Making art form garbage has always been a popular art form, but when the recession hit, it became a frenzy. People wanted items as cheap as they could get and upcycling was one way to ensure you didn't break the bank. I present to you these upcycled items to inspire you to seek out some for yourself, or if you are feeling really ambitious, you can try making some scrap art.
I bring you these upcycled items not just to showcase budget-conscious items, but to bring to mind the idea that just because we want something nice doesn't mean it has to be new. Help out Mother Nature and next time you're shopping, pick up some upcycled stuff.
45 Upcycled Items
45
Upcycled Shipwreck Watches
Romain Jerome Creates Watches From Pieces of the Titanic
44
Upcycled Suitcase Pet Beds
Etsy Artists Make a Cute Eco Case for Cats
43
Upcycling Expired Contraceptives
Fashion Designing Student Creates Condom Couture
42
Upcycled Hearts
Recycled Beer Can Jewelry and Starbucks Keychains by KatieAnnCreations
41
Upcycled Couture
The Baroque Creations of Ziad Ghanem
40
Pencil Jewelry
Maria Cristina Bellucci Upcycles a Childhood Pastime into Cute Jewelry
39
Upcycled Runway Jewelry
LITTER SF's Recycled Accessories Impress at Christian Cota's S/S '10 Show
38
Necktie Necklaces
Ties Make Even Better Necklaces and Wallets
37
Starbucks Card Mosaic Coasters
Upcycled Art by Flawed Frock
36
Upcycled Accessories
Upcycled Looptworks Laptop Sleeves Turn Trashed Neoprene into Cash
35
Upcycled Plywood Creativity
Blue Fence Project Will Recycle 2012 London's Olympic Enclosure
34
Upcycled Totes
The HO:LO Freeway Bags
33
Upcycled Charity Denim
Recreated Designer Jeans to Support Oceana
32
Upcycled Bullet Jewelry
Esprit-Mystique Sells Eco-Friendly and Pretty Jewelry
31
Upcycled Gymnastics Equipment
Refurbished Sport Furniture Makes a Sweet Eco Statement
30
Upcycled Furnishings
Studio JSPR 'Plastic Fantastic' Re-Skinned Collection (Update)
29
Scrap Felt Seating
The Kamasutra Bench by Malgorzata Pekala
28
Upcycled Ancient Architecture
Japan's Plus House Channels Syles from Centuries Past
27
Copper Couture
Emma Whiteside Goes Eco-Victorian With Upcycled Gown
26
Upcycled Vintage Bags
Forest Bound Specializes in Sweet Sustainable Bags
25
Gas Can Luggage
Upcycling Jerry Cans for the Stylish Traveler
24
Upcycled Rave Bars
The Ikea Storage Box Bar Combines Old Materials with New Ideas
23
Hats Made of Upcycled Coffee Sacks
Trilby Hat by Ataahua
22
Traffic Cone Stages
Hedgehog Concert Pavilion Raises Awareness to Youth Homelessness
21
Cookie Wrapper Backpacks
TerraCycle School Supplies are Upcycled from Snack Packaging
20
Upcycled Fashion Tags
Undone Clothing Jacket
19
DIY Tee Upcycling
Megan Nicolay Transforms Tees into the Next Best Thing
18
Upcycled Oxygen Cylinders
Real Everest Canisters as Art
17
Qwerty Notebooks
The Recycled Keyboard Notebook is for Keyboard Kids
16
License Plate Belts
Randi Tannenbaum Redefines Upcycled Street Style
15
Upcycled Live/Work Spaces
The Mobile Office Changes to Suit Your Needs
14
Fire Hose Accessories
British Company is Upcycling Fire Hoses for a Fashionable Effect
13
Auto Rim Sculptures
Car Parts Get Upcycled into Art Pieces
12
Garbage Animal Art
Trash Menagerie at Peabody Essex Museum is Thought-Provoking
11
Upcycled Rain Hoods
Recycling Zychal is Made from Umbrellas and Vintage Materials
10
Dripping Faucet Lighting
'Light the Night' by Michael Allison is a Beautiful Take on Lamps
9
Rad Recycled Records
Obsolete Records & CDs Find a New Life
8
Upcycled Octopus Sculptures
Acoustapus by Nemo Gould Rocks Harder than a Rock Lobste
7
Urban Upcycled Lamps
Super Guppy Street Light Takes Upcycling to a New Place
6
Chairs From Old TVs
Upcycling Retro Televisions Into Comfortable Seating
5
Upcycled Container Art
The Gestaltkunstwerk Vases Put Your Trash to Good Use
4
Upcycled Trash Kites
The Uttarayan Kite Festival Embraces Eco-Friendly Fun
3
Climbing Rope Leashes
Upcycled Rope is Made into Eco-Friendly Canine Control
2
Pre-Consumer Waste Apparel
Looptworks Sustainable Clothing Line is Ecotastic
1
Golden Upcycled Art
Barclay Douglas Uses Plastic Bags to Make Fools Gold
Related Ideas
Model-Backed Carrying Capsules
Catriona Gray Unveils Her Very Own Sustainable Bag Collection
Consciously Cool Jewelry
'The Art of Adornment' is a Must-Have Collaboration Collection
Recycled Polyester Fleece Jackets
The Patagonia Retro-X Jacket Modernizes a Classic
Sustainable Play Clothes
Peace House Studio Designs Are Made to Be Recycled
Unique Chain Collections
FTJCo’s Vintage Chain Shop Brings Timeless Elegance to Ethical Luxury
Carryall Crochet Bags
lululemon's Cotton Crochet Shoulder Bags Embody Casual Summer Style
Nostalgic Crayon-Inspired Jewelry
Nadine Ghosn Crayola Pack Collab Debuts as Limited Edition
Sculptural Wooden Lamps
The Arc Lamp by Divyansh Tripathi Blends Nature and Design in Lighting
Watercolor-Inspired Activewear Garments
The Patagonia Moon Tripper Pattern Has a Funky Flow
Creative Laundry Solutions
'Uncommon' and 'Ecover' Release 'Rewear Chair' to Reduce Overwashing
Y2K-Inspired Sustainable Bag Designs
FREITAG Has Brought Back Its F171 LAURA Bag
Collaborative Limited-Edition Holiday Collections
Aveda & Altuzarra Partner for an Exciting Launch
Surplus Fabric Childrenswear
The Remake by Burberry Repurposes Excess Fabrics and Yarns
Eco-Friendly Intricate Furniture Series
Rosana Sousa Designs a Sustainable Furniture Collection
Sustainable Cashmere Apparel Collections
Reformation’s Cashmere Collection is Fall-Ready
Phone-Free Crafting Experiences
Pinterest Brought a Phone-Free Experience to the Desert
Dust-Based Soft Slippers
Done & Dusted Transforms Vacuum Dust into Wearable Textile Slippers
Handpicked Vintage Sporty Denim
Levi's and Satisfy Join on the Re-Possessed Climb Jeans
Upcycled Bag Collabs
FREITAG x Études Studio Reimagine Iconic Messenger in a Bold Collaboration
Plastic Bottle Recycling Tools
The 'BottleLoom' Bottle Strip Cutter Transforms Plastic Waste
Tropically Inspired Garment Designs
Ashaki Embraces Heirloom-Quality Construction
Sculptural Mixed-Material Artful Furniture
Longchamp & Pierre Renart Launch a Capsule of Furniture
Heritage-Inspired Outdoor Apparel
Kathmandu’s AW25 Heritage Collection is Technical but Nostalgic
Upcycled Camping Gear Collections
Luno Boasts a Range of Upcycled Gear at Affordable Prices
Urban-Inspired Outdoor Exploration Collections
The Moose Knuckles Spring 2025 Campaign is Timeless
Climbing-Inspired Capsule
The Topologie x Universal Works Range Spotlight Outdoor Heritage
Sophisticated Upcycled Home Sculptures
Origin Made Boasts the Exquisite Barco Basket Sculptures
Retail Overconsumption Campaigns
Coachtopia's 'The Wasted Parts' Explores Overconsumption Culture
Nature-Reconnecting Outdoor Campaigns
Mammut Encouraged People to Reconnect with Nature
Sustainable Modular Sneakers
This Modular Sneaker Has Repairable Components for Design Evolution
Urban Deconstructed Fashion
The Louther x Carhartt WIP FW25 Capsule Reimagines Workwear Staples
Sustainable Performance Apparel
Craft Sportswear Launches Eco-Conscious Collective Line
Textile-Topped Table Design
The Tumble Tables Elevate Sustainability Through Sculptural Form
Stylish Recycled Wool Skirts
Reet Aus' Seamless Skirt from Recycled Wool is Effortlessly Chic
Stylish Poppy-Inspired Cooler Bags
Out of the Woods Debuts the Poppy Collection
Crocheted Condiment Covers
Heinz's Grandma’s Darling Campaign Dresses Up Mayo Jars
Recycled Metal Jewellery
Reformation X Clair Waight Keller Create a Limited-Edition Collection
Urban Layered Outdoor Fashion
and wander FW25 Drops Technical Gear with Refined City-Ready Design
Rice Straw Fashion Collections
Siam Kubota and Greyhound Original Launch 'Turn Waste to Agri-Wear'
Artist-Inspired Outdoor Gear
The Helinox x Meguru Yamaguchi Collection is Eye-Catching
Modular Eco-Friendly Jewelry
Swarovski Introduces the Sustainable Chroma Twist Collection
Unexpected Boundary-Pushing Chairs
Marco Segovia Presents the Atypical Chair Concept
Textile-Inspired Hardwood Furniture
Peter Mabeo Designs the Lesire Collection of Furniture
Landscape-Inspired Textiles
Woven Earth by de Le Cuona is a Collection Celebrating Natural Beauty
Unexpected Artful Headphone Wraps
Johannes Vermeer-Inspired Wrap Turns Headphones into Art
Cigarette Waste Hats
Olivia Gino Turned an Abundant Source of Litter into a Shearling-Style Hat
Therapeutic Nature-Inspired Campaigns
Craghoppers Introduces Its Autumn/winter 2024 Campaign
Handstitched Denim Sandals
Birkenstock and Jesse Leyva Honors the Art of Boro in New Capsule
E-Commerce Recycling Programs
GUESS Launched GUESS Again in Partnership with SuperCircle
Organic Ancient Design Furniture
The Earth To People Furniture Collection is Naturally Crafted
Sustainable Cork Installations
Forest for the Trees Showcases Cork Sustainable Furniture
Deflated Balloon Clothing Hangers
Chong Shop Has Revamped the Iconic Clothes Hanger Using Waste
Textile Recycling Devices
The ByBye Converts Discarded Clothing into Rigid Flower Pots
Creativity-Inspiring Kids Campaigns
Cra-Z-Art Inspires Young Creative Beauty-Focused Campagn
Rewarding Recycling Initiatives
Patagonia's Worn Wear Recycling Program Helps Eliminate Waste
Intricately Artistic Fashion Lines
Pacsun and the Metropolitan Museum of Art Drop a Holiday Line
Geologically Inspired Fashion Capsules
The Etro Fall 2025 Magma Line is Stunningly Chic
Bra-Preserving 3D-Printed Hangers
Joyce Lai Creates the Bras Up Hanger with Recycled Materials
Artful Sculptural Umbrella Stands
Inbetween Umbrella Stand Soaks Rain & Elevates a Mundane Moment
Outdoor Lifestyle-Focused Gear Capsules
REI Co-Op Unveils Its Spring 2026 Line of Gear and Apparel
3d-Printed Rubble Furniture
Inorganic Growth by Bentu Design Transforms Demolished Urban Villages
Discarded Shoe-Created Stools
The WU Series by BENTU Design is a Sustainable Alternative
Utensil Waste Lighting
Fold Oslo Nytt Lys Capsule Shows How Light Can Emerge from Old Materials
Sculptural Whisky Decanters
Artistry in Oak Reimagines the Bottle as a Bronze-Branched Sculpture
Mix-and-Match Scented Bracelets
Jelly Bands Simplify Jewelry-Making with Snappable Beads
Bespoke Textile-Focused Mittens
LinkDesigns Makes Custom Mittens Using Sustainable Techniques
Climbing Rope-Crafted Furniture Series
Svea Tissel Designs the Entwined Objects Collection
Microplastic-Fighting Fabric Innovation
CiCLO Technology Boosts Biodegradable Textile Adoption
Fashion-Forward Grocery Totes
The Latest Waitrose x Lulu Guinness Tote is Made of Recycled Plastic
E-Waste Take-Back Boxes
Trashie's Tech Take Back Box Responsibly Recycles Electronic Devices
Textile-to-Textile Recycled Sneakers
Allbirds Remix is the First Polycotton Recycled Sneaker
Resin Hardware Revivals
Elyse Graham Turns Resin Offcuts into Sculptural Knobs for Meta Hardware
Craft Revival Capsules
Roop Aroop by Design Ni Dukaan Celebrates Endangered Indian Techniques
Denim Utility Capsules
A.P.C. x Topologie Second Collection Reworks Indigo Denim Accessories
Upcycled Cork Sneakers
Each SOLE Jasper Chukka Pair is Made with 52 Recycled Natural Wine Corks
Repurposed Rope Insulators
Mammut Loopinsulation Repurposes Industrial Rope Production Scraps
In-Store DIY Packaging Stations
Taco Bell UK is Uniquely Supporting Circular Fashion Sellers
Collaborative Upcycled Collections
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Works with Toyota for Upcycled Goods
Upcycled Glass Table Lamps
Upglas Lamp by Luca Nichetto for Astep Uses Recycled Murano Glass
Playful Crayon-Inspired Fashion Lines
Lee & Crayola Launch Colorful Workwear-Inspired Garments
Urban Debris-Crafted Portable Lamps
We+ Designs the Beautiful Remli Lamp Using Rubble and Debris
Recycled Tire Jackets
The Kathmandu Epiq SE Jacket is Made from Fulgar's Q-CYCLE Yarn
Recycled Rope-Made Footwear
SHORE Presents a New Footwear Capsule with a Sustainable Build
Upcycled Fruit Chews
Climate Candy Turns Unharvested Imperfect Produce into Sweet Treats
Hand-Knotted Neutral Rugs
Home and Soul Furniture Introduces Sustainably Designed Home Rugs
Thoughtful Reclaimed Material Stools
The NOAH Folding Stool Has Nume Leather Seat
Sculptural Glass Lighting
Luca Nichetto Presents the Upglas Collection Reusing Murano Glass
Natural Rock-Imitating Extension Cords
Willen Van Hooff and Pedestal Design the Power Gems
Upcycled Plastic Furniture Series
Kasper Kyster Presents the Crafting Plastic Series
Sports Drink-Branded Fashion Lines
POWERADE and Katie Grimes Use Upcycled Materials in New Capsule
Eco-Conscious Rain-Harvesting Headwear
Mijoda Dajomi Created the Daughters of Rain Series
Zero-Waste Knit Collections
&OR Collective's Newest Additions Boast Earthy Tones
Otherworldly Wooden Art
Donald Wasswa's Wooden Sculptures Conjure Futuristic Speculative Creatures
Handcrafted Fall Knitwear
Atelier Solana Debuts Six Heritage-Quality Sweaters for Autumn
Abandoned Bikes-Turned Art
Objects from Frames by Cara Campos Repurposes Bicycles into Furniture
Recycled Dynamic Seating
The Bultan Chair Repurposes Crowd-Control Barriers into Furniture
Reimagined Familiar Design Objects
Lichen + Karimoku Reimagine Familiar Forms for Today’s Living
Miniature Household Cleaners
The 5% Collection by Grove Co. Shares an Important Recycling Reminder
Tokyo-Inspired Collaborative Capsules
Topologie and Maison Kitsuné Join Forces on a SS25 Capsule
Sustainability-Focused Adventure Gear
Sympl Aims to Revolutionize Adventure Gear Design
Urban Explorer-Centric Accessories
Topologie Introduces its Latest Capsule for the SS25 Season
Premium Outerwear Collections
Rudsak Combines Sustainable Materials with Rebellious Edge
Palaeolithic Art-Inspired Collections
Taras Yoom Unveils a New Capsule Dubbed Echoes of Time
Outdoor-Inspired Clothing
Hiking Patrol's a Sense of Ease Collection Offers Functional Pieces
Waste-Derived Fashion Materials
Detox Bio-Embellishments Sequins Turn Dye Sludge into Design
Ribboned Recycled Seating
The Ruffini Chair Combines 3d Printing with Recycled Plastic Artistry
Japanese-Inspired Recycled Pavilions
Second Edition's Love Shack is Made of Recycled Materials
Repurposed Studio Scrap Pottery
Daon Pottery Turns Discarded Ceramic Shards into Sculptural Design
Repurposed Election Materials
South Korea Transforms Election Banners into Sustainable Materials
Charming Hair Accessories
Clementine Grove Offers Handmade and Sustainable Products
Willow Tree-Inspired Lighting Capsules
Larose Guyon's Saule is Indicative of Sculptural Artistry
Redesigning Restful Moments
The ANEW Project Turns Daily Objects into Mini Retreats
Sustainable Creative Craft Series
The Fyrn Studio Series Redefines Waste as High-End Design
Woven Lighting Capsules
Gurunsi Lamp by Pet Lamp Nod to Frafra Basket Weaving from Northern Ghana
Bold Patterned Tubular Benches
Rik van Veen Designs the Leopard Bench with a Bright Look
Artful British Craftsmanship Capsules
Faye Toogood Unveils Assemblage 7: Lost and Found II
Naturally Crafted Furniture Lines
PINCH Debuted a 10-Piece Collection Called 'A Return to Home'
Sustainable Side Furniture
The Re Up Side Tables Crafted with Recycled Plastic and Wood
Nostalgic Camping Gear
HAY's Camping Collection References Retro Forms with Updated Materials
Farmer's Market-Inspired Hair Accessories
TELETIES Debuts the Farmer’s Market Collection
Closet-Clearing Challenges
Traid's Closet Clear-out Challenge Boosts Garment Donations
Sculptural Experimental Artforms
Ara Thorose Explores Design Boundaries with the Ladder Series
Broken Bike Lock Furniture
Design Students Showcase the People and Places Exhibition
Ancestral Pattern Woodcraft
The Lost Cloth Project Translates Kuba Textile Motifs into Wood Inlay
Utilitarian Design Series
D/Partment Introduces Functional Pieces for the Modern Home
Tree Sap-Binding Timber Furniture
Earth to People Introduces Salvage and Sap Collection
Recycled Lighting Designs
The Nytt Lys Collection Presents Lighting Made from Reclaimed Materials
Explosion-Damaged Sculpture Series
Light into Darkness Reconstructs Damaged Ukrainian Artefacts
Mindful Copper Furniture
Nifemi Marcus-Bellow Explores Exploitation with Whispers of a Trail
Modern Outdoor Living Furniture
Rattan Garden Furniture Pays Attention to Durability and Style
Sustainable Yacht Crew Uniforms
National Marine Suppliers Unveils Eco-Friendly Solutions
Craft Starter Kits
Noah Makes It Easy to Begin a New Hobby
Analog Nostalgia Installations
Back to Basics II Celebrates Retro Tech with Vivid Paper Sculptures
Artful Home Renovations
Rude Haus Updates the Clover House with Upcycled and Vintage Elements
Creative Networking Tools
Designer Hikes Builds Community By Connecting Designers Outdoors
Vegan Fashionable Boundering Shoes
Boris Bidjan Saberi Designs the Athletic Bouldering Shoe 1
Chromatic Natural Landscape Blankets
Rumpl Retro Elements Blankets Come in Neon Colors
Plant Pod-Inspired Pendant Lights
Sujeet Kakad Designs the Nature Inspired Pendant Light
Sprouting Chair Designs
The Wood Chair on Grass Piece Reimagines Furniture Fusing Art and Nature
Reimagined Colorful Furniture Series
Artek Presents the Reimagined by Paul Smith Series