It might take a couple of Friday nights-out before you see another person wearing your Topshop/Zara get-up, but when you’re ready to do something different and Do It Yourself, pick up those scissors. These nifty ways to recycle your old trash into quirky treasures will be waiting for you. Just don’t go looting your neighbor’s garbage, please.

By Tara Soriano

My Pretty Pillow Dress
Maria made her dressed from curtains in The Sound of Music, so we thought we’d try pillows this time. On those days when you just can’t think of what to wear, this DIY will make you a one-of-a-kind summer dress/top in under ten minutes. Remember to choose a tasteful pattern like a sweet floral or groovy retro one so it doesn’t end up looking like your mom’s duster.

All You Need…Besides Love
Scissors, an old pillowcase with a cool print, and 2 pieces of 12-inch ribbon

It’s That Easy!



Step 1: Cut the pillow along the lines indicated in the illustration: on each corner of the pillowcase’s open side, and along the  closed side to open it up (this becomes the dress’ hem)



Step 2: Insert a ribbon into one of the openings you cut into the open side of the pillowcase and pull it through to the other side. Repeat with the other hole.



Step 3:Just scrunch up the top and tie the two opposite ribbons as indicated in the picture and…Voila! A new dress! Cinch it at the waist or hips with your favorite belt to bring it all together.

Recycled Junk Holder
This project’s an easy way to keep your stuff organized (like postcards, receipts, maybe your old Pokémon card collection) and add a little eco-chic to your room in the process. No artistic talent required here, but you can choose which pages to rip and stick to get a cuter, color-coordinated pattern.

All You Need…Besides Love



Colorful magazines, a shoe box (without the lid), a thin paintbrush, some double-sided tape or a glue stick, and a glue gun (optional)

It’s That Easy!



Step 1: Measure and cut assorted magazine paper to cover all the surfaces of the box: the entire inside, the outer bottom, but not the outer sides, which will be decorated with rolled magazines sheets. Stick them on with double-sided tape; you might want to leave a bit of excess paper when covering the inner sides so you can wrap it over the box’s rim.



Step 2: Roll up the individual magazine sheets, making sure the rolled sheet is as long as the box’s height. You can wrap the paper around the paintbrush to make rolling easier. Close the roll with double-sided tape or a glue stick.


Step 3: Starting at a corner, glue your rolled-up mag paper to the outer sides of the box. Using your hot glue gun, stick them side-by-side vertically and work your way around. Vary the colors for a more interesting look.

*Tip: this colorful makeover can also make a cool flower vase!

A CD That Tells Time!

All You Need…Besides Love
An old CD, an old clock, and a hot glue gun

It’s That Easy!
Step 1: Take apart the clock by detaching all the hands from the motor/battery at the back of the clock, behind the clock’s face.
Step 2: Fix the motor to the back of the CD with some glue, making sure the moving part goes through the CD’s hole.
Step 3: Reattach the hands to the motor, with the CD in-between (rather than the clock face). Tada! A CD clock! Get it?

*Tip: Try and use the front if you still like the band for a nice poppy twist!