools and materials you need will depend on the type of restoration or upcycling project you’re tackling. Some basic things you’ll need include cleaning supplies, sandpaper or electric sander, paint and stain, wood glue, basic hand tools, staple gun, and upholstery fabric. Consider borrowing tools from the Minnesota Tool Library and getting free cleaning supplies, paint, and stain from the free product centers at the Brooklyn Park or Bloomington drop-off facilities.
   
   
3. Start small and grow your skills! Select a piece of furniture that fits your skill level. Beginners should start with simple fixes like staining a small table or reupholstering a small chair. Clean the furniture thoroughly, make any needed repairs, then update it to match your style with new paint or new fabric.

Furniture upcycling and restoration is best for teens and adults who enjoy hands-on projects and DIY home decor. The possibilities are endless and can be a budget-friendly way to furnish your home with unique, high-quality items.

This wall art is a statement piece in one Hennepin County staffer’s home. It was made using piano wire and salvaged piano parts that would have otherwise been thrown away.

DIY home décor, coasters, jewelry, and art from reclaimed materials

Creating DIY home décor and statement pieces from reclaimed materials is an eco-friendly way to personalize your home while reducing waste. Instead of buying mass-produced decorations and jewelry, you can transform discarded wood, metal, old glass bottles, or fabric scraps into one-of-a-kind art, coasters, planters, or even rustic shelving.

Step-by step:

1. Gather materials. Finding reclaimed materials can be an adventure! Look for old picture frames, mirrors, baskets, plates, bowls, beads, buttons, nick-nacks and more at thrift stores or flea markets. Repurpose leftover wood or decorative tiles from construction projects. Wood from the Hood in Minneapolis stocks a wide variety of reclaimed wood slabs and materials that could be used in your next piece! Find old bottles and jars, fabric scraps, corks, and broken jewelry in your home or even gather small sticks, pinecones, and pebbles from your backyard.
   
   
2. Get inspiration. Perhaps you already have an idea of what you want to create. If you need more inspiration, browse Pinterest or DIY blogs for ideas! Coasters can be made from extra bathroom tiles or cork. Hanging shelves can be made from scrap wood. Planters or upscaled vases can be made from leftover jars or bottles and decorated with a mosaic of tile pieces, mirror, or ceramics. Buttons, beads, old chains, and even broken jewelry can be reassembled into new accessories. Picture frames can be made from small branches and decorated with stones, pottery, or bits of metal – the end product will be entirely unique!
   
   
3. Create! Start small and let your creativity flow. Most tools you’ll need should already be around your home: basic hand tools, pliers, glue, and paint. Borrow anything you don’t have from a friend or neighbor.

Reclaiming small broken items that would have otherwise been thrown away can be thoroughly rewarding. This can be a great activity for kids as well (with adult supervision)! The creative homemade décor, jewelry, coasters, and art you create also make for great gifts.

This quilt was made using old outfits from a Hennepin County staffer’s grandmother – clothing that didn’t have another use. She loves the memories that are preserved in the quilt and the fun colors.

Quilting with fabric scraps

Quilting is a time-honored craft that transforms discarded textiles into beautiful, functional pieces. This hobby can be quite budget-friendly and is a great way to preserve memories by incorporating fabrics with sentimental value, such as baby clothes or old t-shirts. Because textiles don’t have reliable recycling options, reuse and repurposing of old fabric scraps is the best way to keep them out of the trash!

Step-by step:

1. Source fabric. Fabric scraps can come from a variety of sources, and many of them are free or inexpensive. You can repurpose worn-out clothing or bedding, find fabric remnants, scarves, or old garments at thrift stores, or gather leftover fabric scraps from upholstery or alteration businesses.
   
   
2. Gather equipment and supplies. Quilting doesn’t require expensive equipment, but a few essential tools will make the process smoother including a fabric scissors, fabric clips and pins, measuring tape, iron and ironing board, and material to fill your quilt, though this step is optional. A sewing machine will also make your quilt come together more quickly, but hand sewing is a great option for beginners. Many of these supplies can usually be found at local secondhand stores.'
   
   
3. Assemble your quilt. Always start by washing and ironing your fabrics to remove any dirt or wrinkles. Choose a simple design such as squares or stripes if you’re a beginner. Then, cut and arrange your fabrics to see how they fit together before sewing. Check out this step-by-step sewing guide for beginners. Visit Minnesota Quilters Inc. to find events throughout the year, including quilting classes, workshops, and other educational opportunities for quilters.

Quilting is a meaningful way to give old textiles a new life. Plus, it’s relaxing and meditative, and can be enjoyed by all ages!

The Hennepin County staffer who created these books recommends searching YouTube for in-depth how-to videos. One of her favorites is the creator, SeaLemon.

Bookbinding and rebinding old books

Give tattered books new life by rebinding them with fresh covers or create handmade journals from old book pages. You can also craft entirely new journals from salvaged book pages, turning old into new. With a few basic tools and a bit of patience, you can repair damaged books, design your own covers, and create personalized notebooks.

Step-by step:

1. Gather materials. Find old or damaged books around your home, at garage sales, or at thrift stores. Gather sturdy materials such as cardboard, old cereal boxes, or chipboard to use in new book covers. Source fabric scraps, leather pieces, upholstery remnants, old maps, or leftover wallpaper to create decorative covers.
   
   
2. Borrow equipment. Bookbinding requires a few specialized tools, but many can be found at thrift stores, borrowed, or repurposed. You will need an awl for punching holes in papers and book covers, strong waxed thread for sewing pages together, needle, glue, clamps, ruler, and scissors.
   
   
3. Create your project. If you are making a new journal, cut and fold your paper to the desired size. If rebinding a damaged book, carefully remove the damaged binding while keeping the pages intact. Use an awl or needle tool to make evenly spaced holes along the spine or fold. Sew the pages together, then prepare and decorate a sturdy cover from cardboard, fabric, or other repurposed materials. Sew the pages directly into the cover or glue the spine into place then clamp the spine or put the book under something heavy to set the glue and keep the pages flat.

Bookbinding and rebinding old books are beautiful ways to preserve stories, restore family heirlooms, create personalized journals, and rescue books that would otherwise be discarded. This is a great hobby for book lovers and crafters.

Final thoughts

While we chose a few hobbies to highlight in this article that are easier for beginners to get into, there are plenty of reclaimed hobbies that may be of interest to skilled DIYers with specialized tools. Consider woodworking, metalworking, welding, scrap metal art, soldering, candle making, or clothing restoration and alteration if you’re interested in salvaging even more discarded items! Find tips and step-by-step guides for these hobbies on YouTube.

Reclaimed hobbies not only save money but also help reduce waste and give discarded items a new purpose. Whether you’re working with wood, fabric, glass, or metal, these hobby ideas will inspire you to reclaim, refurbish, and create something beautiful.