Creative Reuse Inspirations – Trashmagination

Necktie Quilt – Triangles

This quilt uses up the scraps from my previous navy blue necktie quilts – be sure to use up your scraps!

Build an Igloo from Plastic Milk Jugs

This video tells the story of how my family built an igloo for a Maker Faire in 2019 from about 400 plastic milk jugs.

Weave a Fluffy Rug from T-shirts

If you have a lot of unwanted t-shirts, this is a great way to make a super-soft fluffy rug from them.

Year of the Dragon Quilt – Made from Upcycled Kite

I made this quilt to upcycle a kite and now it represents my excitement about becoming a high school teacher!

How to Refresh Chairs with Denim Seat Covers

Are your chairs looking a little scruffy? I made new seat covers for two of our dining room chairs from upcycled blue jeans.

Upcycling my Wedding Quilt

In 1997, I sewed a quilt to display at my wedding ceremony but I didn’t love the design, so I have upcycled it into items I love more.

Upcycle Broken Tent Into Playmats or Quilts

I upcycle a child’s tent into play mats or wall hangings.

Recycle Ties into a Quilt – Second Design

This quilt is a complementary project to my first necktie quilt because it uses up the narrow sections of the neckties.

How I Weave Old Socks and T-shirts Into Rag Rugs

I weave old socks and t-shirts into rugs – this helps me use up the t-shirt components that cannot be used in my fluffy rugs.

How to Make Bags from Recycled Food Packaging

In this tutorial, I share how to make fun bags from plastic packaging such as frozen strawberry bags, dried fruit and nut bags, juice pouches and more.

8 Items You Might Not Creative Reuse

Trashmagination is all about encouraging you to creatively reuse found items and recyclables to make art. However, some materials can be hazardous to your health if you don’t take precautions when working with them.

Hair and Pet Fur Creative Reuse

Can you creatively reuse natural or synthetic hair?

Gift Wrapping from Recycled Materials

Many people wrap gifts in brown paper bags or fabric, but that is only the start of ways you can wrap gifts without creating trash.

America Recycles Day: Recycling Celebrations Around the World

Around the world, there are recycling celebrations in many countries. How could you celebrate recycling this November?

Art from Trash After Hurricanes and Tornadoes

After natural disasters, there are piles of trash as people clean out their ruined homes and possessions. Some artists transform those discarded items into art.

Car Seat Recycling

It’s very challenging to find a place to recycle your child’s safety car seats. But Target is partnering with Terracycle to accept car seats during National Child Safety Passenger Week (only until September 23!).

Take-Apart Events and E-Waste

When was the last time you took apart something that was broken – either to fix it or just to be curious? Get tips on how to run a successful take-apart event – either at home or in your community.

Washed Ashore Exhibit at Smithsonian National Zoo

This incredible exhibit of 17 sea creatures made from beach trash is one of the most impressive creative reuse endeavors I have ever viewed.

Maker Faire 2016 in Reston, Virginia

Inspiring Trashmagination artists made items from recycled glass, fiber and playing cards.

To Future Nen Daiko Apprentices

Ten tidbits of advice based on things that surprised me during my apprenticeship

Becoming an Official Nen Daiko Member & Preparing for Obon Festival

After nine months of intense learning, we three apprentices survive an intense weekend of evaluations and building performance stages – but also yummy ramen and many laughs.

Performing Taiko at the Cherry Blossom Festival

Here’s a life experience I NEVER expected to have – luckiest woman ever!

Making Cutting Boards from Wood Scraps

Dale Hoffmeyer saves scraps of wood and glues them together into beautiful cutting boards.

Crazy as a Loom Weaving Studio

When I visited this studio in July 2009, it became a symbol in my life of following my dreams.